Power of play toy

Abstract

A toy is provided that includes a body portion configured for attachment to a moveable object. An action portion is configured for temporary attachment to the body portion. An energy storage mechanism is attached to the action portion and is configured for storing energy in response to movement of the moveable object. A selectively operable portion of the toy is attached to the action portion, coupled to the energy storage mechanism and configured to be selectively operable when the action portion is disconnected from the body portion.

1 . A toy comprising:
 a body portion configured for attachment to a moveable object;   a selectively operable action portion configured for temporary attachment to the body portion;   an energy storage mechanism attached to the action portion and configured for storing energy upon movement of the moveable object; and   a selectively operable portion attached to the action portion and configured to be powered by the energy storage mechanism and to be selectively operable when the action figure is not attached to the body portion.   
   
   
       2 . The toy of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a wheel coupled to the body portion and to the energy storage mechanism and configured to rotate when the body portion is attached to the moveable object and the moveable object is in motion and wherein rotation of the wheel initiates generation of energy for storage in the energy storage mechanism.   
   
   
       3 . The toy of  claim 2  further comprising a dynamo attached to the body portion and coupled to the wheel and to the energy storage mechanism and configured to generate electrical energy in response to rotation of the wheel. 
   
   
       4 . The toy of  claim 3  further comprising a selectively operable function connected to the body portion and the dynamo and powered by the dynamo. 
   
   
       5 . The toy of  claim 1  wherein the body portion comprises one of the group consisting of: a rocket ship, moon cruiser, car, and a plane. 
   
   
       6 . The toy of  claim 5  wherein the selectively operable portion comprises an element of the group consisting of: a light, a simulated speech center, an operable appendage, and operable drive wheels. 
   
   
       7 . The toy of  claim 6  further comprising:
 a microcontroller attached to the action portion and coupled to the selectively operable portion; and   a controller remote from the action portion and in communication with the microcontroller for activating the selectively operable portion.   
   
   
       8 . A toy comprising:
 a body portion configured for attachment to a wheel of a child powered vehicle;   a dynamo attached to the body portion and configured to generate electrical energy in response to rotation of the wheel;   an action portion configured for temporary attachment to the body portion;   a rechargeable battery attached to the action portion, coupled to the dynamo, and configured to receive electrical energy from the dynamo; and   an operative portion attached to the action portion, selectively coupled to the rechargeable battery, and operative when the action portion is separated from the body portion.   
   
   
       9 . The toy of  claim 8  further comprising a rotatable body attached to the body portion and coupled to the dynamo and configured to rotate when the wheel of the child powered vehicle is rotated. 
   
   
       10 . The toy of  claim 8  further comprising a remote controller spaced apart from the action portion for remotely controlling the operative portion. 
   
   
       11 . The toy of  claim 8  further comprising second operative portions couple to the body portion. 
   
   
       12 . The toy of  claim 8  further comprising a second selectively operative portion connected to the body portion and to the dynamo. 
   
   
       13 . A toy comprising:
 a body portion configured for attachment to the wheel of a bicycle;   an action figure configured for docking in contact with the body portion;   a rechargeable battery attached to the action figure;   a charging circuit coupled to the body portion and configured to charge the rechargeable battery in response to rotation of the wheel of the bicycle;   a first operative feature attached to the body portion and to the rechargeable battery and configured to be operatively powered by the rechargeable battery; and   a second operative feature attached to the action figure and configured to be powered by the rechargeable battery when the action figure is not docked to the body portion.   
   
   
       14 . The toy of  claim 13  wherein the charging circuit comprises a dynamo coupled to the rechargeable battery and configured to generate electrical energy in response to rotation of the wheel. 
   
   
       15 . The toy of  claim 14  further comprising a rotatable member coupled to the body portion and to the dynamo and positioned to press against the wheel of the bicycle and configured to rotate in response to rotation of the wheel of the bicycle to operate the dynamo. 
   
   
       16 . The toy of  claim 13  further comprising:
 a microcontroller attached to the action figure;   a remote controller spaced apart from the action figure and configured to communicate with the microcontroller to control the second operative feature.   
   
   
       17 . The toy of  claim 13  wherein the first operative feature comprises one of the group consisting of: a light, a speech simulator; a sound generator, a speedometer, and a digital camera. 
   
   
       18 . The toy of  claim 11  wherein the action figure comprises a molded plastic body having a shape selected from the group consisting of: an animal figure, an action figure, and a robot. 
   
   
       19 . The toy of  claim 13  wherein the body portion comprises a molded figure portraying a figure selected from the group consisting: of a rocket ship, a plane, a moon cruiser, and a car. 
   
   
       20 . The toy of  claim 13  further comprising an energy indicator configured to indicate generated power level.