Patents Assigned to Mattel
  • Launching device for a flying toy
    Patent number: 7713105
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a launching device for a flying toy. The launching device facilitates the transition of the flying toy from a resting state to a flying state. The launching device may include elements for holding one or more parts of the flying toy in a retracted position while the flying toy is in a resting state and for releasing the parts when the flying toy launches into a flying state. According to the invention, the launching device includes a launch-assist mechanism that provides a force to facilitate the launch of the flying toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Barthold
  • Infant Support Structure With A Collapsible Frame
    Publication number: 20100107330
    Abstract: An infant support structure with a collapsible frame is disclosed. In one embodiment, the infant support structure includes a frame with a coupling or lock mechanism that is configured to maintain the collapsible frame in a deployed or use configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Seth Galley
  • Infant Support Structure
    Publication number: 20100109398
    Abstract: An infant support structure with which an electronic device can be used is disclosed. In one embodiment, the infant support structure is configured to be used with an electronic device that can enhance the experience of an infant or child on the infant support structure. In addition, softgoods for an infant support structure is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Margo Block Moulin, Justin C. Taton
  • Mystery Product Packaging
    Publication number: 20100106667
    Abstract: This invention relates to a line of products, such as toys. The invention also relates to methods of offering for sale such products and methods of displaying such products. The line includes a plurality of distinguishable toys having a similar configuration. Different toys from the line are packaged in different types of packaging. A first type of package is configured to facilitate identification of a first toy held by the first type of package, and a second type of package is configured to obscure identification of a second toy held by the second type of package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Ray Adler, Bill O'Keefe
  • Multiply interconnectable environmentally interactive character simulation module method and system
    Patent number: 7704146
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a game, including a first module having a housing, a processor, a display operably coupled to the processor and an electrical contact positioned such that access is available to the electrical contact of the first module through the first module housing, and a second module having a housing, a processor, a display operably coupled to the processor and an electrical contact positioned such that access is available to the electrical contact of the second module through the second module housing, the electrical contact of the second module configured to contact the electrical contact of the first module, allowing the processor of the first module to communicate with the processor of the second module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Mark Ellis
  • Doll With Dress That Transforms to Wings
    Publication number: 20100093254
    Abstract: Interactive and reconfigurable toy dolls are disclosed. The toy dolls have one or more associated movable components that may be actuated through user manipulation so as to transform a doll's dress into wings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Simon Jung
  • PACKAGE WITH RECONFIGURABLE HANDLE
    Publication number: 20100089987
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a reconfigurable carrying device. The device includes a container and a handle. The handle is movably coupled to the container and reconfigurable between a collapsed or stored position and an extended or deployed position. In one position, the handle extends from the container to form a hand grip for carrying the container. In another position, the handle lies substantially flat against a wall or surface of the container from which the handle extends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Brandinelli
  • PRODUCT PACKAGING WITH RELEASABLE FASTENER
    Publication number: 20100089788
    Abstract: A fastener system includes a toy product, a support platform, and a plug that engages a keyhole formed into the product. The plug includes a base and a pronged key extending from the base. The support platform includes a through-hole that permits the passage of the key into the packaging. One or more integrally-formed biasing members are located on the base of the plug to draw the key toward the product and create a secure connection. The pronged key may be formed from a plastic material and configured such that it plastically deforms but remains attached to the key when and predetermined force is applied to the key to pull the key from a misaligned position with respect to the key hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventor: Timothy J. Trapp
  • PRODUCT PACKAGING WITH RELEASABLE FASTENER
    Publication number: 20100089787
    Abstract: A fastener system includes a toy product, a support platform, and a plug that engages a keyhole formed into the product. The plug includes a base and a pronged key extending from the base. The support platform includes a through-hole that permits the passage of the key into the packaging. One or more integrally-formed biasing members are located on the base of the plug to draw the key toward the product and create a secure connection. The pronged key may be formed from a plastic material and configured such that it plastically deforms but remains attached to the key when and predetermined force is applied to the key to pull the key from a misaligned position with respect to the key hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventor: Timothy J. Trapp
  • Action figure toy
    Patent number: 7695340
    Abstract: An action figure toy may include a base, an action figure, and a flipping mechanism disposed on the base. In some embodiments, the action figure toy may include at least two cords suspended from the base, and the action figure may be configured to ascend the at least two cords toward the base by manipulation of the at least two cords by a user. The flipping mechanism may be configured to engage the action figure when the action figure ascends to the flipping mechanism. The flipping mechanism may enable the action figure to rotate about an axis that is transverse to a line parallel to at least a portion of at least one of the at least two cords when the flipping mechanism engages the action figure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Makoto Nakazato, Ted Lubin
  • Releasable Product Fastener for Product Packaging
    Publication number: 20100084301
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a product fastening system and, in particular, to a mechanism for securing a toy within product packaging. The packaging may include a toy support platform having a through-hole extending from a first surface to a second surface; a pliable strip configured to pass through the through-hole formed in the toy support platform and a fastener clip that captures the pliable strip to secure the toy to the support platform. The fastener clip may include a base with a plurality of notches formed therein. In operation, the pliable strip is wrapped around the toy object. The ends of the pliable strip are inserted through the through hole and inserted into the notch, becoming secured therein without the need for braiding or twisting the ends of the pliable strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Trapp, Charles Smith
  • Toy ramp devices
    Patent number: 7690964
    Abstract: A toy ramp device for two or more moveable objects is disclosed. In some embodiments, the toy ramp device may include a base; a ramp configured to support at least a first of the two or more moveable objects and including a first ramp end portion and a second ramp end portion, the ramp being movably connected to the base and configured to move among a plurality of positions relative to the base; and a holder mechanism attached to the ramp and configured to support at least one of the two or more moveable objects adjacent to the ramp when the ramp is in the first position, and to allow the at least one of the two or more moveable objects to move onto the ramp and move along the ramp toward the second ramp end portion when the ramp is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Nuttall, Harold Garner
  • Reconfigurable Implement Positioner and Guidance System
    Publication number: 20100081522
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a reconfigurable implement positioning and guidance system. The system includes an implement (e.g., a ball), an implement support, and a swung object (e.g., a bat). The implement support is reconfigurable between two modes. In a first mode the implement can be struck and propelled from the implement support and in a second mode the implement is fastened to the implement support so that it cannot separate upon impact with the swung object. The system also includes a guide positioned in the vicinity (e.g., below) of the implement so that an object swung below the implement will contact the guide which will direct the swung object toward and into contact with the implement. The guide can be employed in the first mode or the system can be used in either mode with the guide removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventor: Anthony G. Schulte
  • TRAVEL GAME
    Publication number: 20100078887
    Abstract: A toy play set for containing at least one predetermined board game includes a generally elongated body having a hollow interior, first and second opposing longitudinal ends, and a generally curved side wall extending around the hollow interior between the first and second ends. The first and second ends and side wall generally surround the hollow interior in a closed configuration of the body. The body has an open configuration in which the hollow interior is at least partially accessible. A playing surface is operably engaged with the body and is configured to play the predetermined board game. The playing surface is shaped and sized to enable the playing surface to be completely stored within the hollow interior of the body with the body in the closed configuration. The playing surface is accessible at least with the body in the open configuration for playing of the predetermined board game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventors: Gary COLLINS, Stephen LAU
  • Accessories for toy figures
    Patent number: 7686669
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an accessory for a toy figure having at least one receptacle and to a play kit. The accessory includes a housing configured to be selectively attached to the at least one receptacle of the toy figure. In some embodiments, the accessory includes an audio input mechanism; an audio processing mechanism; and an audio output mechanism. In some embodiments, the accessory includes a motion detector mechanism and an audio output mechanism. In some embodiments, the accessory includes an optical assembly. In some embodiments, the play kit includes a toy figure having at least one receptacle; a key; a first accessory; and a second accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Steed Sun, Ruben Martinez, Peter Fan
  • Toy projectile launcher
    Patent number: 7686002
    Abstract: The present invention is a toy launcher which is transfigurable from a compacted state to an operative state for launching projectiles. In one embodiment, the launcher utilizes a hand-pressurized air pump for providing the launching power, and may accommodate multiple types of projectiles to be loaded in the gun at the same time. Projectiles may include, for example, a bolo bullet, grapnel, or miniature missiles. Auxiliary retractable features such as targeting components and a flashlight with a logo projector may be added to enhance the play value of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Andrews
  • Toy with Housing Having Movable Components
    Publication number: 20100075573
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a toy or toy playset that includes a housing with a movable door and a movable platform. In one embodiment, the door is placed proximate to an opening in the housing and can be moved between a lowered position and a raised position. In one embodiment, the platform is movably mounted to the housing and is movable about an axis. The door and the platform are configured to be moved at the same time. In one implementation, the platform can be moved as the door moves from its lowered position to its raised position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Dubois
  • Toy vehicle and launcher
    Patent number: 7682218
    Abstract: A toy vehicle set. The toy vehicle set includes a toy vehicle including a steering mechanism, and a toy launcher to selectively energize the toy vehicle for movement while selectively securing the toy vehicle in a fixed position. The toy launcher looks approximately the same as the steering mechanism of the toy vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Yu, Kevin Cao, Bryan Benedict
  • Melding Card Games With Solving Component
    Publication number: 20100066021
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to card games, and more particularly to card games in which players play to form certain card combinations or “melds,” in order to collect information that in turn allows the players to solve a puzzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventor: Brian M. Yu
  • Doll
    Patent number: D613347
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Corolle Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Catherine Petot