For the 2nd-generation Hasbro Action Man, see 1993–2006. For the 40th anniversary reproductions, see 40th Anniversary. For the TV show, see Action Man . For the pro wrestler, see Dick Beyer.
Action Man is an action figure boys' toy launched in Britain in 1966 by Palitoy as a licensed copy of Hasbro's American "moveable fighting man": G.I. Joe.Action Man was originally produced and sold in the United Kingdom and Australia by Palitoy Ltd of Coalville, Leicestershire from 1966 until 1984 (Palitoy also offered sub-licenses to various toy manufacturers in various markets).The figure and accessories was originally based on the Hasbro (US) 1964 G.I. Joe figure (for 1966–1969 production). Hasbro's GI Joe figure was patented in 1966U.S. patent Patent # 3,277,602; , with Sam Speers credited as inventor of same. Even the specific method of attaching the appendages was patented as a "Connection For Use In Toy Figures" patent Patent # 3,475,042, Oct. 28, 1969). The first Action M
Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Action Man