Abstract: A figure system includes a drive unit and a figure. The drive unit includes a plurality of first actuators. The figure includes a plurality of joints. The joints have one or more axial joint mechanisms. Drive force derived from at least one of the first actuators is transmitted to corresponding at least one of the axial joint mechanisms through a wire. The drive unit includes, as the plurality of first actuators, a plurality of servomotors having respective drive shafts. The figure includes coupler members having respective bearing holes. The bearing holes are detachably coupled to the respective drive shafts of the servomotors, or configured to be detachably coupled to the respective drive shafts of the servomotors. The wire has a first end coupled to corresponding one of the axial joint mechanisms, and a second end coupled to corresponding one of the coupler members.

Abstract: A shoulder joint structure of a doll body includes a first joint member housed inside a trunk of the doll body and connected to the trunk, a second joint member housed inside the trunk and connected to the first joint member, and a third joint member connected to the second joint member and an arm of the doll body through an opening formed in a shoulder of the trunk. The first joint member is rotatable about a first connecting portion between the trunk and the first joint member, so as to move the third joint member away from a trunk axis of the trunk in a shoulder width direction. The second joint member is rotatable about a second connecting portion between the first joint member and the second joint member, so as to move the third joint member away from the trunk axis in the shoulder width direction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method used for athletic training wherein movable arms are interconnected with a frame structure. A coil spring is used to reposition the arms to an original position. The arms and frame are typically comprised of a padded surface. The frame can be composed of a tubular structure to which the arms and head are releasably interconnected in multiple orientations. A target jersey with shoulder pads can be positioned over the frame to better simulate American football exercises.

Abstract: The martial arts training dummy is an anthropomorphic mannequin formed of substantially solid resilient material, such as rubber or plastic, and having a specific gravity approximating that of the human body. The limbs at the shoulders, hips, and knees are pivotally attached to their adjacent components, the joints having sufficient friction to hold a set position after adjustment. The training dummy is devoid of external support and, while being incapable of standing erect, it may be positioned on hands and knees or on its back for practicing various ground moves and holds in various martial arts. The upper arms, thighs, and lower trunk are hollow and have springs installed therein. The springs have bending resistances approximately equal to the forces required to break bones of the corresponding areas of the human body. A limb suffering a simulated breakage will return to its original position without damage for continued practice.

Abstract: A toy figure is provided that incorporates an articulated armature, the armature including a torso member and multiple limbs, where each limb may be the same or different, and each limb includes at least one limb segment. Each limb segment includes two longitudinal primary plates that intersect approximately orthogonally, and a plurality of substantially parallel secondary plates that intersect with and are approximately orthogonal to both primary plates. The outer edges of the primary and secondary plates of each limb segment substantially define a shape and a volume for that limb portion of the toy figure. The articulated armature is surrounded by a resilient body material to simulate flesh.

Abstract: A toy figure with controlled motorized movements is provided having a head, two arms two legs and a tail which are pivotally and/or rotatably attached to a chassis. Mechanisms and electronics are included to move the head, arms, legs and tail in a variety of play patterns and movements.

Abstract: A toy figure is provided that incorporates an articulated armature, the armature including a torso member and multiple limbs, where each limb may be the same or different, and each limb includes at least one limb segment. Each limb segment includes two longitudinal primary plates that intersect approximately orthogonally, and a plurality of substantially parallel secondary plates that intersect with and are approximately orthogonal to both primary plates. The outer edges of the primary and secondary plates of each limb segment substantially define a shape and a volume for that limb portion of the toy figure. The articulated armature is surrounded by a resilient body material to simulate flesh.

Abstract: A torso assembly that enables forward and backward shoulder movement for a toy action figure is disclosed. The torso assembly includes a central section and shoulder sections disposed at either side. The central section includes front and back shells. Each shoulder section includes a side shell that partially overlaps the front and back shell portions, and a hinge assembly. Hinge assemblies couple the first and second shoulder sections to each other within the central section, and allow each shoulder section to pivot forward and backward relative to the central section. In some embodiments, the torso assembly may be incorporated into an action figure or doll by movable joints that connect the torso assembly to a lower abdomen and/or pelvis.

Abstract: A toy employing a simple yet unique pivoting mechanism to provide back and forth and side to side pivoting movements and operable to wiggle, twist back and forth, and roll the toy over numerous times imitating a playing, cuddling and rolling over puppy or the like. The toy includes a body portion, a first pivoting portion, and a first linkage coupling the body portion to the first pivoting portion at an angled pivot point offset from a vertical axis intersecting the point at which the body and the first pivoting portions are coupled. An angled surface is included at the first pivoting portion and a gear mechanism is coupled to the body portion and operable to pivot the first pivoting portion with respect to the body portion driving the pivoting action at the angled surface of the first pivoting portion providing back and forth and side to side pivoting movements.

Abstract: A torso assembly that enables forward and backward shoulder movement for a toy action figure is disclosed. The torso assembly includes a central section and shoulder sections disposed at either side. The central section includes front and back shells. Each shoulder section includes a side shell that partially overlaps the front and back shell portions, and a hinge assembly. Hinge assemblies couple the first and second shoulder sections to each other within the central section, and allow each shoulder section to pivot forward and backward relative to the central section. In some embodiments, the torso assembly may be incorporated into an action figure or doll by movable joints that connect the torso assembly to a lower abdomen and/or pelvis.

Abstract: Described are novel armature kits, constructions and elements, providing increased flexibility in design and ease of use. In one aspect, inventive armatures include adaptations to isolate the tensioning of ball-and-socket joints occurring at either end of a motion segment. In other aspects, inventive armatures and kits include uniquely shaped plates, providing interchangeability among chest and hip areas of a human form. Novel threaded and tie-down armature elements are also described.

Abstract: A toy with repositionable portions is disclosed. The toy may be stylized as a toy figure that may include a leg section and a torso section. The leg section includes legs pivotally coupled to a pelvic section. The pelvic section may also include an upward-extending connection post. The torso section, furthermore, may include a body cylinder that connects to the connection post. The body cylinder includes a series of resilient tabs that slidingly engage the post, securing the sections together while permitting the rotation of the torso section about the post. With this configuration, the toy figure possesses multiple degrees of motion, being adapted to move in bending and twisting motions.

Abstract: A stuffed toy with removable arms, legs, and other parts uses magnets to allow easy attachment and removal. A magnet interlocks with another piece to prevent lateral movement or slippage of the magnets against the piece. Variously colored stuffed toys can be arranged together so that the user can mix and match variously shaped and colored pieces with variously shaped and colored main bodies. The stuffed toys can mimic actual limb rotation and positioning because the magnets permit stuffed toy pieces to rotate relative to one another once the pieces are attached via magnets.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a posable toy figure having realistic articulation, the ability to hold a pose and be repeatedly posed at multiple joints in the legs, head and/or neck, and longevity with resistance to failure. The toy figure includes a posable internal skeletal structure having a main body and at least one appendage. The appendage is attached to said main body using a flexible joint that allows the appendage to be posed into a variety of configurations. The flexible joint further allows the posable figure to be fixed in a particular configuration. The skeletal structure is covered with an outer overmolded material having sufficient flexibility to allow the figure to be posed in a variety of configurations. Finishing details may also be provided.

Abstract: A balancer device, which is adapted for incorporating with a hanging article having two sidewalls, a front side, and an opposed rear side facing towards a supporting surface, includes two balancing wings each having an inner end, and two connecting units provided at the inner ends of the balancing wings for connecting the two balancing wings on the hanging article, wherein the balancing wings are adapted to be folded at an unfolded position that the two balancing wings are arranged for outwardly extending from the two sidewalls of the hanging article in such a manner that the two balancing wings are capable of blocking a spinning movement of the hanging article with respect to the supporting surface so as to retain the front side of the hanging article in position.

Abstract: Joints for movable toys, such as action figures, that use friction to maintain a fixed position. The toys include several body part members interconnected by a joint that includes a plug portion and a socket portion that receives the plug portion. The socket portion includes one or more protrusions, against which the plug portion is urged to create friction between the plug portion and the socket portion.

Abstract: A manipulative tool for demonstrating the relative positions and configurations of articulators and other oral structures, when making phonetic sounds. The tool comprises a tongue, upper and lower palate, and upper and lower teeth, as well as, adjustable and positional lips, any one of which may be manipulated and posed so as to retain placement once released by a user. In this regard, the manipulative tool is used to demonstrate proper formation of certain phonetic sounds to assist in speech therapy or training of persons who are affected by speech impediments, or to assist in the training of future clinicians.

Abstract: A system for molding a jointed linkage support system with joints that allow movement and bending in many directions and degrees of freedom. A chain-like linkage system made up of a series of joints is molded in a single step from materials having different melting temperatures in a series of alternating communicating mold cavities. The jointed linkage support system emerges from the mold fully assembled. An electrical switch may be provided within one of the joints between sleeves and rods whereby movement of the rod relative to the sleeve actuates the switch.

Abstract: A flexible figure in the form of a human engaged in a particular athletic or recreational activity, such as snowboarding. The figure further comprises arm and leg sections connected at realistic joints, and joined to the torso by couplings all of which realistically simulate the flexibility limitations of the human body. A length of elastic material functioning as an artificial muscle, which is connected between the upper leg and the lower leg behind the knee joints, and an resilient covering over the elbow joints, automatically return the figure to a preselected starting stance.

Abstract: Joints for joining together limb members of mannequins and forms, and methods of assembly of joints and mannequins are provided. The joints and mannequins of this invention provide natural anatomical shape and ease of assembly. This is accomplished using one or more assembly fixtures, located within or on a limb member to be joined, that contain elements of a locking mechanism to hold the limbs together and other elements for creating tension or friction between joined limb members. The assembly fixtures also comprise a disc (or tab) that provides a natural appearance to the joint and allows for ease of assembly.

Abstract: A system for molding a jointed linkage support system with joints that allow movement and bending in many directions and degrees of freedom. A chain-like linkage system made up of a series of joints is molded in a single step from materials having different melting temperatures in a series of alternating communicating mold cavities. The jointed linkage support system emerges from the mold fully assembled. An electrical switch may be provided within one of the joints between sleeves and rods whereby movement of the rod relative to the sleeve actuates the switch.

Abstract: A wobbling toy (20) comprising: a body (21), a shaft (23) attached to the body, and a wheel (24) which is rotatable around the shaft (23), for moving the body, wherein the wheel (24) is attached out of perpendicular to the shaft (23). The wheel comprises a magnet (24a and 24b) and the wobbling toy can travel by a magnetic force which exerts to the magnet of the wheel.

Abstract: A support system is made up of a plurality of alternating rods and sleeves. Each sleeve forms a pair of sockets configured to movably receive and retain one of the first or second ends of adjacent rods, forming a bendable linkage. A cover is provided to surround the linkage, and a coupler is provided to cover the linkage. An electrical switch may be provided within one of the joints between sleeves and rods whereby movement of the rod relative to the sleeve actuates the switch.

Abstract: A poseable figure has a spine system that is capable of a wide range of life-like movement and capable of being positioned and maintained in numerous life-like poses. The spine system includes a plurality of mating spine segments engaged, in a friction fit, with one another such that the mating spine segments swivel with respect to one another. A soft body portion, such as a foam, is disposed around the spine system to simulate the flesh of the figure and to allow the spine system to be moved into a wide range of positions. In-one embodiment, first and second appendage connectors couple a first and second pair of appendages, such as arms and legs, to the spine system such that the appendages swivel with respect to the spine system and can be moved and held in numerous positions. A resilient member preferably extends through the mating spine segments and engages with the head of the figure to hold the head in swiveling engagement with a neck segment coupled to the spine system.

Abstract: This invention discloses a toy doll which can be moved and rotated like a human being. Once a pose is taken the pose is maintained. The toy doll comprises an upper body, an abdomen portion constructed of an upper abdomen and a lower abdomen and a lower body, wherein an interconnecting bar connects the body portions and the abdomen portions which rub against each other and are movable. They are also forced toward the center of the interconnecting bar.

Abstract: A toy figure supports a pair of arm carriers pivotally secured within the torso interior near the shoulder of the toy figure. Each arm carrier includes an arm attachment apparatus and an inwardly extending arm shaft. A pair of pivot bearings pivotally support the arm shafts for pivotal motion in a horizontal plane. The arm shafts are carried within tight-fitting bores of the pivot bearings to facilitate rotational motion of the arm carriers and the supported arms about the shoulders in a vertical plane. A button is supported within the torso and extends outwardly through an aperture in the rear of the torso. The button is coupled to a pivotable yoke which is coupled to the interior ends of the arm shafts such that pivotal motion of the yoke causes pivotal motion of the arm shafts in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A toy figure having an arm or leg incorporates an internal clicking sound-generating mechanism. For toy figures molded from deformable plastic material, the sound-generating mechanism is within an arm or leg of the toy, and includes first and second members relatively movably engageable with each other inside a closed chamber. A clicking sound is produced thereby, typically when the arm or leg is bent. The arm or leg is formed by an insert molding operation with the plastic material molded to shape completely around the sound-generating mechanism. For other toy figures, such as stuffed animals, the filling or stuffing surrounds the sound-generating mechanism, and the portions of the sound-generating mechanism that engage each other are arranged inside a closed chamber, or at least within an enclosure shaped to substantially exclude the filling or stuffing.

Abstract: A poseable figure has a spine system that is capable of a wide range of life-like movement and capable of being positioned and maintained in numerous life-like poses. The spine system includes of plurality of mating spine segments engaged, in a friction fit, with one another such that the mating spine segments swivel with respect to one another. A soft body portion, such as a foam, is disposed around the spine system to simulate the flesh of the figure and to allow the spine system to be moved into a wide range of positions. In one embodiment, first and second appendage connectors couple a first and second pair of appendages, such as arms and legs, to the spine system such that the appendages swivel with respect to the spine system and can be moved and held in numerous positions. A resilient member preferably extends through the mating spine segments and engages with the head of the figure to hold the head in swiveling engagement with a neck segment coupled to the spine system.

Abstract: A foldable model made out of a number of wire materials through deformation, assembling and welding to form a main body portion and several accessory portions, characterized in that the joining of the accessory portions with the main body portion are carried out by means of hinges and pivotal fastening latches so that those portions needing to be folded can be folded into or towards said main body portion to reduce the overall packing dimension of said model. The foldable animal model according to the present invention after being folded occupies a volume much smaller than that of a prior art animal model of corresponding dimension after being dismantled and the folding process before packing and the unfolding process after transportation are very simple and easy. Therefore, the foldable model of the present invention is not only convenient for transportation but also the relevant cost thereof have evidently been reduced, so that the selling prices of various models can thus be reduced.

Abstract: The toy is transformable into two distinct open and closed conditions (O, C) through a body and appendages each of a fixed geometric shape mentioned to collectively present the image of an identifiable animate object in the open condition (O) and an image of an inanimate object in the form of a rounded structure in the closed condition (C) through hinges connecting the body and the appendages to permit controlled relative movement of the appendages both for transformation and play in either configuration. Fasteners are provided to hold the toy in the closed configuration defining the inanimate image and upon release to allow the appendages to open relative to the body to define the open configuration and animate image.

Abstract: An ambulatory animal toy has a skeleton which includes a substantially horizontal torso. The torso has forward and rear ends defining forward and rear directions. Mutually spaced apart front and hind legs are attached to the torso. Feet are attached to the legs, and the feet have friction pads or rubber soles. The torso is caused to bend substantially horizontally while it is prevented from bending substantially vertically when the skeleton is pulled. The torso is inherently resilient in the horizontal direction and inherently inflexible in the vertical direction. At least the hind legs are pivotally attached to the torso and are allowed to rotate about a substantially horizontal axis.

Abstract: A doll or similar toy is divulged comprising a flexible body (1) and rigid or semi-rigid members (5, 6). This doll comprises, embedded in its body (1), at least one metal rod (7) each end of which carries a rigid ball (8), each ball being capped with slight clamping by a rigid shell (9) fast with one of the members (5, 6) so as to form an easy fit articulation for this member.

Abstract: An activity toy which may be used to first form a toy monster figure by shaping a plastic molding material mixed with sodium bicarbonate powder around a toy skeleton, and to then dissolve or break the molding material free from the toy skeleton by immersing the monster figure in a diluted citric acid solution contained in a vat. The toy skeleton is made out of a number of parts removably held together by ball-and-socket joints. Measuring receptacles are provided for determining the amount of plastic molding material needed for forming the toy monster figure. Stamps may be used to form the face or other part of the toy monster figure, or to add texture or detail to the molding material.

Abstract: An articulated toy figure, which does not require manual assembly of individual elements, is made by injection molding a frame using a first set of mold inserts. The frame includes elements that are joined together by breakable portions and that provide half hinges. The frame is left in the mold while the first set of inserts is replaced by a second set configured to produce completion elements around the frame. These completion elements span the individual elements of the frame and complete the half joints provided thereby. The frame elements, along with the completion elements molded around them, result in an automatically assembled figure produced by two molding operations. If desired, the figure can be painted before it is flexed to break the breakable portions of the frame in order to yield a fully mobile articulated toy figure.