WO1998050126A1

WO1998050126A1 - Poseable toy figure and accessories

Info

Publication number: WO1998050126A1
Application number: PCT/US1998/008237
Authority: WO
Inventors: Barbara Kane; Nathan Sidoli; James P. Winkler; Ryan Case
Original assignee: Hearthsong, Inc.
Priority date: 1997-05-07
Filing date: 1998-04-23
Publication date: 1998-11-12

Abstract

A poseable toy figurine (10), preferably representing a human or human-like figure, capable of being manipulated into a variety of poses or positions. The poseable toy figurine having portions (12) which when manipulated into an intended position has little or no tendency to return to its previous positions and other portions (74) which when manipulated into a position other than the as-molded position tends to return to the as-molded position after being released. These other portions providing inherent grasping and holding capability for objects (80) of a predetermined size which is complimentary with the as-molded position. The poseable toy figure provided in combination with accessories having at least one dimension of the predetermined size.

Description

POSEABLE TOY FIGURE AND ACCESSORIES

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to toy figures and pertains, more particularly, to a poseable toy representing a human-like figure which can be manipulated into a variety of poses or positions. The poseable toy figure of this invention is an improvement over conventional poseable toy figures and incorporates magnetic material and graspable extremities.

With conventional toy figures construction is generally based upon some sort of an internal frame and covering material. The internal frame is often made of a single unitary armature and the covering is either a bendable or flexible material laid onto the internal frame or an outer a generally flexible outer covering having an inner stuffing material located around the internal frame, if one is provided.

A drawback associated with the conventional toys, whether made of bendable material or a stuffed outer covering, is the relatively limited range of movement available. With conventional toy figures utilizing an internal frame and bendable or stuffed covering it is generally necessary to design and construct an internal frame that maximizes the degree of articulation obtained by each limb due to movement of the internal frame.

Moving the limbs causes movement of the internal frame. In some conventional figures the limbs and internal frame are moved to a set position thereby enabling the toy to be posed in a predetermined shape with little or no tendency to return to its previous position.

Conventional toy figures with the internal frame configuration can be covered with a variety of materials. Often the choice of a covering is dictated by the desired or intended style of articulation.

Other conventional toy figures utilize a single unitary armature that consists of a plastic material. In these embodiments of the conventional toy the figure's limbs and extremities yield with relatively little force and are sufficiently elastic such that they tend to return to a previous position after manipulating the toy into the intended pose or position.

Another drawback associated with conventional poseable toy figures is the general inability to bend the internal frame structure repeatedly without fatiguing the internal frame structure material. When this drawback is overcome it is often at the cost of the range of movement and flexibility of the poses obtainable by the toy.

When internal frame fatigue is a concern, the conventional toy figures are often limited to poses that are essentially, simply draping or tying the limbs or the head of the toy figure to an associated structure. With this type of figure it may not be possible to pose the toy independent of a permanent stand or associated structure over which the toy may be draped.

While this drawback by itself may not be considered initially a significant problem, the result is that the toy is relatively useless for interaction with any other toy or accessory and is used by itself. Thus, die toy does not lend itself to use wid accessories or in any life-like arrangement that may tend to increase the toy's desirability.

Other drawbacks are associated with more complex toys in which attempts have been made to incorporate duplications or simulations of actual joints, for example, knees and ankles. Among conventional toys and dolls it is known to use hinged or pivoting members, ball and socket arrangements or twisted strands of wire that could result in a toy that has a limited lifetime due to die complicated internal structures incorporated into the internal framework of the toy.

Although conventional stuffed dolls may be provided with an internal framework it is often necessary to limit the extent to which the internal framework extends through the toy's extremities. Since the internal framework, often by necessity, does not extend to the ends of the limbs or into the hands and feet or into the head, d e toy has a limited ability to pose and will not have sufficient internal structure so as to enable the ends of the toy's extremities to be used in posing or grasping or interacting with any accessories.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved poseable toy figure utilizing an internal frame construction in combination with a specifically designed covering or cladding having shape memory. The covering or cladding is preferably supported by or proximate to the internal frame construction and in one preferred embodiment of the present invention a portion of the toy not supported by the internal frame construction can be constructed such that it returns to or at least near its previous position after manipulation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved poseable toy figure in which the ends of at least d e upper extremities are provided with a capability of holding or grasping objects. In tiiis way there is provided a means for interacting with one or more complementary accessories.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved poseable toy which is capable of standing generally upright (subject to the location of the center of gravity of the poseable toy in the desired pose) on a surface that can range from non-vertical to horizontal and therebetween. This allows use of the poseable toy figure without the need for external supports to maintain the toy figure in a generally upright position either during use or during storage.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improved poseable toy mat is capable of being magnetically attached to a metallic surface subject to the pose in which the toy is positioned. The capability of magnetic attachment is accomplished by providing one or more magnets in and assembly mat may be incorporated into the construction of the foot portions of the lower extremities or the limbs.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide an improved poseable toy which utilizes magnets with different polarities. In this way, one poseable toy is capable of being either attracted to or repelled by another poseable toy to magnetically connect the toys to each other or around a supporting structure depending upon d e combination of magnetic polarities provided in any given poseable toy.

Another object of die present invention is to provide an improved poseable toy in which the shape and features of the internal frame and covering or cladding are either gender neutral or include markings suggestive of gender, occupation, and/or avocation. The present invention, in combination with at least one accessory, compliments the use of a single toy or a plurality of toys in such a way as to represent one or more occupations, thereby enhancing the desirability of the toy as a vehicle for play and role playing.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved poseable toy that is adapted for use either alone or in combination with other toys, whether or not of style or form of the present invention. The poseable toy of the present invention is characterized by a poseable construction, a grasping construction, a magnetically supporting construction having a range of uses as a single toy or in combination with other toys or in combination widi one or more accessories or in any combination of these features.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To accomplish the foregoing and other objects of this invention there is provided a poseable toy for manipulating the toy into a variety of poses or positions with magnetic material inserted into the toy for interaction with metallic material, for example, steel. The poseable toy figure includes means for articulating the figure into desired poses or positions embedded wi iin a suitable bendable covering material or cladding and provided with means for supporting die toy figure without an external support or magnetically and means for grasping objects separable both from the toy figure and die means for grasping objects.

The poseable figure includes means for articulating the toy figure, means for covering or cladding the means for articulating the toy figure, means for grasping whereby the toy figure can grasp objects of a predetermined size, means for stabilizing the toy figure whereby the toy figure can stand on a surface that can range from non- vertical to horizontal depending upon die location of die center of gravity of the toy figure 10 for the particular pose relative to the means for stabilizing, and means for securing die toy figure whereby the toy figure can be removably attached to a surface of a metallic material. The orientation of the surface of the metallic material can range from vertical to horizontal and from right side up to upside down.

In a preferred embodiment, the poseable toy figure has markings suggestive of gender and occupation or avocation. In a preferred embodiment me poseable toy figure is provided in combination with one or more accessories, suggestive of the occupation or avocation whereby at least one accessory has at least one dimension of a predetermined size such tiiat the accessory so sized is graspable with the means for grasping incorporated into the toy figure.

These and other objects and features of die present invention will be better understood and appreciated from the following detailed description of embodiments thereof , selected for purposes of illustration and shown in die accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of means for articulating a poseable toy figure of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the poseable figure illustrating both the means for articulating and means for covering or cladding die means for articulating;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view illustrating a recessed area of a bottom surface of one foot portion;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view illustrating a means for securing located generally within the recessed area of d e bottom surface of the foot portion;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of one of die means for securing illustrating a magnet in combination with a sheet metal bracket; FIG. 10 is a top view of the means for securing depicted in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an end view of the means for securing depicted in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a side view of die means for grasping the poseable toy figure;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a stretcher provided as part of a firefighter set of accessories;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a safety net provided as part of a firefighter set of accessories;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a ladder provided as part of a firefighter set of accessories;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a fϊretower provided in combination with a cord as part of a firefighter set of accessories;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a firehose provided as part of a firefighter set of accessories;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a firefighter hat provided as part of a firefighter set of accessories;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a trapeze bar in combination with a cord, a magnet wid a hook, and a disk provided as part of a mountaineer set of accessories;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a suction cup and hook provided as part of a mountaineer set of accessories;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a gondola/cable car in combination widi a pulley support assembly provided as part of a mountaineer set of accessories;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a drawstring bag accessory;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a baseball-style cap accessory;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of two firefighter ladders illustrating sleeves for connecting two or more ladders and angled magnets to support the ladders on a metallic surface;

FIGS. 25 through 32 illustrate the poseable toy of the present invention in various poses and interacting widi representative accessories; and

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a foot assembly illustrating the relationship between a foot portion of the toy and a bracket within the foot portion and a magnet located wid in the bracket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now to the drawings there is shown a preferred embodiment of die poseable toy figure of this invention. The toy figure is described in use by itself and in combination widi one or more accessories intended to enhance the enjoyment of using die poseable toy.

The poseable toy figure of the present invention is particularly adapted for use by itself, or in combination wi i a surface of a metallic material or one or more accessories. The present invention is characterized by an improved ability to pose, magnet attachment to a metallic material and die ability to grasp accessory objects or supports of a suitable size.

The drawings show die poseable toy figure 10 in conjunction widi accessories and die magnetic material and die grasping construction bo i of which are associated with die internal framework and d e extremities of the toy figure. The toy figure includes means for articulating the toy figure 12 and means for covering or cladding the toy figure 28 that encloses the means for articulating the toy figure 12.

Means for grasping 74 are provided for the poseable toy figure 10. The means for grasping enables the poseable toy figure 10 to grasp objects of a predetermined size and, preferably, the accessories illustrated in the drawing figures and described below in more detail.

Means for stabilizing the toy figure 72 enable die poseable figure 10 to stand on a surface having an orientation tiiat ranges from non-vertical to horizontal and tiierebetween. Means for securing the toy figure 70 provide d e capability of allowing me poseable figure 10 to be removably attached to a surface, even a surface that is not horizontal, even a vertical surface of a metallic material even while extending out from the vertical surface or a upside down and extending downward from the bottom of a horizontal surface.

FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred means for articulating the toy figure 12, and includes an internal framework for supporting the toy figure, a covering or cladding material and die means for grasping and die means for supporting die toy figure. In a preferred embodiment a wire armature 14 provides the internal framework.

The illustrated wire armature has a body portion 16 and a combination neck and head portion 18. The neck and head portion of the illustrated preferred embodiment is rigidly connected to die body portion 16.

The illustrated wire armature has a first arm and hand portion 20 and a second arm and hand portion 22. The arm and hand portions 20, 22 of die illustrated preferred embodiment are rigidly connected to die body portion 16. The illustrated wire armature has a first leg and foot portion 24 and a second leg and foot portion 26. The leg and foot portions 24, 26 of die illustrated preferred embodiment are rigidly connected to die body portion 16.

In a preferred embodiment illustrated in the drawing figures a preassembled fabricated wire armature 14 is illustrated. It will be understood diat other internal frameworks may be constructed for use in the toy of the present invention.

The means for covering or cladding die toy 28 is illustrated, for example, in FIG. 2. The means for covering or cladding die toy includes a skin made of a material having a "shape memory."

In a preferred embodiment, the means for covering or cladding the toy 10 is a one piece injection molded plastic skin 30 incorporating the desired "shape memory." In a preferred embodiment die means for covering or cladding me toy 28 is selected from a material that is sufficiently inelastic so as to return to its previous position after manipulation unless die movement is resisted by d e wire armature 14 of the internal framework providing die means for articulating the toy 12.

In one preferred embodiment die one piece injection molded plastic skin 30 has a body portion 32, a neck portion 34, a head portion 36, a first arm portion 38 and a second arm portion 44, a first and second sculptured hand portions 40 and 46. The first and second sculptured hand portions 40, 46 include first grasping fingers 42 and second grasping fmgers 48.

The injected molded plastic skin 30 has a first leg portion 50, a first foot portion 52 further having a bottom surface 54 with a recessed area 56 as illustrated in FIG. 3 dirough 5, a second leg portion 60, a second foot portion 62 further having a bottom surface 64 with a recessed area 66. The construction of a typical foot portion will be described in further detail.

In a preferred embodiment me means for grasping 74 includes at least one sculptured hand incorporating fmgers, as illustrated in FIG. 12. The means for grasping provides for the sculptured hand to be first flexed open and dien released.

The grasping feature of the sculptured hand of the preferred embodiment allows me finger or fingers to return to the pre-flexed and molded position after release. This allows the finger or fingers to grasp and hold objects.

It will be recognized that the means for grasping is preferably associated widi an accessory of a pre-determined size in order to enhance use of die means for grasping. The finger or fingers return to the molded position due to d e "shape memory" property of the molded plastic skin 30 and that the means for articulating 12 does not extend into me means for grasping, for example the finger or fingers portion of die sculptured hand.

The means for grasping 74 can also operate through cooperation with or be considered to include bodi the first grasping fingers 42 of the first sculptured hand portion 40 of the one piece injection molded plastic skin 30 and die second grasping fingers 48 of the second sculptured hand portion 46 since both can be manipulated in concert to grasp an object or structure. It will be understood that since neitiier the first arm and hand portion 20 nor the second arm and hand portion 22 of the wire armature 14 extends into the grasping fingers 42, 48, therefore neither the first grasping fingers 42 or the second grasping fmgers 48 of the means for covering or cladding 28 enclose any portion of the wire armature 14 comprising the means for articulating 12.

The means for stabilizing 72, as shown in FIGS. 3 dirough 11, includes a first foot portion 52 and a second foot portion 62 formed by the means for covering or cladding 28. Botii e first foot portion 52 and the second foot portion 62 are constructed so as to provide sufficient surface area such that the poseable toy figure 10 is capable of being stood upright on a surface that is orientated from non- vertical to horizontal as long as the center of gravity of the posed toy is widiin a range supportable by the location of the means for stabilizing, that is, the two foot portions of the toy with their toy supporting surface area.

It will be further understood d at the means for stabilizing can also be considered to include bod the first foot portion 52 and the second foot portion 62 formed by the means for covering or cladding 28 in combination widi the first leg and foot portion 24 and die second leg and foot portion 26. These portions of the toy 10 in concert with the means for articulating the toy 12 provide for manipulating die poseable toy 10 into a position or positions whereby the toy balances on die support surface and, d erefore, capable of standing upon die surface that ranges from non-vertical to horizontal without a stand or other external support so long as the toy is posed to maintain its center of gravity relative to the means for stabilizing.

The means for securing 70 die toy 10 as discussed briefly above, includes a plurality of magnetic material associated wid one or more of the extremities of die present invention. In a preferred embodiment die magnetic material includes a first magnet 58 and a second magnet 68 as shown in FIGs. 7 and 8. Foot portions 52 and 62 are shown in the same drawing figure for purposes of clarity as it usually would be desirable, although not necessary, to manufacture the toy of the present invention with identical foot portions.

Referring now to the first magnet 58, as exemplary of both magnets 58 and 68, d e first magnet 58 is positioned widiin the recessed area 56 located in die bottom surface 54 of die first foot portion 52. The second magnet 68 is positioned widiin die recessed area 66 located in me bottom surface 64 of its respective foot portion 62.

The attractive force of the magnet or magnets may vary, however, it is desired to have at least one magnet capable of assisting support of the toy 10. In a preferred embodiment ei ier the first magnet 58 or the second magnet 68 or both have the capability of magnetically attaching the poseable toy figure 10 to a vertical metallic surface or upside down from a horizontal metallic surface while supporting the weight of at least one other toy figure 10.

It may be preferred to provide two magnets, one in each of die foot portions, which have opposite magnetic polarity. In this instance die first foot portion will be attracted to die second foot portion.

If this embodiment is utilized, then die respective foot portions will be attracted to each odier. In this embodiment e legs of the toy 10 can be wrapped or otherwise placed around an objects, such as supporting structure or an accessory, and die attraction of the magnets in die foot portions will maintain an attachment between these foot portions.

It may be preferred to provide two or more toys 10 with foot portions having magnets with the same magnetic polarity, for example, the magnet or magnets in one toy positive and the magnet or magnets in the odier toy negative. In diis embodiment one poseable toy 10 will be eidier magnetically attracted to or magnetically repelled by the magnet or magnets in the foot portions of the odier poseable toy and pairs of toys will maintain a magnetic attachment by utilizing means for attaching that includes a magnet or magnets in die foot or feet portions of die odier toy.

The toy 10 further includes means for positioning and holding die means for attaching in die desired location or locations relative to the poseable toy 10. The means for positioning and holding positions and holds die means for attaching widi a force sufficient to resist any separation force iat develops, for example due to d e weight of d e toy, or an accessory, or a combination of toys, accessories or the like, that develops between d e means for attaching and d e surface to which the means for attaching die toy is attached.

In die embodiment of me present invention in which a magnet or magnets are placed in a foot or the feet portions of the toy 10, the means for positioning and holding positions and holds die magnet or magnets in place with a force that is sufficient to resist a magnetic force between the magnet or magnets and a metallic surface to which the toy is attached such diat the magnet or magnets are not pulled from their positions wi iin die cavity formed in the foot. This positioning and holding force can be developed in any suitable way, for example, by applying an adhesive to d e magnet or crimping a magnet holding bracket so as to secure the magnet in place within die bracket.

In a preferred embodiment ie positioning and holding force is developed by means for providing a mechanical attachment between die magnetic means for attaching and die associated portion of the means for covering or cladding the internal framework of the toy 10. In is preferred embodiment, the means for securing includes first and second brackets 59 and 69 in die respective foot portions 52, 62.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated in die drawing figures the first magnet 58 is held in place in combination widi a first sheet metal bracket 59, and die second magnet 68 is held in place in combination wi i a second sheet metal bracket 69. The magnet and sheet metal bracket combination are positioned widiin d e recessed area of die bottom surface of the respective foot portion.

The present invention is intended to provide a poseable toy. It is also intended to enhance die appeal of d e toy by providing means for identifying widi die toy and means for conducting "play sessions" by providing at least one accessory intended for use with the toy of d e present invention.

In a preferred embodiment me poseable toy figure 10 includes one or more markings 76. These markings 76 include means for representing pigment, hair and clodiing on die surface of the means for covering or cladding die internal framework. The means for representing pigment and clodiing may be applied to suggest features including but not limited to those of gender, occupation and avocation.

The drawings include illustrations of die means for representing pigment and clothing 78, for example, to distinguish gender or occupation or avocation. In one preferred embodiment me poseable toy figures 10 have the same human-like shape widi no gender distinctions odier than neutral external markings.

A preferred embodiment of die present invention includes die combination of die poseable figure 10 and one or more accessories 80. This embodiment of me present invention includes one or more poseable toys 10 and one or more accessories. The combination of poseable figure or figures 10 and one accessory or a set of accessories is possible. In order to provide the desired interaction between die toy or toys 10 and an accessory or a plurality of accessories 80 the means for grasping and die preferred accessories have a member or portion 82 that has a predetermined dimension.

The means for grasping is capable of grasping the pre-determined dimension portion 82. In a preferred embodiment die pre-determined dimension portion 82 is held by eidier the first grasping fingers 42 or the second grasping fingers 48 or bodi.

The accessory sets and die corresponding accessories 80 compliment me gender, occupations and avocations suggested by d e particular means for representing pigment and clodiing. These external markings 76 associated widi the poseable figure or figures 10 and die accessory or accessories operate in concert to allow their use to stimulate imagination and curiosity by suggesting die creation of a variety of imaginative play environments widi d e toys and accessories providing die stimulation to continue me play.

In a preferred embodiment illustrated in die drawing figures, an accessory set is based on die occupations of firefighters and emergency medical personnel. This firefighter accessory set typically comprises three (3) poseable figures 10 with means for representing figures of both genders and different edinic backgrounds as firefighters.

In die drawing figures each toy is illustrated to suggested diat each toy has painted features 78 suggestive of firefighters and one (1) poseable figure 10 has painted features 78 suggestive of an emergency medical technician in combination widi one or more accessories 80, preferably firefighter accessories 84.

In the illustrated embodiment the firefighter accessory set includes a variety of firefighter related accessories 84. In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in die drawing figures there is a stretcher or stretchers 86 incorporating a stretcher carrying platform 114 supported by two rods 116 providing the desired members 82 with the desired diameter suitable for grasping by the means for grasping.

A safety net 88 is provided to represent a typical safety net or trampoline associated wid d e type of safety equipment often associated with firefighters and used by firefighters for rescuing those trapped in burning buildings, and more particularly, associated widi firefighters by children who it is believed will enjoy using die present poseable toy figure 10 in its firefighter embodiment. In die embodiment of ie accessory illustrated in die drawing figures the safety net 88 includes safety net surface 118 supported by a safety net surface support structure 120.

The safety net surface support structure 120 provides die members 82 with die desired diameter suitable for grasping by me means for grasping. In one preferred embodiment die safety net surface support structure has a diameter of approximately .1875 inches.

A ladder 90 is provided to represent a fireman's ladder. In d e embodiment of die accessory illustrated in die drawing figure the fireman's ladder 90 includes rungs 122 and supports 124 for the rungs.

Both die rungs 122 and die rung supports provide the members 82 sized for use in concert widi d e means for grasping associated wid die toy 10. In one preferred embodiment the rungs and die rung supports both have a diameter of approximately J875 inches.

A fire tower 92 is provided as anod er of the preferred embodiments and is illustrated in die drawing figures. The fire tower includes a platform 126 supported by a platform support structure 128 and associated means for securing the platform support structure preferably magnets 130 as illustrated in die drawing figures for one preferred embodiment of die fire tower 92.

A secondary support member 132 is provided with a supporting end 134 and a hooked end 136. A cord 138 or cords may be attached to die hooked end as illustrated in die drawings.

Another means for securing the fire tower is associated widi die secondary support member 132. In the preferred embodiment illustrated in the drawing figures the means for securing the fire tower is also a magnet 130.

The fire tower and secondary support members provide the members 82 for use with the means for grasping of me poseable toy 10. In one preferred embodiment die fire tower and secondary support members have a diameter of approximately J875 inches.

Another accessory is illustrated as a fire hose or fire hoses 94. Each fire hose has a nozzle end 140 and supply end 142. The fire hose is intended to cooperate with die means for grasping and, tiierefore, provides die member 82 for the accessory and is approximately J875 inches in diameter in a preferred embodiment.

As previously mentioned die toy 10 and die means for covering or cladding die framework includes means for representing pigment and clodiing. Separably firefighter hats 96 may be provided to complete the uniform and sized to fit snugly, but not permanently, upon die top of die head portion 36. In another preferred embodiment of me combination of me poseable toy 10 and an accessory set each accessory and die plurality of accessories represent the recreational activity of one or more mountain climbers or mountaineers. An accessory set representing a preferred embodiment of e present invention may include, for example, four (4) poseable figures 10 with means for representing figures of both genders and different ethnic backgrounds as mountain climbers or mountaineers and d e preferred embodiment of die accessories for use with the poseable toy 10 include one or more accessories 80, preferably accessories 98 that suggest die sport of mountain climbing or mountaineering.

A mountain climber's trapeze set 100 is provided to suggest and represent climbing equipment suitable for use with the poseable toy 10 of die present invention. In me embodiment of die accessories associated with the sport of mountain climbing die mountain climber's trapeze 100 includes a trapeze bar 144 supported by a flexible trapeze support member 146.

The trapeze bar 144 is attached to die flexible trapeze support member 146. The flexible trapeze support member is supported by means for supporting me mountain climber's trapeze.

In a preferred embodiment illustrated in die drawing figures die means for supporting the mountain climber's trapeze is a support assembly 148. In a preferred embodiment illustrated in the drawing figures the support assembly includes a hook 150 attached to a housing 152 wid suitable attachment members, for example, threaded nut 154.

A magnet 156 for supporting the mountain climber's trapeze support assembly is located widiin die housing 152. The magnet 156 is preferably a ceramic magnet strong enough to support the weight of the mountain climber's trapeze support assembly, the trapeze and at least one poseable toy figure 10 when the magnet 156 is on me surface of a metallic material.

The trapeze bar flexible support member 146 has a disk 158 or other suitable member located at anodier end of the member 146 to keep the flexible support member from sliding completely through die hook 150. The trapeze bar 144 is connected to die flexible support member as illustrated in FIG. 19.

The structure of the mountain climber's trapeze set 100 is constructed so diat its parts 82 interact with the means for grasping of the poseable toy 10 whether by grasping as in die trapeze bar 144 or as in me ability to place the flexible support member through the means for grasping to simulate mountain climbing by me toy 10. In one preferred embodiment die members 82 of the mountain climber's trapeze set 100 have a diameter of approximately J875 inches (for example the trapeze bar) or another diameter suitable for interaction between the means for grasping and die flexible support member.

Another mountain climbing accessory 98 includes a pulley assembly and gondola or cable car 102 which can be supported by die same type of flexible cord member 104 as used in d e mountain climber's trapeze 100 and long enough to represent and function as die cable for the gondola or cable car. The preferred embodiment of die combination includes a pulley assembly 106 and a gondola or cable car 108 for use with one or more poseable toys 10 of the present invention.

The flexible cord 104 may be supported at its ends by eidier the mountain climber's trapeze support assembly 148 illustrated in FIG. 19 or means for supporting an accessory as embodied in me supporting hook assembly 160 illustrated in FIG. 20. When using die magnet 156 for supporting the pulley assembly and gondola or cable car 102 the magnet 156 is preferably a ceramic magnet strong enough to support on a metallic surface die combined weight of die combination pulley assembly and gondola or cable car and at least one poseable toy figure 10.

The pulley assembly 106 includes a pulley 162 supported for rotation on an axle member 164. In a preferred embodiment the pulley is a loose pulley, diereby allowing axle member 164 to be rigidly attached to gondola support members 166.

The gondola or cable car 108 includes a gondola support framework 168 and a seat member 170 preferably of a flexible material. It will be seen in the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 21 mat the gondola support framework includes a poseable toy figure support bar 172.

The structure of the pulley assembly and gondola or cable car assembly combination is constructed so diat various of its parts 82 interact with the means for grasping. In one preferred embodiment die members 82 have a diameter of approximately J875 inches.

As previously mentioned me toy 10 and d e means for covering or cladding d e framework includes means for representing pigment and clodiing. Baseball-style caps 112 may be provided to complete ie clothing of me mountain climbing embodiment of me present invention and die baseball-style caps will be sized to fit snugly, but not permanently, upon die top of die head portion 36.

Another accessory is illustrated in FIG. 22. The poseable toy figure 10 may carry one or more suitably sized drawstring bags 110 or the drawstring bags may be used (wid a suitable weight within die bag) with an accessory to counter balance the weight of a toy 10 used widi die accessory.

In a preferred embodiment the drawstring bag 110 has a drawstring member 184. The drawstring member in a preferred embodiment is sized so as to fit widiin the means for grasping of the toy 10 whetiier or not it is actually held widiin the means for grasping as are members 82.

In use, in connection with the accessories previously mentioned to enhance die play possibilities of die poseable toy 10 and d e associated accessories, the poseable toy is capable of being manipulated into a variety of poses. The poseable toy figure 10 remains in its posed position after manipulation due to die interior means for articulating 12.

In the preferred embodiment described and illustrated the means for articulating is provided by d e wire armature 14. The wire armature, as shown in FIG. 2, extends into the limbs of the human-like poseable toy figure 10 but not the fingers of sculptured hands and, d erefore, the means for grasping.

The lack of wire armature 14 and tiierefore articulation widiin die fingers in combination widi die injection molded plastic of die means for covering or cladding provides die means for grasping residing in die construction of the fingers. In this way the present invention enables the fingers 42, 48 to spring back to the molded position after being released from a flexed position.

The present invention is intended to use one or more of the accessories 80 in combination with one or more poseable toy figure 10. Therefore, the accessories are intended to interact with d e means for grasping and to have at least one predetermined dimension 82 complimentary to me as-molded position of d e grasping fingers.

In addition to poseability, the poseable figure 10 can be positioned such diat it is capable of standing upright on a horizontal surface and outward from a vertical metallic surface as illustrated in FIGS. 25 through 32 (both right side up and upside down). The complimentary accessories 80 are also capable of being removably attached to both vertical and horizontal surfaces (both right side up and upside down), for example, by magnets or suction cups in die same fashion as die magnets or suction cups illustrated in me drawing figures and described herein.

In a preferred embodiment the firefighter accessory set 84 is not entirely realistic, rather the accessories are intended to provide props for imaginative play. This is the case for each accessory set, whether or not illustrated and described, therefore, the firefighter set as well as any other accessory set is intended to be realistic enough to support imaginative play but not so realistic as to inhibit a child from mixing up me accessories from two or more sets and still find stimulation for imaginative play.

In one preferred embodiment die safety net is intended to be used eidier grasped by one or more toys or standing by itself on me legs provided. Similarly, the stretcher is constructed to allow two toy figures 10 to carry another toy figure.

The stretcher is assembled from two (2) 0J875 inch diameter wires painted to represent wooden poles. The stretcher is a suitable clotii supported by d e wires representing the two wooden poles.

The safety net widi its trampoline supported by the framework and legs can be spandex or a similar stretchy material. The rim and legs are preferably either steel or heavy plastic which are powder coated or injection molded (d e plastic can be pigmented for extra attraction to children).

In a preferred embodiment me ladder accessories are in pairs. The top ladder has magnets 174 for supporting die topmost of a pair of ladders as illustrated in FIG. 24. A pair of metal sleeves 176 are provided to connect die two ladders.

The fire tower 92 in a preferred embodiment has die same dimensions as die gondola or cable car accessory that was described in connection widi die mountaineer accessory set 98. The mountaineer accessory set 98 has similar play-friendly features as tiiose described for the firefighter accessory set.

In one embodiment die poseable toy figures 10 are intended to represent mountain climbers or mountaineers to children. The mountaineer accessory set is intended to represent ratiier than reproduce real climbing equipment in order to stimulate a child's imagination.

The accessories in die mountaineer accessory set are intended to have a number of uses. The hook and magnet combination 148 or the supporting hook assembly 160 widi its suction cup 178 and hook 180 supported by d e suction cup can be used to hold die cord for the gondola or cable car.

The cable car pulley assembly 106 can be used as a separate fun-ride assembly 182 as illustrated in FIG. 29. In this embodiment die gondola support member 172 provides a poseable toy support bar 186 and die dimensioned member 82 graspable by the means for grasping of the toy 10.

The magnets can be used to hold d e pulley and anodier cord used to hoist d e gondola. It will be understood d at d e magnets and suction cup members can be used in numerous combinations to hold these and odier accessories off the ground when attached to d e surface of a metallic material or a non-metallic surfaces.

The pulley assembly 106 also referred to as the fun ride assembly has multiple uses. It can be used as previously described or it can be turned upside down and act as a simple pulley to hoist die gondola, a figure or another assembly.

In a preferred embodiment, me poseable toy is approximately 5.375 inches tall. This dimension can shrink after manufacture.

The accessories are preferably sized according to die size of the poseable toy figure 10. In one preferred embodiment, d e ladder 90 will be approximately 11.0 inches long and 2.0 inches wide.

Similarly, in one preferred embodiment die fire tower 92 is approximately 6.0 inches high, 4.0 inches wide and from 2.5 to 3.0 inches deep. The safety net 88 is approximately 7.0 inches wide and 2.5 inches high and die support poles of the stretcher 86 are approximately 8.0 inches long and die stretcher supported by the poles is approximately 6.0 inches long.

The gondola 108 is approximately 3.5 inches wide, 2.0 inches deep and 6.5 inches high and die pulley assembly 106 is measures approximately 3.0 inches from the center of the pulley to die cross bar 186 in one preferred embodiment. Similarly, the trapeze bar 144 is approximately 2.0 inches wide and depends approximately 3.0 inches from its attachment to me cord 146 while the disk 158 is approximately 1.25 inches in diameter widi an opening approximately 0J875 inches in diameter.

The installation of die magnet widiin its respective bracket within die opening in the respective foot portion is illustrated in FIG. 33. The bracket 59, 69 fits within die opening 56, 66.

The bottom surfaces 188, 190 of the combination foot and bracket define a surface contact plane 192. The magnet 58, 68 is located in its respective bracket with a gap 194 all around die magnet and anodier gap between die exposed surface of the magnet 196 and die surface contact plane 192.

The magnet should not touch die sides of d e bracket and it is believed diat contact between die sides of die magnet and die sides of die respective bracket may have a negative effect on the ability of the magnet to support die toy 10 as desired and described herein.. In a preferred embodiment the gap between die magnet and d e bracket and die bottom surface of the magnet and die surface contact plane is between approximately .003 and .008 inches.

In a preferred embodiment, me predetermined diameter of the graspable structure of the accessories is approximately 0J875 inches in diameter. This will include die cord or cords used diroughout to support the toy or toys or accessory or accessories.

Preferably, the magnets are ceramic bar magnets and d e sheet metal brackets are galvanized metal. The exposed end of d e accessory member will be covered widi suitable end caps, for example rubber end caps located over die ends.

The drawings illustrate one or more ladders 90 capable of being interconnected wid odier ladders 90, die one or more ladders 90 having a combination of one or more rungs and one or more legs with a diameter of approximately 0J875 inches, and one or more angled magnets such diat die ladder 90 is capable of being magnetically attached to a metallic surface to support the ladder.

In alternate embodiments, the accessories 80 may be complimentary with other occupations and avocations. Alternatively, the toys 10 can be used separate from the accessories.

While specific embodiments have been shown and described, many variations are possible. The particular dimensions may be changed as desired to suit die specific application or the materials may be modified or substituted or other accessories may be provided.

The means for articulating and posing the toy 10 is preferably a plurality of approximately .041 inch diameter 302/304 annealed stainless steel wires welded togetiier at the joints illustrated in FIG. 1. The accessory members are preferably welded togetiier or glued togetiier depending upon d e materials used to construct the particular accessory.

The means for covering or cladding die toy and d e hat or hats for the toy are preferably a PVC having an 80-85 Shore A' Hardness. In a preferred embodiment die PVC has a maximum 15% permissible re-grind.

The magnets are preferably ceramic 5 or 8 block magnets approximately .700 inches long, .240 inches wide and .200 inches tiiick. These magnets are 100% saturated widi a strengdi of approximately 3800 to 3850 Gauss.

The magnet brackets are preferably .020 inch thick galvanized sheet metal. The bracket preferably has a finish mat is a .0005 inch Nickel flash plating finish. Alternative embodiments of the internal framework are illustrated in FIGs. 1 and 2. The solid line illustrates the preferred embodiment.

From die foregoing description tiiose skilled in die art will appreciate that all of d e objects of the present invention are realized. An improved poseable toy figure utilizes an internal frame construction in combination widi a specifically designed covering or cladding having shape memory supported by or proximate to the internal frame construction and diat portion of the toy not supported by die internal frame construction can be constructed such diat it returns to its previous position after manipulation.

The poseable toy figure has upper extremities that are provided with a capability of holding or grasping objects. The means for grasping allows die toy to be used in combination with one or more accessories.

The poseable toy is capable of standing generally upright (subject to the then current pose and the relationship between the center of gravity and die means for stabilizing) on a horizontal surface such that the toy figure does not need external supports or a stand to maintain die toy figure in a generally upright position either during use or storage. An additional means for attaching and supporting the toy figure is provided by using means for magnetically attaching the toy to a metallic surface no matter what pose in which the toy is positioned, whereby the capability of magnetic attachment is accomplished by providing magnets in an assembly that is received within a cavity provided by die construction of die foot portions of the lower extremities or limbs.

The magnets may have different polarities which allows connection of a plurality of toys or accessories by varying die combination of polarities. The toys are also provided witiiin a variety of pigmentation schemes to represent clothing and gender.

Having described die invention in detail, tiiose skilled in d e art will appreciate that modifications may be made of the invention witiiout departing from its spirit. Therefore, it is not intended diat the scope of the invention be limited to me specific embodiments described, ratiier, it is intended diat die scope of this invention be determined by die appended claims and tiieir equivalents.

What is claimed is:

Claims

1. A poseable toy figure comprising: means for articulating a toy figure; means for covering the means for articulating the toy figure; the toy figure including means for grasping, whereby the toy figure grasps an object or another toy figure; means for stabilizing the toy figure, whereby the toy figure is capable of standing witiiout external support; and means for securing die toy figure, whereby the toy figure removeably attaches to a surface complementary to the means for securing.

2. A poseable toy figure as set forth in claim 1 wherein the means for articulating the toy figure is a preassembled fabricated wire armature.

3. A poseable toy figure as set forth in claim 1 wherein the means for covering is a one piece injection molded plastic cladding.

4. A poseable toy figure as set forth in claim 1 wherein the means for covering is a material having shape memory.

5. A poseable toy figure as set forth in claim 1 wherein the means for grasping includes at least one sculptured hand portion having at least one grasping finger, the grasping fmger flexible between an open position and a closed position, die grasping finger of a material having a shape memory, whereby the grasping finger returns to its molded position when allowed to relax tiiereby allowing die grasping finger and die hand portion to cooperate so as to grasp and hold d e object or another toy figure.

6. A poseable toy figure as set forth in claim 1 wherein the means for stabilizing includes one or more foot members, the foot members having a sufficient surface area that the poseable toy figure stands on a surface.

7. A poseable toy figure as set forth in claim 1 wherein the means for stabilizing includes one or more foot members and at least one foot member includes a cavity for receiving die means for securing the toy figure.

8. A poseable toy figure as set forth in claim 1 wherein the means for securing includes a magnet and die means for stabilizing includes one or more foot members and at least one foot member includes a cavity for receiving the magnet for securing the toy figure to an appropriate metallic surface.

9. A poseable toy figure as set forth in claim 1 wherein the means for securing includes a magnet and die means for stabilizing includes a plurality of foot portions, at least two foot portions having cavities for receiving their respective magnets for securing tiie toy figure, at least two magnets having opposite polarity, whereby the magnets and die associated foot portions are attracted.

10. A poseable toy figure as set forth in claims 1 wherein the means for securing is at least one ceramic bar magnet in combination widi a first galvanized sheet metal bracket.

11. A poseable toy representing a human-like figure, die poseable toy comprising: a wire armature comprising a body portion, a neck/head portion connected to die body portion, a first arm/hand portion connected to the body portion, a second arm/hand portion connected to the body portion, a first leg/foot portion connected to the body portion, and a second leg/foot portion connected to die body portion; a one-piece injection molded plastic skin covering the preassembled wire armature, the one piece injection molded plastic skin having a body portion, a neck portion, a head portion, a first arm portion, a first sculptured hand portion having a first grasping fmger, a second arm portion, a second sculptured hand portion having a second grasping fmger, a first leg portion, a first foot portion having a bottom surface with a recessed area, a second leg portion, and a second foot portion having a bottom surface with another recessed area, the one piece injection molded plastic skin having shape memory properties such that it would return to its initial configuration after being posed but for the articulation allowed by the preassembled wire armature; means for grasping including die first grasping finger in combination witii the first sculptured hand portion of the one piece injection molded plastic skin, and die second grasping finger in combination with the second sculptured hand portion of die one piece injection molded plastic skin, die first arm/hand portion and d e second arm/hand portion of die preassembled wire armature not extending into eidier d e first or the second grasping finger, whereby the shape memory properties of the one piece injection molded plastic skin allow die first and die second grasping fingers to return to their initial partially closed position after being flexed into an open position so as to allow the poseable toy to grasp objects of a predetermined size with either the first hand portion or the second hand portion; means for stabilizing including die first foot portion and die second foot portion of the one-piece injection molded plastic skin in combination widi die first leg/foot portion and die second leg/foot portion of die preassembled wire armature, both the first foot portion and die second foot portion providing sufficient contact surface area such that the poseable toy is capable of standing upright after being manipulated into a position whereby the poseable toy center of gravity is in balance relative to the first foot portion and die second foot portion; and means for securing including a first magnet capable of being received widiin d e recess of d e bottom surface of the first foot portion, and a second magnet capable of being received witiiin the recess of the bottom surface of the second foot portion, the first and die second magnets capable of securing the poseable toy to an appropriate metallic surface.

12. A poseable toy as set forth in claim 11 wherein the first magnet and die second magnet have opposite polarity, whereby the first foot portion is attracted to the second foot portion.

13. A poseable toy as set forth in claim 11 wherein the first magnet is a first ceramic bar magnet in combination with a first galvanized sheet metal bracket, and d e second magnet is a second ceramic bar magnet in combination with a second galvanized sheet metal bracket.

14. A poseable toy as set forth in claim 11 further comprising means for representing pigment and clodiing, whereby representation of pigment and clodiing create distinctions between poseable toys.

15. A poseable toy as set forth in claim 11 further comprising painted markings capable of distinguishing features suggestive of gender.

16. A poseable toy as set forth in claim 11 further comprising painted markings capable of distinguishing features suggestive of occupation, avocation or recreational activity.

17. A poseable toy as set forth in claim 11 further comprising at least one accessory, the one accessory having a portion witii a dimension of a predetermined size, whereby the means for grasping is capable of grasping the accessory.

18. A poseable toy as set forth in claim 17 wherein the accessory includes an item used by a firefighter selected from the group consisting of a stretcher, safety net, ladder, fire tower, fire tower support assembly, fire hose and fireman's helmet.

19. A poseable toy as set forth in claim 17 wherein the accessory includes an item used by a mountain climber selected from the group consisting of a trapeze, trapeze support assembly, cord, cord support member, gondola, gondola support assembly, funride and pulley combination, drawstring bag and cap.