Expandable toy with a plurality of nesting shell components to form a figurine or other item

Abstract

Described is an expandable accordion-type toy with a nesting shell that allows the toy to selectively expand and contract. The toy includes a top shell and a first expandable component connected to the top shell. A bottom shell is connected to a second expandable component. A center shell connects the first expandable component to the second expandable. Each of the first and second expandable components are made of accordion pop tubes to selectively transition between a contracted state and an expanded state. When in the contracted state, the first expendable component is concealed within the top shell and center shell, while the second expandable component is concealed within the center shell and bottom shell.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An expandable toy, comprising:
 a top shell;   a first expandable component connected to the top shell;   a center shell connected to the first expandable component;   a second expandable component connected to the center shell;   a bottom shell connected to the second expandable component; and   wherein each of the first and second expandable components are selectively transitionable between a contracted state and an expanded state, such that when in the contracted state, the first expendable component is concealed within the top shell and center shell, while the second expandable component is concealed within the center shell and bottom shell.   
     
     
         2 . The expandable toy as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the top shell and center shell are shaped to matingly engage with one another to nest together. 
     
     
         3 . The expandable toy as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein the center shell and bottom shell are shaped to matingly engage with one another to nest together. 
     
     
         4 . The expandable toy as set forth in  claim 3 , wherein the first and second expandable components are accordion pop tubes. 
     
     
         5 . The expandable toy as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the center shell and bottom shell are shaped to matingly engage with one another to nest together. 
     
     
         6 . The expandable toy as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the first and second expandable components are accordion pop tubes.