For Moving Element-supporting Device Patents (Class 446/173)
  • Patent number: 8157609
    Abstract: A mind-control toy is provided, comprising one or more biosensors configured to detect brainwave activity and generate signals based on the detected brainwave activity. A controller may be responsive to the signals to direct a member to effect movement of one or more objects. In some embodiments, the member includes a device for suspending the object in midair above the device, and the controller is responsive to the first signal to vary output of the device to control a suspended height of the object. In some such embodiments, the mind-control toy includes an obstacle course defining an aerial path. In other such embodiments, the mind-control toy includes a track along which players can compete or cooperate. In other embodiments, the mind-control toy includes a maze, a portion of which may be rotated using mind control to maneuver the object from a start zone to an end zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Hallaian, Stephen P. K. Lau, Kam Young-eun Kim Redlawsk, Joseph W. Franke
  • Patent number: 7766720
    Abstract: A racing play set for toy vehicles includes a first track segment, a second track segment disposed in intersection with the first track segment, a return portion disposed in communication with the first and second track portions, and a scoring mechanism, where the return portion is configured to be shared by toy vehicles traveling on the first and second track segments, where the return portion is configured to receive a first toy vehicle from the first track segment and return the first vehicle to the first track segment, where the return portion is configured to receive a second toy vehicle from the second track segment and return the second vehicle to the second track segment, where the scoring mechanism is configured to record a pass of the first vehicle through the return portion and a pass of the second vehicle through the return portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Mattel Inc.
    Inventor: Eric C. Ostendorff
  • Patent number: 7671259
    Abstract: In order to be able to salvage toy pianos that have become damaged during shipping, a process has been developed to manufacture toy pianos using a set of predetermined jigs in order to cut the parts of the piano in order to achieve uniform pieces in the event of damage to the piano and the replacement of a piece on the piano becomes necessary. Rather than the entire piano needing to be discarded the damage part can simply be removed and a new piece put in its place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: Leonard Trinca
  • Publication number: 20040048547
    Abstract: An entertainment toy that can be disposed in multiple configurations is disclosed. In one embodiment, the entertainment toy includes a base having an upper surface, a support frame coupled to the base, and a seat that is configured to hold an infant. The seat is movably mounted on the support frame. The entertainment toy includes an output generating system. In one embodiment, the entertainment toy includes an actuator disposed on the base. The actuator is connected to the output generating system and is disposed to be engaged by a foot of the infant. The output generating system is configured to generate audible and/or visual outputs in response to activation of the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Domenic T. Gubitosi, Brian S. Kelly
  • Patent number: 4795394
    Abstract: A toy having a base, a support bound to the base, and a lever pivotally secured to the support. A trough is connected to the support and has a zig-zag channel terminating into a generally straight channel. A plunger is slidably disposed in the trough at the end of the generally straight channel. A method for moving a spherical object from a higher elevation to a lower elevation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Inventor: James W. Thompson
  • Patent number: 4772240
    Abstract: A sorting-type toy comprising a series of angularly spaced compartments, each separated by a divider having an aperture therethrough. A plurality of colored or otherwise identifiable balls are located in the compartments and are sorted by the user through the apertures until all balls of one type or alignment are located in each of the compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1988
    Inventor: Boris Boskovic