Toy Figure with Articulating Limbs and Body
A posable toy figure having a body, a head, and limbs that are held together by at least one elastic cord. The limbs are comprised of limb pieces that are also held together by the elastic cords. Each limb has multiple flat contact surfaces. Each limb is biased against the body at an abutment joint. Each limb is selectively moveable about the abutment joint into one of a few stable orientations relative the body. In each of the different stable orientations, a different one of the flat contact surfaces of a limb abuts against the body. Limb pieces create secondary abutment joints that enable the limbs to be configured into different stable poses. This provides the toy figure with a large, yet limited, number of posable configurations. The various posable configurations are readily indexed and can be easily repeated.
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This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending application Ser. No. 14/658,124 filed Mar. 13, 2015, which claims the priority of China Utility Model No. 201520030232.1 filed Jan. 16, 2015.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
In general, the present invention relates to toy figures that have articulating body parts that can be selectively posed by a user. More particularly, the present invention relates to toy figures that have body parts that are held together by elastic elements that pass through the body parts and bias the body parts together.
2. Prior Art Description
There exist many toy figures that have articulating limbs, heads, and other body parts. This enables the toy figure to be posed into a variety of different positions. Toy figures that can articulate typically require the presence of joints on the legs, neck, and body that can move. Over the years many joint configurations for dolls and other toy figures have been developed. Toy joint configurations generally have two problem areas. Either they are complex joints that are difficult and expensive to manufacture, or they are simple joints that provide a limited range of movement.
One of the most successful joint configurations for a toy figure is a compromise between complexity and range of motion. For over a century, toy figures have been manufactured with simple ball and socket joints between various body parts. However, the ball and socket do not mechanically interconnect. Rather, the various body parts are held together by internal elastic cords that extend through the limbs and the body of the toy figure. The elastic cords bias the various body parts toward one another. As such, the ball and socket joints are in tension with the ball being biased into the socket. Popular toys, like the original G.I. Joe® action figures, were made in such a manner throughout the 1960's and 1970's. Early examples of such joint construction in a toy figure can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 1,091,944 to Meier, and U.S. Pat. No. 2,618,896 to Herzog.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,302,148 to Heinz shows a toy system where identical blocks are interconnected by an internal elastic cord. The blocks can be configured into many structures, including that of a humanoid character. However, the humanoid character looks like it is made of blocks, wherein it lacks the proportions between limbs and body that provide a character with realistic proportions.
Toy figures with realistic proportions and internal elastic cords exist in the prior art record. However, they do have certain limitations. Prior art toy figures tend to have rounded joints with parts that appear mostly anatomically correct. The tension provided by the internal elastic cords biases the joints together. The tension provided by the elastic cords also tends to bias the limbs into a straight alignment. Thus, although a limb can be manually manipulated into various poses, the limbs tend to return to a straight configuration once left on their own.
In many toys, unfettered movement of the limbs is preferred. This is especially true with toy figures whose play value is tied to their ability to be posed. Many such posable toy figures have suction cups or magnets on their limbs so they can be wildly posed on a window or other flat surface. Such prior art figures are exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 2,219,130 to Herrman and U.S. Pat. No. 4,235,041 to Sweet. In such posable toys, the ability to pose the toy is so important that flexible limbs are used in place of rigid limbs with joints. The flexible limbs are made from coil springs, elastomeric material, or some other structure that can be readily manipulated into a nearly infinite number of different configurations.
Although the ability to configure the limb of a toy into an infinite number of positions may seem useful in a posable toy, this is not always the case. Many smart phones sold today can run video production software that makes it easy to create a stop action video from a series of photographs. In order to create a stop action video using a posable figure, a person needs to pose the figure into a number of repeatable stable positions. If a toy has flexible limbs, it is very difficult to move the limbs incrementally without otherwise disturbing the pose of the toy. Furthermore, it is nearly impossible to return a limb to the exact same position it once occupied in a previous picture. As a result, the production of stop action scenes becomes labor intensive and unappealing to a person who may want to use a smart phone application to produce a short stop action scene.
The Applicant has developed a toy figure that is very easy to move incrementally and to return the figure to previous poses. The improved toy figure has a configuration that makes it stable in a large, yet limited, number of poses. The result is a toy character that is extremely well suited for use in creating stop action video sequences. The improved toy figure is described and claimed below.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is a posable toy figure. More particularly, the toy figure has arms, legs and a head that can be manipulated into a large, but limited, number of stable positions. The arms and legs have limb pieces that abut against the body of the figure. Each limb piece has four flat side surfaces that extend between a first end and an opposite second end. Each limb piece has a central axis that extends through the limb piece from the first end to the second end.
The four flat side surfaces include a first flat side surface of a first length and a second flat side surface of a different second length. The first end has a partial bevel that provides the first end with a first flat end surface that is perpendicular to the central axis and a second flat end surface that is inclined relative to the central axis.
A slot is formed in the first end that extends from the first flat side surface to the second flat end surface. The slot crosses the central axis.
Elastic elements are provided that bias the first end of the limb pieces against the body. The slots in the limb elements allow for the presence of the elastic elements only when a slotted surface of the limb element is in stable abutment with the body of the figure. This provides the limb elements with a limited number of stable positions.
For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following description of exemplary embodiments thereof, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Although the present invention toy figure can be embodied in many ways, the embodiments illustrated show the toy figure configured both as a humanoid figure and as an animal figure. These embodiments set forth some of the best modes contemplated for the invention. The illustrated embodiments, however, are merely exemplary and should not be considered limitations when interpreting the scope of the claims. Alternate embodiments, configured into other figure shapes, are intended to be included in the protection provided by the claims.
Referring to
The body 12 is comprised of a polyhedral torso piece 20 and a polyhedral pelvic piece 18 that can be vertically aligned. The toy
The body 12, head 14, arms 15 and legs 16 are interconnected by three elastic cords, which are the body cord 22, the arm cord 23, and the leg cord 24. The three elastic cords 22, 23, 24 bias all the parts of the toy
Referring to
The first end 40 of the arm piece 32 is biased against the body 12 by the elastic arm cord 23. A single cord slot 38 is formed in the first end 40 of the arm piece 32. The cord slot 38 extends across the first end 40 from the first flat side surface 33 to the longer third flat side surface 35. The cord slot 38 passes over the central axis 43. The cord slot 38 is at least as deep and as wide as the diameter of the elastic arm cord 23 that is present. The elastic arm cord 23 enters the arm piece 32 through a hole 41 in the center of the cord slot 38. The hole 41 is aligned with the central axis 43. Accordingly, the elastic arm cord 23 enters the arm piece 32 along its central axis 43.
The first end 40 of the arm piece 32 has a beveled corner and is, therefore, partially beveled. Due to the bevel, the first flat side surface 33 of the arm piece 32 is shorter than the opposite third flat side surface 35. The adjacent second and fourth flat side surfaces 34, 36 have the same length and shape, but are mirror images of each other. The cord slot 38 extends across the bevel. The presence of the cord slot 38 and the bevel creates two sets of flat end surfaces at the first end 40. The first set of end surfaces 42 are coplanar and are oriented at a perpendicular to the central axis 43 of the arm piece 32. The second set of end surfaces 44 extend from the first flat side surface 33 to the first set of end surfaces 42. Accordingly, the second set of end surfaces 44 are inclined relative both the first flat side surface 33 and the central axis 43.
The shape of the first end 40 of the arm piece 32 and the location of the cord slot 38 enables the overall arm-to-body abutment joint 30 to have three stable configurations. Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
In the three configurations of
Referring to
The pelvic piece 18 has a flat top surface 56, a flat bottom surface 58, a flat front surface 60, and a flat rear surface 62. The front surface 60 and the rear surface 62 of the pelvic piece 18 are T-shaped, having a wide section 64 and a narrow section 66. This provides the pelvic piece 18 with two stepped side surfaces 68, wherein a ledge 70 is formed on each of the stepped side surfaces 68 at the transition between the wide section 64 and the narrow section 66. The T-shape creates reliefs 72 indented below the ledge 70.
Referring to
The first end 90 of the arm piece 82 is partially beveled. Consequently, the first flat side surface 83 of the leg piece 82 is shorter than the opposite third flat side surface 85. The adjacent second and fourth flat side pieces 84, 86 have the same length and shape. The presence of the cord slot 88 and the bevel creates two sets of flat end surfaces at the first end 90. The first set of end surfaces 92 are coplanar and are oriented at, or near, a perpendicular to the central axis 93 of the leg piece 82. The second set of end surfaces 94 extend from the first flat side surface 83 to the first set of end surfaces 92. Accordingly, the second set of end surfaces 94 are inclined at an obtuse angle relative both the central axis 93 and the first set of end surfaces 92.
The shape of the first end 90 of the arm piece 82 and the location of the cord slot 88 enables the overall leg-to-body abutment joint 80 to have three primary configurations. Referring to
However, the leg piece 82 contacts the ledge 70, wherein the ledge 70 acts as a guide. The guidance of the ledge 70 makes the leg piece 82 easy to turn in 90-degree increments. That is because in the 90-degree increments the leg piece 82 is a flat surface that runs along the full length of the ledge 70.
Referring to
Referring to
In the figures previously referenced, the arms and legs contain multiple pieces. More particularly, the arms 15 contain the first arm piece 32, a lower arm piece 25 and an end termination 28. See
Referring to
Referring to
In the figures, the arms and legs terminate with suction cups. This enables the arms and legs to attach to smooth objects, such as glass and flat countertops. Alternate end terminations, such as magnets or pads of tacky gel can be used. This would enable the toy figure to stick to metal or to other objects, such as walls, that may be too uneven for suction cups.
It will be understood that the embodiments of the present invention that are illustrated and described are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art can make many variations to those embodiments. For instance, the toy figure can be configured as an animal, a doll or some other character other than the toy figures illustrated. All such embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.
Claims
1. A posable toy figure, comprising:
- a body;
- an arm piece having four flat side surfaces that extend between a first end and an opposite second end, said arm piece having a central axis that extends through said arm piece from said first end to said second end,
- wherein said four flat side surfaces include a first flat side surface of a first length and a second flat side surface of a different second length;
- wherein said first end has a partial bevel that provides said first end with a first flat end surface that is perpendicular to said central axis and a second flat end surface that is inclined relative to said central axis;
- a slot formed in said first end that extends from said first flat side surface to said second flat side surface, wherein said slot crosses said central axis;
- an elastic element that biases said first end of said arm piece against said body, wherein said elastic element extends into said arm piece in said slot on said first end of said arm piece along said central axis.
2. The toy figure according to claim 1, further including a second arm piece, wherein said elastic element extends through said arm piece and engages said second arm piece, therein biasing said second arm piece against said second end of said arm piece.
3. The toy figure according to claim 2, wherein said second end of said arm piece is slotted.
4. The toy figure according to claim 1, wherein said arm piece is adjustable to cause a different surface of said arm element to be in stable contact with said body under bias from said elastic element, wherein said different surface is selected from a group consisting of said first flat side surface, said first flat end surface and said second flat end surface.
5. The toy figure according to claim 1, further including a head that is biased against said body by a second elastic element.
6. The toy figure according to claim 5, further including at least one leg that is biased against said body by a third elastic element.
7. The toy figure according to claim 6, wherein said body includes a torso piece and a pelvic piece that are joined together by said second elastic element.
8. The toy figure according to claim 7, wherein said head, said arm piece, and said at least one leg all terminate along a common circular path, wherein said circular path is centered around a point on said pelvic piece.
9. A posable toy figure, comprising:
- a body;
- a leg piece having four flat side surfaces that extend between a first end and an opposite second end, said leg piece having a central axis that extends through said leg piece from said first end to said second end,
- wherein said four flat side surfaces include a first flat side surface of a first length and a second flat side surface of a different second length;
- wherein said first end has a partial bevel that provides said first end with a first flat end surface that is perpendicular to said central axis and a second flat end surface that is inclined relative to said central axis;
- a slot formed in said first end that extends from said first flat side surface to said second flat side surface, wherein said slot crosses said central axis;
- an elastic element that biases said first end of said leg piece against said body, wherein said elastic element extends into said leg piece in said slot on said first end of said leg piece along said central axis.
10. The toy figure according to claim 9, wherein said body includes a pelvic piece with a leg relief, wherein said leg piece is biased against said pelvic piece in said leg relief.
11. The toy figure according to claim 10, wherein said leg relief is defined, in part, by a ledge on said pelvic piece, wherein said leg piece contacts said ledge and said ledge orients said leg element.
12. The toy figure according to claim 9, further including a second leg piece, wherein said elastic element extends through said leg piece and engages said second leg piece, therein biasing said second leg piece against said second end of said leg piece.
13. The toy figure according to claim 12, wherein said second end of said leg piece is slotted.
14. The toy figure according to claim 9, wherein said leg element is adjustable to cause a different surface of said leg element to be in stable contact with said body under bias from said elastic element, wherein said different surface is selected from a group consisting of said first flat side surface, said first flat end surface and said second flat end surface.
15. The toy figure according to claim 9, further including a head that is biased against said body by a second elastic element.
16. The toy figure according to claim 15, further including at least one arm that is biased against said body by a third elastic element.
17. The toy figure according to claim 16, wherein said torso piece and said pelvic piece are joined together by said second elastic element.
18. The toy figure according to claim 17, wherein said head, said leg piece, and said at least one arm all terminate along a common circular path, wherein said circular path is centered around a point on said pelvic piece.
19. A posable toy figure, comprising:
- a body;
- a limb piece having flat side surfaces that extend between a first end and an opposite second end, said limb piece having a central axis extending from said first end to said second end,
- wherein said flat side surfaces include a first flat side surface of a first length and a second flat side surface of a different second length;
- wherein said first end has a beveled corner that provides said first end with a first flat end surface that is perpendicular to said central axis and a second flat end surface that is inclined relative to said central axis; and
- an elastic element that biases said first end of said limb piece against said body in one of a plurality of possible stable configurations, wherein said elastic element extends into said limb piece along said central axis.
20. The toy figure according to claim 19, wherein a slot is formed in said first end that extends from said first flat side surface to said second flat side surface, wherein said slot crosses said central axis.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 26, 2016
Publication Date: Apr 20, 2017
Applicant:
Inventors: Peter John Cummings (Tsim Sha Tsui), Steven Edward Walterscheid (Bend, OR)
Application Number: 15/390,583