Patents by Inventor Daniel J. Damon

Daniel J. Damon has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9141138
    Abstract: A protective case for an electronic device includes a cover with a cavity and a back plate that fits within the cavity of the cover. The cover has an aperture that displays either the back plate or an electronic device, if an electronic device is housed in the protective case. The cover may contain at least one locking latch with three orientations, the locking latch includes a tab. In the first orientation, the tab protrudes into the cavity, engages the back plate, holding the back plate within the cavity of the cover. The locking latch may slide across a portion of the cover to the second orientation, where the tab continues to protrude into the cavity and engage the back plate. Once in the second position, the locking latch is free to rotate to the third position, where the tab no longer protrudes into the cavity, allowing the back plate to be removed from the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald W. Stucke, Jr., Daniel J. Damon, Travis William Eckler, Anthony Favorito, Ross Rumfola, III, Rachel A. Wiatrowski-Pardi
  • Patent number: 8910787
    Abstract: A protective case for an electronic portable device includes a main body portion having a transparent base and sidewalls defining a recess configured for releasably receiving a portable electronic device. A plate is disposed against or defined by a portion of the base of the main body. The plate covers a portion of the front face or a portion of the display of the portable electronic device. The covered portion of the display is not actuable through the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Damon, Christine A. Drosendahl, Anthony Favorito, Jared P. Pardi, John Thaddeus Smokowski, Gary E. Weber
  • Publication number: 20140190843
    Abstract: A protective case for a portable electronic device includes a top and a bottom that define an interior configured to receive a portable electronic device. The top and bottom are hingedly coupled to one another along at least one side and removably coupled together by a latch along another side, opposite the hinged side. The latch includes two actuators and in order to open the protective case, both actuators must be actuated simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Ross RUMFOLA, III, Daniel J. DAMON, Jared P. PARDI, Donald W. STUCKE, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140190974
    Abstract: A protective case for an electronic device includes a cover with a cavity and a back plate that fits within the cavity of the cover. The cover has an aperture that displays either the back plate or an electronic device, if an electronic device is housed in the protective case. The cover may contain at least one locking latch with three orientations, the locking latch includes a tab. In the first orientation, the tab protrudes into the cavity, engages the back plate, holding the back plate within the cavity of the cover. The locking latch may slide across a portion of the cover to the second orientation, where the tab continues to protrude into the cavity and engage the back plate. Once in the second position, the locking latch is free to rotate to the third position, where the tab no longer protrudes into the cavity, allowing the back plate to be removed from the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald W. STUCKE, JR., Daniel J. DAMON, Travis William ECKLER, Anthony FAVORITO, Ross RUMFOLA, III, Rachel A. WIATROWSKI-PARDI
  • Publication number: 20140190842
    Abstract: A protective case for an electronic device includes a cover and a back plate that are hingedly coupled to one another. The cover has a locking plate hingedly coupled to the top of the cover. A latching mechanism is disposed on the top of the back plate. The locking plate is configured to rotate over the cover and back plate and be engaged by the latching mechanism, locking the cover and back plate together. Furthermore, a portable electronic device is configured to be enclosed by the cover and the back plate, which provide protection for the portable electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventors: Ross RUMFOLA, III, Daniel J. DAMON, Jared P. PARDI, Donald W. STUCKE, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140194029
    Abstract: A toy play set with multiple modes and a housing for a touchscreen portable electronic device includes a support structure, a first movable portion defining a housing configured to receive a portable electronic device, and a second movable portion. The first and second movable portions are rotatably coupled to the support structure and movable between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the first movable portion is in an upright orientation and in the second configuration the first movable portion is in a flat orientation. The portable electronic device is configured to provide different game modes depending at least upon the orientation of the first movable portion and the detection of certain toy objects thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Jared P. PARDI, Brian John ARGAUER, JR., Bruce Robert CORDIER, Daniel J. DAMON, Anthony FAVORITO, William Joseph MCCORMICK, Brian P. MYSLIWY, Ross RUMFOLA, III, Donald W. STUCKE, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130295817
    Abstract: An infant entertainment apparatus includes an upper frame with a housing for a portable electronic device that can be configured to multiple positions to provide entertainment to a child via the portable electronic device. In one embodiment, the infant entertainment apparatus may include two pivotally coupled arcuate members. A housing for a portable electronic device may be coupled to one of the arcuate members and house a portable electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Gary E. Weber, Karl Christopherson, Daniel J. Damon, Christine A. Drosendahl, Anthony Favorito, Jared P. Pardi, John Thaddeus Smokowski
  • Publication number: 20130292975
    Abstract: An infant entertainment apparatus includes a seat assembly having multiple configurations. The seat is able to be configured in a more reclined configuration for newborns and infants or a more upright configuration for toddlers. The frame of the child's seat structure may be split into a lower and upper frame, with the upper frame rotating about the seat into different configurations. The upper frame may contain a housing for a portable electronic device that can be configured to multiple positions to provide entertainment to an child in the seat structure via the portable electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Chalin Yu, Kurt J. Huntsberger, Maarten Van Huystee, Daniel J. Damon, Christine A. Drosendahl, Anthony Favorito, Jared P. Pardi, John Thaddeus Smokowski, Gary E. Weber
  • Publication number: 20120228181
    Abstract: A protective case for an electronic portable device includes a main body portion having a transparent base and sidewalls defining a recess configured for releasably receiving a portable electronic device. A plate is disposed against or defined by a portion of the base of the main body. The plate covers a portion of the front face or a portion of the display of the portable electronic device. The covered portion of the display is not actuable through the plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Damon, Christine A. Drosendahl, Anthony Favorito, Jared P. Pardi, John Thaddeus Smokowski, Gary E. Weber
  • Patent number: 7216878
    Abstract: A children's ride-on vehicle and a method of connecting a steering column to the vehicle. The vehicle includes a body and a plurality of wheels. The vehicle also includes a steering assembly configured to steer at least one steerable wheel. The steering assembly includes at least a steering mechanism, a steering column, and a linkage mechanism. The steering mechanism receives steering inputs from a child steering the vehicle. The steering column is coupled to the steering mechanism and includes a proximal portion and a shoulder extending transversely from the proximal portion. The linkage mechanism couples the steering column to the steerable wheel. The linkage mechanism includes a receiver structure configured to receive the steering column. The retainer mechanism may be configured to engage the shoulder so that movement of the steering column generally opposing the direction is restricted. Methods of connecting the steering column to the vehicle also are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel J. Damon
  • Patent number: 7007767
    Abstract: Battery-powered children's ride-on vehicles having battery retainer assemblies, and retainer assemblies for such vehicles. The battery retainer assembly includes a retaining member that is pivotally coupled relative to the vehicle's battery compartment. The retaining member is selectively pivoted between an open position, in which the retaining member permits the battery assembly to be inserted into or removed from the compartment, and a closed position, in which the retaining member obstructs removal of the battery assembly. In some embodiments, the retaining member is adapted to displace the battery assembly as the retaining member is pivoted to the open position. In some embodiments, the retaining member extends in the closed position across a proximal surface of the battery assembly. In some embodiments, the retaining member is adapted to automatically pivot to the closed position upon insertion of the battery assembly into the compartment and/or into engagement with the retaining member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel J. Damon
  • Patent number: 6973987
    Abstract: Battery retainer assemblies and children's ride-on vehicles including the same. The retainer assembly includes a retaining member coupled to the vehicle's battery compartment. The retaining member is selectively moved between an open position, in which the retaining member permits the battery assembly to be inserted into or removed from the compartment, and a closed position, in which the retaining member obstructs removal of the battery assembly. In some embodiments, the retaining member is adapted to displace the battery assembly as the retaining member is moved to the open position. In some embodiments, the retaining member is adapted to automatically move to the closed position upon insertion of the battery assembly into the compartment and/or engagement with the retaining member. In some embodiments, the retaining member is retained in the open position until selectively released therefrom by a user. Upon release, the retaining member may automatically move to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel J. Damon
  • Patent number: 6651528
    Abstract: A pedal assembly for a children's ride-on vehicle and children's ride-on vehicles including the same. The pedal includes a pedal with a body having a foot engagement surface adapted to support a rider's foot. The pedal further includes a bore adapted to receive a crankshaft extending at least partially through the body of the pedal and an alignment cavity at least partially coextensive with the bore and having a first opening adapted to receive a fastener in an operable orientation relative to the crankshaft. The pedal also includes a retention structure adapted to retain the fastener within the alignment cavity when the pedal is removed from the crankshaft. In some embodiments, the vehicle includes a fastener-retaining structure adapted to retain fasteners other than on the pedals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Damon, Gerald P. Sitarski
  • Publication number: 20030080528
    Abstract: A pedal assembly for a children's ride-on vehicle and children's ride-on vehicles including the same. The pedal includes a pedal with a body having a foot engagement surface adapted to support a rider's foot. The pedal further includes a bore adapted to receive a crankshaft extending at least partially through the body of the pedal and an alignment cavity at least partially coextensive with the bore and having a first opening adapted to receive a fastener in an operable orientation relative to the crankshaft. The pedal also includes a retention structure adapted to retain the fastener within the alignment cavity when the pedal is removed from the crankshaft. In some embodiments, the vehicle includes a fastener-retaining structure adapted to retain fasteners other than on the pedals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Daniel J. Damon, Gerald P. Sitarski
  • Patent number: 6554087
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt J. Huntsberger, Daniel J. Damon, Steven Robert Drosendahl
  • Patent number: 6522244
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt J. Huntsberger, Daniel J. Damon
  • Patent number: 6508320
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt J. Huntsberger, Daniel J. Damon
  • Publication number: 20020163141
    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: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventors: Jared Paul Pardi, Daniel J. Damon
  • 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
  • Patent number: D634273
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel J. Damon