Patents Assigned to Mattel
  • Publication number: 20020105182
    Abstract: A children's ride-on vehicle with a bucket assembly. The assembly includes a bucket configured to carry a predetermined load and at least one arm, which is selectively moveable between a plurality of positions. The assembly includes a handle adapted to move and selectively retain the arm into each of the positions. The handle is also adapted to breakaway from a set position when the predetermined load is exceeded. The bucket assembly may also include a pinch mechanism and a stopping assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt J. Huntsberger, Daniel J. Damon
  • Publication number: 20020106967
    Abstract: A communication scheme is employed for transmitting control signals from a remote control to a toy vehicle. The remote control includes control switches, an encoder and a transmitter and the toy vehicle includes a receiver, a decoder and actuators for controlling the operation of the toy vehicle in accordance with received control signals. The encoder generates a continuous stream of control signal packets with each of the packets including a predetermined number of biphase encoded bits. Each biphase encoded bit is of the same predetermined width with a 50% duty cycle, including two transmit elements. For one binary state, both of the transmit elements are the same and for the other binary state both of the transmit elements are opposite. Each packet includes a first predetermined number of flag bits, a second predetermined number of data bits and at least one checksum bit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen NIcholas Weiss, Charles Stewart McCall, Wallace White
  • Publication number: 20020104695
    Abstract: A children's ride-on vehicle with a reduced scale chassis having a seat configured to accommodate at least one child. The vehicle further includes a drive assembly, which includes one or more drive wheels and a battery powered motor assembly. The battery powered motor assembly includes a motor output and a torque attenuation system, which is configured to regulate the transmission of torque from the motor assembly to the one or more drive wheels. The torque attenuation system incorporates a force reducing mechanism adapted to receive a rotational input from the motor output and regulate the transmission of that rotational input to the one or more drive wheels. In some embodiments of the invention, the torque attenuation system is a self-contained system, and in some embodiments of the invention, the torque attenuation system is adapted to be retrofit on existing children's ride-on vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald P. Sitarski, Daniel Dignitti, Steven Robert Drosendahl, Walter C. Miazga, Douglas A. Knight
  • Publication number: 20020104694
    Abstract: A ride-on vehicle for children comprising a body with a seat, a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to the body, a steering mechanism operable by a child seated on the seat, and a frame forming a portion of the body. The frame includes a plurality of interconnected frame members, with at least one of the frame members comprising an audio-visual device configured to emit at least one of a light and a sound upon the occurrence of a triggering event. The audio-visual device has opposing end regions that are connected to other frame members such that the audio-visual device forms a portion of the frame and maintains other frame members in a spaced-apart relationship. In some embodiments, the frame at least partially defines a riding space, and the audio-visual device is configured to be activated by a child seated within the riding space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt J. Huntsberger, Daniel J. Damon
  • Publication number: 20020104696
    Abstract: A steering assembly for a children's ride-on vehicle having a pair of wheels. The assembly includes a pair of pivotal control arms that are coupled to the pair of wheels. The pair of pivotal control arms is also coupled to a pair of moveable handles that operate in tandem and move reciprocally to steer the pair of wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt J. Huntsberger, Daniel J. Damon, Steven Robert Drosendahl
  • Patent number: 6425796
    Abstract: A fashion doll includes a doll body wearing a wedding gown together with an overlying removable princess bodice. The doll further includes a pivotable arm which in turn supports a hand mirror. The outer face of the hand mirror supports a dual image lenticular lens display which transforms the presented image in response to pivotal movement of the doll's arm. The doll further supports a tiara worn upon the doll's head together with a wedding veil which is alternately attachable to the doll's waist and to the tiara. A sound circuit within the doll's body responds to the pivotal movement of the doll's arm to produce a musical tone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Joan Gaynor, Tina Ying Yang, Ivy Ross
  • Patent number: 6425842
    Abstract: A child activity device for entertaining and promoting activity in a child is disclosed. The child activity device is configurable between a use and storage position and may also include a frame providing bouncing motion for a child. The activity device includes a support frame extending vertically upwards from a lower end proximate to a support surface and terminating at an upper end, a supporting portion, and may further include a seat, coupled to the supporting portion, that is rotatable about a first axis relative to the support frame to allow a child placed in the seat to rotate about the first axis. A coupling assembly is also disclosed. The coupling assembly secures the supporting portion to the support frame upper end and permits rotation of the supporting portion about a second axis for configuring the seat and supporting portion in a storage position. An activity device with foldable support legs is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl M. Stern, Andrew M. Weiman, Timothy J. Snyder, Brian S. Kelly
  • Patent number: 6422911
    Abstract: A wrist unit includes a transmitting circuit capable of producing coded radio frequency signals. The wrist unit when worn by the user applies the encoded radio frequency signals to the users body and causes the encoded signal to propagate through the users body as a transferring medium. A cooperating device includes a receiving contact which the user touches to impart the body signal. A receiver and decoder within the cooperating device identify the user and enable a gate circuit which in turn opens access to the user of the microprocessor and cooperating circuitry within the unit. In the absence of a code match, the access to the cooperating device is refused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Grzesek
  • Patent number: 6421901
    Abstract: A child support device is disclosed that can be converted between a highchair configuration and a swing configuration. The support device includes a frame from which a U-shaped swing arm is rotatably mounted. A child seat is located on the U-shaped arm such that it can be slid between a distal position at the bottom of the U-shaped swing arm (swing configuration) and a proximal position at the upper ends of the U-shaped swing arm (highchair configuration). When in the highchair configuration, a swing lock can be provided to rotatably lock the U-shaped swing arm with respect to the frame such that the seat cannot swing. The swing lock can include a retractable post that can be extended to contact a portion of the frame to prevent rotation of the swing arm. An over rotation stop can also be provided to limit the angle of rotation through which the seat swings when in the swing configuration, and to work in conjunction with the retractable post to lock the swing arm in place when in the highchair configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald P. Sitarski, Chinawut Paul Paesang
  • Patent number: 6412787
    Abstract: A children's ride-on vehicle that simulates a horse-drawn carriage. The invention includes a carriage section adapted to support a rider, and a horse section coupled to the carriage. One or more wheels are coupled to the carriage and/or horse sections. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes a rein assembly configured to allow a child to steer at least one of the wheels. In another embodiment, at least one of the wheels is configured to impart a vertically reciprocating motion to the vehicle when the vehicle is moving. In another embodiment, the vehicle includes a sound generation system to simulate noises produced by a horse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Jared Paul Pardi, Daniel J. Damon
  • Patent number: 6412779
    Abstract: A plurality of cards each having one or more primary value icons is utilized in a game similar to the game of “war” in which the relative power or value between cards is established on a preliminary basis by the number of primary value icons thereon. Each card in addition supports a coded image in which a plurality of colored image elements are formed. In at least some of the coded images a latent icon is printed and obscured by the remainder of the coded image. A decoder card sized and shaped to correspond to the remaining cards of the game includes an aperture supporting a tinted filter. When the tinted filter is placed over the coded image the latent icon therein becomes viewable. During game play the appearance of a decoder card allows the player to play the next card in combination with the decoder card to reveal the latent icon. The latent icon operates under the game rules to alter the power or value of the given card such as for example by doubling the card value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Tyler B Kenney
  • Patent number: 6408967
    Abstract: A children's ride-on vehicle that resembles a riding lawnmower or tractor. The vehicle includes a drive assembly with a battery-powered motor, and a frame that is adapted to support a child. The ride-on further includes a bubble-producing mechanism adapted to produce a stream of bubbles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt J. Huntsberger, John L. Jones, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6409205
    Abstract: A Child's stroller including a latch mechanism for convenient folding and unfolding of the stroller, a bolster/tray that pivotally mounts to the upper handlebars of the stroller and is adapted for receiving an infant carrier or car seat for convenient transport of an infant passenger thereof in the stroller. The latch mechanism utilizes a latching handle that pivotally engages a spring loaded collar for disengagement of the stroller frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Bapst, Bryan Brown, Julia Favorito
  • Patent number: 6405817
    Abstract: A children's ride-on vehicle and associated rotation translation assembly are provided. The children's ride-on vehicle includes a body, a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted to the body, and at least one steerable wheel. The vehicle also includes a steering mechanism including a steering column and an associated steering handle. The steering handle is configured to be actuated by a rider sitting on a seat of the vehicle to thereby cause the steerable wheel to turn. The vehicle further includes a direction responsive member extending from the outer surface of the body, the direction responsive member being coupled to the steering mechanism through a linkage assembly and configured to rotate in response to movement of the steering handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt J. Huntsberger, Daniel J. Damon
  • Patent number: 6402153
    Abstract: A game includes a base and a toy figure holding a basketball-type hoop. The toy figure is resiliently supported upon the base by a spring support. A sensing lever on the figure responds to the passage of a ball through the hoop to provide a first switch condition. A motion sensor within the figure responds to impacts against the figure to provide a second switch condition. A sound and control circuit is operative within the figure and responds to the switch conditions to play appropriate audible messages from a stored memory set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc
    Inventor: Charles Edward Stewart
  • Publication number: 20020068782
    Abstract: The invention is directed to resin coating, adhesive, and cement compositions comprising styrenic copolymers and a terpene solvent. The compositions are particulary useful for toy article applications because of the use of safe, naturally occuring terpene solvents. These compositions form high adhesion bonding with molded elastomeric styrene copolymer surface substrates. The invention is also directed to a method of applying the instant coatings to substrate surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: John Sneddon
  • Publication number: 20020061707
    Abstract: A personalized toy and a method for marketing a toy through the use of computer screen images, and of manufacturing a personalized toy. The personalized toy is manufactured as ordered by a customer. Several different configurations of components that may be assembled as part of a finished toy are provided. Computer screen images of the different configurations of at least one of the components are displayed on a computer, and a customer viewing the displayed images is allowed to record a selected configuration of component, to be assembled as part of the personalized toy. A representational image of the toy incorporating the selected configuration may be displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Jill E. Barad, Jeanette Corcuera, Greg Vineyard, Darian Pasterski, Joe Scully, John Watson, Roy Kaneshiro, Brian Channell, Jean Chu, Nancie Martin, Simon Cheung Shu Keun, Li Tak Chee
  • Patent number: 6390345
    Abstract: A multi-purpose travel bag may be used as a shoulder bag, a child booster seat or a backpack. The travel bag has a strap that may be configured in three different ways to accommodate each of the uses for the travel bag. The travel bag has multiple mounting positions to provide the various configurations of the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Brown, John S. Canna, Jeanette Numbers, Mark H. Weppner
  • Patent number: 6386986
    Abstract: A child swing provides a child support that is supportable by a support frame. The child swing may be configured between a stowed and deployed configuration by providing a collapsible child support and a folding support frame. The collapsible child support may include collapsible hangers and a collapsible child receptacle. Frame members of the frame can be connected by hinges which allow a user to conveniently fold the frame into a compact position such that the folded frame may then be placed in the child support. The child support may be driven by an electric motor mounted to the support frame. A periodic motion output from the electric motor may be transferred to swinging motion of the child support by connecting a hanger arm to a post of the support frame which is coupled to the electric motor. In the preferred embodiment, a releasable latch is used to retain the hanger arm to the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Sonner, Chinawut P. Paesang
  • Patent number: D460707
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Domenic Gubitosi