US20130231027A1

US20130231027A1 - Action toy and playset

Info

Publication number: US20130231027A1
Application number: US13/597,486
Authority: US
Inventors: Mauricio Bedolla; Kwun Chung Mo; Windsor Williams; Glenn Yu; Edmond Fan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Mattel Inc
Priority date: 2011-04-21
Filing date: 2012-08-29
Publication date: 2013-09-05

Abstract

In combination a toy figure and an apparatus for launching the toy figure from the apparatus is provided, the toy figure having: a main body portion; a pair of leg members extending from the main body portion, wherein each of the pair of leg members has an enlarged rounded feature at a distal end and wherein the enlarged rounded feature is provided with a mass for self-righting the toy figure into a vertical orientation regardless of the initial orientation of the toy figure; and wherein the apparatus is a vehicle having a deployable launching mechanism configured to receive the toy figure therein.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent application No. 61/528,274, filed Aug. 29, 2011, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.
This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/451,999 filed Apr. 20, 2012, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/477,868, filed Apr. 21, 2011, the contents each of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.

BACKGROUND

Play sets and toy figures are popular toys which are known to provide entertainment and excitement to a user. To bring increased entertainment and excitement to toy figures and play sets it is desirable to provide a toy figure and/or play set that provide a variety of configurations not previously presented.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In one exemplary embodiment a toy figure is provided, the toy figure having: a main body portion; and a pair of leg members extending from the main body portion, wherein each of the pair of leg members has an enlarged rounded feature at a distal end and wherein the enlarged rounded feature is provided with a mass sufficient to self right the toy figure into a vertical orientation regardless of the initial orientation of the toy figure.
In another exemplary embodiment, a toy figure and an apparatus for launching the toy figure is provided, the toy having: a main body portion; and a pair of leg members extending from the main body portion, wherein each of the pair of leg members has an enlarged rounded feature at a distal end and wherein the enlarged rounded feature is provided with a mass sufficient to self right the toy figure into a vertical orientation regardless of the initial orientation of the toy figure.
In yet another embodiment, a combination of a toy figure and an apparatus for launching the toy figure from the apparatus is provided, the toy figure having: a main body portion; a pair of leg members extending from the main body portion, wherein each of the pair of leg members has an enlarged rounded feature at a distal end and wherein the enlarged rounded feature is provided with a mass for self-righting the toy figure into a vertical orientation regardless of the initial orientation of the toy figure; and wherein the apparatus is a vehicle having a deployable launching mechanism configured to receive the toy figure therein.
In still yet another embodiment, a toy figure is provided. The toy figure having a main body portion; a pair of leg members extending from the main body portion, wherein each of the pair of leg members has an enlarged rounded feature at a distal end and wherein the enlarged rounded feature is provided with a mass for self-righting the toy figure into a vertical orientation regardless of the initial orientation of the toy figure; and a pair of appendages extending from the main body portion, wherein the pair of appendages are formed from a flexible resilient material such that the pair of appendages can be moved from a first position to a second position and wherein the resilient characteristics of the flexible resilient material causes the pair of appendages to return to the first position from the second position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and/or other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1A-1D are perspective views of a toy figure in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates movement of the toy figure in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A-3D are additional views of the toy figure;

FIGS. 4A-4C are views illustrating an alternative exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 5A-7 are views illustrating still various alternative embodiments;

FIGS. 8A-8D are views illustrating yet another alternative embodiment;

FIGS. 9A-9M are views illustrating still yet another alternative embodiment;

FIGS. 10A-10C are views illustrating yet another alternative embodiment;

FIGS. 11A-11E are views illustrating yet another alternative embodiment;

FIGS. 12A-12E are views illustrating yet another alternative embodiment;

FIGS. 13A-13F are views illustrating yet another alternative embodiment;

FIGS. 14A-15B are views illustrating still other alternative embodiments;

FIGS. 16A-16B are views illustrating yet another alternative embodiment;

FIGS. 17A-17K are views illustrating yet another alternative embodiment;

FIGS. 18A-18G are views illustrating yet another alternative embodiment; and

FIGS. 19A-19F illustrate still other various alternative embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the attached FIGS. various exemplary embodiments of a toy figure and toy configured for use with the toy figure are illustrated. FIGS. 1A-3D illustrate one exemplary embodiment of a toy figure 10. Toy figure 10 has a main body portion 12 and a pair of appendages or leg members 14 each of which has an enlarged rounded foot or features 16 that are weighted or provided with a mass to self right the figure 10 regardless of the initial orientation of the figure 10. Each foot or feature 16 will have a curved surface 18 to achieve the self righting feature of the toy figure 10. Accordingly and by having the majority of the weight of the figure 10 located at its lower portions (e.g., legs and/or feet or features 16) the toy figure 10 will self right itself regardless of the initial position of the toy figure 10.
In one embodiment, the portion of the toy figure 10 resembling the rounded foot or features 16 is constructed out of a denser material than the material used for the rest of the toy figure 10 such that the majority of the weight of the figure 10 is located in the foot portion 16 of the toy figure 10 in order to provide the self righting feature in combination with the rounded surfaces of the foot or features 16.
In addition, the toy figure 10 will further comprise a pair of appendages or arms 20 that extend from the main body portion 12. In one embodiment the arms or appendages 20 are configured to have a distal end resembling a hand 22. In one embodiment, the hand is configured to releasably grasp an implement 24 such as the axe or radio illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B which are contemplated for use with a toy figure 10 resembling a fireman.
Of course, the aforementioned features are merely provided as examples and the various embodiments of the present invention contemplate numerous alternatives. In one embodiment, the toy figure 10 can be constructed out of easily molded materials such as plastic wherein the necessary weights or materials for the self righting feature can be inserted into the mold and/or denser materials may be used in appropriate locations of the mold. Still further, the arms or appendages or portions thereof can be formed from a flexible resilient material that allows the same to be deflected from a first position to second position and returned on its own to the first position or original configuration. Non-limiting suitable examples include but are not limited to polymers, rubber (nature and synthetic), elastomers, combinations thereof, or any equivalent material capable of being moved from a first position to a second position and then returns back to the first position due to the inherent resilient characteristics of the material.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1C and 1D, the toy figure 10 is shown rocking backwards (FIG. 1C) and forwards (FIG. 1D) thus when a force is applied to the toy figure 10 the enlarged foot portions or features 16 and the concentration of the majority of the weight of the toy figure 10 being located at a lower portion of the same will cause the toy figure 10 to reciprocate back and forth until it ultimately is at rest and is in the vertical orientation such as the orientation illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. For example and as illustrated in FIG. 2, the toy figure 10 is shown traveling along a trajectory 26 wherein the toy figure 10 performs a series of rotations in the air until it contacts a surface 28 and the weight of the toy figure 10 in conjunction with the curved surfaces 18 of the enlarged foot portion or feature 16 causes the toy figure 10 to ultimately rest in a vertical orientation.
In addition, a waist portion of the toy figure 10 can be formed from a flexible resilient material (as mentioned above) that allows one portion of the toy figure to be deflected from a first position to second position and returned on its own to the first position or original configuration. This portion may be in addition to or in lieu of the flexible appendages or appendages formed from flexible resilient materials.
FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate various (front, back and side) views of the toy figure 10. In an alternative embodiment, the upper appendages or arms 20 are rotatably or pivotally secured to the main body portion 12 via a shaft 21 or any other equivalent means (e.g., ball and socket, etc.) for rotatably or movably mounting the upper appendages or arms to the main body portion 12. Here, the upper appendages or arms 20 are configured and positioned and perhaps weighted such that as the toy figure 10 reciprocates back and forth in the directions of arrows 30, the upper appendages or arms 20 are free to rotate with respect to the main body portion 12. Accordingly and as the toy figure 10 and main body portion 12 move in the directions of arrows 30, the arms or appendages 20 remain in substantially the same position with respect to a horizon or the surface the toy figure 10 is resting on or rocking back and forth on.
In an alternative embodiment, the main body portion 12 is pivotally or movably secured to the lower appendages or leg members 14 and the upper appendages or arms 20 are fixedly secured to the main body portion 12 such that as the toy figure 10 moves back and forth in the directions of arrows 30, the main body portion 12 via the weight of the upper appendages or arms 20 is maintained in a substantially vertical orientation with respect to the horizon as the toy figure 10 reciprocates back and forth in a directions of arrows 30.
For example and referring now to FIGS. 4A-4C, toy figure 10 is illustrated with an articulated torso or main body portion 12 wherein the appendages or arms 20 are weighted such that the weighted arms will keep the torso or main body portion 12 of the figure 10 upright, generally upright or perpendicular to a horizon the lower portion of the figure 10 is resting on, as the lower appendages or leg members 14 of the figure 10 wobbles back and forth. Alternatively, only the arms 20 themselves will remain upright, generally upright or perpendicular to the horizon the lower appendages or leg members 14 of the figure 10 is resting on. In addition and in any of the aforementioned embodiments, the toy figure 10 may further comprise a head portion 32 that is attached to the torso or main body portion 12 by a spring 34 or other equivalent member thereby creating a “bobble head” effect. In any of the aforementioned embodiments, it is also contemplated that the toy figure 10 may comprise a single weighted rounded foot or feature as an alternative to the pair of weighted rounded feet or features.
Still further and in another alternative embodiment and in conjunction with any of the aforementioned toy figure 10 embodiments, the same may be used with an apparatus 50 (e.g., toy vehicle, car, truck, airplane, etc.), wherein the toy figure 10 is launched from the apparatus 50 and upon hitting a surface the toy figure 10 reorients itself until it is situated upright.
For example and as illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5C, the apparatus 50 is an airplane and the toy figure 10 is ejected from the airplane by a spring biased mechanism. As illustrated, the toy figure 10 can travel through the air, rotate and land on a surface 28 in any orientation even headfirst and still reorient itself until it becomes upright.
FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate another alternative embodiment wherein apparatus 50 is a land-based vehicle for example, a fire truck, tank or any type of vehicle or other type of toy wherein the toy figure 10 is releasably retained by a launching mechanism 52 that is actuated upon movement of a button or lever 54. Upon actuation of the lever 54, the toy figure 10 is launched from the apparatus 50 and travels through the air and lands on a surface 28 wherein the toy figure 10 will reorient itself regardless of the position it was in upon first impact with the surface. In this illustrated embodiment, the toy figure 10 is releasably retained at a forward end of the apparatus 50 of course, numerous alternative locations are contemplated to be within the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention.
Still further and referring now to FIG. 7, yet another apparatus 50 is illustrated. Here the toy vehicle or any other configuration is provided with a launching mechanism resembling a cannon 52 and the toy figure 10 is launched therefrom upon actuation of a button or lever 54 of a spring biased or equivalent launching mechanism. Once again, the launching mechanism is released upon actuation of button or lever 54 such that the toy figure 10 is launched from the cannon 52. As mentioned herein, the launching mechanism may comprise any type of mechanism (e.g., spring biased, pneumatic, mechanical, etc.) wherein potential launching energy is stored and subsequently released to launch the toy figure upon actuation of a trigger, actuator, etc. that is coupled to the launching mechanism. In other words, actuation of the trigger coupled to the launching mechanism releases or converts the potential energy into kinetic energy for launching of the toy figure 10 from the apparatus 50.
In still another alternative embodiment, the apparatus may be provided with a plurality of toy figures that can be sequentially launched from by the launching mechanism wherein the plurality of toy figures after being launched from the apparatus will self right themselves on a surface.
Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8D, another apparatus 50 for use with toy figure 10 is illustrated. In this embodiment apparatus 50 is configured to resemble a spaceship and has a grabbing mechanism 70 that can be deployed from an opening 72 in a housing 74 of apparatus 50. Grabbing mechanism 70 is capable of movement from a stowed position (FIGS. 8A-8B) to a deployed position (FIG. 8C) and an intermediary grasping position (FIG. 8E), wherein the toy figure 10 is captured between a pair of claw members of the grabbing mechanism 70. Grabbing mechanism 70 is actuated between the various positions using a lever 76 that is slidably mounted to a portion of the housing 74 and coupled to the grabbing mechanism via a linkage or other item coupling the lever 76 to the grabbing mechanism 70. Accordingly and as the grabbing mechanism 70 is manipulated through the various positions the pair of claw members will open and close thus allowing the same to capture and release toy figure 10. In one exemplary embodiment, the lever 76 is configured to resemble a landing gear of the spaceship. Of course, numerous other configurations are considered to be within the scope of exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
Referring now to FIGS. 9A-9J, another alternative configuration of apparatus 50 is illustrated. Here apparatus 50 is configured to resemble a land vehicle or a truck. In this embodiment, the apparatus 50 has a first launching mechanism 80 that is located at a forward portion of the vehicle. In this embodiment, a forward portion 82 of the vehicle is pivotally mounted to a main body portion 84 for movement between a first closed position and a second open position. The forward portion 82 is retained in the first closed position by a feature 86 that frictionally engages a feature 88 of a tray 90 that is slidably mounted within a cavity 92 of the vehicle proximate to forward portion 82. As illustrated, tray 90 has a plurality of features or recesses 94 configured to receive the rounded foot portions of the toy figures 10. This will allow the toy figures 10 to be stored within cavity 92 and rest upon slidable tray 90.
In one embodiment, tray 90 is capable of movement between a first forward position illustrated in at least FIG. 9D, wherein feature 88 is positioned to engage feature 86 when the forward portion 82 is pivoted into the closed position illustrated in at least FIG. 9A and a second rearward position illustrated in at least FIG. 9C wherein the tray and feature 88 are pulled away from feature 86 and forward portion 82 such that the same is now free to pivot forward into the second open position due to gravity.
In accordance with one embodiment, tray 90 is spring biased into the first forward position by a biasing member or spring 96. In order to slide tray 90 back from the first forward position to the second rearward position, a slidable member 98 located at a rear portion of the vehicle is pulled by a user's hand. Slidable member 98 is coupled to tray 90 and movement of the tray to the second rear position from the first forward position by the slidable member will cause biasing member 96 to be compressed such that once the user releases the slidable member 98 the same will be drawn back into the vehicle due to the release of compressed spring or biasing member 96 and tray 90 will move forward towards the first forward position and stop abruptly once it has reached the first forward position. This abrupt stopping of tray 90 will cause toy figures 10 to be launched therefrom.
In other words, movement of the slidable member 98 away from the vehicle will disengage forward portion 82 and allow it to drop forward and the subsequent release of slidable member 98 will allow member 98 and tray 92 to spring forward due to the biasing force of spring 96, such that toy figures 10 are launched from the vehicle.
Referring now to FIGS. 9E-G another launching mechanism is illustrated. Here a catapult mechanism 100 is provided on a top surface of the vehicle. The catapult mechanism comprises an arm member 102 with a platform pivotally mounted to the vehicle. The platform has recesses or features configured to receive the rounded foot features of a toy figure therein. The arm member 102 and its associated platform are spring biased into a deployed position by a spring or other equivalent member, from an un-deployed position when a release button or catch 104 is depressed by a user thereby releasing the spring biasing force of the spring biasing the arm member 102 into the deployed position. FIGS. 9E and 9F illustrate the catapult mechanism in the un-deployed position while FIG. 9G illustrates it in the deployed position.
Referring now to FIGS. 9H-1 another feature of the apparatus 50 of this embodiment is illustrated. Here another vehicle 110 configured to receive toy figure 10 therein is illustrated. Here vehicle 110 is releasably retained to a portion of apparatus 50 through a catch member 112 secured to a portion of a member 114 that is pivotally secured to vehicle 110 and is capable of movement between a first position wherein catch member 112 engages a portion of the vehicle or apparatus 50 and a second position wherein catch member 112 no longer engages the portion of the vehicle or apparatus 50. When member 114 is pivoted to the second position, vehicle 110 is launched from vehicle or apparatus 50 by a member 116 that is capable of movement between a first position and a second position. Member 116 is spring biased into the first position by spring located on vehicle 110 and member 116 is moved to the second position wherein the spring located within the vehicle 110 is compressed such that movement of the member 114 to the second position allows member 116 to be spring biased to the first position and launch vehicle 110 from vehicle or apparatus 50.
In an exemplary embodiment, member 114 is pivoted into the second position when toy figure 10 slides into vehicle 110 from an inclined surface 118 located proximate to vehicle 110 when it is secured to apparatus or vehicle 50.
The vehicle or apparatus 50 illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9M has various other features including a projectile launching mechanism 120 that is pivotally secured to the vehicle about an axis 122 and has a platform with features configured to receive the rounded foot portions of a toy figure 10 therein such that as the vehicle or apparatus 50 is moved along a surface the launcher mechanism 120 will pivot about axis 122 to provide enhanced play features or simulate movement of the vehicle. Still further, the vehicle or apparatus 50 illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9M also has additional features or recesses located along surfaces of the vehicle which are configured to receive the rounded foot features of toy figures 10 such that they can be placed in numerous locations on the vehicle. In addition, this vehicle will also have inclined surfaces configured to cause the toy figures 10 to slide from an elevated position to another position which may or may not be on the vehicle 50. Still further, this vehicle will have deployable door members which provide access to cavities or receiving areas located within the vehicle.
Referring now to FIGS. 10A-10C yet another apparatus or vehicle 50 configured for use with toy figures 10 is illustrated. Similar to the previous embodiment, the vehicle resembles a land-based vehicle. In this embodiment, the vehicle is configured to resemble a fire truck.
Similar to the previous embodiment, the vehicle will have a first launching mechanism 80 that is located at a forward portion of the vehicle wherein a forward portion 82 of the vehicle is pivotally mounted to a main body portion 84 for movement between a first closed position and a second open position and the forward portion 82 is retained in the first closed position by a feature that is released by a slidable tray mounted within a cavity of the vehicle and is spring biased to a forward position such that upon release of a slidable member 98 tray will move forward and launch toy figures from the forward portion of the vehicle.
In this embodiment however and when the slidable member is retracted away from the main body portion 84 of the vehicle 50, a pair of platforms 130 coupled to the slidable member pivot outwardly away from the main body portion 84 of the vehicle 50. This pivotal movement is illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10C. Platforms 130 have recesses 132 configured to receive the rounded foot portions of toy figures 10 therein. In addition, and similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9M, a catapult mechanism 100 is provided on a top surface of the vehicle. FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate the catapult mechanism in a first un-deployed position while FIG. 10C illustrates the catapult mechanism in a deployed position wherein toy figure 10 is launched from a platform 111 of the catapult in the direction of arrow 113 when a release button 104 coupled to the catapult mechanism of the vehicle is actuated. In addition and similar to the previous embodiment, this vehicle or apparatus is also configured to have a projectile launching mechanism that is pivotally secured to the vehicle about an axis and has a platform with features configured to receive the rounded foot portions of a toy figure therein such that as the vehicle or apparatus is moved along a surface the launcher mechanism will pivot about the axis to provide enhanced play features or simulate movement of the vehicle.
Referring now to FIGS. 11A-11E yet another apparatus or vehicle 50 configured for use with toy figures 10 is illustrated. Similar to the previous embodiment, the vehicle has a launch mechanism 80 configured to launch toy figures from a forward portion of the vehicle in a similar fashion to those illustrated in the embodiments of FIGS. 9A-10C. For example, a tray 90 having features or recesses configured to receive the rounded foot portions of the toy figures 10 is capable of movement between a first forward position illustrated in at least FIG. 11D to a second rearward position illustrated in at least FIG. 11E and wherein movement of the tray from the forward position, releases the closed forward portion 82 and compresses a spring such that a biasing force is provided to move the tray forward and cause toy figures 10 to be launched therefrom. In this embodiment, the catapult mechanism 100 is a platform 111 pivotally secured to the vehicle and is pivoted from a first un-deployed position (FIGS. 11A and 11B) to a second deployed position (FIG. 11C) when a slidable member 98 is extracted or pulled away from the vehicle to compress the spring of the launching mechanism 82.
In addition and similar to the previous embodiments, this vehicle or apparatus is also configured to have a projectile launching mechanism that is pivotally secured to the vehicle about an axis and has a platform with features configured to receive the rounded foot portions of a toy figure therein such that as the vehicle or apparatus is moved along a surface the launcher mechanism will pivot about the axis to provide enhanced play features or simulate movement of the vehicle.
Referring now to FIGS. 12A-12E yet another apparatus or vehicle 50 configured for use with toy figures 10 is illustrated. Similar to the previous embodiment, the vehicle resembles a land-based vehicle.
In this embodiment, a forward portion 82′ of the vehicle is configured to resemble a shovel or scooper portion pivotally mounted to a main body portion for movement between a first position (FIGS. 12A and 12D) and a second position (FIG. 12B) such that as the forward portion 82′ moves to be second position toy figures 10 captured therein will be deposited in a receiving area of a catapult mechanism 100′ that is configured to resemble a bucket. Movement of the forward portion 82′ is achieved by retracting a slidable member 98 coupled to the forward portion 82′ from the main body portion of the vehicle. In addition and similar to the previous embodiment, the slidable member 98 will be spring biased into the un-extracted position and upon release of the extracted slidable member 98 the bucket of the catapult mechanism will be pivoted into the deployed position illustrated in FIG. 12C such that toy figures 10 received therein will be launched from the vehicle. In addition and referring now to FIG. 12 forward portion 82′ comprises a pair of members 83 pivotally secured to each other for movement between an open position and a closed position in order to assist forward portion 82′ in grabbing the toy figures 10 which will be deposited into the bucket of the catapult mechanism when forward portion 82′ is pivoted to the second position.
Referring now to FIGS. 13A-13E, yet another apparatus or vehicle 50 configured for use with toy figures 10 is illustrated. Here the apparatus is configured to resemble a hovercraft. In this embodiment and similar to the previous embodiments, a launching mechanism 80 comprising a forward portion 82 and a slidable tray 90 is also provided. In addition however, a pair of surface members 130′ pivotally secured to the vehicle 50 for movement between a first un-deployed position and a second deployed position are also provided. In this embodiment, the pair of surface members 130′ are inclined upwardly when slidable member 98 is extracted from the vehicle since they are also coupled to the slidable member 98. Accordingly, toy figures resting thereon slide forward and off the surface members 130′, as illustrated in FIGS. 13B-13C. When slidable member 98 is released the spring biasing force causes the launching mechanism 80 to launch toy figures from a slidable tray 90 located at the forward portion of the vehicle.
FIGS. 14A-15B illustrate alternative vehicles 50 utilizing a launching mechanism 150 comprising a pivotally mounted platform or platforms 152 which are pivoted from a first position FIG. 14A, 15A to a second position FIG. 14B, 15B through actuation of an actuation button 154 wherein toy figures 10 located in recesses of the pivotally mounted platforms will be launched in a catapult-like fashion. The actuation button 154 is coupled to the launching mechanism 150 in order to provide the desired movement of the launching mechanism 150 when the actuation button 154 is depressed.
FIGS. 16A-16B illustrate still yet another alternative vehicle 50 utilizing a grabbing mechanism 170 comprising a pair of pivotally mounted members 172 which are pivoted from a first position FIG. 16A to a second position FIG. 16B, such that a toy figure 10 can be grasped therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the pair of pivotally mounted members 172 are actuated by a pair of pivotally mounted wing members 174 of vehicle 50, which in this embodiment is configured to resemble a flying vehicle.
Referring now to FIGS. 17A-17K yet another apparatus or vehicle 200 configured for use with toy figures 10 is illustrated. In this embodiment, vehicle 200 is configured to resemble a spaceship. As illustrated in the figures vehicle 200 has a pair of arm members 202 pivotally secured to vehicle 200. Each of the arm members 202 is pivotally secured to the vehicle 200 at one end and has a platform 204 at the opposing end. Platform 204 is configured to retain toy figure 10 thereon and each platform 204 is rotatably or movably secured to arm member 202 such that as the vehicle 200 and/or arm member 202 moves about, platforms 204 may rotate into a desired orientation based upon the weighted toy figure 10 located thereon.
As illustrated, each arm member is configured for movement between a first stowed position, wherein each platform and toy figure 10 located thereon are received within a cavity of the vehicle 200, which is enclosed by a door member 206 pivotally secured to the vehicle, and a second deployed position wherein each platform and toy figure 10 located thereon extend away from the vehicle 200. In one embodiment, the pair of arm members 202 are spring biased in the deployed position and are retained in the stowed position by a catch that is released when a user depresses an actuation button 208 located on the surface of the toy vehicle 200. In one non-limiting embodiment, the actuation button 208 is coupled to the catch via a linkage or any other equivalent means.
In addition, toy vehicle 200 has a pair of pivotally mounted landing gear 210 such that the toy vehicle 200 can be placed on a surface 212 in an upright fashion (FIGS. 17G-17K). Also shown is that toy vehicle 200 has a plurality of cavities 214 each of which is enclosed by a pivotally mounted door 216 that is released through actuation of a release button 218 located on a surface of the vehicle 200. Accordingly and when the vehicle is in the upright configuration and release button 218 is actuated, pivotally mounted doors 216 are opened and toy figures 10 received within cavities 214 can fall away from the vehicle onto the surface 212, and ultimately retain an upright configuration as mentioned above, which provides enhanced toy play in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Referring now to FIGS. 18A-18G, yet another apparatus or vehicle 300 configured for use with toy figures 10 is illustrated. In this embodiment, vehicle 300 is configured to resemble a helicopter. Wherein a first actuation button or trigger 302 is depressed to open a door 304 coupled thereto and such that a toy figure 10 can be deployed from the vehicle 300 and is attached thereto by a cable or string 306. When the toy figure 10 is deployed, a user may wind up the cable or string 306 by rotating the helicopter blades 308 such that string 306 is wound onto a spool coupled to the helicopter blades 308, which are rotatably secured to the vehicle 300. In addition and when a second trigger 310 comprising a portion of a tail fin of the helicopter is actuated, a trap door 312 of the vehicle 300 is released and toy figure 10 may be dropped from vehicle 300. In this embodiment, the toy figure 10 is not secured to the vehicle 300 and is simply dropped from a cavity within the vehicle 300 that is accessed through an opening 314 located on an upper surface of the vehicle 300, and a floor portion thereof consists of trap door 312 such that when trigger 310 is actuated toy figures 10 that are previously pass-through opening 314 into the cavity, will drop through trap door 312.
In addition and similar to previous embodiments a launching mechanism 120 pivotally secured to the vehicle is provided. Similar to the previous embodiments, launching mechanism 120 will have a platform configured to receive a toy figure thereon such that movement of the vehicle 300 will cause pivotal movement of launching mechanism 120 due to the weight of the toy figure on the platform of mechanism 120. In this embodiment, the platform of the launching mechanism is located within vehicle 300 and is accessible through a forward portion 382 that is pivotally secured to vehicle 300 such that access to the interior of the vehicle and the platform associated with launching mechanism 120 is possible.
Referring now to FIGS. 19A-19F, yet another apparatus or vehicle 300 configured for use with toy figures 10 is illustrated. In this embodiment, vehicle 300 is configured to resemble a helicopter. Wherein a first actuation button or trigger 302 is depressed to open a door 304 such that a toy figure 10 can be deployed from the vehicle 300. However and in this embodiment, the toy figure being launched from door 304 is not is attached thereto.
In this embodiment and when a second trigger 310 is actuated a trap door 312 of the vehicle is released and toy figure 10 is capable of being dropped from vehicle 300. In this embodiment, the toy figure that is dropped through the trap door is secured to the vehicle by a cable or string 306, which can be wound back up by rotating the helicopter blades 308 rotatably secured to the vehicle 300. Similar to the previous embodiment, a pivotally mounted launching mechanism 120 having a platform configured to receive a toy figure 10 is provided.
While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A toy figure, comprising:

a main body portion;

a pair of leg members extending from the main body portion, wherein each of the pair of leg members has an enlarged rounded feature at a distal end and wherein the enlarged rounded feature is provided with a mass for self-righting the toy figure into a vertical orientation regardless of the initial orientation of the toy figure; and

a pair of appendages extending from the main body portion, wherein the pair of appendages are formed from a flexible resilient material such that the pair of appendages can be moved from a first position to a second position and wherein the resilient characteristics of the flexible resilient material causes the pair of appendages to return to the first position from the second position.

2. The toy figure as in claim 1, wherein the enlarged rounded feature is configured to resemble a foot.

3. The toy figure as in claim 1, wherein each of the pair of appendages further comprises a hand at a distal end that is configured to releasably retain an implement.

4. The toy figure as in claim 1, further comprising a head portion coupled to the main body portion by a spring member.

5. In combination a toy figure and an apparatus for launching the toy figure from the apparatus, the toy figure comprising:

a main body portion;

wherein the apparatus is a vehicle having a deployable launching mechanism configured to receive the toy figure therein.

6. The combination of claim 5, wherein the vehicle is configured to resemble a flying vehicle.

7. The combination of claim 5, wherein the vehicle is configured to resemble a land vehicle.

8. The combination of claim 5, wherein the deployable launching mechanism is a spring-loaded launching mechanism for releasably retaining and launching the toy figure from the apparatus.

9. The combination of claim 8, wherein the launching mechanism is located at a forward end of the land vehicle.

10. The combination of claim 8, wherein the launching mechanism is a catapult located on an upper surface of the land vehicle.

11. The combination of claim 8, wherein the launching mechanism further comprises a tray slidably secured to the land vehicle.

12. The combination of claim 11, wherein the tray has a pair of recesses each being configured to receive the enlarged rounded feature of the toy figure.

13. The combination of claim 12, wherein the enlarged rounded feature is configured to resemble a foot and wherein the toy figure further comprises a pair of appendages extending from the main body portion.

14. The combination of claim 5, wherein the vehicle further comprises a mechanism configured to engage the toy figure.

15. The combination of claim 12, wherein the tray is spring biased into a first position by a biasing member.

16. The combination of claim 15, wherein the tray is configured to releasably engagable with a forward portion pivotally mounted to the vehicle.

17. The combination of claim 16, wherein an actuating member is slidably received within the vehicle and is coupled to the tray.

18. The combination of claim 5, wherein the vehicle has a second smaller vehicle removably received therein, wherein the second smaller vehicle is configured to receive the toy figure therein.

19. The combination of claim 5, wherein the vehicle further comprises a projectile launcher secured thereto.

20. The combination of claim 5, wherein the vehicle further comprises a pair of platforms pivotally secured thereto for movement between a first position and a second position, wherein the pair of platforms are pivoted away from the vehicle when they are in the second position and wherein the pair of platforms have recesses configured to receive the rounded foot portions of the toy figures therein.