Abstract:
A toy kit, comprising of a plurality of interchangeable figures; a transformable toy configured to transform between a vehicle configuration and a powersuit configuration, the transformable toy including a first figure receiver accessible in the vehicle configuration and a second figure receiver accessible in the powersuit configuration, the first and second figure receivers adapted to receive any one of the plurality of interchangeable figures.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/684,571, filed May 24, 2005. The entirety of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/684,571 is hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes, as are each of the following: U.S. Design Application No. 29/240,599, filed Oct. 14, 2005; U.S. Design Application No. 29/240,807, filed Oct. 18, 2005; U.S. Design Application Nos. 29/240,916 and 29/240,939, filed Oct. 19, 2005; and U.S. Design Application Nos. 29/241,424, 29/241,425, 29/241,433, and 29/241,434, filed Oct. 26, 2005. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY  
       [0002]     Various types of toys have incorporated a transformation play element. One example is Transformers, which may be reversibly reconfigured between a vehicle mode and a robot mode. Another example is DICE, which can be reversibly reconfigured between a vehicle mode and a dinosaur mode. Further, in some examples, the transformation toy may involve an associated figure. For example, with DICE, both vehicle and dinosaur modes may involve a figure that interacts with the reconfigurable toy in manner that allows the figure to ride in/on the toy in both modes.  
         [0003]     However, the inventors herein have recognized that the above approaches can give only limited play. For example, many of these figures can interact with an associated toy in only one way, such as riding on the reconfigurable toy; hence, the play with such a reconfigurable toy assembly may be limited.  
         [0004]     In one approach, the above issues may be addressed by providing a toy kit with a plurality of interchangeable figures and a transformable toy configured to transform between at least two configurations, such as a vehicle configuration and a powersuit configuration. The transformable toy may include a first figure receiver accessible in the vehicle configuration and a second figure receiver in the powersuit configuration, the first and second figure receivers adapted to receive any one of the plurality of interchangeable figures.  
         [0005]     In this manner, a figure may interact with a transformable toy in a first configuration by riding on the toy, and a second configuration by wearing the toy as a power-suit. Furthermore, the figure may be interchangeable among a plurality of associated reconfigurable toys. Thus, the interchangeability of figures among a group of toys encourages increased toy interaction and fantasy play. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0006]      FIGS. 1-19  show a first example toy, which is transformable between a vehicle and a power-suit simulating a skiing activity.  
         [0007]      FIGS. 20-36  show a second example toy, which is transformable between a vehicle and a power-suit simulating a surfing activity.  
         [0008]      FIGS. 37-47  show a third example toy, which is transformable between a vehicle and a power-suit simulating a skydiving activity.  
         [0009]      FIGS. 48-61  show a fourth example toy, which is transformable between a vehicle and a power-suit simulating a hang-gliding activity.  
         [0010]      FIGS. 62-69  show a fifth example toy, which is transformable between a vehicle and a power-suit simulating a rollerblading activity.  
         [0011]      FIGS. 70-74  show a sixth example toy, which is transformable between a vehicle and a power-suit simulating a jumping activity.  
         [0012]      FIGS. 75-85  show several example interchangeable accessories for the transformable toys. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0013]     In one example, a set of interrelated toys and accessories may be provided as part of a racing genre. The toys may include vehicles, action figures, computer games, interactive websites, and others. Various themes may be incorporated into one or more of the toys and/or accessories, including speed/racing, transformation, toy collision, and toy conflict. In general, the toys may be any product sold for enjoyment, collectibility, recreation, sport, and/or other leisurely pursuit by persons of all ages.  
         [0014]     The frame of the toy may be reconfigured into multiple play configurations. In some embodiments, a toy may transform from a first mode or configuration simulating a vehicle to a second mode or configuration simulating a power-suit. As one example, vehicles that embody the concept of racing can transform into racing power-suits in a selected extreme sport activity. Various forms of vehicles may be used, such as motorcycles, cars, trucks, planes, submarines, spaceships, rockets, or other types of vehicles. When in the power-suit mode, the suits may be wearable by an associated action figure, and/or may constitute an outfit. Therefore, it is possible to enjoy not only a vehicle play mode, but also a play mode with the outfit, power-suit, and/or sports activity by reconfiguring the toy.  
         [0015]     Hence, a single reconfigurable toy assembly can provide at least two modes of play totally different from each other, but each interactive with a common action figure and each allowing the action figure to simulate racing and/or some other activity, such as a competitive activity. Some examples of wearable power-suits may include: a surfer with surfboard accessory, a skier with accessory skis and/or poles, a rollerblader with accessory rollerblades, a jumper, and a skydiver. Other examples may include a windsurfer, a rock climber, a skateboarder, or a snowboarder among others, and each may include one or more accessories. Further, it may also be possible that the power-suit simulates more than one activity, such as two extreme sports depending on accessories and/or toy configuration. Further, the power-suit mode may include genres other than sports activities. For example, the power-suit may incorporate a battle theme, a creature theme, or a fantasy theme wherein each power-suit corresponds to a specific activity.  
         [0016]     In some embodiments, during each play mode or configuration, the toy may be repositioned to further simulate a specific action. For example, a power-suit simulating a surfing activity may be repositioned so that the arms and/or legs of the power-suit simulate a surfing position. Thus, each of the transformable toys may include improved play activity within each configuration or mode by repositioning of various elements. As used herein, the term “configuration” refers to the toy mode (e.g. vehicle, power-suit, etc.) whereas the term “repositioned” refers to the posing of the toy and/or associated action figure when configured as a particular mode or configuration.  
         [0017]     Further, a set of related toys which incorporate various themes may further improve play fun or collectibility. The previous examples, while relating to a power-suit mode, may nonetheless refer to any toy configuration wearable by an action figure. In this manner, the toy may transform from a vehicle mode where the action figure is riding in/on the vehicle to a mode where the action figure is wearing the power-suit. Further, the toy may accommodate a plurality of interchangeable action figures associated through the use of a common method of attachment. The wearable power-suit may also include four appendages that correspond to, and are proximate to, the four appendages of the action figure wearing the power-suit, in the case of a human or humanoid action figure. Further, the appendages of the power suit may be substantially adjacent to the action figure appendages of which they correspond. In this manner, simulated motion on the part of the action figure may directly correspond to simulated motion of the power-suit worn by the action figure in a realistic way. Further, the action figure and the suit can be positioned in similar poses to enhance the fantastical play mode where the action figure is controlling the power-suit via movement of its own limbs.  
         [0018]     In some embodiments, a transformable toy can be configured to separate into one or more pieces when colliding with, or contacting another object, thus simulating disassembly, de-coupling, or breaking apart. Further, such a separation feature can be provided in the vehicle mode and the power-suit mode and/or various other modes. For example, separation of the toy may be initiated by an actuator, such as a trigger or a button among others. The actuator may be configured to be activated by a user, a collision or an interaction with an item ejected by an associated toy, among various others. In some examples, multiple actuators may be utilized to separate specific portions of the vehicle and/or power-suit configuration upon activation. In other examples, the action figure and/or accessory may be ejected from the toy when in any of the various play modes and/or toy configurations. In yet other examples, sounds and/or lights may be used in conjunction with toy disassembly or actuator activation. In this manner, a plurality of simulated collisions and/or toy interactions may be provided, thus further improving toy play.  
         [0019]     In some examples, activation of the actuator may cause a different resulting separation or simulated collision/disassembly of the toy depending on mode or configuration. Further, the separation can be automatically generated upon activation of the actuator. For example, when in a vehicle configuration, a collision at the front end of the toy may cause simulated vehicle degradation to occur through the automatic separation of specific portions associated with the vehicle mode. Such automatic separate can generate fun and excitement during play.  
         [0020]     Alternatively, when the toy is in power-suit configuration, separation of portions or accessories related specifically to the power-suit mode may occur. In some toy configurations, the trigger may be hidden from view by the user until reconfigured into a different mode. In some embodiments, separation of the toy in one mode may permit alternate reconfiguration of the separate portions thus attaining a different mode. In some examples, a center portion or nucleus may form the uniting portion of the toy to which other releasable portions are attached, where the center portion contains the actuator and separation mechanism. Such separation features may also allow another mode of play, and further can allow such improved play in both vehicle and power-suit modes.  
         [0021]     In some embodiments, one or more of the transformable toys described herein may further include a lock-out feature that is configured to deactivate the actuator, which in turn causes disassembly and/or uncoupling of the various portions. For example, in a first mode, the transformable toy may be separated into two or more pieces when the actuator is activated, while in a second mode wherein the lock-out mechanism is enabled, an activation of the actuator does not cause disassembly or separation of the transformable toy. In this manner, if desired, a user can operate the transformable toy without utilizing the disassembly feature as described above.  
         [0022]     As still another example of play, the vehicles and or power-suits may be fitted with accessories that are configured to eject items at other toy vehicles and/or wearable power-suits to cause disassembly to occur, thus further encouraging toy interaction. In some embodiments, sub-accessories may be ejected from an accessory by a user activating an actuator or similar device to the actuator causing separation of the toy as discussed above. Further, the reconfigurable toy may contain a plurality of ejectable items and/or subaccessories each controlled by one or more actuators. In some examples, accessories associated with a particular mode may transform to become a simulated weapon or ejecting device in another mode or configuration. For example, accessories that represent vehicle portions in the vehicle mode (e.g., exhaust pipes) may become simulated weapons (e.g., rocket launchers) in the power-suit mode. In other examples, ejectable items and/or the associated actuators may be hidden from view or activation by the user in certain modes and/or configurations.  
         [0023]     In this manner, a reversibly reconfigurable toy may incorporate an associated action figure where in a vehicle mode, the action figure rides in/on the toy, and while in a power-suit mode the action figure wears the reconfigurable toy. In conjunction with the reconfigurable/transformable operation, the toy may also eject items and/or receive ejected items in the form of toy disassembly or separation, thus simulating a collision and/or disassembly, which may further serve to promote toy interaction and improve play fun.  
         [0024]     Several examples of reconfigurable toys will be described herein. Specifically,  FIGS. 1-19  show a toy that can transform between a vehicle mode and a power-suit mode simulating a skiing activity.  FIGS. 20-36  show a toy that can transform between a vehicle mode and a power-suit mode simulating a surfing activity.  FIGS. 37-47  show a toy that can transform between a vehicle mode and a power-suit mode simulating a skydiving activity.  FIGS. 48-61  show a toy that can transform between a vehicle mode and a power-suit mode simulating a hang-gliding activity.  FIGS. 62-69  show a toy that can transform between a vehicle mode and a power-suit mode simulating a rollerblading activity.  FIGS. 70-74  show a toy that can transform between a vehicle mode and a power-suit mode simulating a jumping activity.  
         [0025]     The action figures described herein are non-limiting examples of reversibly reconfigurable (i.e. transformable) toys, and other transformations are within the scope of this disclosure. It should also be appreciated that features shown relating to the various embodiments may be included in the other embodiments. In other words, features may be mixed and matched among the embodiments presented herein.  
         [0026]     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-19 , an example reconfigurable toy that transforms between a vehicle mode and a power-suit mode simulating a skiing activity is described. As described here, the transformable toys can be transformed between the vehicle mode and the power-suit mode without requiring physical separation of portions of the toy or otherwise disassembling the toy in any way (although such features may be used, if desired). Thus, in one example, the toy may remain completely assembled during the transformation between a first configuration (e.g. vehicle) and a second configuration (e.g. power-suit), or between various poses within the same mode. However, while not shown in the following examples, in some embodiments, a transformable toy may be partially disassembled to facilitate the transformation process. As described in more detail below, one or more of the joints that enable transformation can be points of separation when a trigger mechanism is actuated.  
         [0027]     In examples where the transformation may be completed between a first and second configuration without requiring disassembly, various advantages may be achieved. For example, in toys requiring at least some disassembly when transforming, the user may become confused as to where various parts are supposed to be coupled, or may accidentally disassembly components that are not necessary to be disassembled to effect the transformation. Further, in some cases, the user may find enjoyment in learning and understanding how transformation provides a toy that simulates at least two different toys each having a different overall outward appearance, without needing to disassemble components. Finally, toys requiring disassembly may often result in the user losing components, possibly rendering the toy useless.  
         [0028]     An example reconfigurable toy  100  is shown in a vehicle mode ( FIG. 1 ) and in a power-suit mode simulating a skiing activity ( FIG. 2 ). The frame of toy  100  may be transformed between the two modes. As will be described in more detail below, toy  100  can be reversibly reconfigured between the configurations of  FIGS. 1 and 2  by manipulation of various components.  
         [0029]     In the example embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , toy  100  in a vehicle mode simulates a car that has two front wheels  110  (only one of which is visible) and two rear wheels  120  (only one of which is partially visible). While various types of wheels may be used, wheel  110  can have a colored outer portion  112 , a colored inner portion  114 , and/or a colored center (or axle) portion  116 , about which the wheel rotates. In some embodiments, the outer portion  112  may comprise a translucent material, such as purple colored translucent plastic. Further, inner portion  114  may comprise a transparent material, silver opaque coloring, or combinations thereof. Finally, center portion  116  may comprise an opaque red coloring. Thus, in one example, the look of wheel  110  can simulate a high speed of rotation. Wheel  120  can be identical to wheel  110  in terms of coloring and construction, or can include some variations. For example, in some embodiments, inner portion  124  may comprise a clear translucent (or transparent) material and outer portions  122  may comprise a purple translucent material. Similarly, colored center portion  126  (not shown) may be of similar color or contain some variation from portion  116 . Of course, nearly infinite variations in wheel component color, transparency, size, and shape are possible, and the above described wheel is a non-limiting example.  
         [0030]     Continuing with  FIG. 1 , toy  100  is shown with two front quarter panel  130  and with two rear quarter panels  140  (only one of which is visible in  FIG. 1 ). As described below, these quarter panels may be reconfigured to simulate legs and arms in the power-suit mode. Front left quarter panel  130  is shown having a front portion  132  and a main portion  134 . Further, rear left quarter panel  140  is shown having a main portion  142  and a rear portion  144 . A center portion  150  is also shown in  FIG. 1 , having a front body  152  and a canopy  154 . The body  152  is a central member in this example. However, body may refer to various members of toy  100 , such as a central body member, internal members, external members, or others.  
         [0031]     As described in more detail below, canopy  154  may open allowing an action figure (not shown) to be placed into and out of a cockpit (not shown). In some embodiments, canopy  154  may include plastic that is opaque, clear, translucent, or combinations thereof. In one example, at least a portion of canopy  154  comprises translucent materials that are colored similarly to outer portions  112  and  122  of the wheels. In some embodiments, center portion  150  may include an actuator or a trigger  160  that is configured to be actuated, for example, by a user, an item ejected by an associated toy, or a collision with a foreign object, among various other causes of activation. The trigger  160 , when actuated, allows various portions of the toy to uncouple from each other, thus simulating a disassembly, collision, and the like. Note that the trigger  160  may be a lever type trigger as shown herein. In some embodiments, the trigger may be a depressible button, an electronic position detector, a motion sensor, or other device.  
         [0032]     As described above, toy  100  may be reconfigured between a vehicle mode and a power-suit mode to simulate a sports activity. Therefore, it is possible for the user to enjoy not only a vehicle play mode, but also a play mode with a power-suit and/or sports activity by reconfiguring toy  100 . Hence, a single reconfigurable toy can provide at least two modes of play totally different from each other, but each interactive with a common action figure and each allowing the action figure to simulate racing and/or other competitive activity.  
         [0033]     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , toy  100  is shown in a power-suit mode simulating a skiing activity with action  FIG. 170  wearing the power-suit, and with the limbs of the action figure positioned in similar poses as the power-suit.  FIG. 2  shows action  FIG. 170  coupled to cockpit  159  via clip  172 . In this example, clip  172  is shown coupled to a waist area of action  FIG. 170 , however various other methods of coupling could be used, if desired. For example, the wrists and/or ankles of the action figure may be coupled to cockpit  159  among other portions. In some embodiments, the action figure may coupled to the power-suit such that a right arm of the action figure couples to a right arm of the power-suit, and/or a right leg of the action figure couples to the right leg of the power-suit and so on. Thus, the appendages of the action figure may be coupled to the appendages of the power-suit enabling a direct relationship between the body and/or limb position of the power-suit and the action figure.  
         [0034]     In the example power-suit configuration shown in  FIG. 2 , the two front wheels  110  form knees and the two rear wheels  120  simulate afterburners or thrusters. In one example, the wheels are coupled to the toy via a joint. Example wheel joints that may be used in toy  100  are discussed in more detail below with reference to  FIG. 4 , however other joints may also be used. Continuing with  FIG. 2 , toy  100  is shown with the two front quarter panels  130  reconfigured into legs and skis. Specifically, the front portion  132  is rotated relative to the main portion  134  to simulate a knee cap, and skis  136  are shown coupled at joint  118 . Further, the legs are coupled to cockpit  159  of the center portion  150  via a hip joint assembly  138 . Leg joints, including joint  118  and hip joint assembly  138 , are discussed in more detail below with reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 .  FIG. 2  also shows the two rear quarter panels  140  reconfigured as arms with hands and/or ski poles. Specifically, the main portion  142  simulates an arm, and rear portion  144  is rotated relative to main portion  142  to simulate hands and/or ski poles. Further, rear quarter panel  140  are coupled to cockpit  159  of center portion  150  via a shoulder joint assembly  148 , an example of which is discussed in more detail below with regard to  FIG. 10 . In some embodiments, the skis and/or ski poles can be accessories that may be uncoupled from the toy.  
         [0035]     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the wearable power-suit mode of toy  100  simulates four appendages of the action figure wearing the suit. Therefore, the arms and legs of the power-suit may be adjusted and/or reconfigured to be substantially adjacent to or proximate to the arms and legs of action  FIG. 170  wearing the suit. In this way, the wearable suit may act as an extension of the action figure&#39;s frame. Specifically, for example, the right arm of the action figure may be substantially proximate to the right arm of the power-suit, the left arm of the action figure may be substantially proximate the left arm of the power-suit, the right leg of the action figure may be substantially proximate the right leg of the power-suit, and the left leg of the action figure may be substantially proximate the left leg of the power-suit, thereby simulating an outfit that is worn by the action figure. In some examples, the power-suit may include a hat, helmet and/or other feature that simulate the action figure&#39;s head, thus further simulating a wearable suit. In the example of  FIG. 2 , the action figure wearing the power-suit may engage in a simulated competitive or extreme sport activity, such as skiing.  
         [0036]     Continuing with  FIG. 2 , center portion  150  is shown in an open configuration, where canopy  154  is rotated about joint assembly  156  to reveal the action  FIG. 170 , as will be described in more detail below with reference to  FIG. 9 . Thus, various portions of toy  100  can be reconfigured in both the vehicle mode and the power-suit mode to further improve play fun. As described herein, toy  100  can hold action  FIG. 170  in both the vehicle mode and power-suit mode. While not shown in this Figure, front body  152  may be rotated about joint  158  to the rear of the power-suit, as described in more detail below. Coupled to the center portion is an actuator configured as a trigger  160  that rotates about joint  162 . As described herein, this trigger, when actuated, causes the toy  100  to disassemble or separate into various pieces.  
         [0037]      FIG. 3  shows a bottom view of toy  100  in a vehicle mode.  FIG. 3  further shows how various components used in the power-suit mode are reconfigured to become the vehicle components, or are hidden from view. Specifically,  FIG. 3  shows how skis  136  can fold into a recess in the front quarter panel interior wheel  110 . Further,  FIG. 3  shows joint assembly  128  coupling the rear wheel  120  to center portion  150 , as well as joint assembly  156  coupling the front body  152  to cockpit  159 . Further, shoulder joint assembly  148  and hip joint assembly  138  are partially visible in the folded position.  
         [0038]      FIGS. 4-6  show a joint assembly  128 . Joint assembly  128  includes first, second, and third extension portions  220 ,  222 , and  224 , and joints  230 ,  232 , and  236 , which collectively form a combined three degree-of-freedom joint. Joint  230  allows rotation about an axis extending through hole  212  through portion  211  of cockpit  159 . A second joint  232  allows rotation via a yoke about axis  234 . A third rotation joint  236  allows rotation via a yoke about axis  238 .  FIG. 6  shows a side view of a portion of cockpit  159  with the front and rear quarter panel portions removed, thus exposing releasable interfaces  240  and  242  for respectively receiving end portions of the front and rear quarter panel portions. Further,  FIG. 6  shows portion  211  and hole  212  for receiving joint assembly  128 .  
         [0039]     Referring now to  FIGS. 7-8 ,  FIG. 7  shows a front view of the left leg of toy  100 , and  FIG. 8  shows a side view of the left leg of toy  100 . As will be describe below, the end of hip joint assembly  138  couples to releasable interface  240  in cockpit  159 . Hip joint assembly  138  is shown as a two degree-of-freedom joint that rotates about axis  221  and joint  223 . Further, end portion  225  of hip joint assembly  138  is configured to be releasably coupled to interface  240  ( FIG. 6 ) so that upon activation of trigger  160 , end portion  225  is released, or becomes separated, from cockpit  159 . Further, the coupling between end portion  225  and cockpit  159  enables rotation about axis  221  to simulate a hip joint. Front portion  132  is shown coupled to main portion  134  by joint  212 . Also, rotation about joint  223  is shown in  FIG. 7 , thus enabling additional positioning of the leg to simulate leg action. Additional details of an example releasable and rotatable coupling between end portion  225  and cockpit  159  is described in more detail below with reference to  FIG. 15 .  
         [0040]     Continuing with  FIGS. 7-8 , two additional single degree-of-freedom joints  118  and  210  are shown for simulating a knee joint and an ankle joint, respectively. As shown, joint  118  couples wheel  110 , main portion  134 , and lower leg portion  135  together. Joint  210  is shown coupling lower leg portion  135  to ski  136 .  
         [0041]      FIG. 8  shows joint  118  sharing a common axis of rotation with front wheel  110 . Further,  FIG. 8  shows each of joints  250 ,  254 ,  258 , and  262 , as well as the axis of rotation of each joint ( 270 ,  272 ,  274 , and  264 , respectively). Further, the end portion  280  of joint  250  is configured to be releasably coupled to cockpit  159  at releasable interface  242  so that upon activation of trigger  160 , end portion  280  is released, disconnected, decoupled, or separated, from cockpit  159 , depending on the type of mechanism employed. Further, the coupling between end portion  280  and cockpit  159  enables rotation about joint  250 . Additional details of an example releasable and rotatable coupling between end portion  280  and cockpit  159  is described in more detail below with regard to  FIG. 15 .  
         [0042]     In the example of  FIG. 8 , by using a common axis and/or joint for a wheel and a power-suit body joint, it may be possible to reduce manufacturing costs and/or complexity, while at the same time creating visually appealing transformable toys. Further, such a joint can also be used to enable the transformation, thereby providing further advantages.  
         [0043]     Referring now to  FIGS. 9-10 ,  FIG. 9  shows a three dimensional close up view of toy  100  in power-suit configuration illustrating the shoulder joint assembly  148 .  FIG. 10  shows an example shoulder joint assembly  148  containing four arm portions illustrating a four degree-of-freedom joint. Specifically,  FIG. 9  shows various portions of toy  100 , including shoulder joint assembly  148 , a rear wheel  120  in afterburner configuration coupled to cockpit  159  via joint assembly  128 , canopy  154  in an opened position coupled to cockpit  159  via joint assembly  156 . Shoulder joint assembly  148  includes rotatable and releasably coupled joint  250 , first arm extension member  252 , rotatable joint  254 , second arm extension member  256 , rotatable joint  258 , third extension member  260 , joint  262  rotating about axis  264 , and main portion  142 . In this way, the arm of toy  100  is able to fold into and out of the rear quarter panel, while also being able to simulate realistic arm motion to enhance the power-suit play mode. While the herein described joints can each be a single degree-of-freedom joint, multi-degree-of-freedom joints, such as ball joints, may be used, if desired.  FIG. 10  shows the extension members and joints in a position after the rear quarter panel  140  (left arm) has been pulled away from the position shown in  FIG. 1 , but without being rotated as shown in  FIG. 7 .  
         [0044]     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , a partial view of a cockpit  159  is shown. Specifically, cockpit  159  and canopy  154  are shown coupled via joint assembly  156 , which includes two degrees-of-freedom. Specifically, joint assembly  156  includes joint  190  to enable rotation of extension member  198  about axis  192  relative to cockpit  159 . Joint  196  enables rotation of canopy  154  about axis  192  relative to extension member  198 .  FIG. 11  also illustrates additional detail of action  FIG. 170  coupled to cockpit  159  via clip  172 .  
         [0045]     An example process for reconfiguring toy  100  is illustrated via  FIGS. 1, 12 ,  13 ,  14 , and finally  2 . Specifically, in moving from the positions of  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 12 , the rear quarter panels are each moved outward from the center sections. Then, in moving from the positions of  FIG. 12  to  FIG. 13 , the front quarter panels are rotated outward. Further, the legs and skis are extended, and front portion  132  is rotated outward. Then, in moving from the positions of  FIG. 13  to  FIG. 14 , the rear quarter panels are rotated about the shoulder and the center cockpit section is opened. Also, rear wheels  120  may be rotated to simulate afterburners. Finally, in moving from the positions of  FIG. 14  to  FIG. 2 , the right arm of the suit is rotated outward and the rear quarter panel sections are rotated out to simulate hands. Further, front body  152  is rotated to the rear. Next, the action figure and power-suit may be repositioned so that the arms and legs are in similar positions, so as to simulate the action figure wearing the power suit, thus providing an exciting power-suit play mode. Also, the process can be reversed to enable reversible reconfiguration back to vehicle mode. It should be appreciated that the order described above is not required, and various alternative orders may be used, if desired. Furthermore, in some embodiments, different joints can be used.  
         [0046]      FIG. 15  shows an example of a releasable joint  1500 , which may be used to release various portions of the toy so that disassembly, separation, or decoupling occurs upon activation of a trigger. In some embodiments, as described above with reference to  FIG. 6 , releasable joint  1500  may be located within an opening in the side of cockpit  159 , thus creating releasable interfaces  240  and  242 . For example, as described above with reference to  FIG. 6 , interfaces  240  and  242  can each contain a releasable joint  1500 . Continuing with  FIG. 15 , releasable joint  1500  is shown including a receiving sleeve  1510  for releasably receiving an end portion  1520 . End portion  1520  may be permitted to rotate within receiving sleeve, but can be selectively prevented from translating outward due to a key, such as portion  1560 . Upon activation of a trigger mechanism, such as trigger  160 , end portion  1520  may be released from receiving sleeve  1510  by portion  1560 , or a suitable release mechanism. Further, a spring  1530  located within receiving sleeve  1510  may assist in ejecting end portion  1520  from receiving sleeve  1510 . In this manner, disassembly or decoupling may occur for any portion of the toy utilizing a trigger-joint configuration.  
         [0047]     An end portion similar to end portion  1520  may be used for any portion of the toy where disassembly may occur. For example, end portion  1520  may be used as end portion  225  to couple the leg of toy  100  to cockpit  159 . Upon activation of trigger  160 , end portion  225  is released from the receiving sleeve, thus releasing the leg of toy  100  from cockpit  159 . In another example, end portion  1520  may be used as end portion  280 , which may be released from cockpit  159  upon activation of trigger  160 , thus releasing an arm of toy  100  from cockpit  159 . Further, end portion  1520  may be used in several of the alternative transformation vehicles described herein. Note, however, that alternative releasable joints or couplings may be used in place of the releasable joint  1500 . For example, an alternative joint mechanism may be used to couple a limb to a cockpit or center section that enables decoupling upon activation of an actuator such as a trigger.  
         [0048]      FIGS. 16-19  show the disassembly of toy  100  when trigger  160  is actuated. As described above, activation of trigger  160  may cause disassembly or decoupling of toy  100  in both vehicle and power-suit configurations. Specifically,  FIGS. 16-17  show disassembly when the toy is configured as a vehicle, while  FIGS. 18-19  show disassembly when the toy is configured as a power-suit.  FIG. 16  shows toy  100  configured as a vehicle with front quarter panels  130  and rear quarter panels  140  releasably coupled to center section  150  and item  400  traveling toward the trigger  160 . Item  400  may be various types of items, such as, for example, an ejected item from another toy, or a user actuating the trigger manually, among others. As described above, activation of trigger  160  can cause release or separation of the releasably coupled front quarter panels  130  and rear quarter panels  140  as shown in  FIG. 17 . Likewise,  FIG. 18  shows toy  100  reversibly configured as a power-suit, with item  400  approaching trigger  160 .  FIG. 19  shows toy  100  after activation of the trigger by the item, with each of the arms and legs released from cockpit  159  of center section  150 .  
         [0049]     While in this example, all releasably coupled portions are released by activation of a single trigger from a single center section in both transformation modes, various other embodiments may be used. For example, multiple trigger points may be provided such that activation of each trigger can release a different portion. Alternatively, a single trigger may have multiple activation levels, with different levels of activation releasing different, or greater numbers of pieces. Further still, while in this example trigger  160  rotates relative to cockpit  159 , other types of triggers may be used, such as push buttons, or others. In the example where the trigger (or triggers) is (are) located in a center section to which other pieces are releasably coupled, it is possible to not only simulate collisions and battle play, but the releasable coupling can also function as a joint thereby facilitating transformation and/or reconfiguration of the toy between more than one play mode.  
         [0050]     Reassembly of the various disassembled portions may be achieved by recoupling each of uncoupled portions. For example, disassembled toy  100  shown in  FIG. 19 , which utilizes a coupling shown in  FIG. 15 , may be reassembled by reinserting end portion  280  of the rear quarter panel  140  (arm) into releasable interface  242  of cockpit  159 . In some embodiments, as an end portion is reinserted into receiving sleeve  1510 , portion  1560  may be configured to constrain the end portion until a future activation of the trigger mechanism.  
         [0051]     In some embodiments, reassembly of the disassembled portions may be facilitated by color coding, number coding, and/or symbolic coding of the various portions. For example, in some embodiments, the uncoupled portion may include a visible symbol and/or colored portion corresponding to a visible symbol and/or colored portion on an interface located on the center cockpit portion. Thus, the uncoupled portion may be properly reunited with the center cockpit portion. Further, in some embodiments, each removable portion may have a uniquely shaped interface so that the toy can be reassembled in a specific configuration. For example, an end portion on each uncoupled portion may correspond to a specific opening. In another example, assembly instruction may be provided in the toy packaging or on the surface of the toy.  
         [0052]     In some embodiments, toy  100  may be configured to receive one or more interchangeable accessories, a further discussion of which is presented below with reference to  FIGS. 75-85 .  
         [0053]     Referring now to  FIGS. 20-36 , an example vehicle that is reversibly reconfigurable to a power-suit configuration simulating a surfing activity is described.  FIGS. 20, 22 , and  23  show an example reconfigurable toy product  2000  in a vehicle configuration and  FIG. 21  shows toy  2000  in a power-suit configuration. As will be described in more detail below, toy  2000  can be reversibly reconfigured between the configurations of  FIGS. 20 and 21  by manipulation of various components.  
         [0054]     In this example embodiment, toy  2000  in vehicle mode simulates a car that has two front wheels  2010  (only one of which is visible) and two rear wheels  2020  (only one of which is visible). Wheel  2010  is shown having an outer portion  2012 , inner portion  2014 , and center (or axle) portion  2016 . Wheel  2020  is also shown having an outer portion  2022 , inner portion  2024 , and a center (or axle) portion  2026 . Wheel  2020  can be identical to wheel  2010  in terms of coloring and construction, or can include some variations. Further, while various types of wheels may be used, the wheels of toy  2000  can be identical to the wheels of toy  100  in terms of coloring and construction, or can include some variations.  
         [0055]     Continuing with  FIG. 20 , toy  2000  is shown with two front quarter panels  2030  and with two rear quarter panels  2040  (only one of which is visible in  FIG. 20 ). As described below, these quarter panels may be reconfigured to simulate arms and legs in the power-suit configuration. Front quarter panel  2030  has a front section  2032  and main section  2034 , which may be respectively reconfigured into a lower arm and an upper arm section in the power-suit configuration. Further, rear quarter panel  2040  has an outer section  2042 , which can be reconfigured to serve as an upper leg in the power-suit configuration. Toy  2000  is further shown, having a front body section  2052  and a canopy  2054 . As described in more detail below, canopy  2054  has an opening door that allows an action figure (not shown) to be placed into and out of a cockpit (not shown). Canopy  2054  may include plastic that is opaque, clear, translucent, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the canopy may include translucent materials that are colored similarly to portions  2012  and  2022  of the wheels. Further, fins  2094  are shown coupled to rear afterburner section  2092  (partially visible). These fins may also comprise a material that is opaque, clear, translucent or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the fins may include translucent materials that are colored similarly to sections  2012  and  2022  of the wheels. The center section of toy  2000  is further shown having a trigger or actuator  2060 . The trigger, when actuated, allows section and/or sections of the toy to uncouple from each other, thus simulating disassembly, collision, and the like.  
         [0056]     As described above, toy  2000  may be reconfigured from a vehicle into a power-suit configuration to simulate a sports activity such as surfing. Therefore, it is possible to enjoy not only vehicle play mode, but also a play mode with the power-suit and sports activity by reconfiguring the toy; hence, a single reconfigurable toy assembly provides at least two modes of play totally different from each other but each interactive with an action figure and each allowing the action figure to simulate racing or other competitive activity. While a surfing activity is discussed herein, toy  2000  could simulate other boarding activities such as snowboarding or skateboarding. Furthermore, a set of related reconfigurable toys further improves play fun. Collision features may also allow another mode of play, and further can allow such improved play in both vehicle and power-suit configurations.  
         [0057]     Referring now to  FIG. 21 , toy  2000  is shown in a power-suit configuration simulating a surfing activity. Action  FIG. 2070  is shown wearing the power-suit, wherein the action figure is coupled to the cockpit  2058  via clip  2072 . In this example, the clip is coupled to a waist area of action  FIG. 2070 , however various other coupling methods could be used, if desired. For example, there may be connection points at the wrists and ankles of the action figure.  
         [0058]     In this example embodiment, toy  2000  simulates a power-suit configuration, where the two rear wheels  2020  form knees, and the two front wheels  2010  simulate hands. In one example, wheels  2020  are coupled to outer section  2042  (upper leg) and lower leg  2044  of the rear quarter panel  2040  via knee joint  2027 . Wheels  2010  are shown coupled to front section  2032  of the front quarter panel  2030  via joint  2015 . Continuing with  FIG. 21 , toy  2000  is shown with the two rear quarter panels  2040  reconfigured into legs. Specifically, lower leg  2044  is rotated relative to outer section  2042  (upper leg). While foot  2046  is shown rotated relative to lower leg  2044  via ankle joint  2047 . Sport board  2090 , configured in this example as a surfboard, is shown coupled to right foot  2046   a  via foot adapter  2082  (shown in more detail in  FIGS. 24 and 25 ). Left foot  2046   b  is shown positioned on the sport board to simulate a surfing pose. In some embodiments, both the right foot and the left foot may be coupled and/or fastened to the sports board, or just the left foot may be coupled to the sports board instead of the right foot. Further, each leg is shown coupled to cockpit  2058  via a hip joint  2048 . Leg joints, including knee joint  2027  and hip joints  2048 , are discussed in more detail below with regards to  FIGS. 24 and 25 .  FIG. 21  also shows the two front quarter panels  2030  reconfigured as arms. Specifically, the main section  2034  (upper arm) is shown rotated relative to cockpit  2058  via shoulder assembly  2033 . Front section  2032  is shown rotated relative to main section  2034  via elbow joint  2031 . Arm joints are discussed in more detail below in  FIGS. 26 and 27 .  
         [0059]     As shown in  FIG. 21 , various portions of toy  2000  can simulate the  4  appendages of the action figure during the power-suit configuration wherein the action figure simulates wearing the power-suit. Therefore, the arms and legs of the power-suit may be adjusted and/or reconfigured to be substantially adjacent to the arms and legs of the action figure, thus the wearable suit may act as an extension of the action figure&#39;s limbs or other parts. Specifically, for example, the right arm of the action figure may be substantially proximate to the right arm of the power-suit, the left arm of the figure proximate to the left arm of the power-suit, etc. thereby simulating an outfit that is worn by the action figure. In some examples, the power-suit configuration may contain a hat, helmet, and/or other feature that simulate the action figure&#39;s head. In this manner, the action figure wearing the power-suit configuration may simulate a competitive or extreme sport activity such as surfing, skateboarding, or snow boarding.  
         [0060]     Further, canopy  2054  is shown rotated about joint assembly  2061  to reveal action  FIG. 2070 . As described herein, toy  2000  can hold action  FIG. 2070  in cockpit  2058  in both the vehicle configuration and power-suit configuration. While not shown in  FIG. 21 , front body section  2052  may be rotated about joint  2051  toward the rear of the power-suit, as described in more detail below with reference to  FIGS. 28 and 29 . Also shown coupled to the center section is trigger  2060  that can rotate about joint  2061  when actuated. As described above with reference to toy  100 , this trigger, when actuated, causes the toy  2000  to disassemble.  
         [0061]      FIG. 22  shows a rear view of toy  2000  in a vehicle configuration.  FIG. 22  further illustrates how the various components shown in the power-suit configuration may be adjusted to become the vehicle components and can be hidden from view. Specifically,  FIG. 22  shows how sport board  2090  is partially hidden under the vehicle.  FIG. 22  also shows joint knee  2027  coupling the outer section  2042  (upper leg), lower leg  2044 , and rear wheel  2020 . Linkage  2093  is also shown located between the sports board and the rear afterburner section.  
         [0062]      FIG. 23  shows a bottom view of toy  2000  in a vehicle configuration, further revealing how various components of the power-suit are reconfigured to become the vehicle components, and/or are hidden from view. For example,  FIG. 23  shows how sport board  2090  is recessed under the front of the vehicle by front body section  2052 . Further, hip joint  2048  (partially visible) is shown coupling the outer section  2042  of the rear quarter panels to cockpit  2058 . Further, joint  2091  is shown coupling sport board  2090  to foot adapter  2082 .  
         [0063]      FIGS. 24 and 25  respectively show a front and side view of the right leg of toy  2000 . Joint  2091 , which couples sport board  2090  to foot adapter  2082  is shown as a single degree-of-freedom joint that rotates about axis  2191 . Thus, in this example, joint  2091  allows the repositioning of the power-suit in relation to the surfboard to further simulate surfing action. Hip joint  2048 , which couples outer section  2042  to cockpit  2058 , is shown as a single degree-of-freedom joint that rotates about axis  2194 . Further, hip joint  2048  includes end portion  2142  coupled to outer section  2042  (upper leg), wherein end portion is configured to be releasably coupled to cockpit  2058  via releasable interface  2144  shown in  FIG. 29 . Upon activation of trigger  2060  ( FIGS. 21 and 22 ), the coupling is released and end portion  2142  is free to translate outward from cockpit  2058  as described above with reference to  FIG. 15 .  
         [0064]     Continuing with  FIGS. 24 and 25 , ankle joint  2047 , which connects foot adapter  2082  to right foot  2046   a  and lower leg  2044 , is shown as a single degree-of-freedom joint enabling rotation about axis  2149 . A knee joint  2027 , which connects lower leg  2044  to outer section  2042  is shown as a single degree-of-freedom joint that rotates about axis  2193 . In this manner, the legs of toy  2000  in power-suit configuration may be adjusted to simulate leg action.  
         [0065]      FIGS. 26 and 27  respectively show a schematic front and side view of the left arm of toy  2000 . Specifically,  FIG. 26  shows the components of the left arm of toy  2000  including front wheel  2010 , joint  2015  coupling wheel  2010  to front section  2032 , and elbow joint  2031  configured to couple main section  2034  and front section  2032 , shoulder assembly  2033  coupling main section  2034  to the cockpit. Joint  2015 , which couples front wheel  2010  to front section  2032 , is shown as a single degree-of-freedom joint enabling rotation about axis  2198  ( FIG. 26 ). Elbow joint  2031 , which couples front section  2032  to main section  2034 , is shown as a single degree-of-freedom joint enabling rotation about axis  2197 . Shoulder assembly  2033 , which is configured to couple main section  2034  to the cockpit is shown having two independent single degree-of-freedom joints  2133  and  2135 . Joint  2133  is shown as a single degree-of-freedom joint that enables rotation about axis  2195 . Further, end portion  2146  of joint  2133  is configured to be releasably coupled to cockpit  2058  via releasable interface  2140  shown in  FIG. 29 . Upon activation of trigger  2060 , end portion  2146  is released from cockpit  2058  as described above with reference to  FIG. 15 . Joint  2135 , which couples main section  2034  (upper arm) to releasable end portion  2146 , is shown as a single degree-of-freedom joint that rotates about axis  2196 . In this manner, shoulder assembly  2033  can have two degrees of freedom, while also releasing from cockpit  2058  due to activation of trigger  2060 . In this way, the arm is able to fold into and out of the front quarter panel, while also being able to simulate realistic arm motion to enhance the power-suit play mode. While the above joints are each a single degree-of-freedom joint, multi-degree-of-freedom joints, such as ball joints, may be used, if desired.  
         [0066]      FIGS. 28 and 29  respectively show a three-dimensional view and a two-dimensional view of the power-suit frame. Specifically, cockpit  2058  and canopy  2054  are shown coupled via joint assembly  2061 . Joint assembly  2061  is shown including joint  2161 , joint  2163  ( FIG. 29 ), joint  2164 , and joint  2165  combined to form a four degree-of-freedom joint. Further,  FIG. 28  shows joint  2051 , coupling cockpit  2058  and front body section  2052  ( FIG. 29 ). Referring now to  FIG. 29 , a side view of toy  2000  is shown. Specifically, joint assembly  2061  is shown having a first singe degree-of-freedom joint  2161  that enables rotation of section  2162  relative to cockpit  2058 . Joint  2163  forms a second single degree-of-freedom joint enabling rotation of afterburner section  2092  relative to section  2162 . Joint  2164  forms a third single degree-of-freedom joint enabling rotation of section  2155  relative to afterburner section  2092  about axis  2171  ( FIG. 28 ). Joint  2165  forms a fourth single degree-of-freedom joint enabling rotation of canopy  2054  relative to section  2155  about axis  2172  ( FIG. 28 ). Further, trigger  2060  is shown configured to rotate relative to cockpit  2058  via joint  2160  during actuation. Front body section  2052  is shown configured to rotate relative to cockpit  2058  via joint  2051  about axis  2174  ( FIG. 28 ). In this manner, front body section  2052 , afterburner section  2092  and canopy  2054  may rotate relative to cockpit  2058  during transformation between modes.  
         [0067]     Continuing with  FIG. 29 , cockpit  2058  is shown with the left arm and left leg removed exposing the two releasable interfaces  2140  and  2144  configured to respectively receive a front quarter panel section (arm) and a rear quarter panel section (leg) respectively. For example, end portion  2146  may be releasably coupled to releasable interface  2140  of cockpit  2058  in the manner described above with reference to  FIG. 15 , although other methods of connection are possible. Further, end portion  2142  of the rear quarter panel section (leg) may be releasably coupled to the opening created by releasable interface  2144  in a similar manner. Thus, upon activation of trigger  2060 , disassembly of toy  2000  may occur.  
         [0068]     An example process for reconfiguring toy  2000  is illustrated via  FIGS. 20, 30 ,  31 ,  32 , and finally  21 . Specifically, in moving from the positions of  FIG. 20  to  FIG. 30 , the rear quarter panels (legs) are each moved downward from the center sections, which drops the sports board away from the body members, and the cockpit canopy is rotated toward the rear of the vehicle. Then, in moving from the positions of  FIG. 30  to  FIG. 31 , the front quarter panels are rotated outward. Further, the legs and arms are extended, and the cockpit canopy is further rotated toward the rear of the vehicle. Then, in moving from the positions of  FIG. 31  to  FIG. 32 , front body section  2052  is rotated between the legs of the power-suit toward the rear of the suit. Finally, in moving from  32  to  21 , the canopy is rotated further back to cover the front body section that has previously been rotated. Further, front section  2032  (lower arm) is rotated in relation to main section  2034  (upper arm) in order to simulate an elbow joint. Then, the action figure and power-suit can be repositioned so that the arms and legs are in similar or unique positions, so as to simulate the action figure&#39;s movement and/or positioning via the power-suit, thus providing an exciting power-suit play mode. Also, the process can be reversed to enable reversible reconfiguration back to the vehicle mode. It should be appreciated that the order described above is not required, and various alternative orders may be used, if desired.  
         [0069]      FIGS. 33-36  show the disassembly of toy  2000  when trigger  2060  is actuated. Specifically,  FIGS. 33-34  show such action when the toy is configured as a vehicle, while  FIGS. 35-36  show such action when the toy is configured as a power-suit. Referring now to  FIG. 33 , front quarter panels  2030  and rear quarter panels  2040  are shown releasably coupled to center cockpit  2058  with an item  2400  flying toward trigger  2060 . As described herein, activation of trigger  2060  (by item  2400  for example) can cause release of the releasably coupled front and rear quarter panels as shown in  FIG. 34 . Likewise,  FIG. 35  shows toy  2000  configured as a power-suit, with an item  2400  approaching trigger  2060 .  FIG. 36  shows the toy after activation of the trigger by item  2400 , with each of the front quarter panels  2030  (arms) and rear quarter panels  2040  (legs) uncoupled from the cockpit  2058 . As shown in  FIGS. 34 and 36 , activation of the trigger can cause the releasable portions to be forcibly uncoupled such that they are ejected from the central body (cockpit) of the toy thereby causing the various portions to be substantially separated upon release and/or uncoupling.  
         [0070]     In some embodiments, toy  2000  may be configured to receive one or more interchangeable accessories, a further discussion of which is presented below with reference to  FIGS. 75-85 .  
         [0071]     Referring now to  FIGS. 37-47 , an example vehicle that can be reversibly reconfigured to a power-suit simulating a skydiving activity is described. Specifically,  FIG. 37  shows toy  3700  in a folded vehicle configuration simulating a motorcycle, and  FIG. 38  shows toy  3700  in a spread power-suit configuration simulating a skydiving power-suit. As will be described in more detail below, toy  3700  can be reversibly reconfigured between the configurations of  FIGS. 37 and 38  by manipulation of various components.  
         [0072]     In this example embodiment, toy  3700  simulates a vehicle such as a motorcycle that has two front wheels  3710  and two rear wheels  3720 . As shown in  FIG. 37 , each pair of the front and rear wheels when combined can simulate a single wheel. The front wheels and the back wheels each have inner sides that face one another when in the vehicle configuration. While various types of wheels may be used, front wheel  3710  can have an outer portion  3712 , an inner portion  3714 , and a center (or axle) portion  3716 . Wheel  3720  is also shown having an outer portion  3722 , an inner portion  3724 , and a center (or axle) portion  3726 . Wheel  3720  can be identical to wheel  3710  in terms of coloring and construction, or can include some variations. Further, while various types of wheels may be used, the wheels of toy  37000  can be identical to the wheels of toy  100  in terms of coloring and construction, or can include some variations.  
         [0073]     Continuing with  FIG. 37 , toy  3700  is shown with a front section  3730  and a rear section  3740 . As described below, front section  3730  and rear section  3740  are reversibly reconfigurable to respectively simulate arms and legs in the power-suit configuration. Front section  3730  is shown to include two front members  3732  and a main section  3734 . Further, rear section  3740  is shown including two rear members  3742  (only  1  is visible in  FIG. 37 , an inner section  3744  and two exhaust sections  3746  (only one of which is visible in  FIG. 37 ). Front members  3732  and rear members  3742  can respectively simulate front and rear motorcycle forks in the vehicle configuration. As described in more detail below, front section  3730  has a seat or saddle, and attachment components  3750  and  3751  incorporated into main section  3734  that allows an action  FIG. 3770  to be placed onto and off of the reconfigurable toy  3700 . In this embodiment, two sets of attachment components  3750  and  3751  are provided so that the hands of action  FIG. 3770  can be coupled to toy  3700 . As shown in  FIGS. 37 and 38 , the hands of the action figure may be coupled to attachment component  3750  in the vehicle configuration and coupled to attachment component  3751  in the skydiving configuration. By having two sets of attachment components ( 3750  and  3751 ) positioned differently, the action figure can be coupled to the toy in both modes to simulate exciting racing and skydiving action. In this way, action figure play can be used in both the vehicle and power-suit modes, providing additional fun and excitement.  
         [0074]     The interface between front section  3730  and rear section  3740  is formed by releasable interface  3830  that is configured to be released upon activation of trigger  3760 . When trigger  3760  is actuated, various portions and/or sections of the toy can be uncoupled from each other, thus simulating disassembly, collision, and the like. The disassembly of toy  3700  will be further described below with reference to  FIGS. 43-47 .  
         [0075]     Referring now to  FIG. 38 , toy  3700  is shown in a power-suit configuration with action  FIG. 3770  wearing the suit, where the action figure-is coupled to the front section  3730  via a pair of attachment components  3750  and a seat portion incorporated into main section  3734 . In this example, the attachment components  3751  are coupled to the hands of action  FIG. 3770 , however various other methods of coupling could be used, if desired. For example, there may be connection points at the waist or ankles of the action figure as described above with reference to toy  100 .  
         [0076]     Further,  FIG. 38  shows toy  3700  in a power-suit configuration simulating a skydiving activity, where the two rear wheels  3720  simulate feet, and the two front wheels  3710  simulate hands. Further, front members  3732  can simulate arms and rear members  3742  can simulate legs power-suit configuration. In the spread apart skydiving mode, the inner sides of the wheels are shown facing in substantially the same direction wherein they are configured to point downward and away from the action figure and frame of the power-suit. Wheels  3720  are shown coupled to rear member  3742  via joint  3840 . Wheels  3710  are shown coupled to the front members  3732  via joint  3762 . Continuing with  FIG. 38 , toy  3700  is shown with the two rear member  3742  reconfigured into legs, which are coupled to inner section  3744  by hip assembly  3763 .  
         [0077]      FIGS. 39-40  respectively show a two dimensional top view and side view of rear section  3740 . Hip assembly  3763  is shown including joints  3816  and  3814 , which enable both translation and rotation of rear member  3742  relative to inner section  3744 . Joint  3814  is shown configured to couple rear member  3742  to sliding section  3810  and is shown as a single degree-of-freedom joint rotating about axis  3862 . Sliding section  3810  is shown constrained by slot  3812 , which allows translation of rear member  3742  along vector  3872  relative to inner section  3744 . Concurrently, joint  3816  allows sliding section  3810  to rotate relative to inner section  3744  about axis  3861 . In this manner, hip assembly  3763  may be used to enable positioning of the legs to simulate leg action in the power-suit configuration. Further, joint  3840 , which couples rear wheel  3720  to rear member  3742 , is shown as a single degree-of-freedom joint that allows rear wheel  3720  to rotate relative to rear member  3742 .  
         [0078]      FIG. 41  shows a side view of toy  3700 . Shoulder joint  3764  is shown as a single degree-of-freedom joint configured to couple front member  3732  to main section  3734 .  FIG. 41  also shows the various joints described above with reference to  FIGS. 39 and 40 .  
         [0079]     An example process for reconfiguring toy  3700  is illustrated via  FIGS. 37, 41 ,  42 , and finally  38 . Specifically, in moving from the positions of  FIG. 37  to  FIG. 41 , the rear member  3742  is moved (translated) toward the rear of the vehicle relative to inner section  3744  along vector  3872 . Then, in moving from the positions of  FIG. 41  to  FIG. 42 , the front and rear portions can be rotated outward. Further, exhaust sections  3746  may be rotated downward from inner section  3744 . As described above with reference to toy  100 , the action figure and power-suit may be repositioned so that arms and legs are in similar or unique positions, so as to simulate the action figure&#39;s movement and/or positioning via the power-suit, thus providing an exciting power-suit play mode. Also, the process can be reversed to enable reversible reconfiguration. It should be appreciated that the order described above is not required, and various alternative orders may be used, if desired.  
         [0080]     Referring now to  FIG. 43 , a two dimensional schematic view of releasable interface  3830 , which couples inner section  3744  and main section  3734 , is shown. Inner section  3744  is shown configured to be released from main section  3734 . Further, release mechanism  3898  is shown rotating in order to accept inner section  3744 . When trigger  3760  is activated, release mechanism  3898  is configured rotate downward, thus ejecting inner section  3744  from main section  3734 . Releasable interface  3830  shown in  FIG. 43 , while different from the release mechanism shown in  FIG. 15 , nonetheless accomplishes the similar task of causing disassembly of the toy upon activation of a trigger. Similarly, other methods of uncoupling/coupling the various portions could be utilized for toy  3700 . In this manner, releasable interface  3830  may facilitate reliable disassembly. A further discussion of disassembly of toy  3700  will be discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 44-47 .  
         [0081]      FIGS. 44-47  show the disassembly of toy  3700  when actuated such as by an ejected item and/or user, among others. Specifically,  FIGS. 44-45  show such action when the toy is configured as a vehicle, while  FIGS. 46-47  show such action when the toy is configured as a power-suit. Referring now specifically to  FIG. 44  shows toy  3700  reversibly configured as a vehicle, with front members  3732  and rear members  3742  configured to simulate vehicle portions. As described herein, activation of trigger  3760  causes release of the releasably coupled rear section  3740  as shown in  FIG. 45 . Likewise,  FIG. 46  shows toy  3700  reversibly configured as a power-suit and  FIG. 47  shows the toy after activation of the trigger by the ejected item, causing the release of rear section  3740  simulating disassembly of toy  3700 .  
         [0082]     In some embodiments, toy  3700  may be configured to receive one or more interchangeable accessories, a further discussion of which is presented below with reference to  FIGS. 75-85 .  
         [0083]     Referring now to  FIGS. 48-60 , an example of a reversibly reconfigurable toy that transforms between a vehicle mode (driving configuration) and a hang glider mode (flying configuration) is described.  FIG. 48  shows reconfigurable toy  4800  in a vehicle configuration ( FIG. 48 ) and in hang glider configuration ( FIG. 49 ). As will be described in more detail below, toy  4800  can be reversibly reconfigured between the configurations of  FIGS. 48 and 49  by manipulation of various components.  
         [0084]     Referring to  FIG. 48 , toy  4800  is shown in a vehicle mode having two front wheels  4810  and one rear wheel  4820 . While various types of wheels may be used, front wheel  4810  can have an outer portion  4812 , an inner portion  4814 , and a center (or axle) portion  4816 . Wheel  4820  is also shown having an outer portion  4822 , inner portion  4824 , and a center (or axle) portion  4826 . Wheel  4820  can be identical to front wheel  4810  in terms of coloring and construction, or can include some variations. Further, while various types of wheels may be used, the wheels of toy  48000  can be identical to the wheels of toy  100  in terms of coloring and construction, or can include some variations.  
         [0085]     Continuing with  FIG. 48 , toy  4800  is shown with a rear section  4840  and two front sections  4830 . As described below, rear section  4840  includes main section  4842  and two wings  4844 . Further, front sections  4830  may be reversibly reconfigured to simulate engines or thrusters in the hang glider configuration. Front section  4830  is shown including a first section  4832  and a second section  4834 .  FIG. 48  also shows a center section  4850 , which includes a cockpit  4858  and a canopy  4854 . As described in more detail below, canopy  4854  can open allowing an action figure (not shown) to be placed into and out of the cockpit. In some embodiments, canopy  4854  may include plastic that is opaque, clear, translucent, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, at least a portion of canopy  4854  may include translucent materials that are colored similarly to section  4812  and/or  4822  of the wheels.  
         [0086]     Continuing with  FIG. 48 , the interface between front section  4830  and rear section  4840  is configured to be uncoupled upon activation of trigger  4860 , thus simulating disassembly. Disassembly of toy  4800  will be further discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 58-61 .  
         [0087]     Referring now to  FIG. 49 , toy  4800  is shown in a hang glider configuration with action  FIG. 4870  coupled to the cockpit  4858  of the hang glider via clip  4872 . In this example, the clip is coupled to a waist area of action  FIG. 4870 , however various other methods of coupling could be used, if desired. For example, there may be connection points at the hands of the action figure as described above with reference to toy  3700 . Continuing with  FIG. 49 , toy  4800  is shown with the two wings  4844 . Specifically, wing  4844  can be rotated relative to main section  4842 . Further, section  4832  can rotated relative to section  4834  to retract front wheels  4810 . Section  4834  can be rotated relative to cockpit  4858  to further retract front wheels  4810 . The various joints enabling reconfiguration of toy  4800  are discussed in more detail below with reference to  FIGS. 53 and 54 .  
         [0088]      FIG. 50  shows a side view of toy  4800  in a vehicle configuration. Specifically,  FIG. 50  shows releasable interface  4946  configured to uncouple main section  4842  from cockpit  4858  upon actuation of trigger  4860 . Further,  FIG. 50  shows canopy  4854  moveably coupled to the main section by joint  4944 .  FIG. 51  shows a rear view of toy  4800  in a vehicle configuration. Specifically,  FIG. 51  shows how the various components of toy  4800  can be folded or positioned to represent a vehicle configuration.  
         [0089]      FIG. 52  shows a three dimensional view of a hang glider mode of toy  4800 . As will be described herein toy  4800  utilizes a plurality of rotatable joints for the reconfiguration of various portions of toy  4800 . Specifically, joint  4942  is shown as a single degree-of-freedom joint that allows trigger  4860  to rotate relative to main section  4842 . Joint  4944 , is shown as a single degree of freedom joint enabling canopy section  4854  to rotate relative main section  4842 . Joint  4922  is shown as a single degree-of-freedom joint enabling wheel  4820  to rotate relative to cockpit  4858 .  
         [0090]      FIGS. 52, 53 , and  54 , show the various joints enabling transformation of toy  4800 . Joint  4936  is shown as a single degree-of-freedom joint enabling section  4834  to rotate relative to cockpit  4858  about axis  4977 . Joint  4934  is shown as a single degree-of-freedom joint enabling section  4832  to rotate relative to section  4834  about axis  4975 . Joint  4932  is shown as a single degree-of-freedom joint enabling section  4938  to rotate relative to section  4832  about axis  4976 . Joint  4924  is shown as a single degree-of-freedom joint enabling front wheel  4810  to rotate relative to section  4938 . In this manner front wheels  4810  and front section  4830  may be retracted or extended during reconfiguration of toy  4800 . Releasable interface  4946 , which couples cockpit  4858  to main section  4842 , is shown as a releasable coupling that when activated by trigger  4860  causes toy  4800  to disassemble into at least two portions. Activation of trigger  4860  will be further discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 58-61 .  
         [0091]     Referring now to  FIG. 53 , a two dimensional side view of joint assembly  4910  coupling wing  4844  to cockpit  4858  is shown. Joint assembly  4910 , which includes joints  4912  and  4914  allows for reconfiguration of wing  4844  to simulate a hang glider wing. Specifically, joint  4912  is shown as a single degree-of-freedom joint enabling wing  4844  to rotate relative to section  4916  about axis  4979 . Joint  4914  is shown as a single degree-of-freedom joint enabling section  4916  to rotate relative to main section  4842  about axis  4978 . In this manner joints  4912  and  4914  combined form a two degree-of-freedom joint enabling rotation of wing  4844 .  
         [0092]     An example process for reconfiguring toy  4800  is illustrated by  FIGS. 48, 55 ,  56 ,  57 , and finally  49 . Specifically, in moving from the positions of  FIG. 48  to  FIG. 55 , the wing  4844  (hang glider wings) are rotated about axis  4978  toward a horizontal configuration. Then, in moving from the positions of  FIG. 55  to  FIG. 56 , front sections  4830  are rotated outward. Further, the wing  4844  are rotated to a horizontal position and rotated toward the rear of the vehicle to simulate wings. Then, in moving from the positions of  FIG. 56  to  FIG. 57 , front sections  4830  are rotated back and to the sides of the vehicle. Wings  4844  are further rotated back into a hang glider position. Finally, in moving from  57  to  49  front wheels  4810  are rotated to a configuration perpendicular to the direction of vehicle travel. Wings  4844  may be further rotated back, thus simulating a high speed of flight and further providing an exciting hang glider play mode. Also, the process can be reversed to enable reversible reconfiguration from the hang glider mode to the vehicle mode. It should be appreciated that the order described above is not required, and various alternative orders may be used, if desired.  
         [0093]     In some embodiments, toy  4800  may be configured with an automatic transformation mechanism, which automatically causes the toy to be reconfigured between the vehicle mode and the hang glider mode with limited user interaction. However, in some embodiments, a transformation toy may use automatic transformation with some aspects of user assisted transformation. While described in the context of hang glider toy  4800 , automatic transformation may be used with virtually any transformation toy. As such, a transformable toy can be configured to transform from one configuration to a completely different configuration with very little user interaction. For example, simply pushing a button can initiate a transformation that is automatically completed without further user interaction. In some embodiments, this can be accomplished by biasing a plurality of toy components to a second configuration, while they are releasably locked in a first configuration that can be unlocked by activating the automatic transformation mechanism.  
         [0094]      FIGS. 58-61  show the disassembly of toy  4800  when trigger  4860  is actuated. Specifically,  FIGS. 58-59  show such action when the toy is configured as a vehicle, while  FIGS. 60-61  show such action when the toy is configured as a hang glider. In particular, rear section  4840  comprising the canopy, wings, and trigger may be releasably coupled to cockpit in a manner described above with reference to  FIG. 15 ; however other methods of releasably coupling portions of vehicle  4800  may be used. Toy  4800  is shown configured as a vehicle, with the cockpit coupled to rear section  4840 .  FIG. 59  shows ejected item  5200  striking trigger  4860  causing rear section  4840  to become uncoupled from the cockpit. Likewise,  FIG. 60  shows toy  4800  reversibly configured as a hang glider and  FIG. 61  shows the toy after activation of the trigger by item  5200 .  
         [0095]     In some embodiments, toy  4800  may be configured to receive one or more interchangeable accessories, a further discussion of which is presented below with reference to  FIGS. 75-85 .  
         [0096]     Referring now to  FIGS. 62-68 , an example reconfigurable toy that transforms between a vehicle configuration and a power-suit configuration simulating a rollerblading activity is described. In this particular example, the transformable toy can be transformed between a vehicle mode and the power-suit mode without separating pieces or disassembling the toy. Thus, the toy may remain a single portion during the transformation between a first configuration and a second configuration. As described in more detail below, one or more of the joints that enable transformation are also points of separation when a trigger mechanism is actuated.  FIGS. 62-65  show an example reconfigurable toy  6200  in a vehicle configuration while  FIGS. 66-68  show toy  6200  in a power-suit configuration. Toy  6200  can be reversibly reconfigured between the configurations of  FIGS. 62 and 66  by manipulation of various components.  
         [0097]     Referring now to  FIG. 62 , a side view of toy  6200  in vehicle mode is shown. In this example, toy  6200  simulates a car that has two front wheels  6210  (only one of which is visible) and two rear wheels  6220  (only one of which is visible). While various types of wheels may be used, wheel  6210  can have an outer portion  6212 , an inner portion  6214 , and a center (or axle) portion  6216 . Wheel  6220  is also shown having an outer portion  6222 , inner portion  6224 , and a center (or axle) portion  6226 . Further, wheel  6220  can be identical to wheel  6210  in terms of coloring and construction, or can include some variations. Further, while various types of wheels may be used, the wheels of toy  6200  can be identical to the wheels of toy  100  in terms of coloring and construction, or can include some variations.  
         [0098]     Continuing with  FIG. 62 , toy  6200  is shown with a vehicle front including a front quarter panel  6232  and a front hood  6234 . The center canopy section of toy  6200  includes a top canopy  6254  and a side canopy  6256  coupled by elbow joint  6255 . The rear of toy  6200  includes a rear quarter panel  6242  and rear hood  6244  (not shown in  FIG. 62 ). As described below, each front quarter panel  6232  may be reconfigured to simulate an appendage, such as a leg, in the power-suit configuration. Further, the top canopy  6254  and side canopy  6256  may be reconfigured to simulate an appendage, such as an arm, in the power-suit configuration. As described in more detail below, the top canopy  6254  and side canopy  6256  may open thus allowing an action figure to be placed into and out of a cockpit  6258  ( FIG. 66 ). Further, top canopy  6254  and side canopy  6256  may comprise plastic that is opaque, clear, translucent, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, at least a portion of canopy sections  6254  and  6256  may comprise translucent materials that are colored similarly to section  6212  and  6222  of the wheels. Toy  6200  also is shown with an actuator configured as a trigger  6260 . Further, trigger  6260  is configured to receive an actuation by a user, by an item ejected by an associated toy, and/or by an impact as described above with toy  100 , for example. The trigger, when actuated, allows various portions and/or sections of the toy to uncouple from each other, thus simulating disassembly, collision, and the like.  
         [0099]     Referring now to  FIG. 63 , a top view of toy  6200  in a vehicle configuration is shown. In particular,  FIG. 63  shows an top view of front hood  6234  and rear hood  6244 . Further, the two front wheels  6210  and the two rear wheels  6220  of toy  6200  are also visible in  FIG. 63 . The top view of  FIG. 63  also shows how toy  6200  has two front quarter panels  6232 , two top canopy sections  6254 , and two rear quarter panels  6242  when configured in the vehicle mode.  
         [0100]      FIGS. 64 and 65  show a front view and side view, respectively, of toy  6200  in a vehicle configuration. In particular, the rear view of  FIG. 65  shows cockpit  6258  disposed between undercarriage  6292 . As will be described below, undercarriage  6292  simulates a rollerblade when toy  6200  is in the power-suit configuration.  
         [0101]     Referring now to  FIG. 66 , a side view of toy  6200  in a power-suit configuration is shown. Specifically,  FIG. 65  shows undercarriage  6292  coupling front wheel  6210  and rear wheel  6220 , thus simulating a rollerblade and/or foot of the power-suit. Ankle joint  6293  is shown coupling lower leg  6294  and undercarriage  6292  by a single degree-of-freedom joint enabling lower leg  6294  to rotate relative to undercarriage  6292 . Further, knee joint  6295  is shown coupling lower leg  6294  and upper leg  6296  by a single degree-of-freedom. Front quarter panel  6232  is shown coupled to upper leg  6296 . Thus, each leg portion formed by upper leg  6296 , lower leg  6294 , and front quarter panel  6232  can transform into the front quarter panel in the vehicle configuration by reconfiguring the leg. Further, each leg is shown coupled to cockpit  6258  by joint  6299  having a single degree-of-freedom. Joint  6299  will be discussed in greater detail below with reference to  FIG. 67 .  
         [0102]     Further,  FIG. 66  shows how rear hood  6244  and front hood  6234  may rotated relative to the toy during transformation between the power-suit configuration and the vehicle configuration. Specifically, front hood  6234  is shown coupled to cockpit  6258  by joint  6249 . Thus, joint  6249  allows front hood  6234  to rotate relative to the cockpit  6258  by a single degree-of-freedom joint. Rear hood  6244  is shown rotated to the rear of the power-suit and is connected to cockpit  6258  through linkage  6245 . Further, rear hood  6244  is shown coupled to linkage  6245  by joint  6243  having a single degree-of-freedom and linkage  6245  is coupled to cockpit  6258  by joint  6247  also having a single degree-of-freedom. Thus, rear hood  6244  may rotate relative to cockpit  6258 .  
         [0103]     Trigger  6260  is shown coupled to the cockpit by a single degree-of-freedom joint  6261  allowing trigger  6260  to rotate relative to the cockpit. Further, top canopy  6254  is shown obscuring a portion of the arm of the power-suit; therefore each arm will be shown in greater detail in  FIG. 67  below.  
         [0104]     Referring now to  FIG. 67 , a front view of toy  6200  in a power-suit configuration is shown. Hand  6250  is coupled to lower arm  6252  by a wrist joint ( FIG. 69 ). Top canopy  6254  is shown coupled to lower arm  6252  by joint  6253  ( FIG. 68 ). Both joint  6251  and  6253  are shown as single degree-of-freedom joint, however other joints may be used, such as ball joints. Side canopy  6256  is also shown simulating an upper arm. Further, lower arm  6252  is shown coupled to side canopy  6256  (upper arm) by elbow joint  6255  having a single degree-of-freedom. Side canopy  6256  (upper arm) is shown coupled to cockpit  6258  by shoulder assembly  6257  having two degrees-of-freedom. Shoulder assembly  6257  may be of similar configuration as the shoulder joints shown above with reference to toy  100  and toy  2000 . Cockpit  6258  is further shown configured with a clip  6272  for holding an action  FIG. 6270  (not shown).  
         [0105]      FIG. 67  also shows hip section  6298  coupling upper leg  6296  to cockpit  6258  by joint  6297  and joint  6299  each having a single degree of freedom. Thus, a hip joint is simulated by hip section  6298 , joint  6297  and joint  6299 . Front hood  6234  and rear hood  6244  are shown rotated toward the rear of cockpit  6258 . Further, trigger  6260  is shown coupled to cockpit  6258 .  
         [0106]     Referring now to  FIG. 68 , a rear view of toy  6200  in a power-suit configuration is shown. Specifically,  FIG. 66  shows joint  6253  as a single degree-of-freedom joint enabling rotation of top canopy  6254  relative to lower arm  6252 .  FIG. 68  also shows rear hood  6244  and front hood  6234  rotated to the rear of cockpit  6258 .  FIG. 69  shows a top view of toy  6200  configured as a power-suit. Further, wrist joint  6251  is shown coupling hand  6250  to lower arm  6252 .  FIG. 69  also provides an alternative view of the various portions discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 62-68 .  
         [0107]     As described above, the wearable power-suit configuration of toy  6200  may be configured to simulate the  4  appendages of an action figure wearing the suit. Therefore, the arms and legs of the power-suit may be adjusted and/or reconfigured to be substantially adjacent to the arms and legs of the action figure, thus the wearable suit may act as an extension of the action figure&#39;s limbs. Specifically, for example, the right arm of the action figure may be substantially proximate to the right arm of the power-suit, the left arm of the action figure may be substantially proximate the left are of the power-suit, the right leg of the action figure may be substantially proximate the right leg of the power-suit, and the left leg of the action figure may be substantially proximate the left leg of the power-suit, thereby simulating an outfit that is worn by the action figure. In some examples, the power-suit configuration may contain a hat and/or feature that simulates the action figure&#39;s head thus further simulating a wearable suit. In this manner, the action figure wearing the power-suit may simulate a competitive or extreme sport activity such as rollerblading.  
         [0108]     The process of reconfiguring toy  6200  can be similar to the method shown above with reference to toys  100  and  2000  among others. For example, toy  6200  may be reconfigured from a vehicle mode to a power-suit mode by extending the legs from a folded position by rotating the undercarriage  6290  downward from the bottom of the vehicle. Further, the arms may be extended outward from cockpit  6258  by rotating the top canopy  6254  and side canopy  6256  outward. Further, the front hood  6234  and the rear hood  6244  may be rotated behind cockpit  6258  as shown in  FIGS. 66-68 . Finally, the arms and legs of the power-suit may be adjusted as desired to simulate rollerblading action. Also, the process can be reversed to enable reversible reconfiguration wherein the power-suit is transformed into the vehicle. It should be appreciated that the order described above is not required, and various alternative orders may be used, if desired. Further, disassembly of toy  6200  may occur in a similar manner as shown above with reference to  FIGS. 16-19 , for example. The arms and the legs of toy  6200  may be removably coupled to cockpit  6258  as described above with reference to  FIG. 15 , among other methods.  
         [0109]     In some embodiments, toy  6200  may be configured to receive one or more interchangeable accessories, a further discussion of which is presented below with reference to  FIGS. 75-85 .  
         [0110]     Referring now to  FIGS. 70-74 , an example reconfigurable toy that transforms between a vehicle mode and a power-suit mode simulating a jumping activity is described herein. In this embodiment, the transformable toy  7000  can be transformed between the vehicle mode and the power-suit mode without physically separating portions of the toy or otherwise disassembling the toy in any way. Thus, the toy remains completely assembled during the transformation between a first mode (e.g. vehicle) and a second mode (e.g. power-suit), or between various configurations or poses within the same mode. However, while not shown in the following examples, in some embodiments, a transformable toy may be partially disassembled to facilitate the transformation process. As described in more detail below, one or more of the joints that enable transformation can be points of separation when a trigger is actuated.  
         [0111]      FIGS. 70 and 71  show an example reconfigurable toy product  7000  in a vehicle configuration, while  FIGS. 72-74  show toy  7000  in a power-suit configuration simulating a jumping activity. Toy  7000  can be reversibly reconfigured between the configurations of  FIGS. 70 and 72  by manipulation of various components.  
         [0112]     Referring now to  FIG. 70 , a side view of toy  7000  in a vehicle configuration is shown. In this example, toy  7000  simulates a vehicle that has two front wheels ( 7010 , only one of which is visible) and one rear wheel  7020 . While various types of wheels may be used, wheel  7010  can have an outer portion  7012 , an inner portion  7014 , and a center (or axle) portion  7016 . Wheel  7020  is also shown having an outer portion  7022 , an inner portion  7024 , and a center (or axle) portion  7026 . Wheel  7020  can be identical to wheel  7010  in terms of coloring and construction, or can include some variations. Further, while various types of wheels may be used, the wheels of toy  7000  can be identical to the wheels of toy  100  in terms of coloring and construction, or can include some variations.  
         [0113]     Continuing with  FIG. 70 , toy  7000  is shown with a front section  7032  coupled to front wheel  7010 . The center of toy  7000  is shown comprising a cockpit  7052  coupled to the rear wheel  7020 . Side section  7042  is shown coupled to cockpit  7052  by shoulder joint  7041 . Bottom section  7050  is shown coupling front section  7032  to cockpit  7052  by releasable interface  7080 . Further, cockpit  7052  is shown with a clip  7072 ) for receiving an action  FIG. 7070  (not shown) and a pair of hand grips  7074  (only one is shown) for attaching to the hands of an action  FIG. 7070  (not shown). Trigger  7060  is shown coupled to cockpit  7052  by joint  7061 . In this manner, trigger  7060  may rotate relative to cockpit  7052  by single degree-of-freedom joint  7061  when actuated. Trigger  7060  may be configured such that upon activation releasable interface  7080  may be released causing disassembly of toy  7000 , thus simulating toy collision, disassembly, and the like. Trigger  7060  may be configured to be actuated by a user or by an item ejected by an associated toy, or by a collision, etc.  
         [0114]     Referring now to  FIG. 71 , a top view of toy  7000  in a vehicle configuration is shown. Specifically, the top view shows the two front wheels  7010  and one rear wheel  7020 . Further,  FIG. 70  shows front section  7032  coupled to lower leg  7034  and front wheel  7010  by knee joint  7033 . Knee joint  7033  is shown as a single degree-of-freedom joint enabling rotation of lower leg  7034  relative to front wheel  7010  and front section  7032 . As will be described below, front section  7032  (upper leg) and lower leg  7034  may be reversibly reconfigured to simulate a leg in the power-suit configuration.  
         [0115]     Referring now to  FIG. 72 , a side view of toy  7000  in a power-suit configuration is shown. Specifically, the joints of the lower leg are visible. Beginning with the lower leg, foot section  7036  is shown coupled to lower leg  7034  by ankle joint  7035  having a single degree-of-freedom. As described above with reference to  FIG. 70 , knee joint  7033  is shown coupling lower leg  7034 , front wheel  7010  and front section  7032  (upper leg), thus forming the leg of the power-suit. The leg of toy  7000  is shown coupled to bottom section  7050  by hip joint  7031 .  FIG. 71  further shows side section  7042  rotated outward about shoulder joint  7041  to simulate an arm.  
         [0116]     Referring now to  FIG. 73 , a front view of toy  7000  in a power-suit configuration is shown. Specifically,  FIG. 73  shows a detailed view of bottom section  7050  coupled to two hip sections  7054  by joint  7053  having a single degree-of-freedom. Further,  FIG. 73  shows an alternative view of the two legs of toy  7000 .  
         [0117]     Referring now to  FIG. 74 , a rear view of toy  7000  in a power-suit configuration is shown. Specifically,  FIG. 74  shows a detailed view of hip section  7054  coupled to front section  7032  by section  7056 . In particular, hip section  7054  is shown coupled to section  7056  by joint  7055  having a single degree-of-freedom. Further, section  7056  is shown coupled to front section  7032  (upper leg) by hip joint  7031  having a single degree-of-freedom. Hip section  7054  is shown coupled to bottom section  7050  by joint  7053  ( FIG. 73 ). Therefore, front section  7032  may rotate relative to bottom section  7050  by joints  7053 ,  7055 , and  7031 , thus enabling a broad range of motion for each of the legs, which are configured to simulate a jumping activity.  
         [0118]     Toy  7000  may be reversibly reconfigured from the vehicle configuration of  FIGS. 70-71  to the power-suit configuration of  FIGS. 72-74  by rotating side sections  7042  outward to simulate arms. Further, front section  7032  (upper leg) and lower leg  7034  may be rotated outward and repositioned to simulate legs in the power-suit configuration. Further, the power-suit shown in  FIGS. 72-74  can be reconfigured to simulate the four appendages of an action figure wearing the suit. Therefore, the arms and legs of the power-suit may be adjusted and/or reconfigured to be substantially adjacent to or proximate to the arms and legs of action figure wearing the suit. In this way, the wearable suit may act as an extension of the action figure&#39;s limbs. Specifically, for example, the right arm of the action figure may be substantially proximate to the right arm of the power-suit, the left arm of the action figure may be substantially proximate the left are of the power-suit, the right leg of the action figure may be substantially proximate the right leg of the power-suit, and the left leg of the action figure may be substantially proximate the left leg of the power-suit, thereby simulating an outfit that is worn by the action figure. In some examples, the power-suit configuration may contain a hat and/or feature that simulate the action figure&#39;s head thus further simulating a wearable suit. Also, the process can be reversed to enable reversible reconfiguration from the power-suit configuration to the vehicle configuration  FIGS. 70 and 71 . In some embodiments, toy  7000  may be configured to receive one or more interchangeable accessories, a further discussion of which is presented below with reference to  FIGS. 75-85 .  
         [0119]     In some embodiments, accessories may interact with an associated toy or group of toys to further improve toy play and encourage toy interaction. However, as described above, accessories that provide only one function or one type of interaction may be apt to be monotonous. Thus, an accessory that provides a plurality of functions or interactions is provided herein.  
         [0120]     Referring now to  FIG. 75 , an example accessory is shown which is configured to provide a variety of functions and interact with a plurality of associated toys. As shown in  FIG. 75 , an accessory may be configured to be received by or coupled to multiple toys. For example,  FIG. 75  shows accessory  7500  in a first play configuration  7510 , wherein the accessory is coupled to an action figure. Accessory  7500  in the first play configuration  7510  may represent, for example, an article of clothing, a tool, or a simulated weapon, among a variety of other functions. Accessory  7500  is further shown coupled to a transformable toy configured as a vehicle, wherein the accessory provides a second play configuration  7520 . The play configurations of  7520  and  7510  may differ in that the accessory provides a different fantastical element or function depending on toy interaction. For example, accessory  7500  in play configuration  7520  may represent a vehicle component. Further, accessory  7500  is shown in a third play configuration  7530 , wherein the accessory is coupled to the toy in a power-suit configuration. Thus, in some embodiments, an accessory may interact with an action figure and with a transformable toy having at least a first and a second configuration or mode, wherein the transformable toy may also receive the action figure in each of the configurations. In this manner, an accessory may provide a plurality of play configurations, which may differ depending on the toy interaction.  
         [0121]     Accessories may be coupled to an associated toy in a variety of ways, two examples of which are shown in  FIGS. 76 and 77 .  FIG. 76  shows an accessory/toy interface  7600  including an accessory  7610  having an attachment component  7620  shaped as a cylindrical protrusion projecting outward from the surface of the accessory, however other shapes are possible. Further, toy  7630  is shown having an attachment component  7640  configured as an opening with a substantially circular shape and sufficient depth for receiving the cylindrical attachment component  7620 . Thus, in one example, accessory  7610  may be attached to toy  7630  by inserting the attachment component  7620  of accessory  7610  into the opening forming attachment component  7640  of toy  7630 .  
         [0122]      FIG. 77  shows another example of an attachment component for an accessory. Accessory  7720  is shown having an attachment component  7710  configured as a clip. Attachment component  7710  is shaped so that it can be releasably coupled to a torso portion  7730  of an action  FIG. 7740 . Thus, the accessory shown in  FIG. 77  has a fantasy component that simulates a backpack that is worn by the action figure. In this manner, the accessory may be clipped to the action figure or unclipped from the action figure as desired by the user. It should be understood that while the attachment component of  FIG. 77  is shown interacting with a toy action figure, other configurations are possible. For example, an attachment component having a similar clip configuration may be used to couple the accessory to a portion of a toy vehicle. Furthermore, the clip described above may be of a variety of shapes and/or sizes wherein the shape and/or size of the clip is dictated at least partially by the portion of the toy to which it is coupled.  
         [0123]     In some embodiments, an accessory and/or an associated toy may include multiple attachment components, each having a different configuration. For example, an accessory may include both an attachment component  7620  of  FIG. 76  and an attachment component  7710  of  FIG. 77 , among other methods of attachment. Thus, in some embodiments, a single accessory may be coupled to a toy or group of toys using more than one method of attachment.  
         [0124]     Likewise, in some examples, a toy may be configured to receive one of a plurality of accessories. For example, an attachment component of an accessory may include a configuration that is universal among a group of toys. Thus, accessories may be interchangeable with one or more toys. As used herein, the term “interchangeable accessory” is used to describe any accessory that may be coupled to one of a plurality of toys and/or where a toy is configured to receive one of a plurality of accessories.  
         [0125]     In some embodiments, accessories may be interchangeable among a select group of associated toys, wherein a first group of toys may be configured to receive a first attachment component and a second group of toys may be configured to receive a second attachment component different from the first. For example, toys representing action figures may use an attachment component similar to the clip described in  FIG. 77 , while transformable toys may use an attachment component similar to the cylindrical protrusion described in  FIG. 76 . Thus, in some embodiments, accessory/toy interaction may be limited by the configuration of the accessory and/or toy attachment component.  
         [0126]     Some toys may be configured to receive more than one accessory at a time. For example, a toy representing an action figure may receive a plurality of accessories. Furthermore, each accessory may be coupled to the toy by a different attachment component. For example, an accessory that is configured to attach to a foot of the action figure may have a different attachment component from an accessory that is configured to attach to a hand of the action figure. Thus, in some embodiments, accessories may be directed to a specific toy interaction.  
         [0127]     Referring now to  FIG. 78 , an example interchangeable accessory  7800  is shown. In particular, accessory  7800  is shown representing a wheeled vehicle that may be ridden by a toy action figure. Accessory  7800  includes a base  7810 , two front rotatable wheels  7832 , and a rotatable rear wheel  7834 . Further accessory  7800  has a rear portion  7840  that represents a vehicle engine. Thus, the accessory may include a fantasy component that embodies a vehicle theme. Accessory  7800  is also shown having two attachment components that may be coupled to the bottom of an action figures foot as described above with reference to  FIG. 76  or alternately coupled to the action figure&#39;s hands. Attachment components  7822  and  7824 , which can be similar to attachment component  3750  of  FIG. 37 , are shown as cylindrical protrusions, however other methods of coupling the accessory to the action figure are possible. Therefore, a toy action figure may be coupled to attachment components  7822  and  7824  by inserting the cylindrical protrusions into a circular outlet located on the bottom of each foot of the action figure.  
         [0128]     Referring now to  FIG. 79 , another example of an accessory is shown. Accessory  7900  is shown having three attachment components  7922 ,  7924 , and  7926 , where each attachment component is shown having a cylindrical shape as described above with reference to  FIG. 76 . Accessory  7900  is also shown having a fantasy component representing an engine  7940  powering two rotatable thrusters  7930  each rotating about joints  7932 . As described above in  FIG. 78 , a toy action figure may be attached to accessory  7900  so that a left foot may be attached to attachment component  7922  and a right foot may be attached to attachment component  7924 . Thus, the action figure can simulate riding accessory  7900 . Further, attachment component  7926  may be used in a second configuration to attach accessory  7900  to a different toy. For example, accessory  7900  may be coupled to a toy vehicle by attachment component  7926 .  
         [0129]      FIG. 80  shows accessory  8000  having an accessory body including a center portion  8010  and two wings  8030 . Accessory  8000  is also shown having two sub-accessories  8050  releasably coupled to the center portion  8010 . Wings  8030  are shown coupled to center portion  8010  by a joint  8040 . Thus, each wing may rotate relative to center portion  8010 . Further, accessory  8000  is shown having an actuator  8020  configured to uncouple sub-accessories  8050  from center portion  8010 . In some embodiments, sub-accessories  8050  may be ejected or discharged from center portion  8010 . In one example, the discharged sub-accessories can interact with other associated toys. For example, some toys may be configured to receive the discharged sub-accessory such that a trigger located on the surface of the toy is actuated by the discharged accessory striking the trigger. When the trigger is actuated, disassembly of the toy may occur such as described above with reference to  FIGS. 16-19 , for example.  
         [0130]     In some embodiments, an accessory&#39;s fantasy component may change depending on the toy with which it is interacting.  FIG. 81  shows accessory  8000  interacting with two toys wherein the accessory has a first fantasy component when coupled to the first toy and a second fantasy component when coupled to the second toy. A first play configuration  8120  is shown where accessory  8000  is coupled to the torso section of a toy action  FIG. 8122  with a clip as described above with reference to  FIG. 77 . Accessory  8000  in the first play configuration  8110  is shown having a fantasy component representing a backpack with retractable wings. A second play configuration  8130  is shown where accessory  8000  is coupled to transformable toy  4800  as described above with reference to  FIG. 48 . Accessory  8000  in the second play configuration has a fantasy component representing a vehicle component such as a rear spoiler. Thus, accessory  8000  can perform at least a different function in each of the play configurations. While  FIG. 81  shows accessory  8000  having two play configurations, other play configurations are possible. For example, an accessory may be able to perform the same or similar function in each of its play configurations, wherein accessory  8000  may be coupled to the action figure and vehicle in a manner that allows a user to access the actuator in each play configuration. Thus, accessory  8000  may be able to discharge or eject subassemblies  8050  upon actuation of actuator  8020  in each of the play configurations.  
         [0131]     Referring now to  FIG. 82 , an accessory  8200  is shown having a releasable sub-accessory. Accessory  8200  is shown having an accessory body  8210  coupled to a first attachment component  8220  by portion  8280 . Further, accessory  8200  is shown having sub-accessory  8260  releasably coupled to the accessory body  8210  such that actuation of actuator  8230  causes sub-accessory  8260  to be uncoupled from the accessory body  8210 . In some embodiments, upon actuation of actuator  8230 , sub-accessory  8260  may be forcibly discharged or ejected from the accessory body  8210  at a high rate of speed. Attachment component  8220  is shown as a clip that may be coupled to an action figure as described above with reference to  FIG. 77 . Accessory  8200  is also shown having a second actuator  8240  configured to uncouple portion  8280  of attachment component  8220 . Further, accessory  8200  is shown having a second attachment component  8270  configured to attach to a vehicle in the manner described above with reference to  FIG. 76 . Thus, in a first play configuration, accessory  8200  may be coupled to a toy action figure, and in a second play configuration accessory  8200  may be coupled to a vehicle as will be described below in  FIG. 83 .  
         [0132]      FIG. 83  shows accessory  8200  interacting with a variety of associated toys in a variety of play configurations. Play configuration  8300  shows accessory  8200  in a first configuration, wherein the accessory is not coupled to an associated toy. Thus, in some embodiments, accessory  8200  may provide a first play configuration as a stand alone accessory, wherein the accessory serves as the toy. For example, accessory  8200  may be used to eject a sub-accessory without being coupled to a toy, wherein the ejected sub-accessory may interact with an associated toy as described above with reference to  FIGS. 15-19 , causing disassembly. A second play configuration  8310  is shown where accessory  8200  is coupled to a toy action  FIG. 8312  via a clip as described above with reference to  FIG. 77 . A third play configuration  8320  is shown where accessory  8200  is again coupled to an action figure, wherein the accessory  8200  is used to discharge sub-accessory  8260 . Play configurations  8310  and  8320  show accessory  8200  coupled to the action figure where a first attachment component is shown as a clip coupled to the torso of the action figure as described above in  FIG. 3  and a second attachment component is shown where a hand of the action figure is coupled to the second attachment component  8270 . Thus, the fantasy component of accessory  8200  in play configurations  8310  and  8320  represent a backpack weapon that is operated by the action figure wearing the backpack. A fourth play configuration  8330  is shown where accessory  8200  is coupled to a transformable toy  4800  in a first transformation configuration representing a flying vehicle. A fifth play configuration  8340  is shown where accessory  8200  is coupled to the transformable toy in a second configuration representing a wheeled vehicle. Thus, accessory  8200  may be coupled to a transformable toy where the accessory performs a different function or has a different fantasy component in the first transformation configuration and second transformation configuration. For example, accessory  8200  can represent vehicle headlights in play configuration  8340  and a simulated weapon in play configuration  8330 . While  FIG. 83  shows accessory  8200  having five play configurations, more or less play configurations are possible.  
         [0133]     Referring now to  FIG. 84 , accessory  8400  is shown having two sub-accessories  8422  and  8424 . Accessory  8400  is further shown having a fantasy component representing a vehicle exhaust system. Further, each of the sub-accessories are shown having a fantasy component representing tools where sub-accessory  8422  represents a wrench and sub-accessory  8424  represents a hammer. Thus, accessory  8400  and sub-accessories  8422  and  8424  may be part of a fantasy racing theme.  
         [0134]     Accessory  8400  is shown having an accessory body  8410  representing a vehicle exhaust system. The accessory body  8410  is shown including two storage regions configured to store a portion of each of the sub-accessories. Further, accessory body  8410  is shown having two discharge regions  8442  and  8444  respectively corresponding to the two sub-accessories  8422  and  8424 . Accessory  8400  is shown having two actuators  8432  and  8434  configured to respectively release sub-accessories  8422  and  8424 . Actuation of actuator  8432  causes sub-accessory  8422  to be released from accessory  8400 . Likewise, actuation of actuator  8434  causes sub-accessory  8424  to be released from accessory  8400 . In some embodiments, actuation of either actuators may cause the sub-accessories to be discharged at a high rate of speed from accessory  8400 . Thus, in one example, sub-accessories  8422  and  8424  may interact with other associated toys causing disassembly as described above, for example, with reference to  FIGS. 15-19 . Accessory  8400  may be coupled to an associated toy using the attachment components described above with reference to  FIGS. 76 and 77  among other methods.  
         [0135]      FIG. 85  shows accessory  8400  interacting with associated toys in a variety of play configurations. Configuration  8500  shows accessory  8400  in a first play configuration where the accessory is not attached to an associated toy. Thus, accessory  8400  may provide a first play configuration  8500  as a stand alone accessory, wherein the accessory serves as a toy. A second and third play configuration  8520  are shown, where accessory  8400  is coupled to action  FIG. 8522  as described above with reference to FIGS.  76  or  77 . Further, sub-accessory  8424  is shown being discharged from accessory  8400 . Thus, accessory  8400  in play configuration  8520  is shown having a fantasy component representing a tool, wherein the tool can be ejected, thus further simulating a projectile. A fourth play configuration  8510  is shown where accessory  8400  is coupled to toy vehicle  6200  as described above with reference to  FIG. 62 . Thus, accessory  8400  in play configuration  8510  is shown having a fantasy component representing a vehicle exhaust system. While  FIG. 85  shows accessory  8400  having at least four play configurations, other play configurations are possible. For example, a fifth play configuration may include a power-suit configuration. Thus, the accessory coupled to the power-suit may provide a different play from that of the vehicle configuration and/or action  FIG. 8522 .  
         [0136]     It will be appreciated that the configurations and embodiments disclosed herein are exemplary in nature, and that these specific embodiments are not to be considered in a limiting sense, because numerous variations are possible. The components, shapes, colors, etc. described herein are non-limiting examples and it should be understood that each of these features may be changed.  
         [0137]     The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and nonobvious combinations and subcombinations of the various systems and configurations, and other features, functions, and/or properties disclosed herein. The following claims particularly point out certain combinations and subcombinations regarded as novel and nonobvious. These claims may refer to “an” element or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof. Such claims should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Other combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed features, functions, elements, and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of the present claims or through presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such claims, whether broader, narrower, equal, or different in scope to the original claims, also are regarded as included within the subject matter of the present disclosure.