Patents Assigned to Mattel
  • Publication number: 20090181598
    Abstract: A toy includes electronics which generates a plurality of routines and is configured to operate in a first mode and in a second mode, a first sensor and a second sensor, each sensor operably connected to the electronics. Actuation of the first sensor causes the electronics to generate a first routine with the electronics in the first mode and to generate a second routine, different from the first routine, with the electronics in the second mode. Activation of the second sensor causes the electronics to generate of a third routine, different from the first routine, and causes the electronics to be set to the second mode. The electronics is set to the first mode upon a first application of electrical power to the electronics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventors: Alexander L. Baytman, Konstantin Degtyarev
  • Patent number: 7556563
    Abstract: A simulated character module and method of operation are presented. The simulated character module includes a processor, a display operably coupled to the processor and a communication device operably coupled to the processor. The processor is configured to control a simulated character, and an image associated with the simulated character is displayable on the display. Further, the image is displayable on a second display of a second module to simulate movement of the simulated character to the second module. The module communicates via an electronic network with the second module using the communication device. The electronic network can be the Internet. Further, the image is not displayed on the display of the module if the image is displayed on the second display of the second module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Mark Ellis, Andrew J. Riggs
  • Publication number: 20090159063
    Abstract: A playset includes a launching device and one or more accessory toys. The launching device includes a launch tube and a bellows system operable to generate a flow of air through the launch tube. The accessory toys may include vehicles such as air-launched vehicles and surface-launched vehicles. Each accessory toy may include a port that receives the launch tube. In use, an accessory toy is mounted onto the launch tube and the bellows is compressed, causing the air to propel the vehicle into the air or along a surface. In another embodiment, the launch tube may include and interference assembly that selectively prohibits the mounting of an accessory toy onto the launch tube, or prevents the launching of accessory toys already mounted onto the tube. The launching device may further be incorporated into a carrying case or a transport vehicle toy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc
    Inventor: Keith Alan Hippely
  • Patent number: 7549906
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a toy play set for use with a toy vehicle comprising a platform attached to a support structure. In some examples, the play set may include a base and a support structure pivotally attached to the base with the support structure adapted to pivot relative to the base. In other examples, the toy play set may include a platform pivotally attached to the support structure and adapted to rotate in a toy vehicle's direction of travel. In still other examples, the toy play set may include first and second elongate tracks and means for carrying a toy vehicle from the first elongate track to the second elongate track. One disclosed embodiment includes first and second elongate tracks, a base, a support structure pivotally attached to the base, a platform pivotally attached to the support structure wherein the platform and support structure pivot at perpendicular axes that are parallel to the ground, and a vehicle receiving apparatus attached to the second elongate track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Bedford, Eric So
  • Publication number: 20090137186
    Abstract: A multi-directional radio controlled toy, having a main vehicle with housing configured as a creature-like head containing propulsion and control components including two drive motors with controller, drive wheels coupled with the motors, power supply and wireless signal receiver coupled with the controller. An unpowered body portion trails the main vehicle and body members movably connected together by articulated couplings to permit body articulation throughout substantially the entire body portion of the creature-like device. A jaw moving mechanism in the main vehicle is powered by the motors to raise an upper jaw portion of the head until tripped by contact of a trigger at the front end of the main vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: William Willett, Chung Ming (Bryan) Cheng, Chun Wing (Edward) Wong
  • Patent number: 7536729
    Abstract: A costume may include a flexible garment and a flexure mechanism that is actuatable to expand the form of the garment, such as when a muscle is flexed. The flexible garment may be configured to cover at least a portion of a limb of a humanoid figure, such as a person or doll. The flexure mechanism may be covered by and extend along a portion of the garment. In some examples, a first end of the flexure mechanism may be fixed in position relative to the garment, and a second end moveable relative to the garment and relative to the first end. The flexure mechanism may include an intermediate portion between the first and second ends, with the flexure mechanism being configured to move the intermediate portion laterally toward or away from an articulating member of the limb by movement of the second end of the flexure mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Strauss, John Rosella, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7537509
    Abstract: A toy track device is disclosed. In some embodiments, the toy track device may include a door configured to move between a closed position in which first, second, and third track portions form a continuous track, and an open position in which the door forms an opening in the third track portion through which the at least one moveable object can pass; and an actuator mechanism including an actuator configured to move between an extended and a retracted position, the actuator contacting a moveable object when the moveable object is supported on the door and the actuator is moved from the retracted position toward the extended position, wherein the door is configured to move from a closed position to an open position when the moveable object is supported on the door and the actuator presses against the moveable object while the actuator is moving toward the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Julian Payne, Felix Holst, Matt Agostina
  • Patent number: 7537507
    Abstract: A high-volume structural insert for an inner skeleton of an injection molded toy figure. The insert includes a body portion that occupies at least approximately 50% of the volume of an associated portion of the toy figure. The insert also may be provided with at least one engagement portion for engaging another portion of the inner skeleton. The insert may be unitarily or modularly constructed, and in some embodiments the insert may be substantially hollow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Isaak Volynsky
  • Patent number: 7537506
    Abstract: Toy figures having a moveable appendage, an object associated with the toy figure at a first position, and a transfer mechanism configured to couple the moveable appendage with the object, and transfer the object to a second position on the figure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Gabriel de la Torre
  • Publication number: 20090124162
    Abstract: A flying toy vehicle includes a fuselage; wings connected with the fuselage, a propulsion device with propeller supported from each wing rearwardly of a leading edge of the wing. A slot extends laterally and vertically through the wing. At least one vertical stabilizer is secured with the fuselage rearwardly of the propeller and the wing; at least one horizontal stabilizer secured with the fuselage and the at least one vertical stabilizer rearwardly of the propeller and the wing. At least a second vertical stabilizer is provided on the wing between a leading edge of the wing and the propeller and at least a third vertical stabilizer is provided on the wing between the slot and the wing trailing edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventor: Anthony Martino
  • Publication number: 20090124164
    Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a central housing having first and second oppositely disposed sides. A first wheel is rotatably mounted on the first side of the housing and a second wheel is rotatably mounted on the second side of the housing. Each of the first and second wheels has a central hub. Each hub has a center disposed along a common first axis of rotation. A plurality of vanes are attached to the hub and form the first and second wheels. An end of each vane distal to the hub forms a circumferential surface portion of one of the first and second wheels. Each vane is individually and separately manually angularly repositionable about a second axis of rotation extending transversely with respect to the first axis of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventor: William Willett
  • Patent number: 7530411
    Abstract: Children's ride-on vehicles. The ride-on, or ride-on vehicle, includes a frame having a seat adapted to support a child, and a drive assembly with a battery-powered motor assembly. The ride-on vehicle further includes one or more steerable wheels and one or more driven wheels. In some embodiments, the ride-on vehicle includes a biasing assembly that is connected to the frame and adapted to bias the seat away from the vehicle's driven wheels. In some embodiments, the ride-on vehicle includes a free-floating wheel, which is unbiased and travels within a defined range of positions with respect to the ride-on vehicle's frame as external forces are imparted to the wheel. In some embodiments, the ride-on vehicle includes a high-speed switch positioned for momentary high-speed operation of the ride-on vehicle and a user-manipulable portion may be provided to enable a child to select such a high-speed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt J. Huntsberger, John L. Jones, Jr., William R. Howell, Karl D. Lerch, Brian L. Bienz
  • Patent number: 7530573
    Abstract: A game is provided including cards and puzzle components. The cards may include collection cards, assembly cards, and action-altering cards that may affect assembly or manipulation of the puzzle components. The players work together to complete assembly of the puzzle or another joint task, such as matching of the cards. Consequently, the players are encouraged to cooperate as a team towards a common goal. The game also provides participants with an opportunity to practice their memorization, matching, and assembly skills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Kimberly V. Matilla, Benjamin Blagg
  • Patent number: 7531032
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an aqueous based resin coating and paint composition comprising as essential ingredients, a colorant, a polyvinyl acetate polymer/acrylic polymer emulsion blend primary binder, a polyvinyl-based film forming resin secondary binder, such as polyvinyl alcohol, and water with sufficient amount of a surface active agent to form a stable suspension. The coating or paint composition is applied onto an elastomeric or polyvinyl chloride surface until the coating can be thermally treated or evaporated to incorporate the coating into the elastomeric or polyvinyl chloride surface as a permanent color. The invention also comprises a method for the preparation of the aqueous-base coating composition in which the essential components are prepared as aqueous dispersions or emulsions which are blended together to form the final coating or paint composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Abimael Cordova
  • Publication number: 20090117820
    Abstract: An articulated walking device, configured for movement across a surface, includes a frame and a plurality of leg assemblies movably coupled with the frame so as to at least partially support the frame for movement across the surface. Each leg assembly includes a leg member configured to rotate with respect to the frame about a joint. The joint is formed by a pin passed through an at least generally hour glass shaped aperture to provide rotational movement of the leg member with respect to the frame about at least first and second axes of rotation intersecting in the joint. A drive mechanism is operatively engaged with the plurality of leg assemblies so as to actuate each of the leg members to rotate about the first and second axes in a like, predetermined, repeatable cycle of movement. At least some of the leg members are out of phase with other leg members to produce an anatomic-like gait of the toy device upon actuation of the drive mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventors: William Willett, Chung Ming (Bryan) Cheng, Chun Wing (Edward) Wong
  • Patent number: 7527542
    Abstract: A toy play set for use in a vehicle having a beverage cup holder includes a body having first and second opposing ends and a side wall extending therebetween defining an at least partially hollow cavity within the body. The body has in a closed configuration at least the first end sized and shaped to fit at least partially into the cup holder sufficiently for the cup holder to support the body in a first generally upright orientation with the second end forming a top end of the body. The body has an open configuration in which the hollow cavity is at least partially accessible. A tank with a pump is disposed within the body and is capable of being at least partially filled with a fluid in order to play at least one predetermined game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Collins, Stephen Lau
  • Patent number: 7524231
    Abstract: A combination doll and toy puppy include interacting magnetic elements therein which mimic a face-licking action by the puppy. The doll includes a partially hollow head within which one or more magnets are movably supported behind the cheek portions of the doll's face. A battery-powered electric motor driven gear drive mechanism is operative within the doll's head to move the one or more magnets behind the doll's cheeks. The puppy includes a flexible extending tongue having a magnetic element supported in the end portion thereof. When the puppy is brought sufficiently close to the doll's face, the magnet in the puppy's tongue is attracted to the moving magnet within the doll's cheek area to mimic the face-licking action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Kelly Matheny, James Molina
  • Patent number: D590894
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony M. Martino
  • Patent number: D591365
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Pasko, Paulo Kang
  • Patent number: D593163
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Torres, Adam R. deFelice