Poseable figure and spine system for use therein

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. In addition to human figures, the spine system can be used in animals and other living or non-living articulated figures.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A poseable figure comprising: 
 a soft, flexible torso portion including in its interior a spine formed of series of uninterrupted articulated ball and cup joint elements, the spine being variably positionable into a curvilinear arch, with the soft torso portion conforming to the spine.    
     
     
         2 . The poseable figure of  claim 1  wherein the soft torso portion includes a soft material covering the spine and an outer covering over the soft material.  
     
     
         3 . The poseable figure of  claim 1  wherein the torso portion includes foam covering the spine.  
     
     
         4 . The poseable figure of  claim 2  wherein the torso portion includes foam covering the spine.  
     
     
         5 . The poseable figure of  claim 1  wherein the torso portion includes foam cast or sewn over the spine.  
     
     
         6 . The poseable figure of  claim 2  wherein the torso portion includes foam cast or sewn over the spine.  
     
     
         7 . The poseable figure of  claim 1  wherein the torso portion includes foam having a density of less than 6 lbs./cu. ft.  
     
     
         8 . The poseable figure of  claim 2  wherein the torso portion includes foam having a density of less than 6 lbs./cu. ft.  
     
     
         9 . The poseable figure of  claim 1  wherein the ball and cup joint elements are friction fit.  
     
     
         10 . The poseable figure of  claim 2  wherein the ball and cup joint elements are friction fit.  
     
     
         11 . The poseable figure of  claim 1  further comprising a first set of appendages and a second set of appendages.  
     
     
         12 . The poseable figure of  claim 2  further comprising a first set of appendages and a second set of appendages.  
     
     
         13 . The poseable figure of  claim 11  wherein the appendages are coupled to the spine.  
     
     
         14 . The poseable figure of  claim 12  wherein the appendages are coupled to the spine.  
     
     
         15 . The poseable figure of  claim 11  further comprising a head.  
     
     
         16 . The poseable figure of  claim 12  further comprising a head.  
     
     
         17 . The poseable figure of  claim 15  wherein the head is coupled to the spine.  
     
     
         16 . The poseable figure of  claim 16  wherein the head is coupled to the spine.  
     
     
         17 . A poseable figure comprising: 
 a spine formed of a plurality of articulated ball and cup joint elements, wherein the ball and cup joint elements are friction fit, and wherein the spine is variably positionable into a curvilinear arch; and    a foam torso portion covering said spine and conforming to the spine, wherein said foam torso portion has a foam density of less than 6 lbs./cu. ft.    
     
     
         18 . The poseable figure of  claim 17  further comprising an outer covering over said foam torso portion.  
     
     
         19 . The poseable figure of  claim 17  further comprising a first set of appendages and a second set of appendages.  
     
     
         20 . The poseable figure of  claim 19  wherein the appendages are coupled to the spine.  
     
     
         21 . The poseable figure of  claim 20  further comprising a head.  
     
     
         22 . The poseable figure of  claim 21  wherein the head is coupled to the spine.