Patent Publication Number: US-2013244535-A1

Title: Toys with pivotal members

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/610,335, which was filed on Mar. 13, 2012, is entitled “TOYS WITH PIVOTAL MEMBERS,” and the complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to toys. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Children&#39;s toys come in a variety of configurations, sizes, shapes, types, functions, etc. Toys with movable and/or interchangeable components have proven to be particularly enjoyable by children. Such toys permit children to imagine a virtual world that includes characters, story lines, action, etc., with the movable and/or interchangeable components enhancing the play value of the toys. 
     SUMMARY 
     Toys according to the present disclosure include a body, at least one pivotal member, and a user release mechanism. The pivotal member is biased toward a first position from a second position, and the user release mechanism is configured to receive user input for selective release of the pivotal member from the second position to the first position. 
     Some embodiments of toys according to the present disclosure include three pivotal members. In some embodiments, a pivotal member is configured to resemble different elements of the toy when in its first position than when in its second position. As an illustrative, non-exclusive example, a pivotal member may resemble a propulsion mechanism when in its second position and may resemble a weapon when in its first position. As another illustrative, non-exclusive example, a pivotal member may resemble an aerodynamic stabilizer when in its second position and may resemble an armor panel when in its first position. Other examples also are within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Some embodiments of toys according to the present disclosure include toy vehicles; however, other configurations of toys also are within the scope of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a three-dimensional schematic diagram representing toys according to the present disclosure with pivotal members in rearward positions. 
         FIG. 2  is a three-dimensional schematic diagram representing toys according to the present disclosure with pivotal members in forward positions. 
         FIG. 3  is a three-dimensional schematic diagram representing toys according to the present disclosure with the pivotal members configured to be selectively removed and attached to a toy body, with the pivotal members being illustrated in a detached configuration. 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of an illustrative, non-exclusive example of a toy according to the present disclosure including pivotal members in rearward positions, and showing optional detachment of an associated action figure. 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the toy of  FIG. 4  with the pivotal members in forward positions, and showing optional detachment of the pivotal members from the toy body and optional detachment of a portion from the pivotal members. 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of the toy of  FIG. 4  with the pivotal members in rearward positions. 
         FIG. 7  is a partial cut-away top view of a portion of the toy of  FIG. 4  with the pivotal members in forward positions. 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of a portion of the toy of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 9  is a partial cross-sectional detail view of an internal mechanism of the portion shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     Toys according to the present disclosure are schematically illustrated in  FIGS. 1-2  and are indicated generally at  10 . Toys  10  may take any suitable form and may represent any type of toy that includes pivotal members, as discussed herein. Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of toys that may include pivotal members include (but are not limited to) toy vehicles, toy figures, toy games, toy devices, transforming toys, toy animals, toy creatures, and any other plaything. 
     Toys  10  include a body  12  and one or more pivotal members  14  that are coupled to (and in some embodiments, removably coupled to) the body  12 . In the schematic representation of toys  10  in  FIGS. 1-2 , three pivotal members  14  are illustrated; however, a toy  10  may include one, two, three, or more than three pivotal members  14 . To distinguish individual pivotal members when a toy  10  includes more than one pivotal member, the pivotal members may be described in terms of a first, second, third, fourth, etc. pivotal member. For example, the schematic representation in  FIGS. 1-2  includes a first pivotal member  16 , a second pivotal member  18 , and a third pivotal member  20 . However, such descriptors are not limiting with respect to the pivotal members, and a first pivotal member as recited in this description section may correspond to a second pivotal member as recited in a claim, or vice versa. Other examples, such as corresponding to a third pivotal member, also may occur. Moreover, with reference to the drawings, pivotal members  14  may be described without enumerated descriptors, such as referring to pivotal member  16 , pivotal member  18 , and/or pivotal member  20 . 
     Toys  10  may be described in terms of an orientation, such as with a toy  10  having a front, rear, top, bottom, left, and right sides, portions, regions, components, etc. of the toy. Such relative tennis, however, are not limiting, and instead are used to facilitate the description of toys  10  and disclosed embodiments thereof. With reference to  FIGS. 1-2 , body  12  may therefore be described as including a front end region  22  and a rear end region  24 . For example, in a toy  10  in the form of a toy vehicle, the front end region of the body may correspond to the front of the toy vehicle, and the rear end region may correspond to the rear of the toy vehicle. Similarly, in examples of toys  10  in the form of a toy animal or toy creature, the front end region may correspond to the front (i.e., head/chest region) of the animal or creature, and the rear end region may correspond to the rear (i.e., tail/hind region) of the animal or creature. Other examples also are within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     The pivotal members  14  of toys  10  additionally or alternatively may be described in terms of relative positions with respect to a toy  10  and/or its body  12 . For example, in the schematic representation of  FIGS. 1-2 , the pivotal member  16  additionally or alternatively may be described as a top pivotal member  16  and/or an upper pivotal member  16 . Similarly, the pivotal member  18  additionally or alternatively may be described as a left pivotal member  18 , and the pivotal member  20  additionally or alternatively may be described as a right pivotal member  20 . 
     As mentioned, pivotal members  14  are coupled (and in some embodiments, removably coupled) to body  12 . Accordingly, a pivotal member  14  of a toy  10  may be described as being configured to pivot relative to the body about an axis. In the illustrated schematic representations of  FIGS. 1-2 , the pivotal members are configured to pivot about their respective axes between rearward positions, as schematically illustrated in  FIG. 1 , and forward positions, as schematically illustrated in  FIG. 2 . For example, in  FIG. 1 , the pivotal members generally extend away from the front end region  22  of the body, and in  FIG. 2 , the pivotal members generally extend away from the rear end region  24  of the body. 
     In some embodiments, pivotal members  14  may be biased toward one of their respective forward positions or rearward positions. To facilitate discussion with reference to  FIGS. 1-2 , each of the three schematically illustrated pivotal members  16 ,  18 ,  20  will be described as being biased toward their respective forward positions, such as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . However, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that pivotal members may be biased toward the front end region  22  or toward the rear end region  24 , optionally including embodiments with one or more pivotal members being biased toward the front end region and with one or more pivotal members being biased toward the rear end region. Also within the scope of the present disclosure are pivotal members that are not biased toward a particular position. 
     In some embodiments, one or more pivotal members may overlap body  12  when in one or both of a respective forward position and/or rearward position. By “overlap,” it is meant that a pivotal member extends against, along, and/or proximate to (i.e., near) a corresponding portion of the body. As an illustrative, non-exclusive example, in the schematic representations of  FIGS. 1-2 , all three of the illustrated pivotal members overlap body  12  when in both their forward positions and their rearward positions. It is within the scope of the present disclosure that one or more of the pivotal members may be coupled to the body such that the pivotal member overlaps the body more (i.e., to a greater extent) when the pivotal member is in the forward position than when the pivotal member is in the rearward position, or vice versa. As an illustrative, non-exclusive example, at least one (or even all) of the pivotal members may be configured to extend rearward of the body of the toy when in the/their rearward position(s), and to extend at least substantially, if not completely, along the body, such as to overlap the body, when in the/their forward positions. It is also within the scope of the present disclosure that a pivotal member may not generally, or at least not substantially, overlap body  12  when in one of its forward position or rearward position. As an illustrative, non-exclusive example, a pivotal member may be coupled directly to an end, or end region, of body  12  such that the pivotal member generally overlaps the body only when the pivotal member is in one of the forward position or the rearward position but not in the other of the forward position and the rearward position. 
     Pivotal members  14  of toys  10  may take any suitable form and/or configuration depending on the specific implementation of toy  10 . As an illustrative, non-exclusive example, a pivotal member, or portion thereof, may correspond to, or may be configured to resemble, one or more of a wing, a leg, an arm, a weapon, an aerodynamic stabilizer, a propulsion mechanism, a wheel, a shield, armor, or any other suitable structure. In some embodiments, a pivotal member may be configured to resemble different structures depending on the position of the pivotal member relative to body  12 . For example, as an illustrative, non-exclusive example, a pivotal member  14  may be configured to resemble armor, armor plating, and/or a shield when in its forward position, and the pivotal member may be configured to resemble an aerodynamic stabilizer when in its rearward position. As another illustrative, non-exclusive example, a pivotal member  14  may include a portion that is configured to resemble a weapon when in its forward position, and the pivotal member may be configured to resemble a propulsion mechanism when in its rearward position. 
     As used herein, a “propulsion mechanism” is a mechanism, such as an engine, a motor, or a jet engine, that corresponds to a device for propelling a vehicle, for example. As used herein, an “aerodynamic stabilizer” refers to structures such as wings, spoilers, flaps, and the like that may be used with vehicles for stabilization of the vehicle when in motion. As used herein, a “vehicle” may correspond to any suitable vehicle, including (but not limited to) a land vehicle (such as a car, truck, motorcycle, tank, construction vehicle, military vehicle, or off-road vehicle), an air vehicle (such as an aircraft, airplane, jet, helicopter, military aircraft, or hovercraft), a water vehicle (such as a ship, boat, motor boat, jet boat, submarine, or jet ski), and/or an outer space vehicle. 
     To schematically illustrate the example of a portion of a pivotal member resembling different structures depending on the position of the pivotal member relative to body  12 , in  FIGS. 1-2 , pivotal member  16  is schematically illustrated as including a portion  25  that is configured to resemble different structures when the pivotal member is in its forward and rearward positions. Portion  25  may, but is not required to, additionally or alternatively be referred to herein as a transforming portion  25 , a dual-use portion  25 , a reconfigurable portion  25 , and/or a convertible portion  25 . Toys  10  are not limited to upper pivotal members  16  including such structure, and any pivotal member (or members) of a toy  10  may include a portion that is configured to resemble different structures depending on the position of the respective pivotal member relative to the body of the toy. Moreover, it is also within the scope of the present disclosure that none of the pivotal members include such a portion  25 . 
     As an illustrative, non-exclusive example of a pivotal member  14  resembling a weapon in one of its forward or rearward positions, a pivotal member may include a transforming portion  25  that is configured to selectively receive and selectively eject, or launch, a projectile  27 , such as in response to receipt of a corresponding user input. Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of projectiles include those that resemble one or more of a missile, a rocket, a bomb, a bullet, a spear, a flame, and a laser beam. In the example of a projectile resembling a flame, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that when the corresponding pivotal member  14  is in one position, the projectile resembles and represents a flame projectile (such as from a flame thrower), and when the corresponding pivotal member is in another position, the projectile resembles a flame emission from a propulsion mechanism (such as a flame exhaust from a jet engine). Other examples of pivotal members  14  and corresponding portions  25  also are within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Additionally or alternatively, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that an embodiment of toy  10  may include a removable portion  25  that is configured to be selectively and repeatedly detached from and reattached to a corresponding pivotal member  14  without destruction or damage to the removable portion  25  or the corresponding pivotal member. 
     In embodiments of toys  10  that include biased pivotal members, a pivotal member  14  and the body  12  may collectively define a retaining structure, or retaining structures,  26  that is/are configured to selectively retain the corresponding pivotal member against its respective bias. When present, retaining structure(s)  26  may be affixed to, coupled to, or faun a portion of, only the body or a corresponding pivotal member. In such a configuration, the retaining structure(s) may be configured to selectively engage the body or pivotal member to which it is not affixed, is not coupled, and/or does not form a portion of to selectively retain the pivotal member against its bias, such as in the previously discussed rearward position. It is also within the scope of the present disclosure that retaining structure(s)  26 , when present, may include at least a pair of retaining substructures that respectively are affixed to, coupled to, or form a portion of the body and the corresponding pivotal member. In such a configuration, the retaining substructures may be configured to be selectively inter-engaged to retain the pivotal member against its bias (such as in the previously described rearward position). 
     As an illustrative, non-exclusive example, with reference to  FIG. 2 , pivotal member  16  and pivotal member  18  are illustrated as including retaining substructures  28 , and body  12  is illustrated as including retaining substructures  30 , with these retaining substructures collectively defining retaining structures  26 . A retaining substructure  28  and a retaining substructure  30  therefore may be configured to mate with, and/or otherwise operatively coupled to, each other to retain a pivotal member in its rearward (or other) position. Although not visible in  FIG. 2  because of the perspective of the schematic representation, pivotal member  20  additionally or alternatively may include a retaining substructure  28  that is configured to mate with a retaining substructure  30  of the body  12 , and collectively which may define a retaining structure  26 , as schematically indicated in  FIG. 2  with dashed lead lines. Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of retaining structures and/or retaining substructures that may be incorporated into, defined by, or otherwise associated with a pivotal member  14  and/or a body  12  include (but are not limited to) at least one clip, lip, hook, edge, flange, opening, hole, barb, slot, tab, passage, channel, detent, retainer, ear, clasp, and/or catch. 
     Toys  10  that include one or more biased pivotal members and corresponding one or more retaining structures  26  also may include a user release mechanism  32 , as schematically illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The schematic representation of the optional user release mechanism is illustrated as overlapping pivotal member  16  and body  12 , thereby schematically representing that the user release mechanism may be coupled to, be a component of, and/or otherwise be associated with a pivotal member  14  and/or a body  12  of a toy  10 . When present, a user release mechanism  32  is configured to receive user input for selective release of a retaining structure  26 , and thus for selective release of a pivotal member from its retained position to its biased position. As discussed, this may include releasing a pivotal member from its rearward position to move in the direction of its bias to its forward position. In some embodiments, this release may include selective release of a retaining structure from the body or from the pivotal member. In some embodiments, this release may include selective release of a retaining substructure  28  from a retaining substructure  30  and/or vice versa. As an illustrative, non-exclusive example, with reference to the schematic representation of  FIG. 1 , a user release mechanism may be configured to release a pivotal member  14  from its respective rearward position to its respective forward position. A user release mechanism  32  additionally or alternatively may be described as being operatively coupled or connected to one or more retaining structures  26  for selective release thereof by a user. 
     In embodiments that include more than one pivotal member, a single user release mechanism may be used to release more than one retaining structure  26  and thus more than one pivotal member  14 . Additionally or alternatively, a toy  10  may include more than one user release mechanism, with each user release mechanism associated with a pivotal member  14 . As a further variation, a retaining substructure may be configured to be selectively inter-engaged with two or more corresponding retaining substructures to selectively retain two or more pivotal members in their retained positions. As a further option, a user release mechanism may be associated with the two or more pivotal members to selectively release the retaining substructures, and thus the two or more pivotal members. 
     In some embodiments, a user release mechanism  32  may include an actuator  34  that is configured to be selectively depressed (or otherwise moved, such as by being slid, pulled, twisted, rotated, pivoted, or translated) by a user to release one or more retaining structures  26  (and where applicable, respective retaining substructures thereof). As an illustrative, non-exclusive example, an actuator  34  may include a first position, in which the actuator is not depressed, and in which the actuator is biased to return to the first position after being depressed by a user to a second position. In embodiments that include more than one pivotal member  14  and associated retaining structure  26 , although not required in all such embodiments, a user release mechanism may be configured to release at least one of the retaining structures upon depression of the actuator by a user and to release another one or more of the retaining structures upon release of the actuator by the user. As an illustrative, non-exclusive example, and with reference to  FIG. 1 , when a user depresses actuator  34 , the retaining structures associated with pivotal members  18  and  20  may release, and when the user releases the actuator, the retaining structure associated with pivotal member  16  may release. Other configurations and variations also may be used and incorporated into a toy  10  according to the present disclosure. 
     As mentioned, the optional user release mechanism  32  may be coupled to, be a component of, or otherwise be associated with a pivotal member  14  and/or a body  12  of a toy  10 . As an illustrative, non-exclusive example, and as schematically and optionally represented in  FIGS. 1-2 , it is within the scope of the present disclosure that a user release mechanism may be coupled to, be a component of, or otherwise be associated with an optional portion  25  of a pivotal member  14 . 
     In some embodiments, a pivotal member  14  may be configured to be selectively interconnected with an adjacent pivotal member when two adjacent pivotal members are in one of their forward positions or their rearward positions. For example, as schematically illustrated in  FIGS. 1-2 , pivotal members  14  optionally may include connecting structures  35  that are configured to interconnect and/or that are configured to be selectively interconnected by a user when two adjacent pivotal members are in their forward positions or their rearward positions. In some embodiments, the optional connecting structures may be configured for interconnection only when two adjacent pivotal members are in their forward positions. In some embodiments, the optional connecting structures may be configured for interconnection only when two adjacent pivotal members are in their rearward positions. In some embodiments, the optional connecting structures may be configured for interconnection when two adjacent pivotal members are in either of their forward positions or their rearward positions. Also within the scope of the present disclosure are pivotal members that include more than one connecting structure  35 , with one or more connecting structures being configured for interconnection with respective connecting structure(s) of an adjacent pivotal member when the adjacent pivotal members are in their forward positions, and with one or more connecting structures being configured for interconnection with respective connecting structure(s) of an adjacent pivotal member when the adjacent pivotal members are in their rearward positions. Optional connecting structures  35 , when present, may take any suitable form, including any suitable structure that operatively permits interconnection with a connecting structure of an adjacent pivotal member. As illustrative, non-exclusive examples, connecting structures  35  may include one or more of a clip, lip, hook, edge, flange, opening, hole, barb, slot, tab, passage, channel, detent, retainer, ear, clasp, catch, notch, and/or post. In some embodiments, optional connecting structures of adjacent pivotal members may be configured to interconnect in a friction-fit and/or snap-fit arrangement. 
     As mentioned, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that one or more pivotal members  14  optionally may be removably coupled to the body  12  of a toy  10 . That is, a user may selectively couple and decouple a pivotal member to and from the body (without destruction or damage to the toy and/or pivotal member(s)). In some embodiments, one or more pivotal members may be configured to be coupled (and optionally, removably coupled) to each other. For example, with reference to  FIGS. 1-2 , a structure  36  may couple, or otherwise join, more than one pivotal member together. Accordingly, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that two or more, and optionally all, pivotal members may be removably coupled to body  12  as a single unit. When structure  36  is included, two or more pivotal members  14  and structure  36  may be described as collectively defining a pivotal member assembly  38 . This is schematically illustrated in  FIG. 3 , in which pivotal member assembly  38  is shown spaced apart from body  12 . In such a configuration, the pivotal member assembly  38  is configured to be selectively (and repeatedly) removed from and operatively reattached to the body without destruction or damage to the body or pivotal member assembly. As indicated with dashed lines at  39 ,  FIG. 3  further illustrates that the individual pivotal members  14  of a pivotal member assembly  38  optionally may be configured to be selectively separated, and operatively reattached together, without destruction or damage to the pivotal members. 
     In some such embodiments, structure  36  of pivotal member assembly  38  may include or define retaining substructure  30 , which together with the retaining substructure  28  of one or more pivotal members  14 , collectively define retaining structure  26 . In other words, in some embodiments, a retaining structure  26  may be defined by a pivotal member  14  and the body  12 , as discussed above; however, in other embodiments, a retaining structure  26  (and/or substructure thereof) may be defined by a pivotal member  14  and structure  36  of a pivotal member assembly  38 . Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, structure  36  of pivotal member assembly  38  may be defined by, or considered to be a component of, or portion of, body  12 . 
     In the schematic representation of toy  10  in  FIGS. 1-3 , pivotal members  18  and  20  are schematically illustrated as being pivotal about parallel axes. Additionally, pivotal member  16  is schematically illustrated as being pivotal about an axis that is not parallel to (and optionally may be perpendicular to) the axes associated with pivotal members  18  and  20 . Some embodiments of toys  10  may be so configured; however, such a configuration is not required to all embodiments. For example, in an embodiment of a toy  10  that includes only two pivotal members  14 , the pivotal members may pivot about respective axes that are parallel to each other, such as corresponding to the schematic representation of pivotal members  18  and  20 , or the pivotal member may pivot about respective axes that are not parallel to each other, such as corresponding to the schematic representation of pivotal members  16  and  18  or the schematic representation of pivotal members  16  and  20 . Additionally or alternatively, although opposing pivotal members  18  and  20  are schematically illustrated as pivoting about parallel axes, opposing pivotal members are not required to pivot about parallel axes. As another example, in an embodiment of a toy  10  that includes three or more pivotal members  14 , two or more of the respective axes may be parallel to each other or none of the respective axes may be parallel to each other. 
     As schematically and optionally illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a toy  10  may include one or more extending structures  40 . As used herein, an “extending structure” is any suitable structure that is coupled (and optionally removably coupled) to the body  12  of a toy  10  and which includes one or more components, features, portions, structures, parts, and the like that generally extend away from body  12 . Additionally or alternatively, an extending structure may be defined as a component, feature, portion, structure, or part of the body  12  that projects or otherwise extends from a central, or main, portion of the body. Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of extending structures include (but are not limited to) action figures or other structures that resemble characters, humans, animals, creatures, and the like, structures that resemble weapons, structures that resemble propulsion mechanisms, and subportions of any of the preceding illustrative, non-exclusive examples. 
     In some such embodiments of toy  10  that include an optional extending structure  40 , one or more pivotal members  14  may include, or may define, a passage  42  that is configured to align with the extending structure when the respective pivotal member is in one of its forward position or rearward position. As an illustrative, non-exclusive example, with reference to the schematic representations of  FIGS. 1-2 , pivotal member  16  includes a passage  42 . When pivotal member  16  is in its forward position, the extending structure  40  is aligned with and extends at least partially through the passage, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . When pivotal member  16  is in its rearward position, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the extending structure does not extend through the passage.  FIGS. 1-2  schematically illustrate an extending structure  40  and a passage  42  associated with pivotal member  16 ; however, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that any pivotal member (whether the sole pivotal member of a toy  10  or one or more pivotal members of a toy  10  that includes more than one pivotal member) may include a passage  42  that is associated with a corresponding extending structure  40 . 
     The above description with respect to the schematic representations of toys  10  in  FIGS. 1-3  relates to toys  10  that include one or more pivotal members  14 . Also within the scope of the present disclosure, however, are toys  10  that include movable portions that do not necessarily move in a pivotal relation to body  12 . For example, as an illustrative, non-exclusive example, a toy  10  may include one or more slidable members that are configured to slide relative to body  12  between at least two positions, including a biased position, such as along a slide axis or slide path, a movement axis or movement path, etc. Accordingly, within the scope of the present disclosure are toys  10  that may be described as above with respect to pivotal members, but with the term “pivotal member” (or variation thereon) replaced with the term “movable member” (or variation thereon), as well as with the term “slidable member” (or variation thereon), and with the term “axis” (or variation thereon) replaced with the term “path” (or variation thereon). 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 4-8 , an illustrative, non-exclusive example of a toy  10  in the form of a toy motorcycle assembly  100  is illustrated. Where appropriate, the reference numerals from the schematic illustrations of  FIGS. 1-3  are used to designate corresponding parts of toy vehicle  100 ; however, the example of  FIGS. 4-9  is non-exclusive and does not limit toys  10  to the illustrated embodiment of toy motorcycle assembly  100 . That is, toys  10  are not limited to the specific embodiment of the illustrated toy vehicle, and toys  10  may incorporate any number of the various aspects, configurations, characteristics, properties, etc. of toys  10  that are illustrated in and discussed with reference to the schematic representations of  FIGS. 1-3  and/or the embodiment of  FIGS. 4-9 , as well as variations thereof, without requiring the inclusion of all such aspects, configurations, characteristics, properties, etc. For the purpose of brevity, each previously discussed component, part, portion, aspect, region, etc. or variants thereof may not be discussed, illustrated, and/or labeled again with respect to toy motorcycle assembly  100 ; however, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that the previously discussed features, variants, etc. may be utilized with toy motorcycle assembly  100 . 
     Toy motorcycle assembly  100  is configured with a BATMAN® theme, including a BATMAN® action  FIG. 106 ; however, such a themed configuration is not required and does not limit the present disclosure and the scope of toys  10  that are disclosed herein. BATMAN® is a registered trademark of DC COMICS. 
     Toy motorcycle assembly  100  includes a body  12  in the form of a motorcycle  108 . Motorcycle  108  includes a front wheel  110 , a rear wheel  112 , and a chassis  114 . As indicated in  FIG. 4 , the front wheel and a corresponding portion of the chassis may be referred to as a front end region  113  of the body, and the rear wheel and a corresponding portion of the chassis may be referred to as a rear end region  115  of the body. Motorcycle assembly  100  also includes a pivotal member assembly  38  with three pivotal members  14 , including an upper pivotal member  116 , a left pivotal member  118 , and a right pivotal member  120 . In  FIGS. 4 and 6 , the pivotal members  116 ,  118 ,  120  are illustrated in their rearward positions, while in  FIG. 5 , the pivotal members  116 ,  118 ,  120  are illustrated in their forward positions. Pivotal member  118  and  120  are configured to pivot about axes that are generally parallel to each other, while the axis of pivotal member  116  is not parallel to, and is generally perpendicular to, the axes of pivotal members  118  and  120 . Both of pivotal members  118  and  120  resemble aerodynamic stabilizers when they are in their rearward position and resemble armor plating when they are in their forward position. 
     Pivotal member  116  includes a portion, indicated at  122 , that resembles an aerodynamic stabilizer when it is in its rearward position and that resembles armor (and/or a shield and/or armor plating) when it is in its forward position. Pivotal member  116  further includes a portion  25 , indicated at  124  in  FIGS. 4-6 , that resembles a propulsion mechanism in the faun of a jet engine when it is in its rearward position and that resembles a weapon in the form of a rocket launcher and/or flame-thrower when it is in its forward position. Pivotal member  116  also defines a passage  42 , through which an extending structure  40  in the form of a portion of the head  126  of the action  FIG. 106  extends when the pivotal member  116  is in its forward position, as seen in  FIG. 5 . As also seen in  FIG. 5 , the pivotal member assembly  38  of toy motorcycle assembly  100  includes a structure  36  that resembles armor plating (and/or a shield or armor) around the rear end region  24  of the motorcycle  108 . 
     As schematically illustrated in  FIG. 4 , action  FIG. 106  optionally may be configured to be selectively detached from (and reattached to) the chassis  114  of motorcycle assembly  100 . As schematically illustrated in  FIG. 5 , pivotal member assembly  38  also may be selectively detached from the chassis, and portion  124  may be selectively detached from the pivotal member  116 . 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 4 and 6 , toy motorcycle assembly  100  includes a user release mechanism  32  that includes a spring-biased actuator  34  and that is operatively coupled to, or may be described as a part of, portion  124  of upper pivotal member  116 . Spring-biased actuator  34  additionally or alternatively may be described as being a part, or component, of portion  124  of upper pivotal member  116 . More specifically, when portion  124  is operatively coupled to the portion  122  of the upper pivotal member, the actuator  34  of toy motorcycle assembly  100  is positioned within a passage  128  that is defined by portion  122 , and actuator  34  is configured to be selectively depressed and released by a user. 
     With reference to  FIG. 7 , the retaining substructures  30  associated with the left pivotal member  118  and the right pivotal member  120  include spring-biased hook members  130  that pivot about respective axes. More specifically, these hook members are biased in a forward direction. The spring-biased hook members may be integral with corresponding engagement release members  132 , which are biased to align with an actuator portion  136  of the upper pivotal member  116 , and a spring  137  provides the bias to the hook members and the engagement release members of the retaining structures associated with both the left pivotal member and the right pivotal member. With reference to  FIG. 4 , which shows the left pivotal member  118  in its rearward position, it can be seen that left pivotal member  118  defines a passage  134 , which defines the retaining substructure  28  of the left pivotal member  118 . The spring-biased hook member  130  is configured to engage the forward edge of the passage  134  to selectively retain the left pivotal member in its rearward position. The right pivotal member  120  of toy motorcycle assembly  100  is similarly configured. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 8-9 , the actuator  34  of toy motorcycle assembly  100  includes a portion  136 . When the upper pivotal member is in its rearward position and when a user selectively engages and depresses the actuator  34 , the actuator portion  136  engages the engagement release members  132  and causes them to pivot the spring-biased hook members  130  against the bias of spring  137 , as understood with reference to  FIG. 7 . As a result, the spring-biased hook members disengage from the corresponding passages  134  to release the left pivotal member  118  and the right pivotal member  120  from their rearward positions to their forward positions. 
     With reference to  FIG. 7 , the retaining substructure  30  associated with the upper pivotal member  116  is a slot  138  defined by the structure  36  of toy motorcycle assembly  100 . With reference to  FIGS. 8-9 , the retaining substructure  28  associated with the upper pivotal member  116  is defined by a tab  140 . Tab  140  is configured to translate laterally relative to the actuator  34 . More specifically, the tab  140  includes a cam surface  142  that engages a corresponding cam surface  144  of the actuator, so that when a user selectively depresses the actuator, the tab  140  will translate toward the actuator  34  and away from the slot  138  ( FIG. 7 ). When the upper pivotal member  116  is in its rearward position and when the actuator  34  is not depressed by a user, the tab  140  is engaged with the slot  138  to retain the upper pivotal member in its rearward position.  FIG. 9  illustrates the tab in this extended, or biased, position. When a user depresses the actuator  34 , the tab  140  retracts away from and disengages the slot  138 , so that the upper pivotal member is released from its rearward position. Because of the location of the actuator  34  on the upper pivotal member itself, a user&#39;s finger will restrict the upper pivotal member from pivoting to its forward position, at least until the user releases the actuator and moves the user&#39;s hand sufficiently away from the actuator to permit movement of the upper pivotal member according to its bias. 
     Toy motorcycle assembly  100  is an example of a toy  10  that includes connecting structures  35  that are configured to interconnect adjacent pivotal members. With reference to  FIGS. 4 and 6 , the upper pivotal member  116  includes two connecting structures in the form of posts, and the left pivotal member  118  and the right pivotal member  120  each define corresponding sockets that are sized to receive the posts in a friction-fit arrangement when the pivotal members are in their respective forward positions. That is, the connecting structures  35  are configured to permit a user to selectively interconnect the upper pivotal member to the left and right pivotal member, such that they will not inadvertently be moved against their spring bias until such time that a user selectively disconnects the connecting structures  35 . 
     Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of toys  10  according to the present disclosure are described in the following enumerated paragraphs: 
     A1. A toy, comprising: 
     a body having a front end region and a rear end region; 
     a first pivotal member coupled (and optionally removably coupled) to the body and configured to pivot relative to the body about a first axis between a forward first-pivotal-member position, in which the first pivotal member generally extends away from the rear end region of the body and at least partially overlaps the body, and a rearward first-pivotal-member position, in which the first pivotal member generally extends away from the front end region of the body; wherein the first pivotal member is biased toward the forward first-pivotal-member position; and wherein the body and the first pivotal member collectively define a first retaining structure configured to selectively retain the first pivotal member in the rearward first-pivotal-member position; 
     a second pivotal member coupled (and optionally removably coupled) to the body and configured to pivot relative to the body about a second axis between a forward second-pivotal-member position, in which the second pivotal member generally extends away from the rear end region of the body and at least partially overlaps the body, and a rearward second-pivotal-member position, in which the second pivotal member generally extends away from the front end region of the body; wherein the second pivotal member is biased toward the forward second-pivotal-member position; and wherein the body and the second pivotal member collectively define a second retaining structure configured to selectively retain the second pivotal member in the rearward second-pivotal-member position; and 
     a user release mechanism configured to receive user input for selective release of the first retaining structure and the second retaining structure and thus for selective release of the first pivotal member from the rearward first-pivotal-member position to the forward first-pivotal-member position and the second pivotal member from the rearward second-pivotal-member position to the forward second-pivotal-member position. 
     A2. The toy of paragraph A1, wherein the second axis is not parallel to the first axis. 
     A3. The toy of paragraph A1, wherein the second axis is parallel to the first axis. 
     A4. A toy, comprising: 
     a body having a front end region and a rear end region; 
     a first pivotal member coupled (and optionally removably coupled) to the body and configured to pivot relative to the body about a first axis between a forward first-pivotal-member position, in which the first pivotal member generally extends away from the rear end region of the body, and a rearward first-pivotal-member position, in which the first pivotal member generally extends away from the front end region of the body; wherein the first pivotal member is biased toward the forward first-pivotal-member position; and wherein the body and the first pivotal member collectively define first retaining structure configured to selectively retain the first pivotal member in the rearward first-pivotal-member position; 
     a second pivotal member coupled (and optionally removably coupled) to the body and configured to pivot relative to the body about a second axis between a forward second-pivotal-member position, in which the second pivotal member generally extends away from the rear end region of the body, and a rearward second-pivotal-member position, in which the second pivotal member generally extends away from the front end region of the body; wherein the second axis is not parallel to the first axis; wherein the second pivotal member is biased toward the forward second-pivotal-member position; and wherein the body and the second pivotal member collectively define a second retaining structure configured to selectively retain the second pivotal member in the rearward second-pivotal-member position; and 
     a user release mechanism configured to receive user input for selective release of the first retaining structure and the second retaining structure and thus for selective release of the first pivotal member from the rearward first-pivotal-member position to the forward first-pivotal-member position and the second pivotal member from the rearward second-pivotal-member position to the forward second-pivotal-member position. 
     A5. The toy of any of paragraphs A1-A4, wherein the first pivotal member and the second pivotal member are coupled to each other and removably coupled to the body as a single unit. 
     A6. The toy of any of paragraphs A1-A5, further comprising: 
     a third pivotal member coupled (and optionally removably coupled) to the body and configured to pivot relative to the body about a third axis between a forward third-pivotal-member position, in which the third pivotal member generally extends away from the rear end region of the body and at least partially overlaps the body, and a rearward third-pivotal-member position, in which the third pivotal member generally extends away from the front end region of the body; wherein the third pivotal member is biased toward the forward third-pivotal-member position; and wherein the body and the third pivotal member collectively define a third retaining structure configured to selectively retain the third pivotal member in the rearward third-pivotal-member position; 
     wherein the user release mechanism is further configured to receive user input for selective release of the third retaining structure and thus for selective release of the third pivotal member from the rearward third-pivotal-member position to the forward third-pivotal-member position. 
     A6.1. The toy of paragraph A6, wherein the third axis is parallel to the first axis. 
     A6.2. The toy of paragraph A6, wherein the third axis is not parallel to the first axis. 
     A6.3. The toy of any of paragraphs A6-A6.2, wherein the first pivotal member, the second pivotal member, and the third pivotal member are coupled to each other and are removably coupled to the body as a single unit. 
     A7. A toy, comprising: 
     a body having a front end region and a rear end region; 
     a first pivotal member coupled to the body and configured to pivot relative to the body about a first axis between a forward first-pivotal-member position, in which the first pivotal member generally extends away from the rear end region of the body, and a rearward first-pivotal-member position, in which the first pivotal member generally extends away from the front end region of the body; wherein the first pivotal member is biased toward the forward first-pivotal-member position; and wherein the body and the first pivotal member collectively define a first retaining structure configured to selectively retain the first pivotal member in the rearward first-pivotal-member position; 
     a second pivotal member coupled to the body and configured to pivot relative to the body about a second axis between a forward second-pivotal-member position, in which the second pivotal member generally extends away from the rear end region of the body, and a rearward second-pivotal-member position, in which the second pivotal member generally extends away from the front end region of the body; wherein the second axis is not parallel to the first axis; wherein the second pivotal member is biased toward the forward second-pivotal-member position; and wherein the body and the second pivotal member collectively define a second retaining structure configured to selectively retain the second pivotal member in the rearward second-pivotal-member position; 
     a third pivotal member coupled to the body and configured to pivot relative to the body about a third axis between a forward third-pivotal-member position, in which the third pivotal member generally extends away from the rear end region of the body, and a rearward third-pivotal-member position, in which the third pivotal member generally extends away from the front end region of the body; wherein the third axis is parallel to the second axis; wherein the third pivotal member is biased toward the forward third-pivotal-member position; and wherein the body and the third pivotal member collectively define a third retaining structure configured to selectively retain the third pivotal member in the rearward third-pivotal-member position; and 
     a user release mechanism configured to receive user input for selective release of the first retaining structure, the second retaining structure, and the third retaining structure and thus for selective release of the first pivotal member from the rearward first-pivotal-member position to the forward first-pivotal-member position, the second pivotal member from the rearward second-pivotal-member position to the forward second-pivotal-member position, and the third pivotal member from the rearward third-pivotal-member position to the forward third-pivotal-member position. 
     A8. The toy of any of paragraphs A6-A7, wherein the second pivotal member and the third pivotal member are configured to respectively overlap opposed sides of the body when in the forward second-pivotal member position and the forward third-pivotal-member position, respectively. 
     A9. The toy of any of paragraphs A1-A8, wherein the user release mechanism includes an actuator that is configured to be selectively depressed by a user to release the first retaining structure and the second retaining structure, and optionally when dependent on any of paragraphs A6-A8, the third retaining structure. 
     A9.1. The toy of paragraph A9 wherein the actuator is coupled to at least one of the first pivotal member and the second pivotal member, and optionally when dependent on any of paragraphs A6-A8, the third pivotal member. 
     A9.2. The toy of paragraph A9, wherein the actuator is coupled to the first pivotal member, and optionally wherein the actuator extends through a passage in the first pivotal member. 
     A9.3. The toy of any of paragraphs A9-A9.2, wherein the actuator includes a first position, in which the actuator is not depressed, and in which the actuator is biased to return to the first position after being depressed by the user. 
     A9.4. The toy of any of paragraphs A9-A9.3, wherein the user release mechanism is configured to release at least one of the first retaining structure and the second retaining structure (and when dependent on any of paragraphs A6-A8, the third retaining structure) upon depression of the actuator by the user, and optionally wherein the user release mechanism is further configured to release at least one of the first retaining structure and the second retaining structure (and when dependent on any of paragraphs A6-A8, the third retaining structure) upon release of the actuator by the user. 
     A10. The toy of any of paragraphs A1-A9.4, further comprising: 
     an extending structure coupled (and optionally removably coupled) to the body; 
     wherein the first pivotal member defines a passage; 
     wherein the extending structure extends at least partially through the passage when the first pivotal member is in the forward first-pivotal-member position and does not extend through the passage when the first pivotal member is in the rearward first-pivotal-member position. 
     A10.1. The toy of paragraph A10, further comprising: 
     an action figure coupled (and optionally removably coupled) to the body. 
     A10.2. The toy of paragraph A10.1, wherein the action figure includes a head, and further wherein the extending structure includes at least a portion of the head of the action figure. 
     A11. The toy of any of paragraphs A1-A10.2, wherein the body is a toy vehicle body. 
     A11.1. The toy of paragraph A11, wherein the toy vehicle body includes a plurality of wheels, and further wherein the plurality of wheels includes a front wheel positioned at the front end region, and a rear wheel positioned at the rear end region. 
     A12. The toy of any of paragraphs A1-A11.1, wherein the first pivotal member includes structure configured to resemble a propulsion mechanism when the first pivotal member is in the rearward first-pivotal-member position and further configured to resemble a weapon when the first pivotal member is in the forward first-pivotal-member position. 
     A13. The toy of any of paragraphs A1-A12, wherein the first pivotal member includes structure configured to resemble a jet engine when the first pivotal member is in the rearward first-pivotal-member position and further configured to resemble a flame-thrower when the first pivotal member is in the forward first-pivotal-member position. 
     A14. The toy of any of paragraphs A1-A13, wherein the first pivotal member includes structure configured to resemble an aerodynamic stabilizer when the first pivotal member is in the rearward first-pivotal-member position and further configured to resemble an armor panel when the first pivotal member is in the forward first-pivotal-member position. 
     A15. The toy of any of paragraphs A1-A14, wherein the second pivotal member is configured to resemble an aerodynamic stabilizer when the second pivotal member is in the rearward second-pivotal-member position and an armor panel when the second pivotal member is in the forward second-pivotal-member position. 
     A16. The toy of any of paragraphs A6-A15, when depending from any of paragraphs A6-A7, wherein the third pivotal member includes structure that is configured to resemble an aerodynamic stabilizer when the third pivotal member is in the rearward third-pivotal-member position and that is configured to resemble an armor panel when the third pivotal member is in the forward third-pivotal-member position. 
     A17. The toy of any of paragraphs A1-A16, further comprising: 
     an action figure coupled (and optionally removably coupled) to the body; 
     wherein the second pivotal member at least partially overlaps the action figure when the second pivotal member is in the forward second-pivotal-member position. 
     A17.1. The toy of paragraph A17, when depending from any of paragraphs A6-A7, wherein the third pivotal member at least partially overlaps the action figure when the third pivotal member is in the forward third-pivotal-member position. 
     A18. The toy of any of paragraphs A1-A17.1, wherein the terms “pivot” and “pivotal” are replaced with “move” and “movable,” respectively, and optionally wherein the term “axis” is replaced with “path.” 
     A19. The toy of any of paragraphs A1-A17.1, wherein the terms “pivot” and “pivotal” are replaced with “slide” and “slidable,” respectively, and optionally wherein the term “axis” is replaced with “path.” 
     B1. A toy vehicle, comprising: 
     a vehicle body; 
     a pivotal member coupled to the vehicle body and configured to pivot relative to the vehicle body between a first position and a second position; wherein the pivotal member is biased toward the first position; wherein the pivotal member is configured to resemble a propulsion mechanism when the pivotal member is in one of the first position and the second position; wherein the pivotal member is configured to resemble a weapon when the pivotal member is in the other of the first position and the second position; and wherein the vehicle body and the pivotal member collectively define a retaining structure configured to selectively retain the pivotal member in the second position; and 
     a user release mechanism configured to receive user input for selective release of the retaining structure and thus for selective release of the pivotal member from the second position to the first position. 
     B2. The toy vehicle of paragraph B1, further comprising the subject matter of any of paragraphs A1-A19. 
     C1. A toy vehicle, comprising: 
     a vehicle body; 
     a pivotal member coupled to the vehicle body and configured to pivot relative to the vehicle body between a first position and a second position; wherein the pivotal member is biased toward the first position; wherein the pivotal member is configured to resemble an aerodynamic stabilizer when the pivotal member is in one of the first position and the second position; wherein the pivotal member is configured to resemble an armor panel when the pivotal member is in the other of the first position and the second position; and wherein the vehicle body and the pivotal member collectively define a retaining structure configured to selectively retain the pivotal member in the second position; and 
     a user release mechanism configured to receive user input for selective release of the retaining structure and thus for selective release of the pivotal member from the second position to the first position. 
     C2. The toy vehicle of paragraph C1, further comprising the subject matter of any of paragraphs A1-B2. 
     As used herein, “selective” and “selectively,” when modifying an action, movement, configuration, or other activity of one or more components or characteristics of a toy  10 , mean that the specific action, movement, configuration, or other activity is a direct or indirect result of user manipulation of an aspect of, or one or more components of, the toy. 
     As used herein the terms “adapted” and “configured” mean that the element, component, or other subject matter is designed and/or intended to perform a given function. Thus, the use of the terms “adapted” and “configured” should not be construed to mean that a given element, component, or other subject matter is simply capable of performing a given function but that the element, component, and/or other subject matter is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and/or designed for the purpose of performing the function. It is also within the scope of the present disclosure that elements, components, and/or other recited subject matter that is recited as being adapted to perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as being configured to perform that function, and vice versa. 
     The disclosure set forth above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a preferred form or method, the specific alternatives, embodiments, and/or methods thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense, as numerous variations are possible. The present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions, properties, methods and/or steps disclosed herein. Similarly, where any disclosure above or claim below recites “a” or “a first” element, step of a method, or the equivalent thereof, such disclosure or claim should be understood to include one or more such elements or steps, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements or steps. 
     It is believed that the following claims particularly point out certain combinations and subcombinations that are directed to one of the disclosed inventions and are novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements, properties, methods, and/or steps may be claimed through amendment of the present claims or presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to a different invention or directed to the same invention, whether different, broader, narrower, or equal in scope to the original claims, also are regarded as within the subject matter of the inventions of the present disclosure.