Abstract:
A toy figurine includes internal light and sound effects that are coordinated with the manipulation of a toy figurine joint. The toy figurine joint may be configured to perform an action when manipulated. The light and sound effects may be coordinated with the performance of that action. The light and sound effects may serve to enhance or embellish the performance of that action. The embellishment stimulates the senses and the imagination and otherwise enhances the play value of the toy figure.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to and is based on U.S. Patent Application No. 61/528,405, filed Aug. 29, 2011, entitled “Toy Figurine with Light and Sound Effects,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The disclosure relates generally to a toy figure. More specifically, the toy figurine includes internal light and sound effects that are coordinated with the manipulation of a toy figurine joint. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Toy figures have been and continue to be a stable source of amusement for children. Enhancements that spark a child&#39;s imagination and features that provide continued engagement of the toy figurine with the child add to its play value and build a bond between the child and the toy figure. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,296,543 B1 to Andrews discloses a toy figurine having an enhanced punching feature. When the toy figure&#39;s torso is pivoted and released, the upper torso rapidly pivots back to its original alignment imparting a punching motion to one of the toy figure&#39;s arms. The punching arm supports a switch, a flash element, and a light emitting diode (LED). A control circuit responds to actuation of the switch to produce a crash-type sound and to energize the flash element to provide a simultaneous burst of bright light each time the toy figure&#39;s hand impacts a suitable object. While Andrews provides an entertaining play pattern, the activation of light and sound is limited to when the figure&#39;s hand impacts an object. 
         [0005]    The WWE FLEXFORCE product line by MATTEL includes action figures that re-enact the signature moves of certain WWE personalities. For example, the FIST POUNDIN&#39; JOHN CENA action figurine includes a torso joint at the stomach area of the figure. A child may pivot the upper torso backwards by pulling the figure&#39;s arms up and back. Releasing the figure&#39;s arms causes both the arms and the torso joint to quickly return to their original positions. Through this sequence of motions, the child may re-enact their wrestling idol picking up and hurling an opponent into ringside ropes or smashing down on an opponent with two beefy fists. Similarly, the HOOK THROWIN&#39; CHRIS JERICHO action figurine includes elbow and shoulder joints that quickly return to their original positions to simulate a hook punch. The BIG TALKIN&#39; TRIPLE H action figurine includes a similar elbow and shoulder joint, but further includes a “signature phrase,” such as “time to play the game,” that the figurine “speaks” when the arm is pulled back about the shoulder joint. Additionally, the FLIP KICKIN&#39; REY MYSTERIO action figurine includes knee, hip and ankle joints that quickly return to their original positions to allow the figurine to simulate a kick or perform a flip. The ROUND HOUSE KICKIN&#39; EVAN BOURNE action figurine includes a leg joint that quickly returns to its original position to allow the figurine to simulate a kick. The leg joint in this figurine is described with more detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/495,584, filed on Jun. 13, 2012, entitled Toy Figure with Articulating Limb, which is hereby incorporated by reference in full. These WWE FLEXFORCE action figures do not include any electronics, including flashing lights or “charging up” sounds to accompany their movements. 
         [0006]    The GREEN LANTERN GALACTIC SCALE KILOWOG action figurine by MATTEL includes an internally lit-up ring symbol on the figure&#39;s chest. When the figure&#39;s right arm is raised from down by its side to straight up in front, the light-up ring symbol flashes with a steady pulse. The light pulses continue for a set time regardless of whether the arm stays up or is moved back to its original lowered position while the light pulses. The figurine does not include any sound to accompany its movement, nor do the figure&#39;s light pulses indicate any “charging up” patterns. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    The toy figurine includes internal light and sound effects that are coordinated with the manipulation of a toy figurine joint. The toy figurine joint may be configured to perform an action when manipulated and the light and sound effects may be coordinated with the performance of that action. The light and sound effects may serve to enhance or embellish the performance of that action. 
         [0008]    Other systems, methods, features and advantages will be, or will become, apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. All such additional systems, methods, features and advantages are included within this description, are within the scope of the claimed subject matter, and are protected by the following claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    The toy figurine with internal light and sound effects may be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The elements in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the toy figurine with internal light and sound effects. In the figures, like-referenced numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a diagram of a toy figure. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a depiction of a toy figurine with an illumination circuit in its upper torso. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a depiction of a toy figurine with an illumination circuit in its arm. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a depiction of a toy figurine with an illumination circuit in its leg. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a depiction of a second toy figurine with an illumination circuit in its leg. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a depiction of a toy figurine posed in different configurations. 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a depiction of an alternative toy figurine posed in different configurations. 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a depiction of a second alternative toy figurine posed in different configurations. 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a depiction of an alternative toy figurine with an illumination circuit in its upper torso. 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a depiction of an alternative toy figurine with an illumination circuit in its arm. 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is a depiction of an alternative toy figurine with an illumination circuit in its leg. 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is a depiction of an internal compartment of a toy figurine with an illumination circuit in its upper torso. 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  is a zoomed-in view of the internal compartment of a toy figurine with an illumination circuit in its upper torso. 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  is a depiction of an internal compartment of a toy figurine with an illumination circuit in its arm. 
           [0024]      FIG. 15  is a zoomed-in view of the internal compartment of a toy figurine with an illumination circuit in its arm. 
           [0025]      FIG. 16  is a depiction of an internal compartment of a toy figurine with an illumination circuit in its leg. 
           [0026]      FIG. 17  is a zoomed-in view of the internal compartment of the toy figurine with an illumination circuit in its leg of  FIG. 16 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 18  is a depiction of an internal compartment of an alternative toy figurine with an illumination circuit in its leg. 
           [0028]      FIG. 19  is a zoomed-in view of the internal compartment of the alternative toy figurine with an illumination circuit in its leg of  FIG. 18 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 20  is a circuit diagram for a toy figurine with light and sound effects. 
           [0030]      FIG. 21  is a flowchart for providing a toy figurine with light and sound effects. 
           [0031]      FIG. 22  is a timeline for activating light and sound effects in a toy figure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0032]    The toy figurine includes internal light and sound effects that are coordinated with the manipulation of a toy figurine joint. The toy figurine joint may be configured to perform an action when manipulated. For example, an arm joint may be biased to return to a position in front of the figure, such that when the figure&#39;s arm is pulled back and released, the resulting motion simulates the figurine throwing a punch. The light and sound effects may be coordinated with the performance of that action. The light and sound effects may serve to enhance or embellish the performance of that action. For example, the light and sound effects may provide the appearance of the figure&#39;s arm charging up energy before throwing the simulated punch. 
         [0033]      FIG. 1  is a diagram  100  of a toy figurine  102  according to some embodiments of the present invention. The toy figurine  102  includes a torso, which includes an upper torso  104  and a lower torso  106 , and various members, including two arms, one of which is an action arm  108 , and two legs, an action leg  110  and a stabilizing leg  112 . The action arm  108  connects to the upper torso  104  at a shoulder joint  114 . The shoulder joint  114  includes an elastic member  122  that connects the action arm  108  to the upper torso  104 . The elastic member  122  may bias the action arm  108  and the upper torso  104  into a first configuration. For example, the elastic member  122  may be a torsion spring that biases the arm into a position extending straight out in front of the torso of the figure. Thus, if the arm is pulled back about the shoulder joint  114 , such that the arm and torso are in a second configuration, and then released, the arm will snap back to extending in front of the torso. A switch  124  is positioned proximate the shoulder joint  114 . The switch  124  closes when the arm and torso are in the second configuration. The switch  124  signals a controller  126 , and the controller  126  controls an illumination circuit  128  in the arm and a sound circuit  130  in the torso. The controller  126  may coordinate the activation of the illumination circuit  128  and the sound circuit  130  to enhance the experience of manipulating the arm into the second configuration and/or releasing the arm from the second configuration. 
         [0034]    In one example that simulates a “charging up” of the arm, the illumination circuit  128  may pulse light at a first frequency when the arm and the torso are first manipulated into the second configuration. The light may pulse at a second frequency that is higher than the first frequency after the arm and torso are held in the second configuration for a first predetermined amount of time. After the arm and torso continue to be held in the second configuration for a second predetermined amount of time, which may be greater than the first predetermined amount of time, the light may cease pulsing and instead remain constantly lit. This sequence of light pulses may represent that the arm is “charged up.” Alternatively, the light may begin pulsing slowly with a gradual increase in the pulsing frequency until the pulsing reaches a constant lighting. 
         [0035]    Continuing the example, the sound circuit  130  may produce a first sound after the arm and torso are held in the second configuration for the second predetermined amount of time. The first sound may represent that the arm is “charged up.” Alternatively or additionally, the sound circuit  130  may produce a preliminary sound after the first predetermined amount of time. The preliminary sound may build up with the first sound to further enhance the impression of an action “charging up.” 
         [0036]    When the arm and torso are released from the second configuration, the bias from the elastic member  122  may forcibly return the arm and torso toward the first configuration. The release may also open the switch  124 . Opening the switch may signal the controller  126 , and the controller  126  may then control the illumination circuit  128  in the arm and the sound circuit  130  in the torso to further enhance the release of the arm from the second configuration. 
         [0037]    In one example that simulates “decharging” of the arm, the light may begin the sequence in a constantly lit state while the arm and torso are in the second configuration. Upon release of the arm from the second configuration, the light may first blink and then begin a slow fade to dark. The fade to darkness may represent the arm “decharging.” Alternatively, the light may provide a quick flash before suddenly going dark. Continuing the example, the sound circuit  130  may produce a second sound after the arm and torso are released from the second configuration. The second sound may represent that the arm is “decharging.” In some embodiments, the sound may represent contact from a thrown punch. In other embodiments, the sound may represent a grunt of exertion from a person throwing a punch. An exemplary timeline for producing light and sound effects coordinated with the manipulation of a toy figurine is reproduced in  FIG. 22 . 
         [0038]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the upper torso  104  connects to the lower torso  106  at a waist joint  116 . In a manner similar to the action arm  108  and the upper torso  104  above, the waist joint  116  has an elastic member  122  that biases the upper torso  104  and the lower torso  106  into a first configuration. For example, the elastic member  122  may be a torsion spring that biases the upper torso  104  into a position extending straight up from the lower torso  106  of the figure. Thus, if the upper torso  104  is pulled back about the waist joint  116 , such that the upper torso  104  and lower torso  106  are in a second configuration, and then released, the upper torso  104  will snap back toward extending straight up from the lower torso  106 . A switch  124  is positioned proximate the waist joint  116 . The switch  124  closes when the upper torso  104  and lower torso  106  are in the second configuration. The switch  124  signals a controller  126 , and the controller  126  controls an illumination circuit  128  and a sound circuit  130  in the upper torso  104 . The controller  126  may coordinate the activation of the illumination circuit and the sound circuit  130  to enhance the manipulation of the upper torso  104  into the second configuration and/or the release of the upper torso  104  from the second configuration. 
         [0039]    The action leg  110  connects to the lower torso  106  at a hip joint  118 . In a manner similar to the action arm  108  and the upper torso  104  above, the hip joint  118  has an elastic member  122  that biases the action leg  110  and the lower torso  106  into a first configuration. For example, the elastic member  122  may be a torsion spring that biases the action leg  110  into a position extending straight down from the lower torso  106  of the figure. Thus, if the action leg  110  is pulled back about the hip joint  118 , such that the action leg  110  and lower torso  106  are in a second configuration, and then released, the action leg  110  will snap back toward extending straight down from the lower torso  106 . A switch  124  is positioned proximate the hip joint  118 . The switch  124  closes when the action leg  110  and lower torso  106  are in the second configuration. The switch  124  signals a controller  126 , and the controller  126  controls an illumination circuit  128  in the action leg  110  and a sound circuit  130  in the torso. The controller  126  may coordinate the activation of the illumination circuit and the sound circuit  130  to enhance the manipulation of the action leg  110  into the second configuration and/or the release of the action leg  110  from the second configuration. 
         [0040]    The stabilizing leg  112  connects to the lower torso  106  at a leg joint  120 . In a manner similar to the action arm  108  and the upper torso  104  above, the leg joint  120  has an elastic member  122  that biases the stabilizing leg  112  and the lower torso  106  into a first configuration. For example, the elastic member  122  may be a torsion spring that biases the stabilizing leg  112  into a position extending straight down from the lower torso  106  of the figure. Thus, if the lower torso  106  is twisted about the leg joint  120 , such that the stabilizing leg  112  and lower torso  106  are in a second configuration, and then released, the lower torso  106  will snap back such that the stabilizing leg  112  extends straight down from the lower torso  106 . A switch  124  is positioned proximate the leg joint  120 . The switch  124  closes when the stabilizing leg  112  and lower torso  106  are in the second configuration. The switch  124  signals a controller  126 , and the controller  126  controls an illumination circuit  128  in the action leg  110  and a sound circuit  130  in the torso. The controller  126  may coordinate the activation of the illumination circuit and the sound circuit  130  to enhance the manipulation of the lower torso  106  into the second configuration and/or the release of the lower torso  106  from the second configuration. 
         [0041]      FIG. 2  is a depiction  200  of a toy figurine  202  with an illumination circuit in its upper torso according to some embodiments of the present invention. The toy figurine  202  includes an upper torso  104  connected to a lower torso  106  at a waist joint  116 . The waist joint  116  includes an elastic member that biases the upper torso  104  and the lower torso  106  into a first configuration, as illustrated here. The upper torso  104  may be pulled back about the waist joint  116 , such that the upper torso  104  and lower torso  106  are in a second configuration, and then released. Upon release, the upper torso  104  will snap back toward extending straight up from the lower torso  106 . Manipulating the upper torso  104  and the lower torso  106  into the second configuration may trigger light or sound effects from the toy figurine  202 , including a light effect in the upper torso  104 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 3  is a depiction  300  of a toy figurine  302  with an illumination circuit in its arm according to some embodiments of the present invention. The toy figurine  302  includes an action arm  108  connected to an upper torso  104  at a shoulder joint  114 . The shoulder joint  114  includes an elastic member that biases the action arm  108  and the upper torso  104  into a first configuration, as illustrated here. The action arm  108  may be pulled back about the upper torso  104 , such that the action arm  108  and upper torso  104  are in a second configuration, and then released. Upon release, the action arm  108  will snap back toward extending straight out in front of the upper torso  104 . Manipulating the action arm  108  and the upper torso  104  into the second configuration may trigger light or sound effects from the toy figurine  302 , including a light effect in the action arm  108 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 4  is a depiction  400  of a toy figurine  402  with an illumination circuit in its leg according to some embodiments of the present invention. The toy figurine  402  includes an action leg  110  connected to a lower torso  106  at a hip joint  118 . The hip joint  118  includes an elastic member that biases the action leg  110  and the lower torso  106  into a first configuration, as illustrated here. The action leg  110  may be pulled back about the lower torso  106 , such that the action leg  110  and lower torso  106  are in a second configuration, and then released. Upon release, the action leg  110  will snap back toward extending straight down from the lower torso  106 . Manipulating the action leg  110  and the lower torso  106  into the second configuration may trigger light or sound effects from the toy figurine  402 , including a light effect in the action leg  110 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 5  is a depiction  500  of a second toy figurine  502  with an illumination circuit in its leg according to some embodiments of the present invention. The toy figurine  502  includes a stabilizing leg  112  connected to a lower torso  106  at a leg joint  120 . The leg joint  120  includes an elastic member that biases the stabilizing leg  112  and the lower torso  106  into a first configuration, as illustrated here. The lower torso  106  may be twisted about the leg joint  120 , such that the stabilizing leg  112  and lower torso  106  are in a second configuration, and then released. Upon release, the lower torso  106  will snap back such that the stabilizing leg  112  extends straight down from the lower torso  106 . Manipulating the stabilizing leg  112  and the lower torso  106  into the second configuration may trigger light or sound effects from the toy figurine  502 , including a light effect in an action leg  110 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 6  is a depiction  600  of a toy figurine posed in different configurations according to some embodiments of the present invention. The depicted toy figurine includes an upper torso  104  connected to a lower torso  106  at a waist joint  116 , similar to the toy figurine  202  depicted in  FIG. 2 . From a first configuration  602 , the upper torso  104  may be pulled back about the waist joint  116 , such that the upper torso  104  and lower torso  106  are in a second configuration  604 , and then released. Upon release, the upper torso  104  will snap back toward the first configuration  602 , i.e. extending straight up from the lower torso  106 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 7  is a depiction  700  of an alternative toy figurine posed in different configurations according to some embodiments of the present invention. The depicted toy figurine includes an action arm  108  connected to an upper torso  104  at a shoulder joint  114 , similar to the toy figurine  302  depicted in  FIG. 3 . From a first configuration  702 , the action arm  108  may be pulled back about the upper torso  104 , such that the action arm  108  and upper torso  104  are in a second configuration  704 , and then released. Upon release, the action arm  108  will snap back toward the first configuration  702 , i.e. extending straight out in front of the upper torso  104   
         [0047]      FIG. 8  is a depiction  800  of a second alternative toy figurine posed in different configurations according to some embodiments of the present invention. The depicted toy figurine includes an action leg  110  connected to a lower torso  106  at a hip joint  118 , similar to the toy figurine  402  depicted in  FIG. 4 . From a first configuration  802 , the action leg  110  may be pulled back about the lower torso  106 , such that the action leg  110  and lower torso  106  are in a second configuration  804 , and then released. Upon release, the action leg  110  will snap back toward the first configuration  802 , i.e. extending straight down from the lower torso  106 . Manipulation of the toy figures in the depictions  600 ,  700  and  800  into or out of the different configurations may trigger light and/or sound effects. 
         [0048]      FIG. 9  is a depiction  900  of an alternative toy figurine  902  with an illumination circuit in its upper torso according to some embodiments of the present invention. The toy figurine  902  includes an upper torso  104  connected to a lower torso  106  at a waist joint  116 , similar to the toy figurine  202  depicted in  FIG. 2 . The upper torso  104  is pulled back about the waist joint  116 , such that the upper torso  104  and lower torso  106  are in a second configuration. A switch positioned proximate the waist joint  116  has triggered a light effect  904  in the upper torso  104 . The light effect  904  may originate from a light source, such as a light emitting diode (LED), embedded within the upper torso  104  and controlled by a controller  126 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 10  is a depiction  1000  of an alternative toy figurine  1002  with an illumination circuit in its arm according to some embodiments of the present invention. The toy figurine  1002  includes an action arm  108  connected to an upper torso  104  at a shoulder joint  114 , similar to the toy figurine  302  depicted in  FIG. 3 . The action arm  108  is pulled back about the upper torso  104 , such that the action arm  108  and upper torso  104  are in a second configuration. A switch positioned proximate the shoulder joint  114  has triggered a light effect  1004  in the action arm  108 . The light effect  1004  may originate from a LED embedded within the action arm  108  and controlled by a controller. 
         [0050]      FIG. 11  is a depiction  1100  of an alternative toy figurine  1102  with an illumination circuit in its leg according to some embodiments of the present invention. The toy figurine  1102  includes an action leg  110  connected to a lower torso  106  at a hip joint  118 , similar to the toy figurine  402  depicted in  FIG. 4 . The action leg  110  is pulled back about the lower torso  106 , such that the action leg  110  and lower torso  106  are in a second configuration. A switch positioned proximate the hip joint  118  has triggered a light effect  1104  in the action leg  110 . The light effect  1104  may originate from a LED embedded within the action leg  110  and controlled by a controller. 
         [0051]      FIG. 12  is a depiction  1200  of an internal compartment of a toy figurine  1202  with an illumination circuit in its upper torso according to some embodiments of the present invention. The toy figurine  1202  includes an upper torso  104  connected to a lower torso  106  at a waist joint  116 , similar to the toy figurine  202  depicted in  FIG. 2 . A switch positioned proximate the waist joint  116  may be in electrical or communicative contact with a controller  126 . The controller  126  is also in electrical or communicative contact with an illumination circuit  128  in the upper torso  104  and a sound circuit in the torso. 
         [0052]      FIG. 13  is a zoomed-in view of the internal compartment of a toy figurine  1202  with an illumination circuit in its upper torso. In this embodiment, the controller  126  and the illumination circuit  128  share the same printed circuit board. 
         [0053]      FIG. 14  is a depiction  1400  of an internal compartment of a toy figurine  1402  with an illumination circuit in its arm according to some embodiments of the present invention. The toy figurine  1402  includes an action arm  108  that connects to an upper torso  104  at a shoulder joint  114 , similar to the toy figurine  302  depicted in  FIG. 3 . A switch positioned proximate the shoulder joint  114  may be in electrical or communicative contact with a controller. The controller is also in electrical or communicative contact with an illumination circuit  128  in the action arm  108  and a sound circuit in the torso. 
         [0054]      FIG. 15  is a zoomed-in view of the internal compartment of a toy figurine  1402  with an illumination circuit  128  mounted, embedded, or otherwise included in action arm  108 . In this embodiment, the controller and the illumination circuit  128  are in separate locations within the figure. 
         [0055]      FIG. 16  is a depiction  1600  of an internal compartment of a toy figurine  1602  with an illumination circuit in its leg according to some embodiments of the present invention. The toy figurine  1602  includes an action leg  110  that connects to a lower torso  106  at a hip joint  118 , similar to the toy figurine  402  depicted in  FIG. 4 . The hip joint  118  includes an elastic member  122  that connects the action leg  110  to the lower torso  106 . In this embodiment, the elastic member  122  is a torsion spring that biases the action leg  110  into a position extending straight down from the lower torso  106 . A switch positioned proximate the hip joint  118  may be in electrical or communicative contact with a controller  126 . The controller  126  is also in electrical or communicative contact with an illumination circuit  128  in the action leg  110  and a sound circuit in the torso. 
         [0056]      FIG. 17  is a zoomed-in view of the internal compartment of a toy figurine  1602  with an illumination circuit  128  mounted, embedded, or otherwise included in action leg  110 . In this embodiment, the controller  126  and the illumination circuit  128  are in separate locations within the figure. 
         [0057]      FIG. 18  is a depiction  1800  of an internal compartment of an alternative toy figurine  1802  with an illumination circuit in its leg according to some embodiments of the present invention. The toy figurine  1802  includes a stabilizing leg (not shown in  FIG. 18 ) that connects to a lower torso  106  at a leg joint  120 , similar to the toy figurine  502  depicted in  FIG. 5 . A switch positioned proximate the leg joint  120  may be in electrical or communicative contact with a controller. The controller is also in electrical or communicative contact with an illumination circuit  128  in the action leg  110  and a sound circuit in the torso. 
         [0058]      FIG. 19  is a zoomed-in view of the internal compartment of the alternative toy figurine  1802  with an illumination circuit  128  mounted, embedded, or otherwise included in its action leg  110 . In this embodiment, the controller and the illumination circuit  128  are in separate locations within the figure. 
         [0059]      FIG. 20  is a circuit diagram  2000  for a toy figurine with light and sound effects. The circuit diagram  2000  includes a controller circuit diagram  2000 A, an illumination circuit diagram  2000 B, a sound circuit diagram  2000 C, a switch circuit diagram  2000 D, and a power circuit diagram  2000 E. The controller circuit diagram  2000 A includes an integrated circuit  2002  and resistors  2004 . The integrated circuit may include logic that controls the lights and sounds output by the toy figure. In this exemplary embodiment, the integrated circuit  2002  is a AM4EB010X one-channel speech and dual tone microcontroller unit from ALPHA MICROELECTRONICS CORP. Pins  1  (PWM 2 /COUT) and  3  (PWM 1 ) are tied to leads from the sound circuit. Pin  6  (OSC) is tied by the two resistors 2004 in series (ROSC 1 , ROSC 2 ) to the IC power supply VDD. Pins  2  (VDD 1 ) and  5  (VDD 2 ) are tied directly to the IC power supply VDD. Pins  7  (PRA 0 ) and  8  (PRA 1 /IR) are tied to the switch circuit. Pins  9  (PRA 2 ) and  11  (PRA 3 /RESET) are tied to the illumination circuit. Pins  4  (GND 1 ) and  10  (GND 2 ) are tied to ground. 
         [0060]    The illumination circuit diagram  2000 B includes a light source  2006  and two resistors  2008 . One lead of the light source  2006  is connected to the IC power supply VDD, while the other lead is connected by the two resistors in parallel to PRA 2  and PRA 3  pins of the controller. The light source  2006  may be a LED, specifically a M3R4UCB66-S 3 mm Ultra Bright Red LED from STRONG BASE INVESTMENTS LTD. The sound circuit diagram  2000 C includes a speaker  2010 . The speaker  2010  is connected to the PWM 1  and PWM 2  pins of the controller. The speaker  2010  may be a HB-TY15055SC16R1-C1 15 mm 16 ohm 0.1 W H-5.5 mm Fe frame speaker from CAN PRODUCTS CO. LTD. 
         [0061]    The switch circuit  2000 D includes a switch  2012 , a resistor  2014 , and a test switch  2016 . The switch  2012  and the resistor  2014  connect the IC power supply VDD to a PRA 0  pin on the controller. The switch  2012  may be a push switch or a tact switch, such as a TD-123XAJ-160gf push switch from ZHAO DA ELECTRONIC LTD. Test switch  2016  also connects the IC power supply VDD to the controller, but via a PRA 1  pin on the controller. The power circuit  2000 E includes a power source  2018 , a transistor  2020 , two resistors  2022 , and four capacitors  2024 . The power source  2018  may be a LR44x3 microcell battery. The transistor  2020  may be an  58050  transistor. 
         [0062]      FIG. 21  is a flowchart  2100  for providing a toy figurine with light and sound effects. A first toy member is coupled to a second toy member ( 2102 ). The two toy members may be coupled at a joint. The coupling may include an elastic member, such as a torsion spring. A sound circuit is provided ( 2104 ). The sound circuit may be provided within the torso of the toy figure. An illumination circuit is provided ( 2106 ). The illumination circuit may be provided in the first toy member, the second toy member, or a separate member of the toy figure, such as a torso or alternative appendage. Preferably, the illumination circuit is provided in an area of the toy figurine that provides a conceptual meaning of “charging up” the area. A switch circuit is provided ( 2108 ). The switch circuit may be provided proximate to where the first toy member and the second toy member are coupled. The switch circuit may be positioned such that it closes when the first toy member and the second toy member are in a particular configuration with respect to each other. A controller is coupled to the sound circuit, the illumination circuit, and the switch circuit ( 2110 ). The controller may be electrically or communicatively coupled to each of the circuits such that the controller and send and/or receive data from each of the circuits or otherwise control each circuit. The controller is configured ( 2112 ). 
         [0063]    Now referring to  FIG. 22 , a timeline for activating light and sound effects in a toy figurine may be depicted. The timeline illustrates exemplary configurations of the controller according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. For example, the controller may be configured to receive a signal from the switch when the first toy member and the second toy member are in a particular configuration. The controller may be further configured to cause the illumination circuit to pulse light at a first frequency when the first toy member and the second toy member are positioned in the particular configuration. The controller may be further configured to cause the illumination circuit to pulse light at a second frequency, higher than the first frequency, when the first toy member and the second toy member remain in the second configuration for a first predetermined time. The controller may be further configured to cause the illumination circuit to produce light at a constant rate after the first toy member and the second toy member remain in the particular configuration for a second predetermined amount of time greater than the first predetermined time. The controller may be further configured to cause the illumination circuit to produce a light effect when the first toy member and the second toy member are released from the second configuration. Release from the second configuration may occur when the switch opens. The controller may be further configured to cause the sound circuit to produce an audible sound when the first toy member and the second toy member are positioned in the particular configuration. The controller may be further configured to cause the sound circuit to produce the audible sound when the first toy member and the second toy member remain in the particular configuration for the first predetermined time. The controller may be further configured to cause the sound circuit to produce the audible sound after the first toy member and the second toy member remain in the predetermined configuration for a second predetermined amount of time greater than the first predetermined time. The controller may be configured to cause the sound circuit to produce a second audible sound after the first toy member and the second toy member are released from the second configuration. 
         [0064]    It is believed that the disclosure set forth above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a preferred form, the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed herein. Similarly, where any description recites “a” or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof, such disclosure should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. 
         [0065]    While various embodiments of the toy figurine with internal light and sound effects have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.