Toy figure, in particular, functional doll

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.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a toy figure, in particular, a functional doll, including a central torso with a body shell that encloses a cavity in the interior of the torso, and a plurality of extremities that are disposed on the torso, such as a head, arms and legs, at least the arms and legs being formed from flexurally elastic material. A functional device for ensuring one or more functions typical of a functional doll is integrated in the toy figure, the functional alignment including a central functional section that is accommodated in the torso of the toy figure and at least one peripheral functional section that is disposed in an associated extremity.

Toy figures, in particular, so-called functional dolls, in which a series of predetermined functions integrated in the toy figure increase the play value have been available for some time now. For example, dolls that laugh, cry, wet themselves, swallow, and excrete soft food or can make certain sounds are known. It is often the case that these toy figures require batteries. A durable toy figure that is particularly unsusceptible to malfunctioning can be achieved if these functions are triggered mechanically, pneumatically, and/or hydraulically rather than electrically.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a toy figure, in particular, a functional doll, that overcomes the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices of this general type and that further increases the extent of a play value of the toy.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a toy figure, including a central torso having a body shell enclosing a cavity in an interior of the torso, a plurality of extremities disposed on the torso, the extremities including at least one of a head, arms, and legs, at least the arms and the legs being formed from a flexurally elastic material, an integrated functional device having a central functional section disposed in the torso and at least one peripheral functional section disposed in an associated one of the extremities, joint connections rotatably mounting at least one of the arms, the legs, and the head on the torso, at least one of the joint connections having seals fluid-tightly sealing the torso and the at least one of the arms, the legs, and the head, a transfer device guided through at least one of the fluid-tight joint connections, and the at least one peripheral functional section being in at least one of mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic operative connection with the central functional section through an associated one of the fluid-tight joint connections.

It is a basic idea of the present invention for such a toy figure equipped with joints and functions to be configured as a doll for playing with in the bath. The provision of suitable sealing measures in the region of the joint connections gives the toy figure a fluid-tight construction. Transfer measures, at the same time, are guided through the fluid-tight joint connection such that at least one peripheral functional section is in mechanical and/or pneumatic and/or hydraulic operative connection with the central functional section through the associated fluid-tight joint connection. The sealing measures in the region of the joint connections prevent water from passing into the hollow torso or the hollow extremities, in particular, the head, the arms, or legs.

It has been found that the conventional toy figures with generic integrated functional devices have the disadvantage that, on account of the joint connections, they were not sufficiently fluid-tight to be brought into contact with water. For the users, predominantly children from three to ten years of age, the play value of a toy figure, in particular, a functional doll, can be significantly increased by it also being possible for this figure or doll to be introduced into a basic of water, in particular, into a bathtub, or even held under running water.

With the conventional functional dolls, in such a case, water penetrates through the joint connections. As a result, the functional device may be damaged, but, at the very least, water remains in the toy figure, which is extremely undesirable for hygiene-related reasons.

In accordance with another feature of the invention, at least two peripheral functional sections are provided in two different extremities that are each in operative connection with the central functional section. Such a peripheral function may be formed, for example, by a compressible chamber that is formed in the arm and the compression of which causes a certain function, in particular, the flow of tears, to be triggered by the functional device. The second peripheral functional section may be configured, for example, as a pressure slide within a flexurally elastic leg, to actuate a valve in the central functional section.

In accordance with a further feature of the invention, for the peripheral functional section to be connected to the central functional section in each case through the fluid-tight joint connections, mechanical and/or hydraulic and/or pneumatic transfer measures that may include, for example, one or more hoses or lines or an actuating slide are provided in the region of these fluid-tight joint connections.

In accordance with an added feature of the invention, first joint elements are provided on the torso and can be brought into engagement with second, respectively correspondingly configured joint elements on the extremities, at least one of the first joint elements including a respective recess that is provided on the torso and into which the second joint elements can be latched. These first joint elements are, preferably, integrally formed on the torso so that this constitutes a favorable solution as far as the production costs are concerned. Furthermore, this solution, in the case of a functional doll, allows realistic modeling of human behavior—as far as the pivoting movement and the pivoting plane of the joint are concerned—to be achieved in a comparatively favorable manner.

In accordance with an additional feature of the invention, the fluid-tight sealing may be effected by forming the first joint elements provided on the torso in each case in a joint cage belonging to the torso and partitioning them off in a fluid-tight manner in the direction of the cavity of the torso in each case by a sealing wall of the associated joint cage. The mechanical and/or pneumatic and/or hydraulic transfer measures are guided through the sealing walls in a fluid-tight mount or fluid-tight sealing being effective between the sealing walls and the second joint elements.

The first joint elements, which are, preferably, likewise integrally formed on the torso, are partitioned off in a cage-like manner from the cavity by the sealing walls. It is also the case in this configuration that the body shell is, preferably, welded together from two parts, with the result that a sufficiently high rear-engagement measures can be formed in the region between the sealing walls and the first joint elements so that the second joint elements can be latched in permanently on the torso. In a specific configuration, it is also possible for the fluid-tight mount mentioned to fix an associated transfer measures, for example, a hose, in a fully fluid-tight manner, in particular, by adhesive bonding or welding. Any rotary movements can, then, be absorbed by twisting of the hose or by a separate rotary bearing.

In accordance with yet another feature of the invention, the fluid-tight mount, itself, is configured as a rotary bearing for ensuring a fluid-tight rotary movement between the sealing wall and the transfer measures. For example, an actuating slide can be mounted in a fluid-tight manner within the sealing wall along the axis of rotation of the joint movement.

In accordance with yet a further feature of the invention, the joint cages that are, preferably, provided act as stiffening measures to effect a sealing fit that is reliable even under stressing. The fluid-tight mounting has to be ensured even when, within the context of customary handling of the toy figure, the extremities are also subjected to transverse forces. In a configuration that is further regarded as advantageous, the sealing walls are, thus, more torsionally rigid than the body shell of the toy figure.

In accordance with yet an added feature of the invention, the joint cages can be inserted as separate components into the torso. As an alternative, the joint cages or two half-shells that form a joint cage can be integrally formed on the torso or on the half-bodies thereof.

If the joint cages are configured as separate components, it is also possible to use, for such a purpose, a material that differs from, in particular, is harder than, the material of the body shell. In the case of the joint cages being integrally formed on the half-bodies of the torso, it is recommended for the joint cages also to be integrally formed as half-shells in each case.

In accordance with yet an additional feature of the invention, at least one peripheral functional section is configured as an actuating device for triggering a certain function of the functional device, in particular—as has already been mentioned—as a compressible chamber, as an eccentric or as a pressure slide.

It is also possible, in accordance with again another feature of the invention, for at least one peripheral functional section to be configured as an effect-producing device, in particular, as a tear outlet and/or as food-/drink-receiver, for ensuring a predetermined play effect. Here too, it is important to have reliable transfer measures, between the central functional section and the peripheral functional section, which are guided through the fluid-tight joint connections and which are configured for the respectively envisaged rotary movements between the torso and extremity. In accordance with again a further feature of the invention, at least one peripheral functional section is three peripheral functional sections disposed in three different ones of the extremities, each of the three peripheral functional sections being in operative connection with the central functional section, and the three different ones of the extremities include the head, one of the arms, and one of the legs

In accordance with again an added feature of the invention, for sealing the joint connections, first joint elements are provided on the torso and can be brought into engagement with second, respectively correspondingly configured joint elements on the extremities, annular sealing measures being disposed between at least one first joint element and the associated second joint element and effecting fluid-tight sealing of the respective joint connection even in the case of rotary movement between the first and second joint elements.

This possible sealing method may be provided as an alternative, or in addition, to the already mentioned sealing by the sealing walls in the region of the first joint elements within the torso. A preferred configuration is one that does not have these separately provided sealing walls because there is, then, no need to produce the latter and it is also the case that the transfer measures need not be guided through the sealing walls. The annular sealing measures may be configured here such that it is effective in the region of the bearing surfaces between the first and second joint elements and effects reliable sealing in any envisaged rotary position. To reduce frictional forces and wear and to increase the sealing action, a sealing lubricant, for example, silicone lubrication, may be provided in addition.

In accordance with again an additional feature of the invention, of the first (torso-side) joint elements, the latter include a disk-like base plate that is, preferably, integrally formed with the body shell and has an outer and an inner abutment surface, the base plate containing a recess that is provided for the insertion of the associated second joint element and has a circular inner surface. Accommodating devices for fastening the annular sealing measures are provided on this circular inner surface. This disk-like base plate, in particular, the circular inner surface thereof, defines a stable bearing surface on which the annular sealing measures can be provided at the same time. In a specific configuration, the accommodating devices for the annular sealing measures may include an encircling groove such that the annular sealing measures are retained in position by the encircling groove.

In accordance with still another feature of the invention, the second joint elements are configured to correspond to the first joint elements and may include two mating plates that are spaced apart from one another at a predetermined distance by an encircling joint groove, at least certain portions of the resulting joint groove defining sliding surfaces for the joint connection, and these and/or other portions forming a bearing surface for the annular sealing measures within the joint groove.

In accordance with still a further feature of the invention, the annular sealing measures may be configured as an O-ring. This configuration results in durable and reliable sealing between the first and second joint elements, the elasticity of the O-ring being capable of compensating for production tolerances, deformation and wear.

In accordance with still an added feature of the invention, that is particularly favorable in production terms, the annular sealing measures are configured as an encircling sealing lip that is formed, on the torso side, on the first joint element or the second joint element, which is associated with an extremity, preferably, connected integrally to the first joint element or to the second joint element. Production and installation costs are favorable precisely in the case of integrally forming this sealing lip.

In accordance with still an additional feature of the invention, the annular sealing element may be configured as a cross-sectionally U-shaped double ring or grooved ring with an outer and an inner sealing lip. On account of its elasticity already being provided by the shape, such a sealing element is particularly well suited for compensating for any production tolerances, deformation, or signs of wear.

In accordance with another feature of the invention, the body shell of the torso of the toy figure is formed from two half-bodies that are welded to one another at the manufacturer. This gives the manufacturer more freedom in constructing the body shell. Even undercut regions, in particular, for forming the first joint elements, can, thus, be realized with justifiable production outlay.

In accordance with a further feature of the invention, production of the toy figure by welding two half-bodies is carried out even in the case of the torso having a length of over 150 mm, preferably, of over 160 mm, in particular, of over 170 mm.

In accordance with an added feature of the invention, the reinforcing inserts have an outwardly oriented planar front surface.

In accordance with an additional feature of the invention, the arms and/or legs are stiffened in the region of the joint connections by reinforcing inserts. It is precisely in the case of the flexurally elastic arms and/or legs, which are usually configured as hollow bodies, that there is the problem of these possibly being deformed, under unfavorable loading, such that, without reinforcing inserts, a fluid-tight joint connection possibly cannot be ensured with a sufficient degree of reliability. It is, thus, a particular discovery that the reliability of the fluid-tight joint connection according to the invention, through which transfer measures of a functional unit are guided, can still be increased to a significant extent by reinforcing inserts.

In accordance with yet another feature of the invention, the reinforcing inserts have a cylindrical basic body with a termination plate that is joined thereto and is of slightly larger dimensions in the radial direction. The reinforcing inserts are inserted into a correspondingly configured recess of the associated joint element, this recess being configured as a cylindrical opening that is bounded at the top by an encircling groove. The termination plate reinforces the joint element as far as its distal periphery. Deformation of the flexurally elastic arms and/or legs, then, cannot give rise to any deformation in the region of the joint connections that is critical for the functioning of the fluid sealing.

Although basically not necessarily integral positioning of the first joint element in relation to the torso (and, likewise, not necessarily integral positioning of the second joint element in relation to the extremities) is preferred, it is also possible, in accordance with a concomitant feature of the invention, as an alternative, for the fluid-tight joint connections to be configured as separate components that are, then, fastened in a fluid-tight manner. In particular, they are attached by welding and/or adhesive bonding between the torso and associated extremity. In these alternatives, it would be possible for the fluid-tight joint connections to be optimized in terms of their fluid-sealing function and of the lead-through of the transfer measures, without account being taken of the production process of the body shell or of the extremities. Connection of the transfer measures and fastening of the joint connections to the torso and the extremities, however, would, then, give rise to additional outlay during assembly of the toy figure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and first, particularly toFIG. 1thereof, there is shown a partly sectional view of one embodiment of a functional doll. The functional doll includes a torso11that is made up of two half-bodies52,53, forms a body shell35and has extremities disposed on it, namely, a head12, arms13,14and legs15,16. A cavity34is formed within the torso11.

The arms13,14are connected to the torso11through fluid-tight joint connections18,19configured as arm joints and the legs15,16are connected through fluid-tight joint connections20,21configured as leg joints. Finally, the head is connected to the torso11through a likewise fluid-tight joint connection22configured as a neck joint.

Accommodated within the functional doll is a functional device17that has a central functional section62provided in the torso11and one or more peripheral functional sections provided in the extremities12to16. The peripheral functional sections, here, specifically include a compressible chamber26, an eccentric27, a pressure slide28, a tearing outlet29(seeFIG. 2B), and a food-/drink-receiver30(seeFIG. 2B).

The central functional section62and the peripheral functional sections26to30are connected to one another through hydraulic and/or pneumatic and/or mechanical transfer measures that are to be explained in more detail below.

Provided between the head12and torso11are lines31,32that connect the food-/drink-receiver30to a drink tank65and a storage tube66, which serves as a food tank. The storage tube66serving as a food tank is oriented to run in a rectilinear manner parallel to the axis of the body of the functional doll, and is connected to a first evacuation opening68through a valve device10. It, preferably, is of a material that can be twisted over a certain angle range to follow pivoting movements of the head. The drink tank65, for its part, is connected to a second evacuation opening70through an outflow line69.

The already mentioned compressible chamber26is formed on or in the arm13of the functional doll. The compressible chamber26is in pneumatic operative connection with the cavity34formed in the torso11, such that, when the arm13formed from flexurally elastic material is compressed, air is forced through the joint connection18, through a first valve connector72and through a hose71, into a tears tank74filled with liquid. A predetermined quantity of liquid is, thus, fed out of the tears tank74through a line85, into the region of the eye sockets86of the functional doll and flows out of one or both eyes75. The tears tank74may have a refilling device that is coupled to the food-/drink-receiver30. For the arm13to be allowed to relax into its starting position and, at the same time, for the volume, which increases again in the process, not to be filled with liquid from the tears tank74, a second valve connector73is provided within the joint connection18. Connected to the second valve connector73is an air-admission line87through which air can be taken in for the purpose of filling the cavity34. First and second valve connectors72,73each have non-illustrated non-return valves so that, through the first valve connector72, air is always ejected out of the arm13in the direction of the tears tank74and, through the second valve connector73, renewed filling of the arm13with air is ensured.

Finally, the cavity34of the torso also contains a mechanical voice76, which is known per se in the case of toy figures. The mechanical voice76produces a pre-selected sound when the functional doll changes position.

The already mentioned valve device10can be actuated through the fluid-tight joint connection20. The valve device10includes, in the first instance, a valve chamber77with a valve piston78that is mounted in a displaceable manner therein and has a through-passage opening79provided for the through-passage of fluid in the open position of the valve device10. The valve piston78is retained in the closed position by the action of a spring80. The valve piston78is sealed in a fluid-tight manner in relation to the cylindrical valve chambers77through two sealing disks or O-rings81,82.

By an actuating slide33, which projects into the joint connection20, and of the pressure slide28, which is disposed in a rotationally fixed manner on this actuation slide33, it is possible to actuate the valve piston78, in the case of the pressure slide28being subjected to pressure, in a certain angular position or in a certain angle range of the leg15in relation to the torso11. Outside such an angular position or the angle range, a translatory displacement of the valve piston78does not result in an open position of the valve device10, which is explained in more detail in the applicant's parallel application of the same date.

FIG. 2Aillustrates an alternative embodiment of a functional doll as seen schematically partly in cross-section. The embodiment illustrated here differs from the embodiment explained with reference toFIG. 1substantially by modification of the fluid-tight joint connections18to22. The joint connections of the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1will be explained in more detail at a later stage in the text with reference toFIGS. 7 to 9. The joint connections used in the embodiment according to FIG.2Aa are, likewise, illustrated in more detail with reference toFIG. 10A. The significant difference is that the joint connections are partitioned off in relation to the cavity34of the torso11by joint cages42that have corresponding sealing walls24. In such a case, the transfer measures, in particular, an air channel88, and the actuation slide33are guided in a fluid-tight manner through the sealing wall24of the joint cages42, which will be described in more detail with reference toFIG. 10A.

FIG. 2Billustrates a schematic diagram, in a lateral sectional view, of a functional doll corresponding to the embodiment shown inFIG. 1or2A. It can be seen here that the already mentioned lines31,32and the storage tube66are guided through the joint connection22that forms the neck of the doll.

FIG. 2Cillustrates, in simplified form, a basic sectional view through a functional doll according to the embodiment shown inFIG. 2A. It is possible to see the joint connections18,19of the arms13,14, these joint connections18,19being retained in joint cages42, respectively. Integrally formed on the joint connection18is an air-admission and air-extraction connection89, which is connected to an air channel88through the joint connection19. Located on the air-admission and air-extraction connection89, in turn, are the first valve connector72and the second valve connector73(concealed inFIG. 2C) for the connection of a hose71and of the air-admission line87, respectively. SeeFIG. 1.

Various preferred configurations of the fluid-tight joint connection18to22are explained in more detail hereinbelow.

FIGS. 3A,3B, and4illustrate a first alternative configuration for a fluid-tight joint connection. The already mentioned torso11contains a plurality of base plates43, in which first joint elements36,37,63(see alsoFIGS. 1 and 9) are provided and into which correspondingly configured second joint elements38,39,64can be inserted. Whereas, in the case of the embodiments illustrated here, the second joint elements38,39of the arms13,14and legs15,16are integrally formed with the associated arms13,14and legs15,16, the second joint element64of the head12is configured as a separate component, which is, then, adhesively bonded or welded to the head.

The first joint elements36,37,63include recesses40,41,83that are each provided in the base plates43and into which the second joint elements38,39,64can be inserted. The recesses each include an inner surface46that bounds the recesses along the circumference and on which an accommodating device, in particular, a tapering groove47, is provided. In the case of the embodiment that is illustrated with reference toFIGS. 3A,3B and4, the groove47is defined by a notch with two surfaces running toward one another, a correspondingly configured sealing lip54of the second joint elements38,39engaging in this notch. The second joint elements38,39include mating plates49,50that are spaced apart from one another by an encircling joint groove48. The spacing between the joint plates49,50corresponds approximately to the thickness of the base plate43formed on the first joint elements36,37,63. The mating plates49,50—as can be seen from FIG.4—engage around the base plate43such that the joint connections18to22is stabilized by the abutment of the mating plates49,50in each case against an inner abutment surface45and an outer abutment surface44of the base plate43. The mating plate49here forms the joint-side termination of an extremity12to16, whereas the mating plate50can merge, at the periphery, into the contour of the associated extremity.

The sealing lip54provided in the encircling joint groove48is configured to correspond to the shaping of the groove47provided in the first joint element36,37,63. The sealing lip54, at the same time, forms a bearing surface51for the joint connection18to22.

In the configuration that is specifically proposed here, the sealing lip54is formed integrally with the associated extremity12to16, which reduces the production costs. To ensure the desired fluid sealing with a sufficient level of reliability, however, it is very important for the sealing lip54and groove47to be coordinated precisely with one another. It goes without saying that, in respect of a kinematic reversal, it is also possible for the groove47to be formed on the second joint elements38,39,64of the extremities12to16and for a correspondingly configured sealing lip54to be provided within the first joint elements36,37,63.

FIGS. 5A,5B, and6illustrate an alternative embodiment for fluid-tight sealing of the joint connections18to22. The sealing here, rather than being achieved by a sealing lip54which corresponds with an appropriate groove47, is achieved by an O-ring23that is effective between the first joint element36,37,63and the second joint element38,39,64. The groove47on the inner surface46of the recess40,41,83of the torso11is shaped appropriately to stabilize the O-ring23. Correspondingly, the encircling joint groove48of the second joint element38,39,64is provided with a cross-sectional shape that stabilizes the O-ring23. At the same time, however, a bearing surface51possibly including a plurality of portions is defined within the encircling joint groove48, this bearing surface sliding on the base plate43of the first joint elements36,37,63.

The sealing by an O-ring23is extremely reliable and durable and also compensates for slight production tolerances that are present in certain circumstances.

Finally,FIGS. 7,8and9illustrate a third alternative embodiment for fluid-tight sealing of the joint connections18to22that corresponds to the sealing illustrated inFIG. 1. In this case, instead of an O-ring23, a double ring25, which may also be referred to as a grooved ring, is inserted, for sealing purposes, between the inner surface46of the recesses40,41,83, that are provided within the base plate43, and the encircling joint groove48of the second joint element38,39,64. A correspondingly configured groove47on the inner surface46of the base plate43may be dispensed with, as is illustrated with reference toFIGS. 7,8and9. The double ring25includes an outer sealing lip55and an inner sealing lip56, which are connected to one another at a common base84and can be deflected elastically in relation to one another at their distal ends.

As is shown with reference toFIG. 8, the double ring25, for installation purposes, may be drawn onto the second joint elements38,39,64and is retained there in the encircling joint groove48.

To limit the deformation of the second joint elements38,39,64such that, in the case of normal usage, fluid-tight sealing of the functional doll remains ensured even if the extremities12to16are deformed, reinforcing inserts57(seeFIGS. 1,2A,4,6,10A) are inserted in the second joint elements38,39,64in each case. These reinforcing inserts57include a cylindrical basic body59with a termination plate60disposed at the end thereof. The termination plate60has a planar front surface58. The reinforcing inserts57can be inserted in each case into a correspondingly shaped recess within the second joint elements38,39,64, a groove61being integrally formed on the periphery of the second joint elements for the purpose of accommodating the termination plate60in a flush manner. See,FIG. 8. The second joint elements38,39,64are, thus, stiffened precisely in their distal region, namely at the outer mating plate49, by the termination plate60of the respective reinforcing insert57.

FIG. 10Aillustrates a fluid-tight joint connection20that is partitioned off from the cavity34of the torso11by a joint cage42. In the embodiment ofFIG. 10A, the joint cage42is formed by a sealing wall24that has a substantially cup-like basic shape and directly adjoins the body shell35in the inward direction such that the recess41, which is provided in the outward direction for the insertion of the second joint element39, has a smaller diameter than the joint cage42formed by the, in this case, substantially cup-like sealing wall24. The second joint element39is retained in these undercuts formed in this way, in which case, the first joint element37here need not just include the recess formed in the body shell35; rather, the joint cage, which as far as possible has a corresponding configuration, can also perform a guidance function for guiding the second joint element39, as is also illustrated with the present embodiment. However, it is not in any way imperative for the joint cage42to perform such a joint or guidance function. Rather, it may be sufficient for the first joint element to be formed in a base plate43in the body shell35that is provided with a recess41and outer abutment surface44and inner abutment surface45.

The sealing walls24of the joint cages42predominantly have a sealing function. For such a purpose, they have a central opening90through which the transfer devices are, in this case, specifically the actuating slide33, is, guided. An O-ring91is retained in the central opening90to seal the actuating slide33in a fluid-tight manner in relation to the cavity34of the torso11during a rotary or translatory movement of the actuating slide. Correspondingly—as can be seen from FIG.2A—the air channel88is guided through the central opening90of the sealing wall24, here, too, an O-ring91being provided for fluid-tight sealing between the air channel88and sealing wall24.

In the case of the embodiment illustrated here, the O-ring91, rather than butting directly against the actuating slide33, effects sealing between the termination plate60of the second joint element and the sealing wall24. As an alternative, however, it is also conceivable for the sealing to take place directly between the sealing wall24and the actuating slide33.

FIG. 10Billustrates a half-body for a torso of a functional doll in which half-shells of joint cages42can be inserted at the leg joints20,21. A half-shell92is provided with an outer groove93, which can be latched onto a protrusion94formed on the half-body52of the body shell35.

FIG. 10Cillustrates an alternative embodiment, in which the half-shells92for the leg joints20,21are formed integrally with the half-body52of the body shell35. In both embodiments illustrated, the joint cages42for the arm joints18,19are integrally formed on the body shell35.