Patent Publication Number: US-8992284-B2

Title: Reconfigurable toy assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to and is based on U.S. Patent Application No. 61/453,361, filed Mar. 16, 2011, entitled “Reconfigurable Toy Assembly,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a toy assembly, and in particular, to a toy assembly including an outer shell defining a receiving area and a reconfigurable internal component placeable within the receiving area. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Various toy assemblies having nesting figures are known. Such toy assemblies typically include a series of nestable figures separable into at least two parts. Other toy assemblies include vehicles which include an outer vehicle body that encases but is removable from an inner vehicle body. 
     There is a need for a unique toy assembly including an outer component and an inner component, with the inner component being reconfigurable. Further, there is a need for a toy assembly including an outer component and an inner component, with the inner component being configured to launch projectiles. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a reconfigurable toy assembly. The assembly includes an external component including a first portion releaseably coupled to a second portion. The first and second portions form a cavity when coupled together. A trigger is coupled to the external component. The assembly also includes an internal component reconfigurable between a retracted configuration and a deployed configuration. The internal component is retained in the retracted configuration via a latch and released from the retracted configuration upon actuation of the latch. The internal component is receivable in the cavity in its retracted configuration. The latch is actuatable by activating the trigger so that the internal component is primed to reconfigure from the retracted configuration to the deployed configuration upon decoupling of the first portion and the second portion. 
     In one embodiment, the assembly further includes at least one projectile coupled to the internal component. The projectile automatically launches from the internal component when the internal component moves from the retracted configuration to the deployed configuration. In one implementation, the at least one projectile is retained within the cavity when coupled to the internal component. 
     In one embodiment, the internal component includes a body portion defining a cavity, and an extension member coupled to the body portion. The extension member is movable between an open position permitting access to the cavity and a closed position restricting access to the cavity. In one implementation, the extension member is disposed in the open position when the internal component is in the deployed position, and the extension member is disposed in the closed position when the internal component is in the retracted position. In one implementation, a secondary internal component is releaseably disposable within the cavity. 
     In one embodiment, the external component includes a lock mechanism configured to releaseably secure the first portion to the second portion. The lock mechanism includes a release actuatable by a user for decoupling the first portion to the second portion. In one implementation, the first portion is tensionably coupled to the second portion, so that the first portion is forcibly ejected away from the second portion upon actuation of the release. 
     The present invention is also directed to a toy figure including an outer shell, a lock mechanism, and an internal component. The outer shell includes a first portion releaseably coupled to a second portion. The first and second portions form a receiving area when coupled together. The lock mechanism is coupled to the outer shell and configured to releaseably secure the first portion to the second portion. The lock mechanism includes a release actuatable by a user for decoupling the first portion to the second portion. The first portion is tensionably coupled to the second portion so that the first portion is forcibly ejected away from the second portion upon actuation of the release. The internal component is retainable within the receiving area. 
     In one embodiment, the internal component is reconfigurable between a retracted configuration and a deployed configuration. The internal component is retained in the retracted configuration via a latch and released from the retracted configuration upon actuation of the latch. The internal component is retained within the receiving area in its retracted configuration. 
     In one embodiment, a trigger is coupled to the outer shell. The latch of the internal component is actuatable by activating the trigger so that the internal component is primed to reconfigure from the retracted configuration to the deployed position upon decoupling the first portion from the second portion. 
     In one embodiment, at least one projectile is coupled to the internal component. The projectile is automatically launched from the internal component when the internal component moves from the retracted configuration to the deployed configuration. In one implementation, the internal component defines a receptacle. The at least one projectile is retainable within the receptacle when the internal component is disposed in the retracted configuration. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a schematic diagram of a reconfigurable toy assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing an internal component in a retracted configuration. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a schematic diagram of the reconfigurable toy assembly of  FIG. 1 , showing the internal component in a substantially configuration. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a schematic diagram of the reconfigurable toy assembly of  FIG. 1 , showing an upper portion of an external component decoupled from a lower portion thereof and the internal component in a deployed configuration. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a front perspective view of a reconfigurable toy figure according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates another perspective view of the toy figure of  FIG. 4 , showing an upper portion of an outer shell decoupled from a lower portion thereof. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates another perspective view of the toy figure of  FIG. 4 , showing the upper and lower portions of the outer shell decoupled and an internal component removed from a lower cavity of the lower portion. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a side sectional view of the toy figure of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 8A  illustrates a front perspective view of the internal component of the toy figure of  FIG. 4  disposed in the lower portion of the outer shell, showing the internal component in a partially retracted configuration. 
         FIG. 8B  illustrates another front perspective view of the internal component of the toy figure of  FIG. 4  disposed in the lower portion of the outer shell, showing the internal component in another partially retracted configuration. 
         FIG. 8C  illustrates another front perspective view of the internal component of the toy figure of  FIG. 4  disposed in the lower portion of the outer shell, showing the internal component in a deployed configuration. 
         FIG. 8D  illustrates a front perspective view of the internal component of the toy figure of  FIG. 4  in the deployed configuration and removed from the lower portion of the outer shell. 
         FIG. 9A  illustrates a perspective view of the internal component of the toy figure of  FIG. 4 , showing an extension member in an open position. 
         FIG. 9B  illustrates another perspective view of the internal component of the toy figure of  FIG. 4 , showing the extension member in a closed position. 
         FIG. 10A  illustrates another perspective view of the internal component of the toy figure of  FIG. 4  in a deployed configuration. 
         FIG. 10B  illustrates another perspective view of the internal component of the toy figure of  FIG. 4  in a partially retracted configuration. 
         FIG. 10C  illustrates another perspective view of the internal component of the toy figure of  FIG. 4  in another partially retracted configuration. 
         FIG. 10D  illustrates another perspective view of the internal component of the toy figure of  FIG. 4  in a retracted configuration. 
         FIG. 11A  illustrates a perspective view of an internal component according to another embodiment, showing the internal component in a deployed configuration. 
         FIG. 11B  illustrates a perspective view of the internal component of  FIG. 11A , showing the internal component in a partially retracted configuration. 
         FIG. 11C  illustrates a perspective view of the internal component of  FIG. 11A , showing the internal component in a retracted configuration. 
         FIG. 12A  illustrates a perspective view of the internal component of  FIG. 11A  being inserted into an outer shell. 
         FIG. 12B  illustrates a side sectional view of the outer shell and internal component of  FIG. 12A . 
         FIG. 13A  illustrates a perspective view of the internal component of  FIG. 11A  disposed within the lower cavity of the lower portion of the outer shell, showing the upper portion of the outer shell being decoupled from the lower portion thereof. 
         FIG. 13B  illustrates a perspective view of the internal component and lower portion of the outer shell of  FIG. 13A , showing segments of the internal component moved to a partially deployed configuration. 
         FIG. 13C  illustrates another perspective view of the internal component and lower portion of the outer shell of  FIG. 13A , showing segments of the internal component moved to the deployed configuration. 
         FIG. 13D  illustrates a perspective view of the internal component in the deployed configuration and removed from the lower portion of the outer shell. 
         FIG. 13E  illustrates a perspective view of the internal component and a secondary internal component removed from a cavity of the internal component. 
         FIG. 14A  illustrates a perspective view of an internal component according to another embodiment, showing a lid member of the internal component in an open position. 
         FIG. 14B  illustrates a side sectional view of the internal component of  FIG. 14A . 
         FIG. 14C  illustrates a perspective view of the internal component of  FIG. 14A , showing the lid member in a closed position. 
         FIG. 15A  illustrates a perspective view of the internal component of  FIG. 14A  being inserted into an outer shell. 
         FIG. 15B  illustrates a side sectional view of the outer shell and internal component of  FIG. 15A . 
         FIG. 15C  illustrates a perspective view of the internal component of  FIG. 15A  disposed within the lower cavity of the lower portion of the outer shell, showing the upper portion of the outer shell being decoupled from the lower portion thereof. 
         FIG. 15D  illustrates a perspective view of the internal component and lower portion of the outer shell of  FIG. 15C , showing projectiles being ejected from the internal component. 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a front perspective view of a nesting outer shell, internal components and a secondary internal component according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a front perspective view of a nesting outer shell, internal components and a secondary internal component according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a front perspective view of the outer shell of  FIG. 4 , and nesting internal components and a secondary internal component according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  illustrates an exploded assembly view of the outer shell, internal components and secondary internal component of  FIG. 18 . 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements throughout this disclosure. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3  illustrate schematic diagrams of a reconfigurable toy assembly  10  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The assembly  10  includes an external component or body  12  having a first or lower portion  14  releaseably coupled to a second or upper portion  16 . The lower and upper portions  14 ,  16  form a cavity  18  when coupled together, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . A trigger  20  is coupled to exterior surface  22  of the lower portion  14  of the external component  12 , which is in communication with the cavity  18 . The trigger  20  is accessible by a user on the outside of the external component  12 , such as on exterior surface  22 . 
     An internal component or body  24  is receivable in the cavity  18 . The internal component  24  includes a body portion  26  and segments  28 ,  30  movable relative to the body portion  26 . In this embodiment, the movable segments  28 ,  30  are outwardly pivotable, so that the internal component  24  is reconfigurable between a retracted configuration C 1  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) and a deployed configuration C 2  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). The internal component  24  is retained in its retracted configuration C 1  via a latch  32 . Upon actuation of the latch  32 , the internal component  24  reconfigures or moves from its retracted configuration C 1  to its deployed configuration C 2 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the internal component  24  is receivable in the cavity  18  in its retracted configuration C 1 . When the internal component  24  is disposed within the cavity  18 , the trigger  20  is in communication with the latch  32 . Activation of the trigger  20  by a user actuates the latch  32  of the internal component  24  when the internal component  24  is disposed within the cavity  18 , so that the internal component  24  is primed for reconfiguration from a substantially retracted configuration C 1 ′ (shown in  FIG. 2 ) to the fully deployed configuration C 2  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) upon decoupling of the upper portion  16  from the lower portion  14 . 
     In another embodiment, the trigger  20 A may be located in the cavity  18  or interior of the lower portion  14  instead of on the exterior. For example, the insertion of internal component  24  into the cavity  18  may result in the activation of the trigger  20 A (shown in phantom in  FIG. 1 ) located on the inner surface  15  of the lower portion  14 . In one implementation, the trigger  20 A is a projection or boss that engages the latch  32  of the internal component  24  when the upper portion  16  and lower portion  14  are coupled together. As a result, no external activation is required to prime the internal component  24  for reconfiguration. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the movable segments  28 ,  30  are coupled to body portion  26  via joints or hinges  27 ,  29 , respectively, and movable along the directions of arrows “A” and “B.” When the upper portion  16  is moved along the direction of arrow “C” (see  FIG. 3 ), the movable segments  26 ,  28  are permitted to move away from each other to expand the configuration of the internal component  24 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 ,  5 ,  6  and  7 , a toy  figure 100  according to another embodiment is illustrated. The toy  figure 100  includes an outer shell  102  including a lower portion  104  releaseably coupled to an upper portion  106  (see  FIG. 5 ). The lower portion  104  and the upper portion  106  form a receiving area  108  (shown in  FIG. 7 ) when coupled together. In one implementation, the lower portion  104  defines a lower cavity  110  (shown in  FIG. 6 ) and the upper portion  106  defines an upper cavity  112  that is formed at least in part by an inner surface  164 . In one embodiment, the upper portion  106  includes one or more simulated weapons  150 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 4 , a lock mechanism  114  is coupled to the lower portion  104  of the outer shell  102 . The lock mechanism  114  is configured to releaseably secure the upper portion  106  to the lower portion  104  (as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 7 ). The lock mechanism  114  includes actuators, such as push buttons  116 ,  118  on opposite sides located along an exterior surface  120  of the lower portion  104  and that are inwardly depressible or actuatable (shown by arrows A 1 , A 2  in  FIG. 5 ) by a user for releasing the upper portion  106  from the lower portion  104  (as shown by arrow A 3 ). In one implementation, the push buttons  116 ,  118  are operably coupled to latches (not shown) disposed on an inner surface  122  of the lower portion  104  (see  FIG. 6 ). The latches engage correspondingly configured surfaces (e.g., such as recesses) provided on the upper portion  106 . Upon depression of the push buttons  116 ,  118 , the latches are released from the upper portion  106 , so that the upper portion  106  may be decoupled from lower portion  104 . 
     In one implementation, the upper portion  106  is tensionably coupled to the lower portion  104  via a resilient member (e.g., such as one or more springs). Upon depression of the push buttons  116 ,  118 , the upper portion  106  is forcibly ejected away from the lower portion  104  (as shown by arrow A 3  in  FIG. 5 ) via the resilient member(s). In another implementation, the upper portion  106  is coupled to and retained against the lower portion  104  via a friction fit and/or detents. Upon depression of the push buttons  116 ,  118  and/or by inwardly squeezing the lower portion  104 , the lower portion  104  is deformed so that the upper portion  106  disengages or “pops off” of the lower portion  104 . In an alternative embodiment, a pinch point launching mechanism can be used instead of a spring-loaded launching mechanism. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5 ,  6  and  7 , an internal component  124  is placeable and retainable within the receiving area  108  of the outer shell  102 . When the lower portion  104  of the outer shell  102  is decoupled from the upper portion  106 , a portion  126  of the internal component  124  is receivable in the lower cavity  110  (see  FIG. 7 ) of the lower portion  104 . The remaining portion  128  of the internal component  124  is receivable in the upper cavity  112  of the upper portion  106  when the upper portion  106  is attached to the lower portion  104  of the outer shell  102  (as shown in  FIG. 7 ). Thus, the internal component  124  is retained within the receiving area  108  when the upper portion  106  is coupled to the lower portion  104 , and removable from or insertable into the lower cavity  110  of the lower portion  104  (or the upper cavity  112  of the upper portion  106 ) when the upper portion  106  is decoupled from the lower portion  104 . 
     Referring to FIGS.  6  and  8 A- 8 D, in one embodiment, the internal component  124  is reconfigurable between a retracted configuration C 3  (shown in  FIG. 6 ) and a deployed configuration C 4  (shown in  FIGS. 8C and 8D ). The internal component  124  includes a main body  130  and a plurality of segments  132  (shown in  FIGS. 8C and 8D ) movably connected to the main body  130 . The segments  132  are tensionably biased outwardly and away from the main body  130  via one or more resilient members (e.g., springs). The internal component  124  is retained in its retracted configuration C 3  with the tensionably biased segments  132  maintained proximate to or disposed within the main body  130  of the internal component  124  via one or more latches (not shown). Upon actuation of the latch or latches, the segments  132  are permitted to move outwardly and away from the main body  130 , so that the internal component  124  is reconfigured from its retracted configuration C 3  to its deployed configuration C 4 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 5 ,  6  and  7 , the internal component  124  is retained within the receiving area  108  in its fully retracted configuration C 3 . When the upper portion  106  of the outer shell  102  is decoupled from the lower portion  104  (as shown in  FIG. 5 ), and the latch of the internal component  124  has been actuated, the internal component  124  automatically reconfigures from its retracted configuration C 3  to its deployed configuration C 4 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8A , in one embodiment, the movable segments  132  include left and right inner plates  134 ,  136 , which slide outwardly and in opposite directions away from the main body  130  as shown by arrows A 4 , A 5 . As shown in  FIG. 8B , middle plates  138 ,  140  then pivot outwardly from a position proximate to a rear face  142  of the internal component  124  in a direction toward a front face  144  of the internal component  124 , as shown by arrows A 6 , A 7 , respectively. As shown in  FIG. 8C , outer plates  146 ,  148  then pivot outwardly in a direction toward the rear face  142  of the internal component  124 , as shown by arrows A 8 , A 9 , respectively. The internal component  124  may be removed from the lower cavity  110  of the lower portion  104  for additional and/or alternative play patterns, as shown in  FIG. 8D . 
     In one implementation, the internal component  124  is configured to resemble a futuristic air or space craft, with the movable segments  132  configured to resemble wings in the deployed configuration C 4 . In other embodiments, the internal component  124  may have a different configuration and/or resemble a vehicle, character, animal, etc. having an alternative theme. Further, the outer shell  102  may have a configuration corresponding to the theme of the internal component  124  (e.g., such as a space craft or futuristic figure as illustrated). The outer shell  102  may also include portions configured to resemble projectile launchers  150 , as shown in  FIGS. 4-7 . Alternatively or in addition, the outer shell  102  may include functioning projectile launchers, which eject one or more projectiles or missiles. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the various components of the movable segments  132  are illustrated. As shown, one portion or wing includes an inner plate  134 , a middle plate  138 , and an outer plate  146 . Similarly, the other wing-like structure includes an inner plate  136 , a middle plate  140 , and an outer plate  148 . 
     In addition, in one embodiment, the main body  130  of the internal component  124  defines a recess or cavity  152  configured to releaseably retain a secondary internal component  154 . An extension member  156 , such as a cover or lid, is coupled to the main body  130  and movable between an open position P 1  (shown in  FIG. 9A ) permitting access to the cavity  152  and a closed position P 2  (shown in  FIG. 9B ) restricting access to the cavity  152 . In one implementation, the extension member  156  is pivotally movable about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main body  130 , and along the direction of arrow A 10 . The secondary internal component  154  may be inserted into or removed from the cavity  152  when the extension member  156  is disposed in its open position P 1 , and the secondary internal component  154  may be retained within the cavity  152  when the extension member  156  is moved to and disposed in its closed position P 2 . 
     In one implementation, the secondary internal component  154  is configured to resemble a humanoid-like or robotic character. For example, the secondary internal component  154  may represent the pilot of the toy vehicle (i.e. the internal component  124  and/or the outer shell  102 ). In other embodiments, the secondary internal component  154  has an alternative configuration. 
     The extension member  156  is permitted to move from its closed position P 2  to its open position P 1  when the internal component  124  is removed from the receiving area  108  of the outer shell  102 . In one implementation, the extension member  156  is disposed in its closed position P 2  and restricted from moving to its open position P 1  when the internal component  124  is disposed in the lower cavity  110  of the lower portion  104  and/or the receiving area  108  of the outer shell  102  (as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 7 ). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10A-10D , the internal component  124  may be reconfigured from its deployed configuration C 4  (shown in  FIG. 10A ) to its fully retracted configuration C 3  (shown in  FIG. 10D ) by moving the segments  132  inwardly and toward the main body  130  (e.g., in a movement cycle opposite to the cycle of movement illustrated in  FIGS. 8A-8D  and described above). Thus, as shown in  FIG. 10B , the outer plates  146 ,  148  are pivoted inwardly in a direction toward the front face  144  of the internal component  124 , as shown by arrows A 11 , A 12 . As shown in  FIG. 10C , the outer plates  146 ,  148  and the middle or central plates  138 ,  140  are then together pivoted in a direction toward the rear face  142  of the internal component  124 , as shown by arrows A 13 , A 14 . As shown in  FIG. 10D , the left and right inner plates  134 ,  136  are then slid inwardly and in a direction toward the main body  130  (or into a correspondingly configured recess in the main body  130 ), as shown by arrows A 15 , A 16 . The movable segments  132  are retained in their inwardly disposed and compressed positions via the latch, so that the internal component  124  is retained in its retracted configuration C 3  until actuation of the latch. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 7 , an actuator or trigger  158  is coupled to the lower portion  104  of the outer shell  102 . In this embodiment, the actuator  158  resembles a lever. The trigger  158  includes an outer member  160  extending outwardly from or disposed on the exterior surface  120  of the lower portion  104 , and an inner member  162  disposed within the lower cavity  110  of the lower portion  104 . The outer member  160  is configured to be engaged and activated by a user, such as by depressing or pivotally moving the outer member  160  relative to the lower portion  104 . When the internal component  124  is disposed within the lower cavity  110  of the lower portion  104 , the inner member  162  of the trigger  158  is aligned with and engageable with the latch of the internal component  124 . 
     Upon actuation of the outer member  160  (e.g., such as when a user depresses or otherwise moves the outer member  160 ), the inner member  162  is caused to engage and actuate the latch. The movable segments  132  are thus released from their latched positions adjacent to the main body  130  of the internal component  124 , and are permitted to move outwardly until they engage an inner surface  164  defining the upper cavity  112  of the upper portion  106  of the outer shell  102 . The movable segments  132  are restricted from moving outwardly to their fully expanded positions due to the restricted space of the receiving area  108 . However, the movable segments  132  automatically move outwardly to their fully extended positions when the upper portion  106  is decoupled from the lower portion  104  of the outer shell  102 . Thus, the internal component  124  may be primed for reconfiguration from its retracted configuration C 3  to its deployed position C 4  by actuating the trigger  158  on the outer shell  102 . The internal component  124  then automatically reconfigures to its deployed position C 4  upon decoupling of the upper portion  106  from the lower portion  104  (such as shown in  FIG. 5 ). 
     In an alternative embodiment, the latch of the internal component  124  can be activated simply by putting the internal component  124  inside the outer shell  102 . The internal component  124  may engage a boss inside the outer shell  102  so that the boss engages and activates the latch when the upper portion  106  and the lower portion  104  are fit together. 
     An internal component  200  according to another embodiment is illustrated in  FIGS. 11A-11C . The internal component  200  is reconfigurable between a fully deployed configuration C 6  (shown in  FIG. 11A ) and a retracted configuration C 5  (shown in  FIG. 11C ). Similar to the internal component  124  described above, the internal component  200  includes a main body  202  and a plurality of segments  204  movably connected to the main body  202  and tensionably biased outwardly and away from the main body  202  via one or more resilient members (e.g., springs). The internal component  200  is retained in its retracted configuration C 5  with the tensionably biased segments  204  folded inwardly and proximate to the main body  202  via a latch. Upon actuation of the latch, the segments  204  are permitted to move outwardly and away from the main body  202 , so that the internal component  200  reconfigures from its retracted configuration C 5  to its deployed configuration C 6 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 11A , the movable segments  204  include arm members  206 ,  208  and extenders  210 ,  212 . The arm members  206 ,  208  can be referred to alternatively as left and right arm members or first and second arm members. Similarly, the extenders  210 ,  212  can be referred to alternatively as left and right extenders or first and second extenders. A first arm member  206  includes an end  214  pivotally coupled to a first side  216  of the main body  202 , and an opposite distal end  218 . A second arm member  208  includes an end  220  pivotally coupled to a second side  222  of the main body  202 , and an opposite distal end  224 . A first extender  210  is pivotally coupled to the distal end  218  of the first arm member  206 , and a second extender  212  is pivotally coupled to the distal end  224  of the second arm member  208 . 
     The arm members  206 ,  208  are movable between positions P 3  extending outwardly from the sides  216 ,  222  of the main body  202  (shown in  FIG. 11A ), and folded positions P 4  extending upwardly from the main body  202  (shown in  FIG. 11C ). The extenders  210 ,  212  are movable between positions P 5  extending upwardly from the distal ends  218 ,  224  of the arm members,  206 ,  208 , respectively (shown in  FIG. 11A ), and positions P 6  folded inwardly toward the ends  214 ,  220  of the arm members  206 ,  208  (shown in  FIG. 11B ). In one implementation, the arm members  206 ,  208  include recessed areas or channels  226 ,  228 , respectively, which are configured for receiving the extenders  210 ,  212 , respectively (shown in  FIG. 11B ). 
     In one embodiment, the arm members  206 ,  208  are biased toward their outwardly extending positions P 3  via resilient members (e.g., springs). Similarly, the extenders  210 ,  212  are biased toward their upwardly extending positions P 5  via additional resilient members (e.g., springs). The extenders  210 ,  212  may be moved to their folded positions P 6  (as shown in  FIG. 11B ), and then the arm members  206 ,  208  pivoted upwardly to their folded positions P 4  (as shown in  FIG. 11C ), and retained in the folded positions P 4  via a latch. Upon actuation of the latch, the arm members  206 ,  208  are released from their folded positions P 4 , and automatically move downwardly and to their outwardly extending positions P 3  via the associated resilient members. Further, the extenders  210 ,  212  automatically pivot to their upwardly extending positions P 5  via their associated resilient members. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 11A-11C , in one embodiment, the main body  202  of the internal component  200  defines a recess or cavity  230  configured to releaseably retain a secondary internal component  232  (similar to secondary internal component  154  previously described). The secondary internal component  232  may be inserted into or removed from the cavity  230  when the arm members  206 ,  208  are disposed in their outwardly extending positions P 3  (shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11B ). The secondary internal component  232  may be retained within the cavity  230  when the arm members  206 ,  208  are disposed in their upwardly extending positions P 4  (shown in  FIG. 11C ). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12A and 12B , the internal component  200  is receivable in the receiving area  108  of the outer shell  102 . Thus, a portion  234  of the internal component  200  is received in the lower cavity  110  of the lower portion  104 , and another portion  236  of the internal component  200  is received in the upper cavity  112  of the upper portion  106 . The internal component  200  is substantially or entirely hidden from view when disposed within the receiving area  108  of the outer shell  102  (as shown in  FIG. 12B ). 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 12B , the latch of the internal component  200  may be actuated by depressing the outer member or portion  160  of the actuator or trigger  158  on the outer shell  102 , as described above. Upon actuation of the trigger  158  and thus the aligned latch on the internal component  200 , the left and right arm members  206 ,  208  are no longer retained in their upwardly extending positions P 3  via the latch, but instead are retained in their substantially upward positions due to the space restrictions within the receiving area  108  of the outer shell  102 . Thus, the internal component  200  is primed to reconfigure from its retracted position C 5  to its deployed position C 6 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 13A , the upper portion  106  of the outer shell  102  may be ejected in a direction away from the lower portion  104  by activating the push buttons  116 ,  118 , as shown by arrows A 1 , A 2  and as described above. As a result, internal component  200  can transform. As shown in  FIG. 13B , once the upper portion  106  is decoupled from the lower portion  104 , further movement of the arm members  206 ,  208  is no longer restricted by the inner surface  164  of the upper cavity  112  of the upper portion  106 . Thus, the arm members  206 ,  208  pivot downwardly to their outwardly extending positions P 3  due to the biasing forces of their respective biasing or resilient members  207 ,  209 , which are internal, but illustrated in  FIG. 13B . Further, the extenders  210 ,  212  are then permitted to pivot upwardly to positions P 5  due to the biasing forces of their respective members  211 ,  213 , as shown in  FIG. 13C . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13D and 13E , the internal component  200  may then be removed from the lower cavity  110  of the lower portion  104  of the outer shell  102 . Further, the secondary internal component  232  may be removed from the cavity  230  of the main body  202  of the internal component  200 . The arm members  206 ,  208  and extenders  210 ,  212  are in their expanded or deployed positions in  FIGS. 13D and 13E . 
     An internal component  300  according to another embodiment is illustrated in  FIGS. 14A-14C . The internal component  300  includes a main body  302  defining a receptacle  304 , and an extension or lid or cover member  306  movable between an open position P 7  (shown in  FIG. 14A ) permitting access to the receptacle  304  and a closed position P 8  (shown in  FIGS. 14B and 14C ) restricting access to the receptacle  304 . A base member or plate  308  is disposed within the receptacle  304  and movable between a raised position P 9  (shown in phantom in  FIG. 14B ) and a lowered position P 10 . The plate  308  is biased toward its raised position P 9  via a resilient member, such as a spring  310 . The plate  308  is retainable in its lowered position P 10  via a catch  312  (shown schematically in  FIG. 14B ). Upon activation of the catch  312 , the plate  308  is released from its lowered position P 10  and rapidly moves toward its raised position P 9  via the spring  310 . 
     The receptacle  304  is configured to receive one or more projectiles  400  when the plate  308  is disposed in its lowered position P 10 , as shown in  FIG. 14B . For example, three projectiles  400  may be received in the receptacle  304 . The plate  308  may be pushed downwardly until releaseably locked in its lowered position P 10  via the catch  312 , with the projectiles  400  resting on the plate  308  and disposed within the receptacle  304 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 14C , the lid member  306  may then be moved to its closed position P 8 , thereby restricting access to the receptacle  304 . In one implementation, the lid member  306  is hingedly connected to the main body  302  and moved toward its closed position P 8  via gravity when the opening of the receptacle  304  is disposed upwardly (relative to a support surface). In another implementation, the lid member  306  is retained in its closed position P 8  via a latch or clasp, which is simultaneously released and permits the lid member  306  to move to its open position P 7  when the plate  308  is released from its lowered position P 10 . With the plate  308  disposed in its lowered position P 10  and the projectiles  400  retained within the receptacle  304 , the internal component  300  is “loaded” and ready for actuation. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 15A and 15B , the internal component  300  is receivable in the receiving area  108  of the outer shell  102 . A portion  314  of the internal component  300  is received in the lower cavity  110  of the lower portion  104 , and another portion  316  of the internal component  300  is received in the upper cavity  112  of the upper portion  106 . The internal component  300  is thus encased by the outer shell  102  when disposed within the receiving area  108 , as shown in  FIG. 15B . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 15B , the catch  312  of the internal component  300  is aligned with the inner member or portion  162  of the trigger or actuator  158 , and may be actuated by depressing the outer member or portion  160  of the trigger  158  on the outer shell  102 , as described above. Upon actuation of the catch  312 , the plate  308  is no longer retained in its lowered position P 10  via the catch  312 . The plate  308  thus exerts an upward force on the projectiles  400 . In turn, the projectiles  400  are forced against an inner surface  318  of the lid member  306  via the biasing force of the spring  310 . However, the lid member  306  is retained in its closed position P 8 , and thus the projectiles  400  are retained under force within the receptacle  304  due to the space restrictions within the receiving area  108  of the outer shell  102 . Thus, the internal component  300  is primed to forcibly move the lid  306  from its closed position P 8  to its open position P 7  and to forcibly eject the projectiles  400  from the receptacle  304  once the lid  306  is permitted to move to its open position P 7 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 15C and 15D , the upper portion  106  of the outer shell  102  may be ejected away from the lower portion  104  by activating the push buttons  116 ,  118 , as described above. Once the upper portion  106  is decoupled from the lower portion  104 , the lid member  306  is automatically forced to its open position P 7 , and the projectiles  400  are launched from the receptacle  304  and away from the internal component  300 , as shown in  FIG. 15D . The internal component  300  may then be removed from the lower cavity  110  of the lower portion  104  of the outer shell  102  and/or re-loaded with projectiles  400  (such as shown in  FIG. 14A ). 
     It should be understood that the specific configuration of the outer shell  102 , the internal components  124 ,  200 ,  300  and/or the secondary internal components  154 ,  232  may vary. For example, an outer shell  102 A according to another embodiment is illustrated in  FIG. 16 . Similar to the outer shell  102 , the outer shell  102 A includes a lower portion  104 A releasably coupled to an upper portion  106 A, as described above. The outer shell  102 A includes a receiving area (such as described above) configured to receive any one of the internal components  124 ,  200 ,  300  and/or secondary internal components  154 ,  232  that were previously described. 
     Alternatively, an internal component having a configuration different from the internal components  124 ,  200 ,  300  may be received in the outer shell  102 A (or  102 ). With continued reference to  FIG. 16 , several nesting internal components may be received within each other, and within the outer shell  102 A (or  102 ). For example, an internal component  400  may be received within the outer shell  102 A. The internal component  400  includes a lower portion  402  releasably coupleable to an upper portion  404 . Another internal component  410  is received within a correspondingly configured cavity within the first internal component  400 . The internal component  410  also includes a lower portion  412  releasably coupleable to an upper portion  414 . A secondary internal component  420  is received within a correspondingly configured cavity defined by the lower and upper portions  412 ,  414  of the internal component  410 . 
     An outer shell  102 B according to another embodiment is illustrated in  FIG. 17 . Similar to the outer shells  102 ,  102 A, the outer shell  102 B includes a lower portion  104 B releasably coupled to an upper portion  106 B, which together define an internal receiving area. An internal component  500  is received within the receiving area of the outer shell  102 B. The internal component  500  includes a lower portion  502  releasably coupleable to an upper portion  504 . Another internal component  510  is received within a correspondingly configured cavity within the first internal component  500 . The internal component  510  also includes a lower portion  512  releasably coupleable to an upper portion  514 . A secondary internal component  520  is received within a correspondingly configured cavity within the internal component  510 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 18 and 19 , several nesting components may also be received within the outer shell  102  described above. A first internal component  600  includes a lower portion  602  releasably coupleable to an upper portion  604 , which together define a cavity. Another internal component  610  is received in the cavity of the first internal component  600 . The internal component  610  also includes a lower portion  612  and an upper portion  614 , which collectively define another cavity for receiving a secondary internal component  620 . 
     In one embodiment, each of the outer shells  102 ,  102 A,  102 B is configured to receive any one of the internal components (e.g.,  124 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ). In addition, another smaller internal component (e.g.,  410 ,  510 ,  610 ) is receivable in a selected one of the internal components (e.g.,  124 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ). Further, any one of the secondary internal components (e.g.,  154 ,  232 ,  420 ,  520 ,  620 ) is receivable in the larger internal component. Thus, various play configurations are possible. 
     A child may create a unique toy assembly by selecting and assembling each of the outer shell, internal component(s) and secondary internal components. In one mode of play, a child may selectively create his or her toy assembly, and then challenge an opponent to a mock battle. The outer shell, internal component(s) and/or internal component of each toy assembly is assigned a specific value or point level. The child may then win the battle or challenge based on the point value of his or her outer shell character. Alternatively or in addition, each of the players may reveal their underlying internal components, which were unknown to the players prior to the dramatic separation of the upper and lower portions of the outer shell and/or the separation of the internal components (if nestable components were selected by the player when assembling his or her figure) and/or the reconfiguration of the internal components (if reconfigurable components were selected by the player when assembling his or her figure). Thus, revealing the internal components to an opposing player may result in a victory, a loss, a draw and/or further game requirements depending on the value assigned to each of the components (i.e., the outer shell, the internal components and/or the secondary internal components). 
     In an alternative embodiment, the transformation of an internal layer is activated when the top portion and the bottom portion of the outer layer are connected. As a result, in this embodiment, the characters are locked and loaded. 
     It is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “end,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points or portions of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Further, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., merely identify one of a number of portions, components and/or points of reference as disclosed herein, and do not limit the present invention to any particular configuration or orientation. 
     Although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the inventions. In addition, various features from one of the embodiments may be incorporated into another of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the invention be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure.