Flexible toy figure with wire armature
AssigneeMattel, Inc.
InventorNoorolah Nader Beidokhti
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An improved posable figure, having extended life and resistance to failure, and being repeatedly posable in a realistic fashion. The posable figure includes an inner armature constructed of a plurality of strands of wire, and an outer molded body covering constructed of a flexible substance such as a thermoplastic material, commonly a soft polyvinyl chloride material. The armature includes a plurality of junctures, which may be spot welded, connecting the strands of wire to form an articulated structure.
Claims29
An armature for use in a poseable figure, comprising:
- a plurality of twisted strands of wire including a lower strand extending from a first foot portion to a second foot portion, a middle strand extending from a first hand portion to a second hand portion, and an upper strand extending from an upper portion of the lower strand to a head portion;
- and
- a plurality of junctures interconnecting selected ones of the strands of wire to form an articulated structure.
A posable figure, comprising:
- an armature formed to receive an outer covering, the armature including a lower strand of wire extending from a first foot portion to a second foot portion, a middle strand of wire extending from a first hand portion to a second hand portion, an upper strand of wire intersecting the middle wire and extending from an upper portion of the lower strand to a head portion, and a plurality of spot-welded junctures interconnecting selected ones of the strands of wire to form an articulated structure;
- and
- a continuous molded body encasing the armature.
A method of manufacturing a posable figure, comprising:
- insert molding a plurality of support members extending outward from a flexible wire armature;
- and
- insert molding a continuous body encasing the armature;
- wherein the armature includes a plurality of strands of wire;
- and
- wherein the support members include:
- a plurality of locating pegs extending substantially radially outward from selected ones of the strands of wire;
- a plurality of end caps covering free ends of selected ones of the strands of wire;
- and
- a plurality of cylindrical locating sprues attached to the end caps by shafts.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.