| |
| United States Patent
|
6,601,326 |
| Bublitz , et al. |
August 5, 2003 |
Human-figure display system
Abstract
A repositionable display system in the shape of a human figure
that can be used to communicate information by holding signs or by
making simple gestures; or it can be used to support various items
such as clothing or accessories. The repositionable display is in
the shape of a life-size human form comprising a head, torso, arms,
and legs. A two-pin connection forms each shoulder and hip joint,
thereby allowing for positioning of the arm and legs in multiple
planes. A single-pin connection forms the wrist, elbow, and knee
joints. Each of the pin connections are removable, thereby allowing
for assembly and disassembly of the repositionable display system. A
stand may be provided to maintain the repositionable display system
in a substantially upright position. Cedar wood may be used to
construct the repositionable display system which assists in
repelling insects while emitting a pleasing aroma.
| Inventors: |
Bublitz; Rebecca J.
(Peoria, AZ), Terhorst; Annette L. (Peoria, AZ) |
| Appl. No.:
|
09/479,978 |
| Filed: |
January 10, 2000 |
| Current U.S.
Class: |
40/418 ;
223/66; 40/411; 40/419; 40/420; 434/396; 446/383 |
| Current
International Class: |
G09F
19/00 (20060101); G09F 19/08 (20060101); G09F 019/08 () |
| Field of
Search: |
40/411,418,419,420 223/66 434/267,396 446/376,383 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent
Documents
Primary Examiner: Browne; Lynne H.
Assistant Examiner: Hewitt; James M.
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Stoneman; Martin L.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A human-figure display system comprising in combination: a) A
human-figure means for forming a life-size shape recognizable as
that of a human figure comprising: a head, a solid torso, four
limbs; b) wherein said human-figure means comprises primarily flat
components; and c) a limb repositioning means for repositioning each
said limb into a range of positions, comprising: i) at least one
pin, and ii) a multiaxial means for repositioning each said limb in
at least two planes of rotation; d) wherein said multiaxial means
comprises at least one substantially flat component having a flat
end portion transverse to said substantially flat component.
2. The human-figure display system according to claim 1 further
comprising a support means for supporting said solid torso of said
human-figure means off the floor.
3. The human-figure display system according to claim 1 wherein at
least one of said at least one pin further comprises an adjustable
means for adjusting the amount of resistance to movement at at least
one of said limb repositioning means wherein said adjustable means
is hand operable.
4. The human-figure display system according to claim 1 wherein at
least one of said at least one pin further comprises an assembly
means for disassembling and reassembling said human-figure means
wherein said assembly means is hand operable.
5. The human-figure display system according to claim 1 wherein said
human-figure means comprises an aromatic means for emitting a
pleasing aroma and for repelling insects.
6. The human-figure display system according to claim 5 wherein said
aromatic means comprises aromatic cedar wood.
7. The human-figure display system according to claim 1 wherein said
at least one pin penetrates each said limb perpendicularly to and
through said at least one substantially flat component.
8. The human-figure display system according to claim 7 wherein said
human figure means essentially comprise aromatic cedar wood.
9. A human-figure display system comprising in combination: a) a
human form having a head, a solid torso, and four limbs; b) wherein:
i) said limbs each comprise a plurality of limb parts, ii) said
limbs each comprise a repositionable pinned joint connecting said
limb parts, iii) said repositionable pinned joints comprise shoulder
joints and hip joints, and iv) said shoulder joints and said hip
joints each comprise a biaxial pinned joint; v) each said
repositionable pinned joint comprises (1) a bolt and (2) a wing nut;
and vi) each said biaxial pinned joint comprises (1) two said bolts
and (2) two said wing nuts, (3) at least one substantially flat
component having a flat end portion transverse to said substantially
flat component.
10. The human-figure display system according to claim 9 further
comprising: (a) wrist joints, elbow joints, and knee joints; (b)
wherein each said wrist joint, each said elbow joint, and each said
knee joint comprises a said repositionable pinned joint.
11. The human-figure display system according to claim 9 wherein a)
each said limb part comprises at least one substantially flat
component, and a) each said bolt penetrates at least one said limb
part perpendicularly to and through said at least one substantially
flat component of said at least one said limb part.
12. The human-figure display system according to claim 11 wherein
said limb parts essentially comprise aromatic cedar wood.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to repositionable display systems, especially
human figure displays. More specifically, the invention concerns
repositionable display systems that are functional for communicating
information by holding signs and through simple gestures, and for
holding various items for both special occasions and ordinary daily
activities. The invention also concerns using a repositionable human
figure as a closet accessory and emitting an aroma that is pleasing
and also repels insects from clothing closets.
2. Description of the Background and Prior Art
Typically, in the prior art, manikins (also spelled mannequins) are
life size, and have been used for displaying clothing that is for
sale in retail establishments. See for example, U.S. Pat. No.
1,617,676 to Dobbin, a 1927 patent for a piece goods display form in
the shape of a female human body. Dobbin also shows that manikins
have previously been held in position by a separate support stand
located behind the figure. Manikins having repositionable limbs have
also been used for a long time. See for example, U.S. Pat. No.
1,833,503 to Summer, a 1931 patent with pinned joints at some of the
natural human joint locations. However, in Summer, and other
manikins with pinned joins, only one pinned joint is used at each
natural human joint. U.S. Pat. No. 4,545,514 to Toy, a 1985 patent
does show an apparatus for displaying garments with biaxial pinned
joints at some of the natural human joint locations. However, Toy
teaches only a hollow metal frame for displaying clothing, and does
not have a solid torso that would provide a meaningful display
unclothed. In addition, Toy utilizes hex lock nuts in the joints
that require tools for disassembly or adjustment. Toy also does not
show a full human figure with a head, hands, or feet. Thus, the
prior manikin art performs the functions for which such art is
designed, i.e., showing/demonstrating clothing to customers; but
such prior art does not fill the need to use a life-size human
figure, arousing and attention-getting to most people, to support
displays and other non-clothing items and to easily be
repositionable in a manner useful for support, display, or arousal.
Dolls have also been around for a long time, and some have
repositionable limbs. See for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,630,745 to
Yeh, a 1997 patent showing bendable wires in the joints for
repositioning. However, dolls are typically much smaller than life
size. If they stand up on their own at all, dolls are typically not
sturdy enough to support useful items of some size and/or weight. In
addition, the resistance to movement of the joints typically cannot
be adjusted, and it is typically difficult to disassemble dolls.
Prior art for hanging clothing, ties, belts, hats, etc. typically
includes clothing racks, hat racks, tie racks, and clothing hangers.
Although these items can typically be used for more than one
purpose, their usefulness is typically tailored to a narrow range of
uses, not including the functions of attracting attention (as a
life-size human figure might) or of efficient limb
repositionability. Various prior art also exists for holding signs.
This includes posts, which are most useful where they can be stuck
into the ground, and easels, which can be used on hard surfaces such
as a floor in a building. Signs can also be fastened to an existing
wall. However, the usefulness of this prior technology for holding
signs is limited to a small range of purposes.
Various technology exists for repelling insects. This includes moth
balls, various chemical insecticides and the like, and cedar wood.
Moth balls and insecticides are often effective, but typically do
not have a pleasing aroma. In fact, moth balls and most chemical
insecticides have objectionable odors. Cedar wood has long been used
where clothing is stored, traditionally in the form of cedar chests
and cedar closets. Cedar wood emits a pleasant aroma which has the
added benefit of repelling certain kinds of insects including moths
and silverfish. Cedar wood clothes hangers and hanger inserts have
been proposed as an alternative to cedar closets and chests. See
U.S. Pat. No. 4,768,686 to Storti, a 1988 patent for an adjustable
cedar wood hanger insert. However, prior art has not been found that
teaches the features of a cedar wood support/display system in the
life-size shape of a human figure.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
A primary object of the present invention is to fulfill the above
mentioned needs by the provision of an improved human-figure display
system. Specifically, the object and feature of the invention is to
provide a versatile display system in the shape of a life-size human
figure that can be used for various functional purposes. These
functional purposes include attracting attention, holding signs, and
holding miscellaneous other items. Another object and feature of the
present invention is that it be repositionable for various
functions. Another object and feature of the present invention is
that it emit a pleasant aroma and repel insects. Further objects and
features of the invention are that it be inexpensive, easy to
assemble, easy to reposition, portable, and appealing and arousing
from a wide range of viewing angles. Other objects of the invention
will become apparent with reference to the following invention
descriptions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, this
invention provides a human-figure display system comprising in
combination: a human-figure means for forming a life-size shape
recognizable as that of a human figure comprising a head, a solid
torso, four limbs; and a limb repositioning means for repositioning
each such limb into a range of positions, wherein each such limb
repositioning means comprises a pin, and a multiaxial means for
repositioning each such limb in two planes of rotation. Further,
this invention provides such a human-figure display system also
comprising a support means for supporting such solid torso of such
human-figure means off the floor. In addition, it provides for such
human-figure display system further comprising an adjustable means
for adjusting the amount of resistance to movement at at least one
of such limb repositioning means wherein such adjustable means is
hand operable.
Further, this invention provides such a human-figure display system
additionally comprising an assembly means for disassembling and
reassembling such human-figure means wherein such assembly means
comprises a hand-operable fastener. In addition, this invention
provides such a human-figure display system wherein such
human-figure means essentially comprises flat components.
Furthermore, this invention provides such a human-figure display
system wherein such human-figure means comprises an aromatic means
for emitting a pleasing aroma and for repelling insects; and,
further still, wherein such aromatic means comprises aromatic cedar
wood.
In addition, in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof, this
invention provides a human-figure display system comprising in
combination: a plurality of body parts assembled to form a human
figure; and a repositionable pinned joint at each of a plurality of
natural human joint locations; wherein such body parts essentially
comprise aromatic cedar wood. Further, it provides for such a
human-figure display system wherein each such body part is
essentially flat, and the human-figure display system wherein such
body parts comprise a head, and wherein such head is circular. Even
further, this invention provides such a human-figure display system
wherein such body parts comprise a pair of feet, and wherein each
such foot is shaped in the form of the sole of a human foot. Even
further still, this invention provides such a human-figure display
system wherein at least one such repositionable pinned joints
comprise a biaxial pinned joint.
Also, it provides for such a human-figure display system wherein
each such repositionable pinned joint comprises a bolt and a wing
nut; and each such biaxial pinned joint comprises two such bolts and
two such wing nuts. Further still, this invention provides such a
human-figure display system further comprising: a repositionable
pinned joint at each of the wrist, elbow, and knee joints; and a
biaxial pinned joint at each of the shoulder and hip joints. Yet
further, this invention provides such a human-figure display system
wherein such body parts further comprise: a head, wherein such head
is circular; feet wherein such feet are shaped in the form of the
sole of a human foot; hands, wherein such hands are shaped in the
form of a human hand; upper arms; lower arms; thighs; and calves.
Additionally, it provides such a human-figure display system wherein
such human figure is essentially life size.
Yet further still, in accordance with a preferred embodiment
thereof, this invention provides for such a human-figure display
system comprising in combination: a human form having a head, a
solid torso, and four limbs; wherein: such limbs each comprise a
plurality of limb parts, such limbs each comprise a repositionable
pinned joint connecting such limb parts, such repositionable pinned
joints comprise shoulder joints and hip joints, and such shoulder
joints and such hip joints each comprise a biaxial pinned joint. In
addition, this invention provides such a human-figure display system
wherein each such repositionable pinned joint comprises a bolt and a
wing nut; and each such biaxial pinned joint comprises two such
bolts and two such wing nuts. Yet even further, it provides for such
a human-figure display system further comprising wrist joints, elbow
joints, and knee joints; wherein each such wrist joint, each such
elbow joint, and each such knee joint comprises a such
repositionable pinned joint.
Additionally still, this invention provides such a human-figure
display system wherein such head, such torso, and such limb parts
are essentially flat, and the human-figure display system wherein
such head, such torso, and such limb parts essentially comprise
wood. Further still, it provides for such a human-figure display
system further comprising a metal support stand. Also, this
invention provides such a human-figure display system wherein such
head is circular and featureless, and wherein such limb parts
further comprise: hands, wherein such hands comprise fingers; upper
arms; lower arms; shoulders; hips; thighs; and calves, wherein such
calves comprise feet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a preferred embodiment of
the present invention showing a human-figure display system wearing
a hat and a scarf, and displaying a sign.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the illustrated preferred embodiment of
the present invention depicting part of the range of motion of some
of the repositionable pinned joints.
FIG. 3 is a side view of the illustrated preferred embodiment of the
present invention depicting part of the range of motion of some of
the repositionable pinned joints and showing the support stand.
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the illustrated preferred
embodiment of the present invention showing the parts of the
human-figure display system and how they fit together.
FIG. 5 is a partial exploded perspective view of the illustrated
preferred embodiment of the present invention showing details of the
shoulder joint, how the support stand attaches, and how the
associated parts fit together.
FIG. 6 is a partial side view of the illustrated preferred
embodiment of the present invention showing a detail of the shoulder
joint without the arm attached.
FIG. 7 is a partial side view of the illustrated preferred
embodiment of the present invention showing a detail of the shoulder
joint with the arm attached and positioned at an angle.
FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view illustrating a preferred
embodiment of the present invention with the optional unfinished
wood surface as it might be used in a closet supporting a hat, and
holding ties, a couple of garments, a wig, and a bag.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND THE BEST MODE OF
PRACTICE
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a preferred embodiment of
the present invention showing a human-figure display system 15
wearing a cap 16 and a scarf 18, and displaying a sign 17. The
human-figure display system 15 embodies herein a human-figure means
for forming a life-size shape recognizable as that of a human figure
comprising: a head 24, a solid torso 25, and four limbs 26. The
human-figure display system 15 is preferably supported off of the
floor 20 by metal support stand 19. FIG. 1 shows how human-figure
display system 15 is repositionable at the locations of some of the
natural human joints. FIG. 1 shows how human-figure display system
15 can be used to hold something, such as sign 17. For instance,
human-figure display system 15 might be used to hold a sign 17 that
indicates directions to a wedding reception or other function.
Human-figure display system 15 would usually, in view of its
life-size, etc., attract attention of people to the sign 17, and
could be used to point the direction to the function. Preferably,
accessories such as cap 16 and scarf 18 would be selected for
attention-getting and to communicate the decor or the nature of the
function. For instance, a cowboy hat could be worn at a western
function rather than cap 16. Human-figure display system 15 could
also be made to resemble a waiter and used to hold a tray of drinks
for guests rather than sign 17. Thus, the waiter look would
communicate the purpose that the human-figure display system 15 was
being used.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the illustrated preferred embodiment of
the present invention depicting part of the range of motion of some
of the repositionable pinned joints 21. Human-figure display system
15 preferably comprises the following body parts: head 24, torso 25,
two hands 27, two lower arms 28, two upper arms 29, two shoulders
30, two hips 34, two thighs 35, two calves 36, and two (a pair of)
feet 37. As shown, head 24 is preferably circular and featureless,
which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture. As can be best seen
in FIG. 1, (as embodied herein) each foot 37 is preferably shaped in
the form of the sole of a human foot. In addition, each hand 27
preferably has fingers and is shaped in the form of a human hand.
Human-figure display system 15 is preferably life size (such human
figure is essentially life size--the size of an adult), about six
feet tall. Human-figure display system 15 preferably has
repositionable pinned joints 21 in the plane (first plane) depicted
by the arcs shown in FIG. 2 at the wrist joint 87, elbow joint 88,
shoulder joint 89, and hip joint 84. Although these joints are
repositionable, the clamping force in the repositionable pinned
joints 21 can be adjusted to secure them in any position within the
range of movement. The present invention preferably also comprises
support stand 19 which is supported off the floor 20.
FIG. 3 is a side view of the illustrated preferred embodiment of the
present invention depicting part of the range of motion of some of
the repositionable pinned joints 21 and showing the support stand
19. Human-figure display system 15 preferably has repositionable
pinned joints 21 in the plane (second plane) depicted by the arcs in
FIG. 3 at the shoulder joint 80, hip joint 85, and knee joint 86.
The wrist joint 87, elbow joint 88, shoulder joint 89, and hip joint
84 (shown in FIG. 2) and shoulder joint 80, hip joint 85, and knee
joint 86 (shown in FIG. 3) embody herein a limb repositioning means
for repositioning each such limb 26 into a range of positions.
In addition, the wrist joint 87, elbow joint 88, shoulder joint 89,
and hip joint 84 (shown in FIG. 2) and shoulder joint 80, hip joint
85, and knee joint 86 (shown in FIG. 3) embody herein some of the
natural human joint locations. Also shown and numbered are joint
members 41, 42, and 43 (preferably octagon-shaped) which in the
preferred embodiment are components of the repositionable pinned
joints 21 at the shoulder joint 80, hip joint 85, and knee joint 86.
As can be seen from FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the shoulders 30 and hips 34
preferably each contain two repositionable pinned joints 21
(shoulder joints 80 and 89 and hip joints 84 and 85) which provide
freedom in two planes (first and second planes) of rotation. These
joints with two degrees of freedom are herein called biaxial joints.
Joints with two or more degrees of freedom are herein called
multiaxial joints. It can be said that shoulder joints 80 and 89 and
hip joints 84 and 85 embody herein a multiaxial means for
repositioning each such limb 26 in two or more planes of rotation.
FIG. 3 also clearly shows that the body parts from which
human-figure display system 15 is formed are preferably essentially
flat. These body parts are preferably made out of wood, and are
preferably cut from one-inch (nominal) thick boards (actual
thickness is about 3/4-inches). The body parts are typically cut out
with a jig saw, saber saw, or band saw, and the parts are then
sanded smooth and painted if desired. Utilizing flat body parts
(embodying herein flat components) significantly reduces the cost of
human-figure display system 15 when compared with three dimensional
body parts. However, the biaxial joints (shoulder joints 80 and 89
and hip joints 84 and 85) produce a three dimensional effect. The
wood can be painted, stained and varnished, or left unfinished.
FIGS. 1 through 7 depict painted body parts, while FIG. 8 depicts
wood that is unfinished (unfinished wood surface 79 as shown in FIG.
8).
FIG. 3 also shows support stand 19 which preferably supports
human-figure display system 15 from behind. Support stand 19
preferably rests on the floor 20, and preferably attaches to
human-figure display system 15 at the neck portion 25a of torso.
Support stand 19 is preferably made of steel tubing preferably
welded to a base plate 39. Support stand 19 is preferably painted to
prevent corrosion and provide a pleasing appearance. A neutral color
is preferable so that the viewer's eye will land on the human-figure
display system 15 rather than on support stand 19. FIG. 2 and FIG. 3
show human-figure display system 15 held a few inches above the
floor 20. However, human-figure display system 15 could also be
supported so that the feet 37 are in contact with the floor 20.
Support stand 19 embodies herein a support means for supporting the
solid torso 25 of the human-figure off the floor 20.
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the illustrated preferred
embodiment of the present invention showing the parts of the
human-figure display system 15 and how they fit together. In other
words, FIG. 4 shows a plurality of body parts assembled to form a
human figure. The body parts shown include: head 24, torso 25
(complete with neck 25a), two hands 27, two lower arms 28, two upper
arms 29, two shoulders 30, two hips 34, two thighs 35, two calves
36, and two feet 37. Hands 27, lower arms 28, upper arms 29,
shoulders 30, hips 34, thighs 35, calves 36, and feet 37 embody
herein limb parts. Also shown are six joint members 41 at the
shoulder joints 80 and hip joints 85, two joint members 42 at hip
joints 85, and four joint members 43 at knee joints 86.
In FIG. 4, joint members 41, 42, and 43 are shown where they are
preferably permanently attached to their respective body parts
(torso 25, shoulder 30, hip 34, thigh 35, and calf 36 as shown)
preferably with two wood screws 61 at each location, and preferably
also with wood glue (not shown). Head 24 is also attached to torso
25 preferably with two wood screws 61 as shown, and feet 37 are
attached to calves 36, preferably with two wood screws 61 (not
shown) for each foot 37, and wood glue. In the preferred embodiment,
a total of 30 wood screws 61 are required (only two are shown in
FIG. 4). Wood screws 61 are preferably 1 1/4 inch long Philips head
dry wall screws.
FIG. 4 also shows bolts 62 and wing nuts 63. Bolts 62 embody herein
pins and, along with the body parts that bolts 62 pass through, form
pinned joints which are repositionable (repositionable pinned joints
21) and hand operable. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, a
total of 14 bolts 62 and 14 wing nuts 63 are utilized. In the
preferred embodiment, bolts 62 pass through holes 51 in joint member
41, holes 50 in shoulders 30, holes 59a in upper arms 29, holes 59b
in upper arms 29, holes 58a in lower arms 28, holes 58b in lower
arms 28, holes 57 in hands 27, holes 52 in joint member 42, holes 54
in hips 34, holes 55 in thighs 35, and holes 53 in joint member 43
as shown. All of the holes (50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 57, 58a, 58b,
59a, and 59b) are preferably 1/4 inch in diameter, and extend all
the way through the respective part.
The human-figure display system 15 can be easily disassembled into
the parts shown in FIG. 4. Tools are not usually needed except for a
Philips head screw driver to detach head 24 from neck 25a of torso
25, and to detach support stand 19 from neck 25a of torso 25. The
bolts 62 and wing nuts 63 embody herein hand-operable fasteners. In
other words, bolts 62 and wing nuts 63 embody herein an assembly
means for disassembling and reassembling such human-figure wherein
such means comprises a hand-operable fastener. Each combination of a
bolt 62 and a nut 63, and the two body parts through which they
pass, embody herein a repositionable pinned joint 21.
FIG. 5 is a partial exploded perspective view of the illustrated
preferred embodiment of the present invention showing details of the
shoulder joints 80 and 89, how the support stand 19 attaches, and
how the associated parts fit together. Head 24 attaches to neck 25a
on torso 25 preferably with two screws 61 as shown. Just below where
head 24 attaches to neck 25a, support stand 19 preferably attaches
to neck 25a on torso 25 with two wood screws 64. Wood screws 64 are
preferably about 3/4 inch long.
Joint member 41 attaches to torso 25 as shown, preferably with two
wood screws 61 and wood glue. Joint member 41 is preferably notched
as shown at the top 91a with notch 44a, and at the bottom 91b with
notch 44b, and fits into recess 45 which is preferably about
3/8-inch deep. The glue (not shown) is preferably applied to the
entire surface inside recess 45 before installing joint member 41.
Excess glue is preferably wiped off immediately after installing and
tightening screws 61.
Another joint member 41 is preferably attached to shoulder 30 in the
same manner, including two wood screws 61, wood glue, notches 44a at
the top 91a and 44b at the bottom 91b, and recess 45. Another joint
member 41 is preferably attached to hip 34 (see FIG. 4) in the same
manner, including two wood screws 61, wood glue, notches 44a at the
top 91a and 44b at the bottom 91b, and recess 45. Joint members 43
(see FIG. 4) are preferably attached to thighs 35 and calves 36 in
the same manner (not shown), including two wood screws 61, wood
glue, notches 44a at the top 93a and 44b at the bottom 93b, and
recess 45. Joint members 42 (see FIG. 4) are preferably attached to
torso 25 in the same manner (not shown), except that no notch 44b is
required at the bottom 92b of joint member 42 due to lack of an
adjacent recess 45 support structure in torso 25. However, the
attachment of joint member 42 (not shown) preferably does include
two wood screws 61, wood glue, notch 44a at the top 92a only, and
recess 45.
Joint members 41 and 42 are preferably about 3 5/8 inches across
(from flat to flat), and joint members 43 are preferably about 2 1/2
inches across. Holes 51 in joint member 41 are preferably on the
back side of human-figure display system 15, as shown in FIG. 5.
Similarly, holes 52 in joint member 42 and holes 53 in joint member
43 are preferably also on the back side of human-figure display
system 15 (see FIG. 4). The two joint members 41 shown in FIG. 5 are
preferably connected with bolt 62 and wing nut 63 forming shoulder
joint 80 (shown in FIG. 3). The formation of the hip joint 85, and
knee joint 86 are accomplished in a substantially similar manner as
shoulder joint 80 (see FIG. 3).
FIG.6 is a partial side view of the illustrated preferred embodiment
of the present invention showing a detail of the shoulder joint 80
without the arm (shoulder 30, upper arm 29, etc.) attached. FIG. 6
shows how screws 61 preferably attach joint member 41 to torso 25.
It can be seen in FIG. 6 how notches 44a and 44b in joint member 41
preferably fit into the recess 45 in torso 25 to provide a secure
attachment. Although not shown in FIG. 6, the attachment of joint
member 41 to shoulder 30, joint member 41 to hip 34, joint member 43
to thigh 35, and joint member 43 to calf 36 are all similar (see
FIG. 4). The attachment of joint member 42 to torso 25 is similar
except that there is no notch 44b on the bottom 92b of joint member
42 (see FIG. 4).
FIG. 7 is a partial side view of the illustrated preferred
embodiment of the present invention showing a detail of the shoulder
joint 80 with the arm (shoulder 30 and upper arm 29) attached and
positioned at an angle. FIG. 7 shows the best view of bolts 62,
which are preferably 1/4-inch UNC stove bolts (slot heads) and are
preferably about 2-inches long. Wing nuts 63 can typically be
tightened and loosened by hand without the use of tools. Joints like
these (80, 84, 85, 87, 88, and 89) that can be tightened and
loosened by hand without tools are herein said to be hand operable.
The limbs 26 of the human-figure display system 15 can be
repositioned by loosening wing nut 63 slightly (if necessary) and
manually articulating the repositionable pinned joint 21 (shoulder
joints 80 or 89 as shown in FIG. 7). With respect to shoulder joint
89, upon loosening wing nut 63, the upper arm 29 is free to rotate
about the bolt 62 which forms the shoulder joint 89.
Likewise, with respect to shoulder joint 80, loosening of wing nut
63 (as shown best in FIG. 5) allows for free rotation of the
assembly comprising the joint member 41, the shoulder 30, and the
upper arm 29 (with attached lower arm 28 and hand 27) about bolt 62
which forms shoulder joint 80. Once in the desired position, the
wing nut 63, which was loosened so as to obtain the desired
configuration is tightened by hand. If bolt 62 is completely loose,
then it may be necessary to hold the head 65 of bolt 62 with the
other hand. If necessary, a slot head screw driver can be used on
head 65 of bolt 62, or a pair of pliers can be used on wing nut 63;
however, the use of such tools is normally not necessary.
Once wing nut 63 is tightened, the clamping force of bolt 62 and
wing nut 63 presses the two parts together (for instance shoulder 30
and upper arm 29 as shown in FIG. 7 for shoulder joint 89) creating
enough frictional force to hold the two parts (for instance shoulder
30 and upper arm 29 as shown in FIG. 7) from sliding against each
other. In other words, bolts 62, and wing nuts 63 embody herein an
adjustable means for adjusting the amount of resistance to movement
of the limbs 26 wherein such means is hand-operable. Articulation of
the hip joints 84 and 85, knee joints 86, wrist joints 87, and elbow
joints 88 is accomplished in a substantially similar manner as the
herein before illustrated and described shoulder joints 80 and 89,
and will not be discussed in any greater detail herein.
FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view illustrating a preferred
embodiment of the present invention as it might be used in a large
walk-in closet. The a human-figure display system 15 is shown
wearing (holding) a hat 71, holding ties 72, garment 73, garment 74,
wig 76, and bag 75. The optional unfinished wood surface 79 is
shown. In a closet, human-figure display system 15 would preferably
be made of unfinished cedar wood so that it will emit a pleasant
odor and repel moths and silverfish. Cedar wood embodies herein an
aromatic means for emitting a pleasing aroma and for repelling
insects. Human-figure display system 15 could be positioned in an
infinite number of positions depending on the needs and desires of
the users. It can be used to hold many other items different from
those shown, such as, for example, belts, bola ties, and towels.
Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments
of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of
this invention included such modifications as diverse shapes and
sizes and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims
as read in connection with the above specification. Further, many
other advantages of applicant's invention will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from the above descriptions and the below claims.
* * * * *
|
|