Patent Publication Number: US-2006009116-A1

Title: Self-propelled figure

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO OTHER APPLICATIONS  
      This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/167,410, entitled “Self-Propelled Figure,” filed Jun. 13, 2002, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      This invention relates generally to a self-propelled toy figure, and in particular, to a water toy, such as, a fish or a sea turtle, that can traverse through a liquid, such as water.  
      Children generally enjoy toys that simulate animals. Children also generally enjoy toys that can be used in aqueous environments, such as pools or lakes. Thus, water toys that simulate animals have been developed.  
      Some conventional water toys that simulate animals include moving appendages that propel the toy through liquids. For example, some conventional water toys simulate fish and include moving tails that propel the fish though water. However, the appendages of these conventional water toys, do not have life-like motions.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      A toy figure includes a torso, an appendage coupled to the torso, and a drive. The toy figure is configured to be placed in a liquid, such as water. The drive is configured to produce a force sufficient to move the appendage with respect to the torso. The appendage is configured to flex while the appendage is moving with respect to the torso. The relative motion and the flex of the appendage effectively propel the toy figure through the liquid and provide the appendage with life-like movements. In one embodiment, the figure includes an activation mechanism configured to activate the drive when the figure is at least partially disposed in a liquid such as water. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is a schematic top view of a toy having a torso and a movable appendage according to an embodiment of the invention.  
       FIG. 2  is a schematic top view of the toy of  FIG. 1  disposed in a liquid with the appendage in a rest position.  
       FIG. 3-7  are schematic top views of the toy of  FIG. 1  disposed in a liquid with the appendage moving.  
       FIG. 8  is a side view of a toy reef fish according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the toy reef fish of  FIG. 8 .  
       FIG. 10  is a cut-away side view of the toy reef fish of  FIG. 8 .  
       FIG. 11  is a front view of the tail of the toy reef fish of  FIG. 8 .  
       FIG. 12  is a top view of the tail of the toy reef fish of  FIG. 8 .  
       FIG. 13  is a side view of a toy koi fish according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a toy turtle according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 15  is a cut-away top view of the toy turtle of  FIG. 14 .  
       FIG. 16  is a side view of an axle of the toy turtle of  FIG. 14 .  
       FIG. 17  is a schematic view of a toy figure having a torso and a movable appendage according to an embodiment of the invention.  
       FIG. 18  is a side view of a toy figure according to an embodiment of the invention.  
       FIG. 19  is a schematic view of the actuation mechanism of the toy figure of  FIG. 18 .  
       FIGS. 20 and 21  are schematic views of actuation mechanisms according to embodiments of the invention.  
       FIGS. 22 and 23  are partial breakaway views of a toy figure according to an embodiment of the invention.  
       FIG. 24  is a partial breakaway view of a toy figure according to an embodiment of the invention.  
       FIG. 25  is a partial breakaway view of a toy figure according to an embodiment of the invention.  
       FIG. 26  is a cross-sectional view of the toy figure of  FIG. 25  taken along line  26 - 26  of  FIG. 25 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
      A toy figure includes a torso, an appendage coupled to the torso, and a drive. The toy figure is configured to be placed in a liquid, such as water. The drive is configured to produce a force sufficient to move the appendage with respect to the torso. The appendage is configured to flex while the appendage is moving with respect to the torso. The relative motion and the flex of the appendage effectively propel the toy figure through the liquid and provide the appendage with life-like movements.  
      As illustrated schematically in  FIG. 1 , the toy  FIG. 100  includes a torso  120 , an appendage  160  coupled to the torso  120 , and a drive  140  that is coupled to torso  120 . A link  124 , such as a drive shaft, operatively couples the drive  140  to the appendage  160 . Drive  140  generates a force that is sufficient to move the appendage  160  with respect to the torso  120 . The relative motion can be any type of relative motion, such as reciprocating pivotal motion or reciprocating linear motion. The appendage  160  includes a rigid portion  162  and a flexible portion  164 .  
      The toy  FIG. 100  can be configured to be placed in a liquid. The drive  140  is configured to move the appendage  160  with respect to the torso  120  when the toy figure is placed in the liquid. When the appendage  160  moves with respect to the torso  120 , the flexible portion  164  of the appendage flexes or bends in a direction opposite to that of the movement of the appendage during at least a portion of the range of motion of the appendage. The motion of the appendage  160  with respect to the torso  120  and the flexing of the flexible portion  164  effectively propel the toy  FIG. 100  through the liquid and give the toy  FIG. 100  the appearance of realistic-looking motion.  
       FIG. 2  illustrates the toy  FIG. 100  in a rest position. In this position, the appendage  160  is not moving with respect to the torso  120 .  FIGS. 3-7  illustrate the toy  FIG. 100  disposed in a liquid at different stages of the relative movement between the torso  120  and the appendage  160 . In this embodiment, the relative motion is a reciprocating pivotal motion with the appendage  160  pivoting about an axis  126  that is located at the rear of the torso.  FIG. 3  shows the toy  FIG. 100  in a first stage of the relative motion. In the first stage, the appendage  160  is pivoting in a first direction A with respect to the torso  120 . As the appendage  160  pivots in the first direction A, both the flexible portion  164  and the rigid portion  162  of the appendage move in direction A. The flexibility of the appendage  160  and the resistance of the liquid, however, cause the flexible portion  164  of the appendage  160  to flex or bend in a direction opposite to that of the movement of the appendage.  
       FIG. 4  shows the toy  FIG. 100  in a second stage of the relative motion between the torso  120  and the appendage  160 . In the second stage, the appendage  160  has reversed its direction and is pivoting in a second direction B with respect to the torso  120 . The rigid portion  162  of the appendage  160  has also reversed its direction and is moving in the second direction B. The flexible portion  164  of the appendage  160 , however, is still moving in the first direction A. In this second stage, the flexible portion  164  of the appendage  160  is flexing or bending in the same direction as that of the motion of at least a portion of the appendage.  FIG. 5  shows the toy  FIG. 100  in a third stage of the relative motion. In the third stage, the appendage  160  is still pivoting in the second direction B. The rigid portion  162  of the appendage  160  is also still moving in the second direction B. The flexible portion  164  of the appendage  160 , however, has changed its direction and is moving in the second direction B. The flexible portion  164  of the appendage  160  is also flexing or bending in an direction opposite to that of the movement of the appendage.  
       FIG. 6  shows the toy  FIG. 100  in a fourth stage of the relative motion between the torso  120  and the appendage  160 . In the fourth stage, the appendage  160  has changed its direction and is again pivoting in the first direction A. The rigid portion  162  of the appendage  160  has also changed its direction and is again moving in the first direction A. The flexible portion  164  of the appendage  160 , however, is still moving in the second direction B. In this fourth stage, the flexible portion  164  of the appendage  160  is flexing or bending in the same direction as that of the motion of at least a portion of the appendage.  FIG. 7  shows the toy figure in a fifth stage of relative motion between the torso  120  and the appendage  160 . In the fifth stage, the appendage is still pivoting in the first direction A. The rigid portion  162  is also still moving in the first direction A . The flexible portion  164  of the appendage  160 , however, has changed its direction and is again moving in the first direction A. The flexible portion  164  of the appendage  160  is also flexing or bending in an direction opposite to that of the movement of the appendage.  
      Because the flexible portion  164  of the appendage  160  flexes and bends as the appendage  160  moves with respect to the torso  120 , the movement of the flexible portion constantly lags the motion of the rigid portion  162  of the appendage. Thus, when the appendage  160  moves with respect to the torso  120  the appendage moves in a wave-like, whipping motion.  
       FIGS. 3-7  show the relative movement between the appendage  160  and the torso  120  as a pivotal motion rotating about the axis  126  that is located at the rear of the torso, it is not necessary that that the axis be located at a rear portion of the torso. In alternative embodiment, the axis of rotation is located at a front portion of the torso. In a further embodiment, the axis of rotation is located at a side portion of the torso.  
      In another embodiment, the appendage of the toy figure is configured such that the appendage flexes or bends in more than one direction when the appendage moves with respect to the torso. For example, the appendage may flex or bend in an “S” shape when the appendage moves with respect to the torso.  
      In another embodiment, the appendage does not include a rigid portion, rather the entire appendage is flexible.  
      An implementation of the invention described and illustrated schematically above is illustrated in  FIGS. 8-12 . In this embodiment, a toy reef fish  200  includes a torso  220  that simulates a fish torso and an appendage  260  that simulates a fish tail. The torso  220  of the toy reef fish  200  includes a surface that defines an enclosure or a cavity  222 . As best viewed in  FIG. 9 , the cavity is the space located between the two molded halves  220   a  and  220   b  of the torso  220 . In this embodiment, the molded halves  220   a  and  220   b  of the torso are made of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene plastic. In other embodiments, the molded halves of the torso are made of any other type of material that will retain the shape and configuration of the torso, such any other type of plastic.  
      The appendage  260  is disposed outside of the cavity  222  and is coupled to the torso  220  for relative pivotal movement between the appendage and the torso. In the illustrated embodiment, the appendage  260  includes a first opening  266  located on the top portion of the appendage (see  FIGS. 9 and 12 ) and a second opening (not shown) that is located on the bottom portion of the appendage. Projections (not shown) that are coupled to the torso  220  engage with the openings  266  to pivotally couple the appendage  260  to the torso  220 . In alternative embodiments other coupling mechanisms, such as brads, rivets, etc., are used to pivotally couple the appendage to the torso.  
      The toy reef fish  200  also includes a drive  240 , which is housed within the cavity  222 . The drive  240  is coupled to the torso  220  and to the appendage  260  of the toy reef fish  200 . The drive  240  is configured to pivot the appendage  260  with respect to the torso  220  and thereby propel the toy reef fish though a liquid, such as water.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, the drive includes a power source  242  and a motor  244 . The power source  242  can be a power source, such as a battery. The power source  242  is operatively coupled to the motor  244  to provide power to the motor. As illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the drive  240  also includes a set of gears  246 ,  248 ,  250 , and  252 , a shaft  254 , and a crank  256 . The motor  244  is operatively coupled to the set of gears  246 ,  248 ,  250 , and  252 , the shaft  254 , and the crank  256 . When the motor  244  is activated, the motor operates to rotate these items.  
      Although the drive  240  is illustrated as being a battery powered motor, the drive need not be such a mechanism. In an alternative embodiment, the drive is a wind-up type motor, a spring biased gear rack, or any other mechanism that will produce a force sufficient to move the appendage  260  of the toy reef fish  200  with respect to the torso  220  of the toy reef fish. Additionally, although the drive  240  is illustrated as including several gears  246 ,  248 ,  250 , and  252 , any number of gears may be used in the drive.  
      The crank  256  includes a projection  258  that is offset from the center of the crank. Thus, when the crank  256  rotates, the projection  258  moves in a circular path. The projection  258  extends from the cavity  222  and engages a vertical slot  268  located on the front side of the appendage  260 . In the illustrated embodiment, the height H of the slot  268  is greater than the diameter of the circle defined by the movement of the projection  258 . The width W of the slot  268  is less than the diameter of the circle defined by the movement of the projection  258 . Thus, as the projection  258  moves in its circular path, the projection will not contact the upper portion  270  or the lower portion  272  of the slot  268 . The projection  258  will, however, contact the side portions  274  and  276  of the slot  268  as the projection moves in its circular path. The contact between the projection  258  and the side portions  274  and  276  of the slot  268  force the appendage  260  to move in a reciprocating pivotal motion with respect to the torso  220 .  
      Similar to the above-described embodiments, the appendage  260  includes a rigid portion  262  and a flexible portion  264 . The flexible portion  264  is configured to bend or flex when the toy reef fish  200  is placed in a liquid and the appendage  260  pivots with respect to the torso  220 . Thus, the appendage  260  has substantially the same wave-like whipping motion that is described above and illustrated in  FIGS. 3-7 . In this embodiment, the pivoting motion combined with the bending and flexing of the flexible portion  264  of the appendage  260  provides the appendage with life-like fish tail movements.  
      The rigid portion  262  of the appendage  260  is located proximate to a front end  282  of the appendage. The flexible portion  264  of the appendage is located proximate to a rear end  284  of the appendage. In the illustrated embodiment, the appendage  260  has a tapered cross-section with the front end  282  of the appendage  260  being thicker than the rear end  284  of the appendage. In this embodiment, the appendage is made of a single type of flexible material, and the thickness of the material determines whether the particular portion of the appendage is rigid or flexible. The flexible material is rigid enough to retain the shape and form of the appendage, yet is flexible enough to bend and flex when the appendage  260  moves with respect to the torso  220 .  
      The particular material from which the appendage is made can be selected so that the appendage maintains a life-life motion similar to that described above in  FIGS. 3-7 . More specifically, the particular material selected for the appendage depends on, at least in part, the specific shape of the appendage and the size of the self-propelled figure. For example, a thicker width appendage is made from a more flexible material than the material used to make a thinner width appendage. Similarly, a larger self-propelled figure will typically have an appendage with a less flexible material than the material used to make an appendage for a smaller self-propelled figure. In sum, an appendage for any given type of self-propelled figure can be made from a material having a shore A durometer hardness, for example, between substantially  10  and  70 . For example, in one embodiment, the appendage of the toy reef fish  200  shown in  FIGS. 8-12  is made of a polyvinyl chloride with a shore A durometer hardness in the range of 50 to 60. In another embodiment, the appendage is made of a polyvinyl chloride with a shore A durometer hardness of 50.  
      In an alternative embodiment, the appendage does not have a tapered cross-section, and the rigid portion and the flexible portion of the appendage are made of different types of materials. The particular hardness of those different types of materials can be selected from shore A durometer hardness in the range of 10 to 70.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, the toy reef fish  200  is configured to be substantially neutrally buoyant. Thus, when the toy reef fish  200  is placed in water, the toy reef fish remains near the surface of the water but vacillates between being entirely submerged in the water and being only partially submerged in the water. In another embodiment, the toy reef fish is configured to be substantially negatively buoyant so that the fish sinks when the it is placed in water. In a further embodiment, the toy reef fish is configured to be substantially positively buoyant so that the fish floats when it is placed in water.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, the toy reef fish  200  also includes a top fin  290 , a bottom fin  292 , and side fins  294  (only one shown). In one embodiment, the fins  290 ,  292 , and  294  are made of a polyvinyl chloride with a shore A durometer hardness of  50 . In an another embodiment, the fins  290 ,  292 ,  294 , and  296  are made of a polyvinyl chloride with a shore A durometer hardness in the range of 50 to 60. In alternative embodiments, the toy reef fish includes any combination of the fins. For example, in one embodiment the toy reef fish includes only a top fin. In another embodiment, the toy reef fish includes a top fin and a bottom fin.  
       FIG. 13  illustrates a second implementation of the present invention. In this embodiment, a toy koi fish  300  includes a torso  320  that simulates the torso of a koi fish and an appendage  360  that simulates a tail of a koi fish. The toy koi fish also includes a drive (not shown) that is coupled to the torso  320  and to the appendage  360 . The torso  320 , the appendage  360 , and the drive can be structurally and functionally equivalent to the torso, appendage, and drive described in toy reef fish embodiment.  
      The toy koi fish  300  can function in a manner that is substantially similar to the manner in which the toy reef fish functions. The drive is configured to produce reciprocating pivotal motion between the appendage  360  and the torso  320 . When the toy koi fish  300  is placed in a liquid, such as water, and the appendage  360  pivots with respect to the torso  320  a flexible portion  364  of the appendage  360  flexes and bends to produce a wave-like whipping motion substantially similar to the wave-like whipping motion described in the above embodiments. The pivotal motion and the whipping motion effectively propel the toy koi fish  300  through the water and provide the appendage  360  with life-like fish tail movements.  
      Similar to the toy reef fish embodiment, the toy koi fish  300  can be configured to be substantially neutrally buoyant. Thus, when the toy koi fish  300  is placed in water, the toy koi fish remains near the surface of the water but vacillates between being entirely submerged in the water and being only partially submerged in the water. In another embodiment, the toy koi fish is configured to be negatively buoyant so that the toy koi fish sinks when the toy koi fish is placed in water. In a further embodiment, the toy koi fish is configured to be positively buoyant so that the toy koi fish floats when the toy koi fish is placed in water.  
      Although in the illustrated embodiment, the toy koi fish  300  includes a top fin  371 , small bottom fins  373  (only one shown), large bottom fins  375  (only one shown), and whiskers  377  (only one shown), it is not necessary that the toy koi fish include these items. In this embodiment, the top fin  371 , the small bottom fins  373 , the large bottom fins  375 , and the whiskers  377  are made of a flexible material, such as a polyvinyl chloride with a shore A durometer hardness in the range of 50 to 60. Alternatively, the fins and the whiskers are made of a rigid material, such as plastic.  
       FIGS. 14-16  illustrate a third implementation of the present invention. In this embodiment, a toy turtle  400  includes a torso  420  that is configured to simulate a body of a turtle, arm appendages  510  and  520  that are configured to simulate arms of a turtle, leg appendages  530  and  540  that are configured to simulate legs of a turtle, and a head appendage  550  that is configured to simulate a head of a turtle. The torso  420  of the toy turtle  400  includes a front portion  427 , a rear portion  425 , and side portions  421  and  423 . The outer surface of the torso  420  defines an enclosure or cavity  422 .  
      The arm appendages  510  and  520 , the leg appendages  530  and  540 , and the head appendage  550  are disposed outside of the enclosure or cavity  422  and are pivotally coupled to the torso  420 . In the illustrated embodiment, the arm appendages  510  and  520  are coupled to a front axle  512  that extends though the torso  420  and is pivotally coupled to the torso. Similarly, the leg appendages  530  and  540  are coupled to a rear axle  532  that extends through the torso  420  and is pivotally coupled to the torso. In the illustrated embodiment ends of each of the axles  512  and  532  are disposed within a portion of the appendages  510 ,  520 ,  530 , and  540  to couple the appendages to the axles. In another embodiment another mechanism, such as an adhesive, is used to couple the appendages to the respective axles.  
      The torso includes projections  552  and  554  that communicate with the openings on the side of the head appendage  550  to pivotally couple the head appendage to the torso  420 . In another embodiment, another method is used to pivotally couple the head appendage to the torso of the turtle.  
      The toy turtle  400  also includes a drive  440  that includes a power source  442 , a motor (not shown), a shaft  454 , and a crank  456 . The drive  440  is structurally and functionally equivalent to the drive described in the toy reef fish embodiment. However, in an alternative embodiment the drive is a wind-up type motor, a spring biased gear rack, or any other type of mechanism that would produce forces sufficient to move the appendages with respect to the torso.  
      Similar to the above-described embodiments, the crank  456  includes a projection  458  that is offset from the center of the crank. Thus, when the crank  456  is rotated by the motor, the projection moves in a circular path. As best viewed in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the projection  458  communicates with a slot  468  located on axle  512 . The length L of the slot  468  is greater than the diameter of the circle defined by the movement of the projection  458 . The height H of the slot  468  is less than the diameter of the circle defined by the movement of the projection  458 . Thus, as the crank  456  rotates and the projection  458  moves in its circular path, the projection  458  contacts the upper side portion  467  and the lower side portion  469  of the slot  468 . The contact between the projection  458  and the side portions  467  and  469  force the axle  512  to move in a reciprocating pivotal motion with respect to the torso  420 .  
      Axle  512  is coupled to the head appendage  550  via a linkage  556  and to axle  532  via a linkage  560 . Thus, as axle  512  is pivoted, the head appendage  550  is also pivoted with respect to the torso  420  about an axis of rotation defined by the projections  552  and  554 . Similarly, as axle  512  pivots with respect to the torso  420 , axle  532  also pivots with respect to the torso.  
      As the axles  512  and  532  pivot with respect to the torso  420 , the arm and leg appendages  510 ,  520 ,  530 , and  540  also pivot with respect to the torso. Similar to the above described embodiments, the arm appendages  510  and  520  and the leg appendages  530  and  540  include flexible portions  518 ,  528 ,  538 , and  548 . The flexible portions  518 ,  528 ,  538 , and  548  flex and bend when the toy turtle  400  is placed in a liquid, such as, water and the appendages  510 ,  520 ,  530 ,  540 , respectively, pivot with respect to the torso  420  to produce the substantially the same wave-like whipping motion that is described above and illustrated in  FIGS. 3-7 . The pivoting motion and the flexing of the flexible portions  518 ,  528 ,  538 , and  548  of the appendages  510 ,  520 ,  530 , and  540 , respectively, propel the toy turtle  400  through the liquid and provide the appendages with life-like turtle arm and leg movements.  
      The flexible portion  518 ,  528 ,  538 , and  548  of the appendages  510 ,  520 ,  530 , and  540 , respectively, can be made of any type of flexible material. In the illustrated embodiment the appendages  510 ,  520 ,  530 , and  540  are made of a polyvinyl chloride with a shore B durometer hardness in the range of 40 to 50.  
      In this embodiment, the head appendage  550  of the toy turtle  400  is made of a rigid material, such as a molded polyvinyl chloride. In another embodiment, the head appendage is made of a flexible material, such as a polyvinyl chloride with a shore A durometer hardness of 40 to 50.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, toy turtle  400  is configured to float when the it is placed in water. In another embodiment, the toy turtle is substantially neutrally buoyant. In another embodiment, the toy turtle is configured to sink when placed in water. In a further embodiment, the toy turtle is configured to be suspended at a range of depths when the toy turtle is placed in water.  
      FIGS.  17  is a schematic illustration of a toy  FIG. 700  according to another embodiment of the invention. The toy  FIG. 700  includes a torso  720 , an appendage  760  coupled to the torso  720 , and a drive  740  coupled to torso  720 . A link  724 , such as a drive shaft, operatively couples the drive  740  to the appendage  760 . The drive  740  produces a force that is sufficient to move the appendage  760  with respect to the torso  720 . The relative motion can be any type of relative motion, such as reciprocating pivotal motion or reciprocating linear motion.  
      The toy  FIG. 700  also includes an actuation mechanism  770  configured to activate the drive  740 . Accordingly, when the actuation mechanism  770  activates the drive  740 , the drive  740  causes the appendage  760  to move with respect to the torso  720 . The actuation mechanism  770  may be configured activate the drive  740  in response to different actions or conditions. For example, in one embodiment, the actuation mechanism is configured to activate the drive when the torso is placed or at least partially disposed within a liquid such as water. In another embodiment, the actuation mechanism is configured to activate the drive when the torso is placed or otherwise disposed in a particular orientation, such as an upright orientation.  
       FIGS. 18 and 19  illustrate a toy  FIG. 800  according to another embodiment of the invention. The toy  FIG. 800  includes a torso  820 , an appendage  860  coupled to the torso  820 , and a drive  840  that is coupled to torso  820 . The drive  840  is configured to produce a force that is sufficient to move the appendage  860  with respect to the torso  820 . Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the relative motion is a reciprocating pivotal motion.  
      As best illustrated in  FIG. 19 , the toy  FIG. 800  also includes an actuation mechanism  870  configured to activate the drive  840 . Accordingly, when the actuation mechanism  870  activates the drive  840 , the drive  840  causes the appendage  860  to move with respect to the torso  820 . In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation mechanism  870  is configured to activate the drive  840  when the toy  800  is at least partially disposed within a liquid, including an ionic liquid, such as water.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, the drive  840  and the actuation mechanism  870  are disposed within a cavity defined by the torso  820 . The actuation mechanism includes an electrical circuit  871  that is operatively coupled to a power source  842 , such as a battery, and the drive  840 . The electrical circuit includes a first contact  872 , a second contact  873 , a first transistor  874 , a second transistor  875 , and a third transistor  876 . Each of the components of the electrical circuit  871 , including the first and second contacts  872  and  873  and the three transistors  874 ,  875 , and  876  are operatively coupled together.  
      The electrical circuit  871  is activated when the first and second contacts  872  and  873  are bridged, for example by water, or otherwise electrically coupled. In other words, current passes through the electrical circuit  871  to activate the drive  840  when the first and second contacts  872  and  873  are bridged. In one embodiment, the transistors  874 ,  875 , and  876  act as amplifiers to increase the amount of current that passes through the electrical circuit  871 . Specifically, in one embodiment, the first transistor  874  activates when it detects or determines that current is passing through the contacts  872  and  873 . The first transistor  874  also amplifies the signal, which activates the second transistor  875 . The second transistor  875  amplifies the signal such that the third transistor  876  is activated to allow current to activate the drive  840 .  
      Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, when the first and second contacts  872  and  873  are disposed in a liquid, the first and second contacts  872  and  873  are bridged, current passes through the electrical circuit  871 , and the drive  840  is activated to cause the appendage  860  to move with respect to the torso  820 .  
      Additionally, the electrical circuit  871  of the toy  FIG. 800  includes several resistors  895  and a capacitor  897 . The resistors  895  are bias resistors and are configured to set the amount of gain for the transistors  874 ,  875 , and  876 . The capacitor  897  is a filtering capacitor and is configured to reduce noise in the electrical circuit  871 .  
      In an another embodiment, the three transistors are configured to divert current from the drive when the contacts are not bridged. Once the contacts are bridged or otherwise electrically coupled, the transistors are configured to direct current to the drive. Accordingly, when the contacts are bridged, the drive is is activated to cause the appendage to move with respect to the torso.  
      In such an embodiment, the electrical circuit has a low current portion and a high current portion. The low current portion is configured to detect small amounts of current. Accordingly, the low current portion is configured to determine when the contacts are bridged or otherwise electrically coupled. The high current portion of the electrical circuit is configured to direct a relatively large amount of current to the drive. Accordingly, once the low current portion determines that the contacts have been bridged, the high current portion directs a large amount of current to the drive.  
      Specifically, in such an embodiment, the first transistor and the second transistor are more sensitive than the third transistor. The first transistor and the second transistor are configured to detect small amounts of current. Thus, the first transistor and the second transistor are configured to determine when the contacts are bridged or otherwise electrically coupled. The third transistor is configured to direct a relatively large amount of current to the drive to activate the drive when the first transistor and the second transistor determine that the contacts are bridged.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, the contacts  872  and  873  extend from the interior of the torso  820  to the exterior of the torso  820  and are configured to be bridged or otherwise operatively coupled together when the contacts are disposed in water. Although the contacts  872  and  873  are illustrated as extending from a side of the torso  820 , in other embodiments, the contacts are disposed at another location that is accessible to water when the torso  820  is disposed in water. Such locations can include, for example, the appendage and within the cavity defined by the torso.  
       FIG. 20  is a schematic illustration of an actuation mechanism  970  according to another embodiment of the invention. The actuation mechanism  970  includes an electrical circuit  971  that is operatively coupled to a power source  942 , such as a battery, and the drive  940 . The electrical circuit  971  includes a first contact  972 , a second contact  973 , a first transistor  974 , and a second transistor  975 . Each of the components of the electrical circuit  971 , including the first and second contacts  972  and  973  and the first and second transistors  974  and  975 , are operatively coupled together.  
      The first and second transistors  974  and  975  are configured to divert current from the drive  940  when the contacts  972  and  973  are not bridged. Once the contacts  972  and  973  are bridged or otherwise electrically coupled, the first and second transistors  974  and  975  are configured to direct current to the drive  940 . Accordingly, the drive is  940  is activated to cause the appendage  960  to move with respect to the torso  920 .  
       FIG. 21  is a schematic illustration of an actuation mechanism  1070  according to another embodiment of the invention. The actuation mechanism  1070  includes an electrical circuit  1071  that is operatively coupled to a power source  1042 , such as a battery. The electrical circuit  1071  includes a first contact  1072 , a second contact  1073 , a first transistor  1074 , a second transistor  1075 , and a relay switch  1079 . Each of the components of the electrical circuit  1071 , including the first and second contacts  1072  and  1073 , the first and second transistors  1074  and  1075 , and the relay switch  1079  are operatively coupled together.  
      The relay switch  1079  includes a coil  1081  and a mechanical switch  1083 . The mechanical switch  1083  is operatively coupled between the drive  1040  and the power source  1042 . Accordingly, when the mechanical switch  1083  is in an “on” position, current is provided to the drive  1040  to activate the drive  1040 . Conversely, when the mechanical switch  1083  is in an “off” position, current is not supplied to the drive  1040  and the drive is  1040  is not active or is deactivated.  
      The coil  1081  and the mechanical switch  1083  are positioned such that when current passes through the coil  1081 , the coil  1081  becomes magnetized and causes the mechanical switch  1083  to be moved from its “off” position to its “on” position. Additionally, the first and second transistors  1074  and  1075  are configured to divert current from the coil  1081  of the relay switch  1079  when the contacts  1072  and  1073  are not bridged. Once the contacts  1072  and  1073  are bridged or otherwise electrically coupled, the first and second transistors  1074  and  1075  are configured to direct current to the coil  1081  of the relay switch  1079 . Accordingly, when the contacts  1072  and  1073  are bridged, current is supplied to the coil  1081  to magnetize the coil  1081  and the mechanical switch is moved via a magnetic force, from its “off” position to its “on” position to activate the drive  1040 .  
      In the illustrated embodiment, the mechanical switch is biased into its “off” position. In other words, the mechanical switch  1083  will stay in its “on” position for as long as a sufficient amount of current is passing through the coil  1081 . Specifically, once the contacts  1072  and  1073  cease to be bridged, the transistors  1074  and  1075  will divert the current from the coil  1081  and the mechanical switch  1083  will return to its “off” position to deactivate, or otherwise turn off, the drive  1040 .  
      In another embodiment, the mechanical switch is not biased into either its “on” position or its “off” position. In such an embodiment, once the mechanical switch is moved to its “on” position, another force, such as another magnetic force or another mechanical force, must act on the mechanical switch to return the mechanical switch to its “off” position. Thus, once a sufficient amount of current has passed through the coil to move the mechanical switch to its “on” position, it is not necessary for current to continue to pass through the coil to retain the mechanical switch in its “on” position.  
       FIGS. 22 and 23  each illustrate a partial breakaway side view of another toy  FIG. 1100  according to another embodiment of the invention. The toy  FIG. 1100  includes a torso  1120 , an appendage  1160  coupled to the torso  1120 , and a drive (not illustrated) that is coupled to torso  1120 . The drive is configured to produce a force that is sufficient to move the appendage  1160  with respect to the torso  1120 . Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the relative motion is a reciprocating pivotal motion.  
      The toy  FIG. 1100  also includes an actuation mechanism  1170  that is operatively coupled to a power source (not illustrated), such as a battery, and the drive. In one embodiment, the actuation mechanism  1170  is disposed within a cavity  1121  defined by the torso  1120  of the toy  FIG. 1100 . The actuation mechanism  1170  includes a transmitter  1177 , a receiver  1178 , and an interrupter  1179 . The transmitter  1177  is configured to transmit a signal S, such as an infra-red signal. The receiver  1178  is configured to receive the signal S transmitted by the transmitter  1178 .  
      The interrupter  1179  is configured to move from a first position to a second position. As illustrated in  FIG. 22 , when the interrupter  1179  is in its first position, the interrupter  1179  is positioned such that the receiver  1178  receives the signal S transmitted by the transmitter  1177 . As illustrated in  FIG. 23 , when the interrupter  1179  is in its second position, the interrupter  1179  is positioned between the transmitter  1177  and the receiver  1178  such that the receiver does not receive the signal S transmitted by the transmitter  1177 .  
      In the illustrated embodiment, water is configured to enter at least a portion of the cavity  1121  defined by the torso  1120  when the toy  FIG. 1100  is at least partially dispose in water. Accordingly, the interrupter  1179  is configured to float when disposed in a liquid such as water. Thus, when the toy  FIG. 1100  is disposed outside of a liquid, the interrupter  1179  is configured to be disposed in its lower or first position. When the toy  
       FIG. 1100  is disposed in a liquid such as water, the interrupter  1179  floats to its upper or second position.  
      The actuation mechanism is configured to divert current from the drive when the receiver  1178  receives the signal S transmitted by the transmitter  1177 . Once the signal S is not received, or is interrupted or otherwise modified by the interrupter  1179 , the actuation mechanism  1170  is configured to direct current to the drive. Accordingly, the drive is activated to cause the appendage  1160  to move with respect to the torso  1120  when the toy  FIG. 1100  is disposed in a liquid such as water and the interrupter  1179  is disposed in its upper or second position.  
      In another embodiment, the actuation mechanism is configured to divert current from the drive when the signal is not received, or is interrupted by the interrupter.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation mechanism includes a guide member  1191  that is configured to help guide the interrupter  1179  from its first position to its second position. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the guide member  1191  is an elongate member. The interrupter  1179  is slideably coupled to the guide member  1191  such that the interrupter  1179  may slide from its first position to its second position. In other embodiments, the actuation mechanism does not include a guide member.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, the guide member  1191  is offset from the path of the signal S that is transmitted by the transmitter  1177 . In other words, the signal S may be transmitted by the transmitter  1177 , pass by the guide member  1191 , and be received by the receiver  1178  without modification when the interrupter  1179  is disposed in its lower position.  
       FIG. 24  illustrates a toy  FIG. 1200  according to another embodiment of the invention. The toy  FIG. 1200  includes a torso  1220 , an appendage  1260  coupled to the torso  1220 , and a drive (not illustrated) that is coupled to torso  1220 . The drive is configured to produce a force that is sufficient to move the appendage  1260  with respect to the torso  1220 . Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the relative motion is a reciprocating pivotal motion.  
      The toy  FIG. 1200  also includes an actuation mechanism  1270  that is operatively coupled to a power source (not illustrated), such as a battery, and the drive  1240 . The actuation mechanism  1270  includes a mechanical switch  1285 , such as a leaf switch, and a floatation or buoyant member  1287 . The mechanical switch  1285  has an “on” position and an “off” position. The mechanical switch  1285  is configured to activate the drive when the mechanical switch  125  is in its “on” position.  
      The floatation member  1287  is configured float when disposed in a liquid such as water. Specifically, the floatation member  1287  is configured to move from a lower or first position to an upper or second position when the toy  1200  and the floatation member  1287  are at least partially disposed within a liquid such as water. The floatation member  1287  and the mechanical switch  1285  are positioned such that the mechanical switch  1285  is moved into its “on” position when the floatation member  1287  is in its second position. Thus, the mechanical switch causes current to be directed to the drive to activate the drive. Accordingly, when the toy is placed in a liquid such as water, the floatation member  1287  floats to its second position, the mechanical switch is moved to its “on” position, and the drive is activated.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation mechanism  1270  is configured such that the actuation mechanism  1270  does not activate the drive when the toy  FIG. 1200  is inverted. In other words, the drive is activated when the toy  FIG. 1200  is at least partially disposed in a liquid and is not activated when the toy  FIG. 1200  is turned upside down.  
      Specifically, when the toy  FIG. 1200  is at least partially disposed in a liquid, the toy  FIG. 1200  may be placed in a first orientation, such as an upright orientation, and a second orientation different than the first orientation, such as an upside down orientation. Additionally, when the toy  FIG. 1200  is disposed apart from the liquid, the toy  FIG. 1200  may be placed in a third orientation, such as an upright orientation, and a fourth orientation different than the third orientation, such as an upside down orientation. The actuation mechanism  1270  is configured to activate the drive when the toy  FIG. 1200  is in its first orientation. Conversely, the actuation mechanism  1270  is configured to deactivate the drive when the toy  FIG. 1200  is in any one of its second orientation, its third orientation, and its fourth orientation.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation mechanism  1270  is disposed within a cavity  1222  defined by the torso  1220  of the toy  1200 . The floatation member  1287  includes, first portion  1297  that is configured to engage the mechanical switch  1285 , a second portion  1299 , and a curved upper surface  1289 . The first portion  1297  is lighter and more buoyant than the second portion  1299 . For example, in one embodiment, a weight (not illustrated) may be coupled to the second portion  1299  of the floatation member  1287 . Additionally, the curved upper surface  1289  of the floatation member  1287  is configured to engage a curved inner surface  1221  of the cavity  1222  of the torso  1220  when the floatation member is in its upper or second position. Accordingly, as the first portion  1297  of the floatation member  1287  is lighter than the second portion  1299 , the first portion  1297  of the floatation member  1287  does not contact the mechanical switch  1285  to move the mechanical switch to its “on” position when the toy  1200  is inverted or upside down. Conversely, as the first portion  1297  of the floatation member  1287  is more buoyant than the second portion  1299 , the first portion of the floatation member  1287  does contact the mechanical switch  1285  to move the mechanical switch  1285  to its “on” position when the toy  1200  is disposed in an upright position and in a liquid such as water.  
      In one embodiment, the curved inner surface of the cavity has a larger radius of curvature than the curved upper surface of the floatation member. Accordingly, the first portion or lighter portion of the floatation member rocks or pivots away from the mechanical switch when the toy is inverted. Accordingly, the mechanical switch is not actuated. Conversely, when the toy is disposed upright in a liquid, the first portion of the floatation member floats to contact and actuate the mechanical switch.  
      In another embodiment, the inner surface of the cavity includes a projection disposed on one side of the mechanical switch. The floatation member is configured to pivot about the projection when the floatation member is in its upper position. Specifically, when the toy is inverted, the first portion or lighter portion of the floatation member pivots away from the mechanical switch. Accordingly, the mechanical switch is not activated. Conversely, when the toy is disposed upright in a liquid, the first portion of the floatation member floats to contact and actuate the mechanical switch.  
      In another embodiment, the floatation member is not sufficiently heavy to activate the mechanical switch when the toy is inverted or upside down. The floatation member, however, is sufficiently buoyant to activate the mechanical switch when the toy is disposed in an upright position and in a liquid such as water.  
      In another embodiment, the floatation member is pivotally coupled within the cavity defined by the torso.  
       FIGS. 25 and 26  illustrate toy  FIG. 1300  in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The toy  FIG. 1300  includes a torso  1320 , an appendage  1360  coupled to the torso  1320 , and a drive (not illustrated) that is coupled to torso  1320 . The drive is configured to produce a force that is sufficient to move the appendage  1360  with respect to the torso  1320 . Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the relative motion is a reciprocating pivotal motion.  
      The toy  FIG. 1300  also includes an actuation mechanism  1370  that is operatively coupled to a power source (not illustrated), such as a battery, and the drive. The actuation mechanism  1370  includes a housing  1372 , a conductive member  1374 , a first contact  1376 , and a second contact  1378 . The actuation mechanism  1370  is configured to divert current from the drive when the contacts  1376  and  1378  are not bridged. Once the contacts  1376  and  1378  are bridged or otherwise electrically coupled, the actuation mechanism  1370  is configured to direct current to the drive. Accordingly, the drive is activated to cause the appendage to move with respect to the torso when the contacts  1376  and  1378  are bridged or otherwise electrically coupled.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, the housing  1372  is fixedly coupled within a cavity  1321  defined by a torso  1320  of the toy  FIG. 1300 . The conductive member  1374  is movably disposed within the housing  1372 , and is, accordingly, configured to move within the housing  1372  when the orientation of the toy  FIG. 1300  is changed. For example, the conductive member  1374  is configured to be disposed in a first position within the housing  1372  when the toy  FIG. 1300  is placed in an upright orientation, and is configured to be disposed in a second position within the housing  1372  when the toy  FIG. 1300  is inverted or is placed in an upside down orientation.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, the contacts  1376  and  1378  are fixedly disposed within the housing  1372 . The contacts  1376  and  1378  are disposed such that the conductive member  1374  bridges or otherwise electrically couples the first contact  1376  to the second contact  1378  when the conductive member  1374  is in its first position. Thus, when the toy  FIG. 1300  is disposed in an upright orientation, the actuation mechanism activates the drive. Conversely, when the toy  FIG. 1300  is not disposed in an upright orientation, such as when it is in an inverted orientation, the contacts  1376  and  1378  are not bridged and the drive is not activated.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive member  1374  and the housing  1378  are spherical in shape. In other embodiments, the conductive member, the housing, or both are of a shape other than spherical. Additionally, in another embodiment, the housing is not disposed within the cavity defined by the torso.  
      Other embodiments of the invention are contemplated. The figure can simulate, for example, virtually any animal, human, or action figure. The appendage can be any appendage appropriate to the selected torso, including a leg, a tail, an arm, a head, or another body segment.  
      While the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.