Expander and Action Figure with an Expander

Abstract

An expander has a collapsed configuration and a deployed configuration. The expander has at least one expander component that is movably coupled to another expander component. The expander may be used with a toy figure. In one implementation, each of the expander components is pivotally coupled to another expander component. The expander includes a biasing member that biases adjacent expander components away from each other.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/431,835 entitled “Expander and Action Figure with an Expander,” filed Jan. 11, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a reconfigurable toy, and in particular, to a toy that is positionable in a retracted or collapsed configuration and in a deployed or use configuration. The present invention also relates to an expander and an action figure with an expander, and in particular, to an action figure with an expander that includes one or more expander members.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Some reconfigurable toys are known in the art. Reconfigurable toys may be moved between a first configuration and a second configuration by the manual manipulation of a child. Such manual manipulation can become tedious and repetitive such that a child loses interest in the toy.

There is a need for a reconfigurable toy that is automatically reconfigured upon release of a latch or catch. There is also a need for a toy or action figure that includes an expander, which enhances the play using the toy or action figure. Also, there is a need for a reconfigurable toy with a novel collapsed configuration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a reconfigurable toy having a collapsed configuration in which the toy is flat and a deployed configuration resembling one of a figure or a vehicle.

In one embodiment, the toy includes a first expander member having a thin, planar configuration, a first end, and a second end opposite to the first end; a second expander member having a thin, planar configuration, a first end, and a second end opposite to the first end of the second expander member, the second end of the first expander member being pivotally coupled to the second end of the second expander member in an end-to-end arrangement, the first expander member being movable relative to the second expander member, the first expander member and the second expander member being placeable in retracted positions and in expanded or deployed positions relative to each other, the first expander member and the second expander member being angled away from each other in the expanded positions and parallel to each other in the retracted positions.

In one embodiment, the toy also includes a first biasing member coupled to the first expander member and to the second expander member, the first biasing member biasing the first expander member and the second expander member away from each other to the expanded positions.

In one embodiment, the toy also includes a third expander member having a thin, planar configuration, a first end, and a second end opposite to the first end of the third expander member, the second end of the third expander member being pivotally coupled to the first end of the second expander member in an end-to-end arrangement, the third expander member being movable relative to the second expander member, the third expander member and the second expander member being placeable in retracted positions and in expanded positions relative to each other, the third expander member and the second expander member being angled away from each other in their expanded positions and parallel to each other in their retracted positions.

In one embodiment, the toy also includes a second biasing member coupled to the third expander member and to the second expander member, the second biasing member moving the third expander member and the second expander member away from each other to their expanded positions, the first expander member, the second expander member, and the third expander member are proximate to each other and extend along and parallel to each other in their retracted positions when the toy is in its collapsed configuration, and the first expander member, the second expander member, and the third expander member are angled away from each other in their expanded positions when the toy is in its deployed configuration.

In another embodiment, the first expander member, the second expander member, and the third expander member are co-planar in their expanded positions.

In another embodiment, the first expander member and the third expander member overly the second expander member when the first expander member, the second expander member, and the third expander member are in their retracted positions.

In one embodiment, a reconfigurable toy has a flat, collapsed configuration and a deployed configuration comprising a first expander member having a flat configuration and an outer perimeter edge, a second expander member having a flat configuration and an outer perimeter edge, the outer perimeter edge of the first expander member being pivotally coupled to the outer perimeter edge of the second expander member, the first expander member and the second expander member being movable between retracted positions and expanded positions relative to each other, the first expander member and the second expander member being angled away from each other in their expanded positions and extending along and parallel to each other in their retracted positions, a first biasing member coupled to the first expander member and to the second expander member, the first biasing member moving the first expander member and the second expander member to their expanded positions, a third expander member having a flat configuration and an outer perimeter edge, the other perimeter edge of the third expander member being pivotally coupled to the outer perimeter edge of the second expander member, the third expander member and the second expander member being movable between retracted positions and expanded positions relative to each other, the third expander member and the second expander member being angled away from each other in their expanded positions and extending along and parallel to each other in their retracted positions, and a second biasing member coupled to the third expander member and to the second expander member, the second biasing member moving the third expander member and the second expander member to their expanded positions, the first expander member, the second expander member, and the third expander member are in their expanded positions when the toy is in its deployed configuration, and the first expander member, the second expander member, and the third expander member are in their retracted positions when the toy is in its collapsed configuration.

In an alternative embodiment, the first expander member is coupled to the second expander member in an end-to-end arrangement.

In an alternative embodiment, the first expander member and the second expander member contact each other along their length in their retracted positions, and the third expander member and the second expander member contact each other along their length in their retracted positions.

In another embodiment, an action figure includes an expander that has a collapsed configuration and a deployed configuration. The expander includes multiple expander components or members that are pivotally coupled to at least one other expander component or member. In the collapsed configuration, the expander components extend substantially parallel to each other. In addition, the expander components are placed along and next to adjacent expander components in the collapsed configuration. When a latch or catch or other retaining mechanism is activated, the expander components automatically move to their deployed configurations due to the biasing members located between adjacent expander components.

In one embodiment, the expander for an action figure can be mounted to the hand of the action figure. The expander can resemble a shield or small accessory in its collapsed configuration. After the expander is released, the expander can resemble a weapon or animal or large accessory in its deployed configuration. In some embodiments, the expander may remain coupled to the hand of the action figure. In other embodiments, the expander may separate from the action figure and be self-supporting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a toy figure having an expander according to an embodiment of the present invention in a collapsed configuration.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the toy figure illustrated in FIG. 1 with the expander in an intermediate configuration.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the toy figure illustrated in FIG. 1 with the expander in a deployed configuration.

FIG. 3A illustrates a front perspective view of another embodiment of the toy the toy figure illustrated in FIG. 1 with the expander in a collapsed configuration.

FIG. 3B illustrates a front perspective view of the toy figure illustrated in FIG. 3A with the expander in a deployed configuration.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of an expander in a retracted configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A illustrates a partial plan view of two expander components of the expander illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of the expander illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 5A illustrates an end perspective view of the mounting portion of the expander illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top perspective view of the expander illustrated in FIG. 4 in an intermediate configuration.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side perspective view of the expander illustrated in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top perspective view of the expander illustrated in FIG. 4 in another intermediate configuration.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of the expander illustrated in FIG. 4 in another intermediate configuration.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of the expander in a deployed configuration.

FIG. 11 illustrates a close-up perspective view of the expander illustrated in FIG. 10.

FIGS. 12-14 illustrate alternative embodiments of action figures with expanders according to the present invention showing the different configurations of the expanders.

FIG. 14A illustrates another embodiment of an expander reconfiguring from its collapsed configuration to its deployed configuration.

FIG. 15 illustrates a side perspective view of another embodiment of an expander in a retracted configuration according to the present invention.

FIGS. 16-18 illustrate side perspective views of the expander illustrated in FIG. 15 in different intermediate configurations.

FIG. 19 illustrates the expander illustrated in FIG. 15 in a deployed configuration.

FIG. 20 illustrates a close-up exploded perspective view of some components of the expander illustrated in FIG. 15.

FIG. 21 illustrates a close-up perspective view the latch mechanism in a released configuration.

FIG. 22 illustrates a perspective view of the expander illustrated in FIG. 15 in a deployed configuration.

FIG. 22A illustrates another embodiment of an expander according to the present invention in a collapsed configuration in a collapsed configuration.

FIG. 22B illustrates the expander illustrated in FIG. 22A in a deployed configuration.

FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view of the expander illustrated in FIG. 22A.

FIG. 24 illustrates a side view of the expander illustrated in FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 illustrates an end view of the expander illustrated in FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 illustrates a bottom view of the expander illustrated in FIG. 23.

FIG. 27 illustrates a perspective view of the expander illustrated in FIG. 23 in a deployed configuration.

FIG. 28 illustrates a close-up perspective view of a portion of the expander illustrated in FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 illustrates a perspective view of the expander illustrated in FIG. 27.

FIG. 30 illustrates a close-up perspective view of a portion of the expander illustrated in FIG. 27.

FIG. 30A illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of an expander according to the present invention transforming from a collapsed configuration to a deployed configuration.

FIG. 30B illustrates a perspective view of the expander in FIG. 30A in its collapsed configuration being held by a toy figure.

FIG. 31 illustrates a perspective view of the expander illustrated in FIG. 30A in an expanded configuration.

FIG. 32 illustrates a side view of the expander illustrated in FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 illustrates an end view of the expander illustrated in FIG. 31.

FIG. 34 illustrates a close-up view of a portion of the expander illustrated in FIG. 31.

FIG. 35 illustrates an end view of the expander illustrated in FIG. 31 in an intermediate configuration.

FIG. 36 illustrates a side view of the expander illustrated in FIG. 31 in a collapsed configuration.

FIG. 37 illustrates a perspective view of the expander illustrated in FIG. 36.

FIG. 38 illustrates a side view of a portion of the expander illustrated in FIG. 36.

FIGS. 39 and 40 illustrate perspective views of a collapsed configuration and a deployed configuration of another embodiment of an expander according to the present invention.

FIG. 41 illustrates a perspective view of a deployed configuration of another embodiment of an expander according to the present invention.

FIG. 42 illustrates a perspective view of a deployed configuration of another embodiment of an expander according to the present invention.

Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements throughout this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, an expander includes several expander components or members or panels that are coupled to each other and that are placeable in collapsed or retracted positions, corresponding to a collapsed configuration of the expander, and placeable in deployed or expanded positions, corresponding to a deployed or expanded configuration of the expander. Thus, the expander is transformable from a state or configuration in which it is folded flat to a state or configuration in which it forms a three-dimensional object.

Different embodiments of expanders according to the present invention are disclosed herein. In each of the embodiments, the movable members that are coupled to each other are expander components or members. As illustrated in the Figures and described below, each expander includes several expander components that have thin, planar configurations with multiple ends or edges. An expander component is coupled along one end or edge to another expander component. An elongate member, such as a connector like a pin, engages both expander components to pivotally couple them together. The expander components are coupled to each other and movable about the connector.

In the disclosed embodiments, each expander includes biasing mechanisms, such as torsion springs, that are located between adjacent, coupled expander components to bias the expander components apart. The biasing mechanisms are mounted on a corresponding connector such that the biasing mechanism is located between and is coupled to the corresponding expander components. Each biasing mechanism is positioned so that it biases or forces the coupled expander components away from each other to their expanded positions and to an expanded shape or configuration. In some embodiments, the expander components may include a notch to receive an end of a biasing mechanism. Expander components that are coupled to each other extend at angles relative to each other in their deployed positions. In other words, the components are angled away from each other in their deployed positions.

When the expander components are moved to their retracted positions, the expander components extend parallel to each other and are located adjacent to each other. The pivoting connections between adjacent expander components facilitate the folding of the expander to its collapsed configuration. In addition, the end-to-end connections between adjacent expander components facilitate the collapsing and folding of the expander.

Accordingly, the expander in its collapsed configuration has a small, compact shape. The effect of the expander components moving to their deployed positions is that the expander in its deployed configuration has a much larger shape and resembles a figure, a character, or an object that is different than the appearance of the expander in its collapsed configuration.

In one embodiment, the expander includes a latch that retains the expander components or members in their retracted positions, and thus, the expander in its collapsed configuration. The latch can be pivotally coupled to one of the expander components. In some embodiments, the latch is biased into a latching or locking position so as to retain the expander in its collapsed configuration. In some embodiments, the latch may include a projection that engages a corresponding projection or notch on a different expander component.

The expander is collapsed by folding the expander components together against the forces of the biasing members. When the expander components are proximate to each other in their retracted positions, the latch can be actuated to lock and retain the expander in this configuration.

When a sufficient force from a child or a different object is applied to the expander, the latch disengages and the biasing members are allowed to move and push apart adjacent, pivotally coupled expander components. The expander components are moved to their deployed positions in which adjacent components are angled relative to each other. The movement of the components is automatic upon the release of the latch. The biasing members can be reloaded as the components are folded together manually by a child. The automatic expansion of the expander provides an interesting effect for a child playing with the expander, particularly in view of the fact that the expander has a different appearance and configuration, and even use, in its deployed configuration as compared to its collapsed configuration.

In one embodiment, an expander can be used with an action figure. For example, the expander can be coupled to the action figure, such as to a hand of the action figure. Alternatively, the expander can be mounted on the body of the action figure, such as a backpack or pack. In one embodiment, the expander can move between its collapsed configuration and its deployed configuration while the expander is coupled to the action figure. In an alternative embodiment, the expander can be in its collapsed configuration while coupled to the action figure, and upon disengagement from the action figure, the expander can automatically change to its deployed configuration.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, several views of an action figure with an expander are illustrated. In one embodiment, the action FIG. 10 has a body 12 with a pair of arms 14 and 16 that include hands or hand portions 18 and 20. In this embodiment, the expander or accessory 50 is coupleable to the action FIG. 10 and can be disposed in multiple configurations. The different configurations of the expander 50 permit the expander 50 to be somewhat hidden and withdrawn in some uses, as well as displayed and manipulated in other uses, such as in a battle with another action figure, a character, or an object. The accessory 50 is referred to as an expander because the size and configuration of the accessory 50 changes or expands between configurations, as discussed below.

As shown in FIG. 1, the expander 50 can be mounted to a hand 18 of the action FIG. 10. In one implementation, the expander 50 can be removably coupled to the hand 18 via a snap-fit connection or another releasable type of coupling. The expander 50 has a retracted or collapsed configuration 52 as shown in FIG. 1. In this configuration, the expander 50 can be proximate to the body 12 of the action FIG. 10 and moved with the arm 14.

The expander 50 includes several components that are movable relative to each other. The components are generally thin and planar in configuration and some of the components are pivotally coupled to some of the other components. In the collapsed configuration 52, the components of the expander 50 are substantially aligned with and parallel to each other. In this arrangement, the overall shape and configuration of the expander 50 is minimized because the components are essentially “folded” onto or along one another.

Referring to FIG. 2, a user can move the arm 14 along the direction of arrow “A” relative to the body 12. At the same time or substantially simultaneously, the expander 50 is released from its retracted configuration 52. In one embodiment, the expander 50 includes a latch mechanism that retains the expander 50 in its retracted configuration against the bias of one or more biasing members, such as springs. When the latch mechanism of the expander 50 is released, the biasing members move the different expander components of the expander 50 apart through an intermediate configuration 54 to their positions that correspond to the deployed configuration 56 illustrated in FIG. 3. Referring to FIG. 2, the components of the accessory move along the direction of arrow “B” due to the force of the biasing members.

Referring to FIG. 3, the components of the accessory 50 continue to unfold and expand along the direction of arrow “C” due to the biasing members between adjacent expander components. The expander components move until they reach their expanded positions, which correspond to the deployed configuration 56 of the expander 50. Some of the expander components may include abutment surfaces that limit the pivoting of adjacent expander components.

In this embodiment, the expander 50 includes a launcher 60 that includes expander portions 62 and 64 that cooperate to eject or project an object 70, such as a disc, along the direction of arrow “D.” The expander portions 62 and 64 resemble two portions of a hand; portion 62 resembling fingers and portion 64 resembling a thumb. The object 70 can be located between the expander portions 62 and 64 when the expander portions 62 and 64 are folded together. The force of the unfolding of the portions 62 and 64 results in the object 70 being launched from the expander 50.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, an expander is illustrated in collapsed and retracted configurations. As shown, the expander 100 is coupleable to a toy FIG. 10 and in particular, to an arm 14 of the toy FIG. 10. As described in detail below, the expander 100 includes several expander members or components that are substantially planar members and proximate to each other in a collapsed configuration 102 of the expander 100. When a latch mechanism is released, one or more biasing members force the expander members apart to their expanded positions in the deployed configuration of the expander 100 illustrated in FIG. 3B.

Referring to FIGS. 4-11, an embodiment of an expander according to the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, the expander 100 can be coupled to an action figure (not shown), in a manner similar to that discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1-3. As described below, expander 100 includes several expander components that are coupled to adjacent expander components in an end-to-end arrangement, which facilitates the expanding and collapsing of the expander 100. As illustrated, the expander components have outer perimeter edges and adjacent ones of the expander components are coupled to each other along their outer perimeter edges as shown in FIGS. 4-11.

Referring to FIG. 4, a collapsed configuration 102 of the expander 100 is illustrated. In this configuration 102, the expander 100 has a compact overall shape and as shown, many of the expander components are folded parallel to each other. The deployed configuration 108 of the expander is illustrated in FIG. 10. As illustrated, the overall length of the expander 100 is much greater in the deployed configuration 108 than in the collapsed configuration 102.

Referring back to FIG. 4, the expander 100 includes a base component 110 with a mounting end 112 and a distal end 118 opposite to the mounting end 112. The base component 110 includes a body portion 111 that is substantially planar and a mounting portion 113 proximate to the body portion 111. As shown in FIG. 5A, the mounting portion 113 includes an inner wall 114 at end 112 that defines a receptacle 116 into which a corresponding projection formed on a portion of a figure can be inserted. For example, a figure may include a projection on one of its hands that is configured to be inserted into the receptacle 116 and retained therein via friction or a mechanical structure such as a tab. The base component 110 also includes a support portion 130 with a stand 132 and a recess to which another component is coupled, as described below.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the expander 100 also includes an expander component 140 that is pivotally coupled to the base component 110. Expander component 140 includes opposite ends 142 and 144. End 142 is pivotally coupled to end 118 of base component 110 via a connector or pin 122 that is inserted through an opening 120 formed in end 118 and an opening (not shown) formed in end 142.

Referring to FIG. 4A, expander component 140 includes an extension 146 that includes the opening through which the connector 122 is inserted. As shown, the connector 122 extends through shoulders 124 and 126 on component 110 that are on opposite sides of the extension 146. Mounted on the connector 122 is a biasing member 150. In this embodiment, the biasing member 150 is a spring that is coiled about the connector 122 and that has two loops at its opposite ends 152 and 154. The biasing member 150 includes a central opening through which the connector 122 is inserted. Each of the components 110 and 140 has a notch or recess formed therein (see FIG. 4A) that is configured to receive one of the spring ends 152 and 154 to align spring 150. The spring ends 152 and 154 press onto the opposing facing surfaces of the expander components 110 and 140 so as to force the components 110 and 140 away from each other about connector 122. This movement results in the configuration of the components 110 and 140 expanding as expander component 140 moves to its expanded or deployed position.

Returning to FIG. 4, when the components 110 and 140 are placed in their retracted positions, the components 110 and 140 extend parallel to each other and are proximate to each other. As shown, the components 110 and 140 are in contact with and lie along each other.

Referring to FIGS. 8-10, the expander 100 has a launcher 170 that includes a launcher base 180, a first expander portion 190, and a second expander portion 200. Each of the base 180 and the expander portions 190 and 200 can be referred to as an expander component or member as well. While the launcher base 180 and the expander portions 190 and 200 are illustrated in their deployed positions in FIG. 10, returning to FIG. 4, the base 180 and expander portions are illustrated in their collapsed positions. As shown, launcher base 180 is pivotally coupled to expander component 140 in an end-to-end arrangement. Also, each of the expander portions 190 and 200 is pivotally coupled to the launcher base 180. The relative movement of the base 180 and expander portions 190 and 200 is discussed in greater detail below.

Referring back to FIG. 4, the expander 100 also includes a cover expander member 220 and a link expander member 230. The cover expander member 220 includes opposite ends 222 and 224 and link expander member 230 includes opposite ends 232 and 234. End 224 of the cover expander member 220 is pivotally coupled to end 234 of link expander member 230 via a connector or pin 226. A biasing mechanism 238, such as a spring (see FIG. 7), is mounted on the pin 226 and is positioned to bias members 220 and 230 apart. End 232 of member 230 is pivotally coupled to the base component 110 via a pin 236 (as shown in FIG. 7).

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the expander 100 is illustrated in an intermediate configuration 104. In this configuration, expander component 220 is pivoted along the direction of arrow “E” so that inner surface 221 of component 220 is exposed and launcher base 180 is exposed (as opposed to outer surface 223 shown in FIG. 5). Referring to FIG. 7, some of the components are illustrated in detail. In particular, biasing member 188 on pin 186, which couples the base 180 and portion 200 to each other is illustrated. Also, the pin 194 that couples portions 190 and 200 together and the pin 148 that couples portion 140 to portion 180 are also illustrated.

Referring to FIG. 8, the launcher 170 and expander component 140 are moved relative to the base component 110 along the direction of arrow “F,” thereby resulting in the expander 100 moving to another intermediate configuration 106. These movements occur automatically when the expander 100 is activated or released and the expander 100 does not stop or remain in its intermediate configurations. Thus, a single release of a latch or catch results in the automatic unfolding and expanding of the expander.

Continued expanding and unfolding of the expander 100 is illustrated in FIG. 9. As shown, the launcher 170 is pivoted along the direction of arrow “G” relative to the expander component 140 about connector 148 until an abutment between portion 180 and component 240 occurs. The launcher 170 is moved along that direction by a biasing mechanism (not shown). In addition, release portion 190 is biased along the direction of arrow “H” about the axis defined by connector 194. The movement of release portion 190 in that manner allows release member 200 to move along the direction of arrow “I” about the axis defined by connector 212. As portion 190 moves out of the way of portion 200, the biasing mechanism that biases expander members 180 and 200 apart can move member 200 along the direction of arrow “I” to the positions illustrated in FIG. 10.

In this embodiment, expander member 200 has four spaced apart projections 208 on surface 206 that define a receiving area 210 (see FIG. 11) in which an object, such as disc 240 in FIG. 10, can be placed. As the expander member 200 moves along the direction of arrow “I,” the object 240 is launched from the launcher 170 along the direction of arrow “K.”

As shown in FIG. 4, when the expander components are placed in their collapsed or retracted positions, the overall configuration of the expander 100 is relatively compact and the components are parallel with each other. However, when the expander components are released, the biasing mechanisms cause the components to quickly move to their deployed positions as illustrated in FIG. 10.

Referring to FIG. 12, another embodiment of an expander according to the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, an action FIG. 300 has a body 302 and a hand 304. Releasably coupleable to the hand 304 is an expander 310 that has a collapsed configuration 312 in which the expander 310 has a relatively small and slim profile. The expander 310 can be mounted to the hand 304 via a mounting mechanism or a frictional engagement of parts. When the expander 310 is mounted to the hand 304, the action FIG. 300 can be manipulated by a child.

The expander 310 includes a latch mechanism, which retains the expander 310 in its collapsed configuration 312. When the latch mechanism is released, the expander 310 automatically expands to its deployed configuration 314 in which the expander 310 resembles an animal that may have an attacking functionality. As shown, the different expander components move apart and have deployed positions which collectively form the shape of a scorpion having a body 311, arms 313 and 315, and a tail 317. An exemplary embodiment of such an expander 310 is illustrated in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 15-22.

Referring to FIG. 13, another embodiment of an expander according to the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, an action FIG. 320 has a body 322 and a hand 324. Releasably coupleable to the hand 324 is an expander 330. In this embodiment, the expander 330 includes a bar 338 that can be grasped by the hand 324 as shown. The expander 330 has a collapsed or retracted configuration 332 in which the expander 330 has a relatively small and slim profile.

When a latch mechanism of the expander 330 is released, the expander 330 automatically expands to a deployed configuration 330 in which it is a weapon. In this embodiment, the expander 330 has a stand 333 and a launcher 335 that is configured to project an object 336, as shown.

Referring to FIG. 14, another embodiment of an expander according to the present invention is illustrated. An action FIG. 340 has a body 342 and a hand 344. In this embodiment, the expander 350 has a retracted configuration 352 in which it resembles a weapon, such as a sword or blade, that can be held and used by the FIG. 340. Upon release of a latch mechanism, the components of the expander 350 are automatically moved to their deployed positions and the expander 350 has a deployed configuration 354. In this configuration 354, the expander 350 resembles an animal. In some implementations, the animal may have the ability to launch an object, such as a disc 356.

Referring to FIGS. 14A-22, another embodiment of an expander according to the present invention is illustrated. While expander 400 is not illustrated as being coupled to a figure, it is to be understood that the expander 400 can be mounted on a figure. For example, the expander can be mounted to the hand of a figure. In one implementation, the expander can appear to be dispensed by a ring worn by the figure, such as the actions that occur from a ring worn by the Green Lantern figure.

Referring to FIG. 14A, expander 400 is placeable in a collapsed configuration 402 in which the expander 400 is compact and folded. The expander 400 includes a pair of handles 401 that can be coupled to the hands of a toy figure. When a catch or latch is released, the expander 400 transforms to its deployed configuration 410 illustrated in FIG. 14B, which in this embodiment is a scorpion.

In this embodiment, the expander 400 has a retracted configuration 402 as shown in FIG. 15. The expander 400 has several expander components that are biased by mechanisms, such as springs, to expanded or deployed positions, as described below. When the expander components are in their deployed positions, the expander 400 has a deployed configuration 410, which is illustrated in FIG. 22. The expander 400 in its deployed position resembles a scorpion with a head, a body, arms, legs, and a tail. The expander 400 is illustrated in some intermediate configurations 404 (see FIG. 16), 406 (see FIG. 17), and 408 (see FIG. 18). When released, the expander 400 automatically reconfigures from its retracted configuration 402 to its deployed configuration 410 passing through the intermediate configurations 404, 406, and 408.

Referring back to FIG. 15, the expander 400 has several expander components, the majority of which are aligned with and parallel to each other in the collapsed configuration 402. The expander 400 has a latch component or member 420 that retains the expander components in their collapsed positions and the expander 400 in its collapsed configuration 402.

Referring to FIG. 16, the latch component 420 has a first or proximal end 422 that is pivotally coupled to another component by connector or pin 428. The body of the latch component 420 is movable about the axis defined by the connector 428 along the direction of arrow “L.” The latch component 420 also has a second or distal end 424 that has a projection 426 extending therefrom. In this embodiment, the latch component 420 has a general L-shape, which facilitates the engagement of the latch component 420 in its locking position (shown in FIG. 15).

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, a cover member 430 forms the outer, and in some orientations the front, surface of the expander 400 in its collapsed configuration 402. The cover member 430 has opposite ends 432 (see FIG. 15) and 434 (see FIG. 16). The cover member 430 has an outer surface 436 in which a notch or recess 438 is formed. The notch 438 is sized to receive the projection 426 of latch member 420 and frictionally retain it therein. When a child pushes inwardly on the cover member 430 along the direction of arrow “M,” the cover member 430 and its notch 438 move away from the projection 426. This movement allows the latch member 420 to pivot along the direction of arrow “L” automatically due to the biasing mechanism (not shown) forcing the latch member in that direction.

As shown in FIG. 16, the cover member 430 has an opening 433 formed therein in which a connector or pin 437 and a biasing member 439 located on pin 37 are located. The pin 437 is described in greater detail below.

Referring to FIG. 17, another intermediate configuration 406 of the expander 400 is illustrated. In this configuration 406, the tail 418 has pivoted about axis 417 relative to the body 412 from its position shown in FIG. 15. As shown in FIG. 17, the tail 418 of the expander 400 includes several expander components or members. In addition to cover member 430, the tail 418 includes expander member 440 that is pivotally coupled to the cover member 430. Expander member 440 includes opposite ends 442 and 444. End 442 is pivotally coupled to cover member 430 by a connector 437 which defines the axis about which the expander member 440 pivots.

In addition, expander 400 includes an expander member 450 that is pivotally coupled to expander member 440. Expander member 450 has opposite ends 452 and 454. End 452 is pivotally coupled to end 444 of member 440 by a connector 446 which defines the axis about which member 450 pivots. End 454 forms a distal tip of the tail 418.

End 434 of cover member 430 is coupled to expander member 460, which also includes opposite ends 462 and 464. In particular, end 434 is coupled to end 462 via a connector 466, which defines the axis about which the cover member 430 pivots when released. End 464 is coupled to body portion 470 by connector 468.

Notably, the sections or components of the tail 418 are movably mounted to adjacent sections in an end-to-end arrangement. The particular mountings of the sections to each other allow the sections to be placed parallel to and along other sections in the collapsed configuration 402, thereby facilitating the reduced profile of the expander 400 (see FIG. 15). Also, as shown, the components of the tail 418 are exemplary of the concept of components positioned at angles relative to each other. Notably, the angles between adjacent components are determined by mechanical stops or abutments on the components that engage the adjacent component and stop the movement relative thereto.

In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 17, the expander members 550 and 580 of the expander 400, which resemble claws of the scorpion, are retained in their retracted positions by catches 484 and 482, respectively. In FIG. 18, expander member 550 has been released from catch 484 and allowed to move to its deployed position. The expander member 550 is pivotally coupled to another member 540 by a connector 552 which is biased outwardly about connector 542 by biasing mechanism 543.

Referring to FIG. 19, the expander 400 includes pivotally coupled body portions 470 and 480. The body portions 470 and 480 are pivotally coupled to each other at ends 472 and 482 by a connector 473. In this configuration, both expander members 550 and 580 have been released and are extending outwardly from the body portion 480 from which they are supported. The catches 482 and 484 are pivotally coupled to body portion 480 and their upper or distal ends biased apart to their locking positions by a biasing member 486, such as a spring, that is placed between the catches 482 and 484. As shown in FIG. 21, the catches 482 and 484 can be moved toward each other along the directions of arrows “N” and “O,” respectively. In addition, the catches 482 and 484 can be moved together by the inner edges of members 550 and 580 engaging the lip portions of the catches 482 and 484. Once the lip portions have cleared the edges of members 550 and 580, the lip portions can engage the outer surfaces of the members 550 and 580 to retain the members 550 and 580 in their collapsed positions.

Referring back to FIG. 19, the expander 400 includes a leg member 500 that is pivotally coupled to a link member 490 by a connector 502. A biasing member 504 is located between the link member 490 and the leg member 500 such that the leg member 500 moves about the connector 502 in response to a force applied by the biasing member 504. The link member 490 is coupled to body member 470 via connector 492 and biased relative thereto by biasing mechanism 494. The link member 490 allows the leg member 500 to be folded proximate to the body member 470 and beneath expander component 550 in the collapsed configuration 402. On the opposite side of body portion 470 are another leg member 520 and link member 510 that are coupled by connectors and biased by springs in a similar manner. Referring to FIG. 20, leg member 520 has been removed from body portion 470 so that the connector 522 and biasing member 524 are visible. The connector 522 can be inserted into shoulders on the body portion 470.

Referring to FIG. 22, the expander 400 is illustrated in its deployed configuration 410 which has the configuration of a scorpion. When a child desires to collapse the expander 400 from configuration 410, the child folds or pivots the different expander components or members described above about their corresponding connectors and against the corresponding biasing members so that the expander 400 has the collapsed configuration 402 illustrated in FIG. 15.

Referring to FIGS. 22A-30, another embodiment of an expander according to the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, the expander 600 has a collapsed configuration 602 (see FIGS. 22A and 23-26) and a deployed configuration 604 (see FIGS. 22B and 27). As shown in FIG. 22A, the expander 600 has handle that can be grasped by a toy FIG. 601. The expander 600 in its collapsed configuration 602 resembles a tool, such as a buzz saw. Referring to FIG. 22B, the expander 600 in its deployed configuration 604 is a weapon that can launch projectiles 605 upon the actuation of a button or switch 603 by a user.

The expander 600 has a grasping member 610 with an end portion 612 with a bar 614 and an opening 616 defined by the bar 614. The fingers of a hand of an action figure can be formed to have an opening between them and the palm of the hand. The bar 614 can be placed in the opening and the fingers of the hand located around the bar 614 through the opening 616. In this arrangement, the action figure can hold onto and support the expander 600.

The grasping member 610 is an extension of a main body portion 620 of the expander. The main body portion 620 is generally planar and has expander components movably coupled to its opposite sides 622 and 624 (which are labeled in FIG. 24). As shown in FIG. 23, wing-like expander members 640, 660, and 680 are mounted on side 622 of the main body portion 620. The wing-like members 640, 660, and 680 are similarly shaped and have ends 642, 662, and 682, respectively. Connectors 644, 664, and 684, such as pins, couple the ends 642, 662, and 682 to link members 650, 670, and 690, respectively, which are illustrated in FIG. 27. Referring back to FIG. 23, mounted on connectors 644, 664, and 684 are biasing members 646, 666, and 686, which are disposed to bias the wing-like members 640, 660, and 680 to their deployed positions when the expander 600 is released.

The wing-like members 640, 660, and 680 are retained in their retracted positions by catches 700, 720, and 740, respectively, which are biased into locking positions illustrated in FIG. 23. In these positions, each of the catches 700, 720, and 740 engages a portion of the corresponding wing-like members 640, 660, and 680. The catches 700, 720, and 740 are pivotally mounted to the main body portion 620 and movable between locked positions and unlocked positions.

Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, an end view and a bottom view of the expander 600 in its collapsed configuration are illustrated. Support expander members 800 and 810 are pivotally coupled to the main body portion 620 via connectors 802 and 812, respectively. The expander members 800 and 810 resemble a pair of legs or supports when deployed, as discussed below.

In addition, a launcher 850 is pivotally coupled to surface 624 at end 852 by connector 853 which is captured in shoulders 626 and 628. A biasing member 854 is located between the body of the launcher 850 and the main body portion 820. The launcher 850 includes side portions 856 and 858 that extend from the body of the launcher 850. The body of the launcher 850 also includes side projections 862 and 864 (shown in FIG. 25 and in phantom in FIG. 26) that extend laterally therefrom. Also pivotally coupled to surface 624 of the main body portion 620 is a securing member 820. The securing member 820 has side portions 822 and 824 and a gap 825 therebetween. The gap 825 is sized so that the end 860 of the launcher 850 can be located between the side portions 822 and 824 and the side projections 862 and 864 captured beneath.

The launcher 850 can be a spring loaded launcher 850 that can receive a projectile and launch the projectile in response to the actuation of a button on the launcher 850.

The launcher 850 is maintained in its retracted position when the side projections 862 and 864 are captured by the side portions 822 and 824, as shown. Each of the side portions 822 and 824 includes a lip behind which the corresponding one of the side projections 862 and 864 can be located to lock and latch the expander components in their retracted positions. The expander members 800 and 810 are retained in their retracted positions as illustrated by the side members 856 and 858 of the launcher 850. Thus, as illustrated in FIGS. 23-26, the various expander components of the expander 600 are retained in their retracted positions until released.

Referring to FIG. 27, an expanded or deployed configuration 604 of the expander 600 is illustrated. As shown, the wing-like members 640, 660, and 680 move upwardly and outwardly relative to surface 622 of main body portion 620.

Referring to FIG. 28, the catches 700, 720, and 740 are illustrated in detail. The main body portion 620 includes a central shoulder 625 about which the catches 700, 720, and 740 are located. Catch 700 includes a middle portion 702 with an opening through which a connector 705 is inserted. The catch 700 is pivotally mounted to the main body portion 620 via and about the connector 705. A biasing mechanism 701, such as a spring, biases the catch 700 outwardly away from the central shoulder 625 along the direction of arrow “P” to its locking position in which the catch 700 engages an edge of the wing-like member 640. Catch 700 can be moved along the direction of arrow “Q” against the bias of the spring to disengage the catch 700 from the wing-like member 640. These movements are described below.

Similarly, catches 720 and 740 are pivotally coupled to the main body portion 620 by connectors 725 and 745, respectively. The catches 720 and 740 are biased outwardly away from the central shoulder 625 by biasing mechanisms as well. When the catches 720 and 740 are in their locking positions, the catches 720 and 740 engage edges of wing-like members 660 and 680, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 29, a bottom perspective view of expander 600 in a deployed configuration 604 is illustrated. The release of the components occurs when a child pivots member 820 about connector 823 along the direction of arrow “Z.” As member 820 is moved in that direction, the lips of portions 822 and 824 (shown as lip 827 in FIG. 29) are pulled over the side projections 862 and 864 of the launcher 850, which allows the launcher 850 to be pivoted by biasing mechanism 854 along the direction of arrow “R.” Simultaneously, expander members 800 and 810 are pivoted by their respective biasing mechanisms relative to the main body portion 620 along the direction of arrow “R” to their deployed positions.

As shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, the main body portion 620 has an actuator 880 that includes a button 882 that is movably mounted to body portion 620. The button 882 is biased outwardly along the direction of arrow “S” and can be moved inwardly along the direction of arrow “T.” The outward biasing of button 882 is caused by a biasing mechanism, such as a spring.

Referring to FIG. 30, the catches 700, 720, and 740 have lower end portions 710, 730, and 750, respectively. The lower end portions 710, 730, and 750 are integrally formed with the upper ends of the catches 700, 720, and 740, which engage the wing-like members as previously described. Each of the connectors 705, 725, and 745 is located between the upper end and the lower end of its respective catch. The button 882 includes a disc-shaped portion 883 that has a curved surface that engages the lower end portions 710, 730, and 750, forcing them to pivot about their respective connectors outwardly along the directions of arrows “AB” as the button 882 is forced along the direction of arrow “S.” When the button 882 is forced inwardly along the direction of arrow “T” in FIG. 29 and arrow “AA” in FIG. 30, the surface of portion 883 no longer forces the end portions 710, 730, and 750 outwardly. As a result, the catches 700, 720, and 740 are biased to their locking positions by their springs. This movement of the button 882 inwardly is caused by the engagement of the body of the launcher 850 with the button 882. As the launcher 850 is retained in its locked position (as shown in FIG. 26), the launcher 850 maintains the button 882 in its retracted position, thereby allowing the catches 700, 720, and 740 to engage and retain the wing-like members 640, 660, and 680 in their retracted positions.

When the latch 820 is released, the launcher 850 pivots along the direction of arrow “R” in FIG. 29, and disengages from the button 882. As a result, the button 882 moves outwardly, engaging the lower ends 710, 730, and 750 of the catches 700, 720, and 740, thereby pivoting the catches 700, 720, and 740 inwardly toward the central shoulder 825. This movement disengages the catches 700, 720, and 740 from the wing-like members 640, 660, and 680, thereby allowing the wing-like members to be moved to their deployed positions by their associated springs.

The expansion of expander 600 occurs automatically when latch 820 is released and the previously described expander components are moved by their corresponding springs. A child may move the expander components to their retracted positions in a manner reverse to the releasing of the components.

Referring to FIGS. 30A-40, another embodiment of an expander according to the present invention is illustrated. The expander 900 has a collapsed configuration 906 in which it can be held by a toy figure or user 901 (see FIG. 30B), and a deployed configuration 902 in which it is a stand-alone animal.

Referring to FIGS. 31 and 32, the expander 900 has a deployed configuration 902 in which the expander 900 has the shape or configuration of an animal. The expander 900 can be manually folded through several intermediate configurations (such as configuration 904—see FIG. 36) to a collapsed configuration 906 (see FIGS. 37 and 38). The expander 900 includes several expander components or members that are pivotally coupled and biased to deployed positions by biasing mechanisms.

In this embodiment, the expander 900 has a front end 907 and a rear end 908 and a longitudinal axis 909 that extends between the ends 907 and 908. The expander 900 includes a body portion 910 that includes a leg portion 912 and a facial portion 914 with a simulated jaw 916. In this embodiment, the leg portion 912 and the facial portion 914 are integrally formed. Body portion 910 has an end 918 that is pivotally coupled to another expander component via connector 922 which extends through shoulders 920. The body portion 910 is pivotable about connector 922. On its outer surface, body portion 910 includes a projection 924 that is integrally formed therewith. The function of the projection 924 is described in detail below.

The expander 900 also includes a body portion 930 that includes a leg portion 932 and a facial portion 934 with a simulated jaw 936. The body portion 930 has an end 938 that is pivotally coupled to another expander component via connector 942 which extends through shoulders 940. Body portion 930 is pivotally movable about connector 942.

In this embodiment, the leg portion 932 is formed separate from and is movably coupled to the body portion 930. The leg portion 932 has an end 950 that is pivotally mounted to the body portion 930 via a connector 952 that extends through shoulders 954 and 956 of the leg portion 932 and shoulder 944 of the body portion 930. The connector 952 extends through a biasing mechanism or spring 958 that biases the leg portion 932 about the connector 952 to its deployed position illustrated in FIG. 32.

Coupled to an outer surface of body portion 930 is a latch 970. The latch 970 includes a body portion 972 with an end 974 that is coupled to the leg portion 932 via a connector 976. Located about a portion of the connector 976 is a biasing mechanism 978, such as a spring. The body portion 972 includes a distal end 980 that can be engaged with the projection 924 on the other body portion 910, as described in greater detail below.

In this embodiment, expander 900 also includes a central expander assembly 1000 and rear portions 1100 and 1140 which are coupled to each other and to different expander components of the central expander assembly 1000. The central expander assembly includes a first side expander component 1010, a second side expander component 1030, and a projection expander component 1050. The first side expander component 1010 has a body portion 1012 and opposite sides or edges 1014 and 1016. Located along each of the sides or edges 1014 and 1016 are several shoulders that have an opening therethrough. Connector 1020 extends through the shoulders on side 1016 of component 1010. A biasing mechanism 1022 (shown in FIG. 31) is mounted on the connector 1020.

Similarly, the second side expander component 1030 has a body portion 1032 and opposite sides or edges 1034 and 1036. Located along each of the sides 1034 and 1036 are several shoulders that have an opening therethrough. The connector 1020 extends through the shoulders on side 1036, thereby pivotally coupling side 1036 with side 1016.

The projection component 1050 includes several shoulders, each of which includes an opening through which the connector 1020 is inserted. Thus, the connector 1020 couples the components 1010, 1030, and 1050 together along their edges. The biasing mechanism 1022 includes two end loops, one of which rests against the surface of component 1010 as shown in FIG. 31, and the other of which rests against the surface of component 1030. Accordingly, the biasing mechanism 1022 forces components 1010 and 1030 away from each other about connector 1022 and axis 909.

In this embodiment, the rear portion 1100 is pivotally coupled at one end 1102 to rear portion 1140 by a connector 1115, such as a pin (see FIG. 33). The opposite end 1104 of the rear portion 1100 is coupled to component 1030 by connector 942 as shown in FIG. 32. Rear portion 1100 also includes an end or edge 1106 to which tail portion 1110 is coupled via a connector 1108. Tail portion 1110 is biased to its deployed position by a biasing mechanism 1112 mounted on the connector 1108. A projection or tab 1114 is integrally formed with and extends from tail portion 1110. The tab 1114 is captured beneath rear portion 1100 to retain tail portion 1110 in its retracted configuration.

Similarly, rear portion 1140 is pivotally coupled at one end 1142 to rear portion 1100 by a connector, such as a pin. The opposite end 1144 of the rear portion 1140 is coupled to component 1010 by connector 922 as shown in FIG. 31. Rear portion 1140 also includes an end or edge 1146 to which tail portion 1150 is coupled via a connector 1148. Tail portion 1150 is biased to its deployed position by a biasing mechanism (not shown) mounted on the connector 1148. A projection or tab 1154 is integrally formed with and extends from tail portion 1150. The tab 1154 is captured beneath rear portion 1140 to retain tail portion 1150 in its retracted configuration

As shown in FIG. 33, coupled to an inner surface of leg portion 912 is a latch or catch 1090 that has a distal tip 1092 that is configured to engage leg portion 932 in the collapsed configuration 906, as described below. Latch 1090 is pivotally coupled to the leg portion 932 via a connector 1095 and biased along the direction of arrow “U.”

Referring to FIG. 35, an intermediate configuration 904 showing the folding of the components of expander 900 is illustrated. Side expander components 1010 and 1030 are pivoted about connector 1020 along the direction of arrows “V” and “W,” respectively. Simultaneously, rear portions 1110 and 1140 are pivoted about connector 1115 along the direction of arrows “X” and “Y,” respectively.

Referring to FIGS. 36-38, different views of the expander 900 in its collapsed configuration 906 are illustrated. As shown in FIG. 36, tail portion 1150 is substantially aligned with rear portion 1140, which is also aligned with body portion 910. Similarly, the tail portion, rear portion, and body portion on the opposite side of the expander 900 are aligned with each other. The components are maintained in their collapsed positions when the latch 970 is moved from its unlocked position 971 (see FIG. 37) to its locked position 973 (see FIG. 36). In addition, latch 1090 is also used to retain the expander components in their collapsed positions. As shown in FIG. 38, latch 1090, which is pivotally coupled to portion 910 via connector 1095, is moved so that the tip 1092 engages a recess or notch 931 formed in body portion 930. The biasing mechanism 1097 biases the latch 1090 along the direction of arrow “Z” about connector 1095, thereby maintaining the latch 1090 in engagement with the recess 931.

The expander components are retained in their collapsed positions by a latch members, which when released, allow the various components of the expander 900 to automatically move to their deployed positions based on the forces of biasing mechanisms located between adjacent components.

Referring to FIGS. 39 and 40, perspective views of another embodiment of an expander according to the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, the expander 1200 is transformable between a collapsed configuration 1210 and a deployed configuration 1212. In its collapsed configuration 1210, the expander 1200 is folded and its expander members or components are substantially parallel to each other. In its deployed configuration 1212, the expander members are biased apart and the expander 1200 resembles an animal, such as an alligator.

Referring to FIGS. 41 and 42, perspective views of additional embodiments of expanders according to the present invention are illustrated. As shown, expander 1250 has a deployed configuration 1252 in which its expander members have been pivoted apart to deployed positions. Expander 1250 includes a handle portion 1254 that can be coupled to the hand of a toy figure so that the toy figure can carry the expander 1250. As illustrated in FIG. 42, expander 1270 has a deployed configuration 1272 in which its expander members are moved to their spaced apart positions, thereby creating the appearance of an animal.

Consistent with the foregoing description, expander components of an expander may be coupled to one or more adjacent components in an end-to-end or an edge-to-edge arrangement. Some components may be components may be coupled to multiple components. In some embodiments, the ends or edges of a component that are coupled to other components are generally parallel to each other. In other embodiments, the ends or edges of a component that are coupled to other components can be angled or offset relative to each other. In yet other embodiments, the ends or edges of a component that are coupled to other components can be substantially perpendicular to each other. Finally, a component may have some of its connected edges or ends that are parallel, perpendicular, and/or offset from other edges or ends that are connected to other components.

In one embodiment, the expander components are formed of molded plastic. In one embodiment, the expander can resemble a vehicle, such as a car or a truck, in its expanded configuration.

It is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “end,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points or portions of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Further, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., merely identify one of a number of portions, components and/or points of reference as disclosed herein, and do not limit the present invention to any particular configuration or orientation.

Although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the inventions. In addition, various features from one of the embodiments may be incorporated into another of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the invention be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A toy comprising:

a first expander member having a thin, planar configuration, a first end, and a second end opposite to the first end;

a second expander member having a thin, planar configuration, a first end, and a second end opposite to the first end of the second expander member, the second end of the first expander member being pivotally coupled to the second end of the second expander member in an end-to-end arrangement, the first expander member being movable relative to the second expander member, the first expander member and the second expander member being placeable in retracted positions and in expanded or deployed positions relative to each other, the first expander member and the second expander member being angled away from each other in the expanded positions and parallel to each other in the retracted positions.

2. The toy of claim 1, further comprising:

a first biasing member coupled to the first expander member and to the second expander member, the first biasing member biasing the first expander member and the second expander member away from each other to the expanded positions.

3. The toy of claim 2, further comprising:

a latch mechanism that is configured to retain the first expander member and the second expander member in their retracted positions against the force of the first biasing member.

4. The toy of claim 1, further comprising:

a third expander member having a thin, planar configuration, a first end, and a second end opposite to the first end of the third expander member, the second end of the third expander member being pivotally coupled to the first end of the second expander member in an end-to-end arrangement, the third expander member being movable relative to the second expander member, the third expander member and the second expander member being placeable in retracted positions and in expanded positions relative to each other, the third expander member and the second expander member being angled away from each other in their expanded positions and parallel to each other in their retracted positions.

5. The toy of claim 4, further comprising:

a second biasing member coupled to the third expander member and to the second expander member, the second biasing member moving the third expander member and the second expander member away from each other to their expanded positions, the first expander member, the second expander member, and the third expander member are proximate to each other and extend along and parallel to each other in their retracted positions when the toy is in its collapsed configuration, and the first expander member, the second expander member, and the third expander member are angled away from each other in their expanded positions when the toy is in its deployed configuration.

6. The toy of claim 4, wherein the first expander member, the second expander member, and the third expander member are co-planar in their expanded positions.

7. The toy of claim 4, wherein the first expander member and the third expander member overly the second expander member when the first expander member, the second expander member, and the third expander member are in their retracted positions.

8. A reconfigurable toy having a flat, collapsed configuration and a deployed configuration, comprising

a first expander member having a flat configuration and an outer perimeter edge;

a second expander member having a flat configuration and an outer perimeter edge, the outer perimeter edge of the first expander member being pivotally coupled to the outer perimeter edge of the second expander member, the first expander member and the second expander member being movable between retracted positions and expanded positions relative to each other, the first expander member and the second expander member being angled away from each other in their expanded positions and extending along and parallel to each other in their retracted positions;

a first biasing member coupled to the first expander member and to the second expander member, the first biasing member moving the first expander member and the second expander member to their expanded positions;

a third expander member having a flat configuration and an outer perimeter edge, the other perimeter edge of the third expander member being pivotally coupled to the outer perimeter edge of the second expander member, the third expander member and the second expander member being movable between retracted positions and expanded positions relative to each other, the third expander member and the second expander member being angled away from each other in their expanded positions and extending along and parallel to each other in their retracted positions; and

a second biasing member coupled to the third expander member and to the second expander member, the second biasing member moving the third expander member and the second expander member to their expanded positions, the first expander member, the second expander member, and the third expander member are in their expanded positions when the toy is in its deployed configuration, and the first expander member, the second expander member, and the third expander member are in their retracted positions when the toy is in its collapsed configuration.

9. The reconfigurable toy of claim 8, wherein the first expander member is coupled to the second expander member in an end-to-end arrangement.

10. The reconfigurable toy of claim 8, wherein the first expander member and the second expander member contact each other along their length in their retracted positions, and the third expander member and the second expander member contact each other along their length in their retracted positions.

11. The toy of claim 8, further comprising:

a latch mechanism that is configured to retain the first expander member and the second expander member in their retracted positions against the bias of the first biasing member.

12. The toy of claim 11, wherein the latch mechanism retains the second expander member and the third expander member in their retracted positions against the bias of the second biasing member.

13. The toy of claim 8, wherein the first expander member, the second expander member, and the third expander member are co-planar in their expanded positions.

14. The toy of claim 8, wherein the first expander member and the third expander member overly the second expander member when the first expander member, the second expander member, and the third expander member are in their retracted positions.

15. An action figure, comprising:

a body; and

an expander coupled to the body, the expander having a collapsed configuration and a deployed configuration, the expander including multiple expander components, each of the multiple expander components is pivotally coupled to at least one other expander component, the expander components extending substantially parallel to each other in the deployed configuration and being placed along and next to adjacent expander components in the collapsed configuration.

16. The action figure of claim 15, wherein the expander includes a retaining mechanism and at least one biasing member located between expander components that are coupled together, and the release of the retaining mechanism allows the expander components to move to deployed positions due to the at least one biasing member.

17. The action figure of claim 15, wherein the body has a hand and the expander is mounted to the hand.

18. The action figure of claim 15, wherein the multiple expander components include a first expander component, a second expander component, and a third expander component, the first expander component is pivotally coupled to the second expander component, and the second expander component is pivotally coupled to the third expander component.

19. The action figure of claim 18, wherein the first expander member, the second expander member, and the third expander member are co-planar in their expanded positions.

20. The toy of claim 18, wherein the first expander member and the third expander member overly the second expander member when the first expander member, the second expander member, and the third expander member are in their retracted positions.