EP1499405B1 - Toy figure, particularly functional doll - Google Patents

Abstract

A toy figure, particularly a functional doll, includes a central torso provided with a body shell surrounding a hollow space inside the torso and several extremities such as a head, arms, and legs, which are disposed on the torso. At least the arms and legs are made of a soft elastic material. A functional unit is integrated into the toy figure for ensuring one or several functions that are typical of a functional doll. The arms and/or legs and/or the head are pivotally mounted on the torso through fluid-tight joint connections.

Description

The invention relates to a toy figure according to the preamble of claim 1.

For some time, game figures, especially so-called functional dolls are available in which is increased by a number of predetermined, integrated in the game features the game value There are, for example, dolls known laugh, cry, wet, swallow porridge and excrete or certain sounds of themselves can give. Often, these figures require batteries. A particularly störunanfällige and durable character can be achieved if these functions are not triggered by electrical means, but mechanically, pneumatically and / or hydraulically.

For example, a character is out US-A-2001/0 029 146 known.

The object of the present invention is to develop the aforementioned game figures, in particular functional dolls to the effect that their play value is increased even further.

This object is achieved with a toy figure according to the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments are specified in the subclaims.

A central idea of the present invention is to design such a toy figure equipped with joints and functions as a bathing doll. The toy figure is formed fluid-tight by providing suitable sealing means in the region of the joint connections, wherein at the same time through the fluid-tight hinge connection active transmission means are guided, such that they have at least one peripheral functional section is the associated fluid-tight articulation in mechanical and / or pneumatic and / or hydraulic operative connection with the central functional section. The sealing means in the region of the joint connections prevents water from entering the hollow body, or the hollow extremities, in particular the head, arms or legs.

The Applicant has recognized that the conventional game pieces with integrated functional device of the generic type had the disadvantage that they were not formed sufficiently fluid-tight due to the joints, to be brought into contact with water. In the users, primarily children aged three to ten years, the play value of a character, in particular function doll, can be significantly increased by the fact that they can also be placed in a water reservoir, especially in a bathtub or even kept under running water ,

In the case of conventionally known functional dolls, water penetrates through the articulated joints in such a case, with the result that the functional device can be damaged, but at least water residues remain in the toy figure, which is extremely undesirable for hygienic reasons

In a preferred embodiment, at least two peripheral functional sections are provided in two different extremities, which are each in operative connection with the central functional section. Such a peripheral function can be formed, for example, by a compressible chamber formed in the arm, in the compression of which a specific function, in particular the flow of tears, is triggered by the functional device. The second peripheral functional section may, for example, be designed as a pressure slide within a soft-elastic leg in order to actuate a valve in the central functional section.

In order in each case to connect the peripheral functional section to the central functional section via the fluid-tight articulated joints, mechanical and / or hydraulic and / or pneumatic active transmission means are provided in the region of these fluid-tight articulated joints, which can comprise, for example, one or more hoses or conduits or an actuating slide.

In a specific, particularly preferred embodiment, first joint elements are provided on the trunk, which can be brought into engagement with second, respectively correspondingly designed joint elements on the extremities, wherein at least one of first joint elements each provided on the trunk recess includes, in which the second hinge elements can be engaged. These first joint elements are preferably integrally formed on the hull, so that this represents a favorable solution considered before the production costs ago. In addition, in the case of a functional doll, the situation of the human model - with regard to the pivoting movement and the pivoting plane of the joint - can be reproduced comparatively favorably.

The fluid-tight seal can be effected in a first concrete embodiment in that the fuselage provided on the first joint elements each formed in a fuselage hinge cage and the cavity of the fuselage are sealed off fluid-tight respectively by a sealing wall of the associated joint cage, wherein the mechanical and / or pneumatic and / or hydraulic transmission means are guided through the sealing walls in a fluid-tight bearing or between the sealing walls and the second joint elements, a fluid-tight seal is effective.

By the sealing walls which are preferably also integrally formed on the trunk first joint elements are cage-like sealed off from the cavity. Also in this embodiment, the body shell is preferably welded together from two parts, so that in the area between the sealing walls and the first joint elements, a sufficiently high rear grip can be formed so that the second joint elements can be permanently locked to the hull. The aforementioned fluid-tight mounting can fix an associated active transmission means, for example, a hose, in particular by gluing or welding in a special embodiment also completely fluid-tight. Any rotational movements can then be absorbed by twisting the hose or a separate pivot bearing.

In a preferred embodiment, the fluid-tight bearing itself is designed as a pivot bearing to ensure a fluid-tight rotational movement between the sealing wall and the transmission means. For example, an actuating slide can be mounted on the axis of rotation of the joint movement fluid-tight within the sealing wall.

According to a further advantageous aspect of the invention, the preferably provided joint cages act as stiffening means to effect a reliable even under stress sealing seat. The fluid-tight storage must also be guaranteed be, if acting as part of a conventional handling of the character and lateral forces on the extremities. In another embodiment, which is considered to be advantageous, the sealing walls are therefore also made torsionally stiffer in comparison to the body shell of the playing piece.

The joint cages can either be used as separate components in the fuselage. Alternatively, the joint cages or two half-shells forming a joint cage can be integrally formed on the body or on its holding bodies.

If the joint cages are formed as separate components, this can also be a different, in comparison to the material of the body shell, especially harder material use. In one piece molding on the half body of the trunk, it is recommended to form the joint cages as half shells.

In one embodiment of the invention, at least one peripheral functional section is designed as an actuating device for triggering a specific function of the functional device, in particular - as already mentioned - as a compressible chamber, as an eccentric or as a pressure slide.

Furthermore, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, at least one peripheral functional section can be designed as an effect device, in particular as a tear outlet and / or as a food / beverage receptacle to ensure a predetermined playful effect. Here, too, dependable active transmission means between the central functional section and the peripheral functional section, which are guided by the fluid-tight articulated joints and which are designed for the respectively provided rotational movements between the trunk and extremity.

In another specific embodiment for sealing the joint connections, first joint elements are provided on the trunk, which can be brought into engagement with second articulated elements on the extremities, wherein between at least one first joint element and the associated second joint element an annular sealing means is arranged also causes a fluid-tight seal of the respective hinge connection with rotational movement between the first and second hinge element.

This possibility of sealing may be provided as an alternative or in addition to the already mentioned sealing means of the sealing walls in the region of the first hinge elements within the fuselage. Preferred is an embodiment without these separately provided sealing walls, since then their production can be omitted and also the active transmission means need not be passed through the sealing walls. The annular sealing means may be designed so that it is effective in the region of the bearing surfaces between the first and second joint member and causes a reliable seal in each intended rotational position to reduce frictional forces, wear and increase the sealing effect, a sealing lubricant may be additionally provided such as silicone lubrication.

In a concrete, preferred embodiment of the first (fuselage) joint elements, these comprise a preferably integrally formed with the body shell disc-shaped base plate, with an outer and an inner bearing surface, wherein in the base plate provided for insertion of the associated second joint member recess with a circular circumferential inner surface is arranged and wherein on this circular inner surface receiving means are provided for fixing the annular sealing means. Through this disc-shaped base plate, in particular its circular circumferential inner surface a stable bearing surface is defined, at the same time can provide the annular sealant. The receiving means for the annular sealing means may in a specific embodiment comprise a circumferential groove, such that the annular sealing means is held in position by the circumferential groove.

The second hinge elements are formed corresponding to the first hinge elements and may comprise two by a circumferential hinge groove from each other by a predetermined distance spaced back plates, wherein at least portions of the hinge groove thus formed define sliding surfaces for the hinge connection and these and / or other portions within the hinge groove a Form bearing surface for the annular sealant.

In a specific embodiment, the annular sealing means may be formed as an O-ring. In this embodiment, a permanent and reliable seal between the first and second hinge element results, wherein the elasticity of the O-ring manufacturing tolerances, deformations and wear is able to compensate.

In an alternative, manufacturing technology particularly favorable embodiment, the annular sealing means is designed as a circumferential sealing lip, which is preferably formed integrally with the first or with the second joint element on the fuselage side of the first joint element or the second articulation element associated with a limb. Especially in the case of the integral design of this sealing lip manufacturing and assembly costs are low.

In a third alternative embodiment, the annular sealing element can be designed as a U-shaped double ring, or U-ring with an outer and an inner sealing lip. Such a sealing element is particularly well suited due to its already given by the shape of elasticity to compensate for any manufacturing tolerances, deformations or signs of wear.

In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the body shell of the trunk of the game character is formed from two half-bodies, which are welded together by the manufacturer. As a result, more freedom in the design of the body shell are given by the manufacturer. Even undercut areas, in particular for the formation of the first joint elements can be realized so production technology with reasonable effort.

It should be noted here that in a further preferred embodiment, the production of the character by welding two half-body even with a length of the fuselage of more than 150 mm, preferably of over 160 mm, in particular of more than 170 mm is performed.

In an extremely advantageous embodiment, the arms and / or legs in the region of the joint connections are stiffened by reinforcing inserts. Especially in the soft-elastic arms and / or legs, which are usually designed as a hollow body, there is the problem that they can be deformed at unfortunate load such that without reinforcing inserts a fluid-tight hinge connection may not be guaranteed with sufficient security. It is therefore a particular finding of the Applicant that the reliability of the fluid-tight hinge connection according to the invention, are guided by the active transmission means of a functional unit, can be significantly increased by reinforcing inserts.

In a specific embodiment, the reinforcing inserts have a cylindrical base body with an attached radially slightly larger sized end plate on. The reinforcing inserts are inserted into a correspondingly formed recess of the associated hinge element, which is formed as a cylindrical opening which is bounded above by a circumferential groove. The end plate reinforces the joint element to its distal edge. Deformations of the soft-elastic arms and / or legs can then cause no decisive for the functioning of the fluid seal deformation in the region of the joints.

Although in principle a not necessarily integral assignment of the first joint element to the trunk and a likewise not necessarily integral assignment of the second joint element is preferred to the extremities, alternatively, the fluid-tight joints may be formed as separate components, which then fluid-tightly attached between the trunk and associated limb, in particular welded and / or glued. In these alternatives, the fluid-tight articulations could be optimized for their fluid-sealing function and for the performance of the transmission means, regardless of the process of manufacturing the body sheath or extremities. Connection of the active transmission means and attachment of Gelenh connections on the trunk and the extremities would then trigger an additional effort in the assembly of the character.

The invention will be explained below with regard to further features and advantages with reference to the description of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1

eine Prinzipskizze einer Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Funktionspuppe in einer Teilquerschnittansicht,

Fig. 2a

eine Prinzipskizze einer alternativen Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Funk-tionspuppe in einer Teilquerschnittansicht,

Fig. 2b

eine seitliche Schnittansicht durch den Rumpf einer Funktionspuppe nach Fig. 2a in einer schematisch vereinfachten Darstellung,

Fig.2c

eine Schnittansicht senkrecht zur Körperlängsachse durch den Rumpf einer Funktionspuppe entsprechend der in Fig. 2a dargestellten Funktionspuppe in einer Prinzipansicht.

Fig. 3a

einer Ansicht einer Körperhälfte des Rumpfes einer Funktionspuppe mit ersten Gelenkelementen für eine fluiddichte Abdichtung mittels ringförmiger, als umlaufende Dichtlippe ausgestalteter Dichtmittel,

Fig. 3b

ein integral an einer Extremität angeordnetes zweites Gelenkelement, korrespondierend zu der in Fig. 3a gezeigten Ausgestaltung,

Fig. 4

eine Gelenkverbindung bei einer Funktionspuppe nach der vorliegenden Erfindung, die fluiddicht durch eine umlaufenden Dichtlippe abgedichtet ist,

Fig. 5a

eine Ansicht einer Körperhälfte des Rumpfes einer Funktionspuppe mit ersten Gelenkelementen, die zur Abdichtung mittels als O-Ring ausgebildeter Dichtmittel vorgesehen sind,

Fig. 5b

ein korrespondierend zum ersten Gelenkelement nach Fig. 5a ausgebildetes zweites Gelenkelement integral an einer Extremität angeformt,

Fig. 6

eine Gelenkverbindung bei einer Funktionspuppe nach der Erfindung, die fluiddicht mittels eines umlaufenden O-Rings abgedichtet ist,

Fig. 7

eine Gelenkverbindung nach einer Funktionspuppe nach der vorliegenden Erfindung, die fluiddicht durch einen umlaufenden Doppelring abgedichtet ist,

Fig. 8

ein zweites Gelenkelement mit einem umlaufenden Doppelring,

Fig. 9

das in Figur 8 dargestellte zweite Gelenkelement eingesetzt in einem ersten Gelenkelement zur Ausbildung einer fluiddichten Gelenkverbindung.

Fig. 10a

eine Gelenkverbindung bei einer Funktionspuppe nach der Erfindung, die fluiddicht mittels eines Gelenkkäfigs abgedichtet ist.

Fig. 10b

ein Halbkörper für einen Rumpf einer Funktionspuppe, in dem sich Halbschalen von Gelenkkäfigen einsetzen lassen.

Fig. 10c

einen Halbkörper eines Rumpfes für eine Funktionspuppe, an dem Halbschalen von Gelenkkäfigen einstückig angeformt sind.

Hereby show:

Fig. 1

a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a functional doll according to the invention in a partial cross-sectional view,

Fig. 2a

1 is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of a function mannequin according to the invention in a partial cross-sectional view,

Fig. 2b

2 is a side sectional view through the body of a functional doll according to FIG. 2a in a schematically simplified representation;

Figure 2c

a sectional view perpendicular to the body longitudinal axis through the trunk of a functional doll according to the functional doll shown in Fig. 2a in a schematic view.

Fig. 3a

a view of a body half of the body of a functional doll with first joint elements for a fluid-tight seal by means of annular, designed as a circumferential sealing lip sealant,

Fig. 3b

an integrally disposed on a limb second hinge element, corresponding to the configuration shown in Fig. 3a,

Fig. 4

a hinge joint in a functional doll according to the present invention, which is fluid-tightly sealed by a circumferential sealing lip,

Fig. 5a

a view of a body half of the body of a functional doll with first joint elements, which are provided for sealing by means designed as an O-ring sealant,

Fig. 5b

a second joint element formed corresponding to the first joint element according to FIG. 5a is integrally formed on a limb,

Fig. 6

a hinge joint in a functional doll according to the invention, which is sealed fluid-tight by means of a circumferential O-ring,

Fig. 7

a hinge connection according to a functional doll according to the present invention, which is fluid-tightly sealed by a circumferential double ring,

Fig. 8

a second hinge element with a circumferential double ring,

Fig. 9

the second joint element shown in Figure 8 used in a first joint member for forming a fluid-tight hinge connection.

Fig. 10a

a hinge joint in a functional doll according to the invention, which is sealed fluid-tight by means of a joint cage.

Fig. 10b

a half body for a body of a functional doll in which half shells of joint cages can be inserted.

Fig. 10c

a half-body of a body for a functional doll, are integrally formed on the half-shells of joint cages.

In Fig. 1, an embodiment of a functional doll is shown in a schematic partial sectional view. The functional dummy comprises a body 11 consisting of two half-bodies 52, 53 and forming a body sheath 35 with limbs arranged thereon, namely a head 12, arms 13, 14 and legs 15, 16. A cavity 34 is formed within the body 11.

The arms 13, 14 are connected to the trunk 11 via fluid-tight articulated joints 18, 19 formed as arm joints, the legs 15, 16 via fluid-tight articulated joints 20, 21 formed as leg joints. Finally, the head is via a likewise fluid-tight articulation 22, which acts as a neck joint is formed, connected to the hull 11.

A functional device 17 is accommodated inside the functional doll and has a central functional section 62 provided in the trunk 11 and one or more peripheral functional sections provided in the extremities 12 to 16, wherein the peripheral functional sections, in this case a compressible chamber 26, an eccentric 27, a Pressure slide 28 and a tear outlet 29 (see Fig. 2b) and a food / beverage receptacle 30 (see Fig. 2b) include.

The central functional section 62 and the peripheral functional sections 26 to 30 are interconnected via hydraulic and / or pneumatic and / or mechanical active transmission means, which will be explained in more detail below.

Between head 12 and hull 11 lines 31, 32 are provided, which connect the food / beverage receptacle 30 with a beverage tank 65 and a storage tube 66, which serves as a feed tank. The storage tube 66 serving as a feed tank is aligned rectilinearly parallel to the body axis of the dummy and connected to a first discharge opening 68 via a valve device 10. It is preferably made of a material that can be twisted over a certain angular range to follow pivotal movements of the head. The beverage tank 65 is in turn connected via a discharge line 69 with a second discharge opening 70.

On or in the arm 13 of the dummy is the already mentioned compressible chamber 26 is formed. The compressible chamber 26 communicates with the cavity 34 formed in the fuselage 11 in pneumatic operative connection such that upon compression of the arm 13 formed of soft elastic material, air is forced via the articulation 18 through a first valve stub 72 via a hose 71 into a tears tank 74 filled with liquid becomes. In this way, a predetermined amount of liquid is conveyed from the tear tank 74 via a line 85 into the area of the eye sockets 86 of the dummy and runs out at one or both eyes 75. The tear tank 74 may include a refill device coupled to the food / beverage receptacle 30. In order to allow the relaxation of the arm 13 in its initial position and at the same time not to fill the volume thereby re-enlarging with liquid from the tears tank 74, a second valve stub 73 is provided within the articulated connection 18. To the second valve stub 73 a vent line 87 is connected, can be sucked through the air to fill the cavity 34. First and second valve stub 72, 73 each have check valves (not shown), in such a way that over the first valve stub 72 always air in the direction of the tears tank 74 ejected from the arm 13 and the second valve stub 73 refilling the arm 13 with Air is ensured.

Finally, in the cavity 34 of the fuselage, a mechanical voice 76 is arranged, which is known per se in playing figures. The mechanical voice 76 generates a preselected noise in the event of changes in position of the dummy.

The already mentioned valve device 10 can be actuated through the fluid-tight articulated connection 20. The valve device 10 initially comprises a valve chamber 77, with a valve piston 78 mounted displaceably therein, which has a passage opening 79 provided for the passage of fluid in the opening position of the valve device 10. The valve piston 78 is held in the closed position by the application of a spring 80. The valve piston 78 is sealed in a fluid-tight manner against the cylindrical valve chamber 77 via two sealing disks or O-rings 81, 82.

By means of an actuation slide 33, which projects into the articulated connection 20 and the pressure slide 28 arranged non-rotatably on this actuation slide 33, the valve piston 78 can be pressed against the pressure slide 28 in a specific angular position or in a certain angular range of the leg 15 relative to the Press fuselage 11. Outside this angular position or this angular range, a translational displacement of the valve piston 78 does not lead to an open position of the valve device 10, which is explained in more detail in the applicant's co-pending application of the same date.

FIG. 2 a shows an alternative embodiment of a functional doll in a schematic partial cross-sectional view. The embodiment illustrated here differs from the embodiment explained with reference to FIG. 1 essentially in that the fluid-tight articulated connections 18 to 22 are modified. The articulated joints of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 will be explained in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9. The joint connections used in the embodiment according to FIG. 2a are also illustrated in more detail with reference to FIG. 10a. The essential difference consists in the fact that the articulated connections with respect to the cavity 34 of the fuselage 11 are sealed off by joint cages 42 which have corresponding sealing walls 24. Here, the active transmission means, in particular an air duct 88 and the actuating slide 33 are passed through the fluid-tight sealing wall 24 of the joint cages 42, which will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 10a.

FIG. 2b illustrates a schematic diagram of a functional doll corresponding to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 or 2a in a lateral sectional view. It can be seen here that the already mentioned lines 31, 32 and the storage tube 66 are guided by the hinge connection 22, which forms the neck of the doll.

In Fig. 2c is a schematic sectional view is illustrated by a functional doll according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 2a in a simplified representation. The articulated connections 18, 19 of the arms 13, 14 held in joint cages 42 can be seen in each case. At the articulated connection 18, a ventilation and venting connection 89, which communicates with an air duct 88 through the articulated connection 19, is formed. At the ventilation connection 89, in turn, the first valve stub 72 and the second valve stub 73 (here concealed) are located for connecting a hose 71 or the ventilation line 87.

Hereinafter, various preferred embodiments of the fluid-tight joint 18 to 22 are explained in detail.

FIGS. 3a, 3b and 4 illustrate a first alternative embodiment for a fluid-tight articulated connection. In the already mentioned fuselage 11 a plurality of base plates 43 are formed, in which first hinge elements 36, 37, 63 are provided and in which correspondingly formed second hinge elements 38, 39, 64 can be used. While the second hinge elements 38, 39 of the arms 13, 14 and legs 15, 16 are formed integrally with the associated arms 13, 14 and legs 15, 16 in the embodiments shown here, the second hinge element 64 of the head 12 is formed as a separate component , which is then glued or welded to the head.

The first joint elements 36, 37, 63 each comprise recesses 40, 41, 83 provided in the base plates 43, into which the second joint elements 38, 39, 64 can be inserted. The recesses each include an inner surface 46 delimiting the recesses on the circumference, on which a receiving device, in particular a tapering groove 47, is provided. In the embodiment illustrated with reference to FIGS. 3 a, 3 b and 4, the groove 47 is defined by a notch with two converging surfaces, a correspondingly formed sealing lip 54 of the second joint elements 38, 39 engaging in this notch. The second joint elements 38, 39 comprise counterplates 49, 50, which are spaced from each other about a circumferential hinge groove 48. The spacing of the hinge plates 49, 50 corresponds approximately to the thickness of the base plate 43 formed on the first hinge elements 36, 37, 63. The counter plates 49, 50 thus surround the base plate 43, as shown in FIG. 4, such that the hinge connections 18 to 22 is stabilized by the abutment of the counter plates 49, 50 each on an inner bearing surface 45 and an outer bearing surface 44 of the base plate 43. The counter-plate 49 forms the joint-side conclusion of a limb 12 to 16, whereas the counter-plate 50 can pass over the edge into the contour of the associated limb.

The provided in the circumferential hinge groove 48 sealing lip 54 is corresponding to the shape of the provided in the first joint member 36, 37, 63. Groove 47 formed. The sealing lip 54 simultaneously forms a bearing surface 51 for the articulated connection 18 to 22.

In the concretely proposed embodiment, the sealing lip 54 is integrally formed with the associated extremity 12 to 16, which reduces the manufacturing cost. In order to ensure the desired fluid seal with sufficient reliability, however, it is very important to tailor the sealing lip 54 and groove 47 exactly. It goes without saying that, in the sense of a kinematic reversal, the groove 47 can also be formed on the second joint elements 38, 39, 64 of the extremities 12 to 16 and a correspondingly configured sealing lip 54 can be provided within the first joint elements 36, 37, 63 can.

FIGS. 5a, 5b and 6 illustrate an alternative embodiment for a fluid-tight seal of the articulated joints 18 to 22. The sealing is not achieved here by a sealing lip 54 which corresponds to a corresponding groove 47 but by an O-ring 23 which between the first hinge member 36, 37, 63 and the second hinge member 38, 39, 64 is effective. To stabilize the O-ring 23, the groove 47 on the inner surface 46 of the recess 40, 41, 83 of the fuselage 11 has a corresponding shape. In a corresponding manner, the circumferential hinge groove 48 of the second joint member 38, 39, 64 is provided with a cross-sectional shape, which stabilizes the O-ring 23 at the same time within the circumferential hinge groove 48 but also a possibly multiple sections comprehensive bearing surface 51 defined on the Base plate 43 of the first hinge elements 36, 37, 63 slides

The sealing by means of O-ring 23 is extremely reliable, durable and resembles even minor, u.U. existing manufacturing tolerances.

Finally, in Figures 7, 8 and 9 there is illustrated a third alternative embodiment for a fluid tight seal of the hinges 18 to 22 corresponding to the seal shown in Figure 1. Here, instead of an O-ring 23, a double ring 25 is used to seal can be referred to as a grooved ring, between the inner surface 46 of the provided inside the base plate 43 recesses 40, 41, 83 and the circumferential hinge groove 48 of the second joint member 38, 39, 64 used. A correspondingly configured groove 47 on the inner surface 46 of the base plate 43 can, as illustrated by FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, be omitted. The double ring 25 comprises an outer sealing lip 55 and an inner sealing lip 56, which are connected to each other at a common base 84 and can be deflected elastically against each other at their distal ends.

As shown with reference to FIG. 8, the double ring 25 can be mounted for mounting on the second joint elements 38, 39, 64 and is held there in the circumferential joint groove 48.

In order to limit the deformation of the second hinge elements 38, 39, 64 such that during normal use, a fluid-tight seal of the dummy remains guaranteed even when the extremities 12 to 16 are deformed, reinforcing inserts 57 are respectively inserted in the second hinge elements 38, 39, 64. These reinforcing inserts 57 comprise a cylindrical main body 59 with an end plate 60 arranged on the end side thereof. The end plate 60 has a flat front surface 58. The reinforcing inserts 57 can each be inserted into a correspondingly shaped recess within the second hinge elements 38, 39, 64, with a groove 61 being formed on the edge side on the second hinge elements, which groove is designed to receive the end plate 60 flush. Thus, the second joint elements 38, 39, 64 are stiffened in their distal region, namely on the outer counter-plate 49 by the end plate 60 of the respective reinforcing insert 57.

In Fig. 10a is a fluid-tight articulation 20, which is sealed off to the cavity 34 of the fuselage 11 through a joint cage 42 is illustrated. The joint cage 42 is formed in this embodiment by a sealing wall 24, which forms a substantially cup-shaped basic shape and immediately on the inside of the body shell 35 connects such that the outward for use of the second joint member 39 provided recess 41 has a smaller diameter than through In this so formed undercuts the second joint member 39 is held, wherein the first joint member 37 now need not only consist of the recess formed in the body shell 35, but also the most correspondingly designed joint cage a guide function for guiding the second joint member 39 can take over, as is also illustrated in the present embodiment. However, it is by no means necessary for the joint cage 42 to assume such a joint or guide function. Rather, it may be sufficient for the first joint element to be formed in the body shell 35 in a base plate 43 provided with a recess 41 and an outer abutment surface 44 and an inner abutment surface 45

The sealing walls 24 of the joint cages 42 have primarily a sealing function. For this purpose, they have a central opening 90, through which the active transmission means, in this case the actuation slide 33 is guided in the central opening 90, an O-ring 91 is held to the operating slide 33 fluid-tight upon rotation or transflation of the actuating slide with respect to the cavity 34 of the hull 11 seal. In a corresponding manner - as shown in Fig. 2a recognizable - the Air duct 88 is guided through the central opening 90 of the sealing wall 24, wherein also here an O-ring 91 is provided to fluid-tight seal between the air duct 88 and the sealing wall 24.

The O-ring 91 is in the embodiment shown here not on the actuating slide 33 directly, but causes a seal between the end plate 60 of the second joint member and the sealing wall 24. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the seal directly between the sealing wall 24 and the actuating slide 33 is carried out.

FIG. 10b shows a holding body for a body of a functional doll, in which half shells of joint cages 42 can be inserted on the leg joints 20, 21. It is a half-shell 92 provided with an outer groove 93 which can be snapped onto a projection 94 formed on the half body 52 of the body shell 35.

In Fig. 10c, an alternative embodiment is shown in which the half-shells 92 are formed for the leg joints 20, 21 integral with the half-shell 52 of the body shell 35. The joint cages 42 for the arm joints 18, 19 are integrally formed on the body shell 35 in both illustrated embodiments.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

valve means

11

hull

12

head

13, 14

poor

15, 16

legs

17

functional device

18, 19

Articulated joints, wrists

20, 21

Articulated joints, leg joints

22

Joint, neck joint

23

Sealant, O-ring

24

cut-off wall

25

Sealant, double ring (U-ring)

26

peripheral functional section, compressible chamber

27

peripheral functional section, eccentric

28

peripheral functional section, pressure slide

29

peripheral functional section, tear outlet

30

peripheral functional section, food and drink reception

31, 32

Transmission means, lines

33

Impact transfer means, actuation slide

34

cavity

35

body shell

36, 37, 63

first joint elements

38, 39, 64

second joint elements

40, 41, 83

recesses

42

joint cage

43

baseplate

44

outer contact surface

45

inner contact surface

46

palm

47

Receiving devices, groove

48

circumferential hinge groove

49, 50

backplates

51

storage area

52, 53

half body

54

sealing lip

55

outer sealing lip (double ring)

56

inner sealing lip (double ring)

57

reinforcing inserts

58

front surface

59

cylindrical body

60

End plate

61

groove

62

central functional section

65

beverage tank

66

storage tube

68

first separation opening

69

outlet pipe

70

second separation opening

71

tube

72

first valve stub

73

second valve stub

74

tears tank

75

eyes

76

mechanical voice

77

valve chamber

78

plunger

79

Through opening

80

feather

81, 82

Sealing washers (O-ring)

84

Base (double ring)

85

Line (tear tank - tear outlet)

86

eye sockets

87

vent line

88

Transfer agent, air channel

89

Ventilation connection

90

central opening

91

O-ring

92

Half shell (joint cage)

93

Groove (half shell)

94

head Start

Claims (30)

1. Toy figure, in particular functional doll, comprising:

   - a central torso (11) with a body shell (35) which encloses a cavity (34) in the interior of the torso,

   - a plurality of extremities which are arranged on the torso (11) and include a head (12) and arms (13, 14) and legs (15, 16), at least the arms (13, 14) and the legs (15, 16) being formed from flexurally elastic material, and

   - an integrated functional device (17) which comprises a central functional section (62) arranged in the torso (11) and at least one peripheral functional section (26 to 30) which is arranged in an associated extremity,

   characterized

   - in that the arms (13, 14) and/or the legs (15, 16) and/or the head (12) are mounted on the torso (11) such that they can be rotated via fluid-tight joint connections (18 to 22), sealing means (23, 24, 25) being provided in the region of the joint connections (18 to 22) for fluid-tight sealing, and

   - in that transfer means are guided through the fluid-tight joint connection (18 to 22), the at least one peripheral functional section (26 to 30) being in mechanical and/or pneumatic and/or hydraulic operative connection with the central functional section (62) via the associated fluid-tight joint connection (18 to 22).
2. Toy figure according to Claim 1, characterized in that at least two peripheral functional sections (26 to 30) in two different extremities (12 to 16) are in operative connection with the central functional section (62).
3. Toy figure according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that mechanical and/or hydraulic and/or pneumatic transfer means, in particular one or more hoses (31, 32), one or more air channels or an actuating slide (33), are arranged in the region of the at least one fluid-tight joint connection (18 to 22).
4. Toy figure according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that first joint elements (36, 37, 63) are provided on the torso (11) and can be brought into engagement with second, respectively correspondingly designed joint elements (38, 39, 64) on the extremities (12 to 16), at least one of the first joint elements (36, 37, 63) comprising a respective recess (40, 41, 83) which is provided on the torso (11) and into which the second joint elements (38, 39, 64) can be latched.
5. Toy figure according to either of Claims 1 and 4, characterized in that first joint elements (36, 37) are provided on the torso (11) and can be brought into engagement with second, respectively correspondingly designed joint elements (38, 39) on the extremities (13 to 16), the first joint elements (36, 37) being formed in each case in a joint cage (42) belonging to the torso and being partitioned off in a fluid-tight manner in the direction of the cavity (34) in each case by a sealing wall of the joint cage (42), and the mechanical and/or pneumatic and/or hydraulic transfer means (31 to 33) being guided through the sealing walls (24) in a fluid-tight mount.
6. Toy figure according to Claim 5, characterized in that the fluid-tight mount is designed for ensuring a fluid-tight rotary movement between the sealing wall (24) and the transfer means (31, 32, 33).
7. Toy figure according to Claim 5, characterized in that the fluid-tight mount is designed for ensuring a fluid-tight rotary movement between the sealing wall (24) and the second joint element (38, 39, 64).
8. Toy figure according to one of Claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the joint cages (42) act as stiffening means in order to effect a sealing fit which is reliable even under stressing.
9. Toy figure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing walls (24), in comparison with the body shell (35), are of torsionally rigid design.
10. Toy figure according to one of Claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the joint cages (42) are inserted as separate components into the torso (11).
11. Toy figure according to one of Claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the joint cages (42) are integrally formed in the torso (11) or as a half-shell on the half-bodies (52, 53) thereof.
12. Toy figure according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one peripheral functional section is designed as an actuating device for triggering a certain function of the functional device (17), in particular as a compressible chamber (26), as an eccentric (27) or as a pressure slide (28).
13. Toy figure according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that at least one peripheral functional section is designed as an effect-producing device, in particular as a tear outlet (29) and/or as a food-/drink-receiving means (30), for ensuring a predetermined play effect.
14. Toy figure according to one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that in each case one peripheral functional section (26, 27, 28, 29) is arranged in three different extremities (12 to 16), in particular in the head (12), in one of the arms (13, 14) and in one of the legs (15, 16), each peripheral functional section being in operative connection with the central functional section (62).
15. Toy figure according to one of Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that first joint elements (36, 37, 63) are provided on the torso (11) and can be brought into engagement with second, respectively correspondingly designed joint elements (38, 39, 64) on the extremities (12 to 16), an annular sealing means (23 to 25) being arranged between at least one first joint element (36, 37, 63) and the associated second joint element (38, 39, 64) and effecting fluid-tight sealing of the respective joint connection even in the case of rotary movement between the first and second joint elements (36, 37, 63; 38, 39, 64).
16. Toy figure according to one of Claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the first (torso-side) joint elements (36, 37, 63) comprise a disk-like base plate (43) which is preferably integrally formed with the torso (11), the latter possibly being in two or more parts, is possibly likewise in a number of parts and has an outer and an inner abutment surface (44, 45), the base plate (43) containing a recess (40, 41, 83) which is provided for the insertion of the associated second joint element (38, 39, 64) and has a circular inner surface (46), and accommodating devices (47) for fastening the annular sealing means (23 to 25) being provided on the circular inner surface (46).
17. Toy figure according to claim 16, characterized in that the accommodating devices comprise an encircling groove (47).
18. Toy figure according to one of Claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the second joint elements (38, 39, 64) comprise two mating plates (49, 50) which are spaced apart from one another at a predetermined distance by an encircling joint groove (48), the joint groove (48) being coordinated, in terms of shaping, with the fluid-tight sealing means (23 to 25).
19. Toy figure according to Claim 18, characterized in that a bearing surface (51) for the annular sealing means (23, 25) is provided within the joint groove (48).
20. Toy figure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the annular sealing means is designed as an O-ring (23).
21. Toy figure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the annular sealing means is designed as an encircling sealing lip (54) which is arranged, on the torso side, on the first joint element (36, 37, 63) or the second joint element (38, 39, 64), which is assigned to an extremity (12 to 16).
22. Toy figure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the annular sealing means (54) is integrally formed with the first or second joint element (36, 37, 63; 38, 39, 64).
23. Toy figure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the annular sealing element is designed as a cross-sectionally U-shaped double ring (25) with an outer and an inner sealing lip (55, 56).
24. Toy figure according to one of Claims 1 to 23, characterized in that the body shell (35) of the torso (11) is formed from two half-bodies (52, 53) which are welded to one another.
25. Toy figure according to Claim 24, characterized in that the torso (11) has a length of over 150 mm, preferably over 160 mm, in particular of over 170 mm.
26. Toy figure according to one of Claims 1 to 24, characterized in that the arms and/or legs (13 to 16) are stiffened in the region of the joint connections (18 to 22) by reinforcing inserts (57).
27. Toy figure according to Claim 26, characterized in that the reinforcing inserts (57) have an outwardly oriented planar front surface (58).
28. Toy figure according to Claim 26 or 27, characterized in that the reinforcing inserts (57) comprise a cylindrical basic body (59) with a termination plate (60) which is joined thereto and is of slightly larger dimensions in the radial direction.
29. Toy figure according to Claim 28, characterized in that the termination plate (60) can be inserted into a correspondingly designed, encircling groove (61) of the associated joint element (38, 39).
30. Toy figure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluid-tight joint connections (18 to 22) are designed as separate components which are fastened in a fluid-tight manner, in particular attached by welding and/or adhesive bonding, between the torso (11) and associated extremity (12 to 16).

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