Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a mannequin having one or more articulated joints capable of exhibiting a full range of motion and of supporting substantial weight. In particular, this invention relates to an apparatus for movably joining two parts of a mannequin. The apparatus includes a first element having an arcuate surface and a second element having a convex surface and a magnetic portion. The second element is movably engageable with the first element.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates to a jointed mannequin, and more particularly to a system of magnetically coupled joints for moveably connecting parts of a mannequin. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Mannequins have been useful for displays in many fields including retail, education, museums and exhibits. Mannequins have been constructed of wood, plaster, wax and other materials. The ability to position a mannequin into a variety of life-like poses is important, particularly in the use of life-size mannequins in high quality displays, such as museum exhibitions. 
     Existing mannequins cannot be repositioned easily because the joints used to connect parts of a mannequin together are often fixed and not easily adjustable. Thus, it is often necessary to remove or replace a mannequin&#39;s limb in order to alter its positioning. In fact, because existing mannequin joints do not mimic human joints, certain mannequin positions cannot be achieved even by removing or replacing limbs. Therefore, it is often necessary to custom design or custom order mannequins that are already in the desired positions, which involves added cost. 
     Existing movable joints are problematic since their range of movement is fairly limited, and is usually restricted to rotation within a single plane. Existing flexible mannequins are often constructed out of a flexible steel (or wire) core and an exterior made of foam or other flexible material. Because such a composition does not replicate the anatomy and positioning of real joints, natural human-like poses are hard to achieve. 
     Furthermore, existing mannequins are unable to support any significant weight, which prevents the use of props in high quality displays. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention is directed to a mannequin having articulated joints capable of exhibiting a full range of motion and of supporting substantial weight. 
     In particular, this invention relates to an apparatus for movably joining two parts of a mannequin, where the first element has an arcuate surface and the second element, which has a convex surface and a magnetic portion, is movably engageable with the first element. 
     In one implementation, the second element has a first convex surface and a magnetic convex surface, where the magnetic convex surface at least partially extends from the first convex surface. Two elements of a mannequin can be moveably joined where the first element has an arcuate surface, and the second element has two convex surfaces, the first convex surface extending at least partially from the second convex surface. The first element and the second element are magnetically joined when the second convex surface of the second element maintains contact with the arcuate surface of the first element through a range of motion. 
     The implementations of the invention may incorporate one or more of the following features: one or more nested arcuate surfaces, one or more multiple magnetic surfaces; one or more magnetic surfaces within one or more nested arcuate surfaces, one or more ball bearings, one or more magnetized ball bearings, one or more pivot bearings, one or more magnetized pivot bearings, one or more roller bearings; one or more magnetized roller bearings. 
     The claimed invention allows for a full range of motion of limbs of a mannequin, which enables life-like positions and allows for dynamic and realistic displays. The claimed invention also allows for easy repositioning, detachment and re-attachment of mannequin limbs. This decreases cost since replacing the entire mannequin or a particular mannequin limb is unnecessary in order to achieve different positions. Easy detachment and re-attachment of mannequin limbs also allows for their interchangeability among different mannequins. 
     Further, the claimed invention allows for movement of one or more including all parts of a mannequin at various joints, for example, at the hip joints, knee joints, ankle joints, toe joints, shoulder joints, elbow joints, wrist joints, and finger joints. The claimed invention can also allow for movement at the neck, jaw, and back or spine, much like a human or other animal, and is not limited to movement of only the major limbs (arms and legs). The claimed invention allows for easy manipulation to accomplish a variety of displays and accommodate different venues. 
     Because of the flexibility of movement and easy detachment and re-attachment of limbs, costuming a mannequin embodying the claimed invention is easier than costuming a stiff mannequin incapable of motion. Further, the flexibility of mannequin parts provided by the claimed invention makes transportation of mannequins easier since their parts can be disassembled and arranged to accommodate different shapes and sizes of packaging. The claimed invention further enables a mannequin to support substantial weight, which allows for use of various props in displays. 
     The term mannequin is not intended to be limited to a life-size representation of the human form, as illustrated in the disclosed embodiments, but can include any three-dimensional representation of any human, human-like, animal or animal-like form, or any part thereof, and can vary in size and shape, as well as in the accuracy of its depiction with regard to anatomy or the amount of detail. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a front view of a mannequin in a display setting embodying aspects of a shoulder joint of the invention. 
         FIG. 1B  is an exploded isometric view of an embodiment of a joint of the invention. 
         FIG. 1C  is an exploded cross-section view of an embodiment of a shoulder joint of the invention. 
         FIG. 1D  is a three-dimensional view of the range of motion of a shoulder joint of the invention. 
         FIG. 1E  is a front view of a mannequin embodying aspects of a shoulder joint of the invention where the shoulder joint is connected using electromagnetic means. 
         FIG. 1F  is a front view of a mannequin of the invention with movable and detachable limbs. 
         FIG. 1G  is a side view of a mannequin of the invention with movable and detachable limbs. 
         FIG. 2A  is a front view of a mannequin embodying aspects of a shoulder joint of the invention. 
         FIG. 2B  is an exploded cross-section view of an embodiment of a shoulder joint of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded isometric view of an embodiment of a joint of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded isometric view of an embodiment of a joint of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded isometric view of an embodiment of a joint of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded isometric view of an embodiment of a joint of the invention. 
         FIG. 7A  is a front view of a mannequin embodying aspects of a joint of the invention. 
         FIG. 7B  is an exploded isometric view of an embodiment of a joint of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded isometric view of an embodiment of a joint of the invention. 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded isometric view of an embodiment of a joint of the invention. 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded cross-section view of an embodiment of a shoulder joint of the invention. 
     
    
    
     Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring initially to  FIG. 1A , mannequin  10  is a lifelike form in a display setting. Mannequin  10  includes limb  11  and torso  12  and can be arranged in a variety of positions to add realism and aesthetically desirable qualities to the display. As illustrated, mannequin  10  is holding an object  2  with limb  11 . Object  2  can be any article. Specifically, in a museum display or exhibition, object  2  can be an object consistent with the display setting, including articles having significant weight, for example, and without limitation, bags, luggage, sports equipment, tools, weapons, or another mannequin. Alternatively, in some embodiments, object  2  can be the weight of limb  11  itself. 
     Mannequin  10  can include an articulated joint  40  between limb  11  and torso  12  to facilitate the positioning of mannequin  10  into life-like or aesthetically desirable positions. Joint  40  is capable of supporting object  2  while maintaining a fixed position of limb  11  relative to torso  12  and the rest of mannequin  10 . In  FIG. 1A , joint  40  acts as a shoulder joint, magnetically coupling mannequin torso  12  and limb  11 . The magnetic coupling of the joint allows for a wide range of motion of limb  11  while supporting the weight of object  2 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1B , joint  40  comprises surface  70  and sphere  76 . Surface  70  can be any arcuate surface, for example, a hemisphere, or a portion of a spherical surface, having an inner concave surface  72  and an outer convex surface  74 . Surface  70  can also be a cylindrical surface or a section of a cylinder, such as a ring, having an inner concave surface  72  and an outer convex surface  74 . Sphere  76  can be magnetically coupled to concave surface  72  or convex surface  74 . Threaded rod  78  is fixed to sphere  76 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1C , joint  40  is positioned between limb  11  and torso  12 . Surface  70  is mounted such that convex surface  74  is attached to torso  12 . Sphere  76  is mounted to limb  11  by means of threaded rod  78  such that sphere  76  at least partially extends from limb  11 . The magnetic attraction of sphere  76  to surface  70  is sufficient to support the weight of limb  11 , while still allowing for a full range of motion between limb  11  and torso  12  to position the mannequin. Set screws  77   a  and  77   b  pass through torso  12  and surface  70 , and secure limb  11  in place. Set screws  77   a  and  77   b  enable mannequin limb  11  to support a weight of about 20 lbs. The weight supported by mannequin limb  11  can vary based on the size, number and placement of set screws. 
     To connect limb  11  with torso  12 , limb  11  (including the portion of sphere  76  extending from limb  11 ) is positioned with respect to torso  12  (and thus concave surface  72 ) until the portion of sphere  76  extending from limb  11  is pulled into concave surface  72  by the magnetic attraction between surface  70  and sphere  76 , and sphere  76  contacts concave surface  72 . In this alignment, limb  11  is rotatably secured to torso  12 . Limb  11  is disconnected from torso  12  by rotating limb  11  along surface  72  while pulling limb  11  away from torso  12 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1D , joint  40  (not shown in  FIG. 1D ) allows for a multi-axial range of motion. Limb  11  can rotate up to 360 degrees (e.g., through 45, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 220, 240, 260, 270, 280, 300, 320, and 360 degrees) parallel to torso  12  and 180 degrees or more (e.g. 180, 200, 220, 240, 260, 280, 300, 320, 340, 360 degrees) across torso  12 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1C , distance  90  between surface  70  and limb  11  can be consistent along concave surface  72  or can vary, for example, it can diminish toward the edges of concave surface  72 , as shown in  FIG. 1C . To achieve an optimal range of motion, limb  11  and surface  70  can maintain a distance  90  of between 0.0625″ and 2″ (e.g., about 0.0625″, 0.125″, 0.25″, 0.5″, 0.75″, 1.0″, 1.25″, 1.5″, 1.75″, 2.0″, or any distance there between). Depending on the size of joint  40  and/or the display mannequin, the distance  90  between limb  11  and surface  70  can be less than 0.0625″ or greater than 2.0″. 
     In some embodiments, sphere  76  can include a magnetic material and surface  70  can include a permanent magnet, a ferromagnetic material (such as iron or steel), or other magnetic materials. In other embodiments, concave surface  72  of surface  70  can be made of plastic or other non-magnetic material, while convex surface  74  can be made of a magnetic material to magnetically couple sphere  76  and surface  70 . In some embodiments, sphere  76  can include a non-magnetic material and surface  70  can include a magnetic material. In other embodiments, sphere  76  can include a magnetic material and surface  70  can be made of metal or other non-magnetic material. 
     Sphere  76  can be a true sphere, a partial sphere, oblong, egg-shaped, flat surfaced, a cube, or a combination of shapes such that magnetic forces between sphere  76  and surface  70  attach limb  11  to torso  12  in a manner that supports the weight of object  2  and maintains the relative positions of limb  11  and torso  12 , while providing for freedom of movement of limb  11 . 
     In various embodiments, surfaces  72  and  74  can be convex and concave respectively, or concave and convex respectively. Surfaces  72  and  74  can also both be concave or both be convex. Surfaces  72  and  74  can be configured to allow for relative movement between the surfaces. Surfaces  72  and  74  can also be in direct contact with each other or separated by a gap, such gap being formed by sphere  76 , bearings, such as ball bearings, a fluid layer, lubricant, silicon rubber, urethane rubber, silicon spray, or other means. Such gap between surfaces  72  and  74  does not interfere with the magnetic attractive force between sphere  76  and surface  70 . 
     The magnetic force between sphere  76  and surface  70  varies based on the size of the magnetic sphere  76  and the thickness of surface  70 . In various embodiments, the magnetic force between sphere  76  and surface  70  is 8000 gauss where surface  70  is ¼″ thick and sphere  76  is 1¼″ in diameter. The magnetic force can vary based on the size and types of the magnets used. 
     In other embodiments, sphere  76  and surface  70  can be coupled using an electromagnetic force, as illustrated in  FIG. 1E , where joint  40 E connects mannequin torso  12  and mannequin limb  11  using electromagnetic means. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1F and 1G , an exemplary embodiment includes a human form mannequin having magnetically coupled ball-and-socket joints used to movably connect two or more parts of the mannequin. The joints allow for a controlled range of motion, (e.g., a life-like range of motion), fixation of positions of the mannequin, and suspension of weight while maintaining a fixed mannequin position. 
       FIG. 1F  shows a front view of mannequin  110  having a head  115 , an upper torso portion  112 U, a lower torso portion  112 L, and movable, detachable limbs  111 L,  111 R,  113 L and  113 R. In various embodiments, limbs  111 L and  111 R can be attached to upper torso  112 U, and  113 L and  113 R can be attached to lower torso  112 L using moveable joints  40 , as described above. Also, in various embodiments, one, two or none of limbs  111 L and  111 R can be attached to upper torso  112 U, and one, two or none of limbs  113 L and  113 R can be attached to lower torso  112 L using movable joint  40 . 
     Additionally, limb  111 L can include upper left arm  114 , lower left arm  116  and left hand  118 . Limb  111 L can include a moveable joint  40  between upper left arm  114  and lower left arm  116 , and a moveable joint  40  between lower left arm  116  and left hand  118 . 
     Similarly limb  111 R can include upper right arm  126 , lower right arm  128  and right hand  130 , with a moveable joint  40  between upper right arm  126  and lower right arm  128 , and a moveable joint  40  between lower right arm  128  and right hand  130 . 
     Limb  113 L can include upper left leg  120 , lower left leg  122 , and left foot  124 , with a moveable joint  40  between upper left leg  120  and lower left leg  122 , and a moveable joint between lower left leg  122  and left foot  124 . Limb  113 R can include upper right leg  132 , lower right leg  134  and right foot  136 , with a moveable joint  40  between upper right leg  132  and lower right leg  134 , and a moveable joint between lower right leg  134  and right foot  136 . 
     In various embodiments, mannequin  110  can include one or more moveable joints  40 . For example, mannequin  110  can include one moveable joint between upper torso  112 U and limb  111 R. Mannequin  110  can also include multiple moveable joints  40 , for example, a moveable joint  40  between limb  111 R and upper torso  112 U and a movable joint between limb  113 L and upper torso  112 U. Further yet, mannequin  110  can include moveable joints  40  between all limbs and upper torso  112 U and lower torso  112 L. 
     In various embodiments, limbs  111 R,  111 L,  113 R and  113 L can include one moveable joint  40 . For example, limb  111 R can include a moveable joint  40  between upper right arm  126  and lower right arm  128  with no moveable joint between lower right arm  128  and right hand  130 . 
     Referring in particular to  FIG. 1F , head  115  and upper torso  112 U are movably connected at neck intersection  151 . Upper torso  112 U and lower torso  112 L are movably connected at waist intersection  155 . Upper torso  112 U and upper left arm  114  are movably connected at left shoulder intersection  141 . Upper left arm  114  and lower left arm  116  are movably connected at left elbow intersection  142 . Lower left arm  116  and left hand  118  are movably connected at left wrist intersection  144 . Lower torso  112 L and upper left leg  120  are movably connected at left hip intersection  146 . Upper left leg  120  and lower left leg  122  are movably connected at left knee intersection  148 . Lower left leg  122  and left foot  124  are movably connected at left ankle intersection  150 . Upper torso  112 U and upper right arm  126  are movably connected at right shoulder intersection  152 . Upper right arm  126  and lower right arm  128  are movably connected at right elbow intersection  154 . Lower right arm  128  and right hand  130  are movably connected at right wrist intersection  156 . Lower torso  112 L and upper right leg  132  are movably connected at right hip intersection  158 . Upper right let  132  and lower right leg  134  are movably connected at knee intersection  160 . Lower right leg  134  and right foot  136  are movably connected at right ankle intersection  162 . The intersections  141 ,  142 ,  144 ,  146 ,  148 ,  150 ,  151 ,  152 ,  154 ,  155 ,  156 ,  158 ,  160 , or  162  can comprise moveable joint assembly  40 , as described above. 
       FIG. 1G  is a side view of  FIG. 1F  and shows the left side of mannequin  110  of this invention with movable and detachable limbs. Head  115  and upper torso  112 U can be movably connected at intersection  151 . Upper torso  112 U and lower torso  112 L can be movably connected at waist intersection  155 . Upper torso  112  and upper left arm  114  can be movably connected at left shoulder intersection  141 . Upper left arm  114  and lower left arm  116  can be movably connected at left elbow intersection  142 . Lower left arm  116  and left hand  118  can be movably connected at left wrist intersection  144 . Lower torso  112 L and upper left leg  120  can be movably connected at left hip intersection  146 . Upper left leg  120  and lower left leg  122  can be movably connected at left knee intersection  148 . Lower left leg  122  and left foot  124  can be movably connected at left ankle intersection  150 . 
     EXAMPLES 
     Referring to  FIG. 2A , mannequin  210  includes movable joint  240 , which can act as a shoulder joint, magnetically coupling torso  212  and limb  211 . The magnetic coupling of joint  240  allows for a wide range of motion of limb  211 , and also allows mannequin  210  to support weight  202 . In  FIG. 2A , weight  202  is depicted as a heavy suitcase, but weight  202  can be any heavy object. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2B , magnetically coupled joint  240  mounts between torso  212  and limb  211 . Surface  270 , which includes convex surface  274  and concave surface  272 , is mounted such that convex surface  274  is attached to torso  212 . Sphere  276  is mounted to limb  211  by means of threaded rod  278 , such that sphere  276  at least partially extends from limb  211 . 
     Gasket  279  can extend around the perimeter of limb  211  at the point where limb  211  joins torso  212 , as shown in  FIG. 2B , in order to provide for additional friction, which helps to keep joint  240  in place and support more weight. Gasket  279  can also extend over the entire joint  240  and serve an aesthetic purpose to conceal the mechanism of joint  240  and imitate a human-like smooth surface from limb  211  to torso  212 . Further yet, gasket  279  can fill the space between concave surface  272  and limb  211  in order to provide for additional friction, as well as to enable joint  240  to maintain an optimal distance between concave surface  272  and sphere  276  to ensure a complete range of motion. Gasket  279  can be made of various materials including silicone, urethane rubber or foam rubber. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a double articulated joint is illustrated having surfaces  370  and  380 , sphere  376  and threaded rod  378 . Surface  370  can be any arcuate surface having a concave surface  372  and a convex surface  374 . Surface  380  is an arcuate surface having a concave surface  382  and a convex surface  384 . Surface  380  is larger in size than surface  370 , such that surface  370  is nested within surface  380 . Supporting spheres  386  and  388  are mounted to concave surface  382  of surface  380  or partially inset in surface  380  and extending out of concave surface  382 . Convex surface  374  of surface  370  is magnetically coupled to supporting spheres  386  and  388 . Sphere  376  is magnetically coupled to concave surface  372  of surface  370 . 
     Joint  340  can be used to magnetically connect two parts of a mannequin where, first, convex surface  384  of surface  380  is mounted to a first mannequin part, second, sphere  376  is mounted to a second mannequin part by means of threaded rod  378 , such that sphere  376  at least partially extends from the second mannequin part, and third, surface  380  and sphere  376  are movably and magnetically coupled. Supporting spheres  386  and  388  can be mounted at different places along concave surface  382  to vary the magnetic distribution of joint  340 . Further, more supporting spheres can be added along concave surface  382  for additional magnetic strength. Alternatively, supporting spheres  386  and  388  can be replaced by a ball bearing along concave surface  382  to maximize magnetic strength and facilitate rotation. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a triple articulated joint  440  includes surfaces  470 ,  480  and  490 , and sphere  476 . Surface  470  is any arcuate surface having a concave surface  472  and a convex surface  474 . Surface  490  is an arcuate surface, larger in size than surface  470 , and having a concave surface  492  and a convex surface  494 . Surface  480  is an arcuate surface, larger in size than surfaces  470  and  490 , and having a concave surface  482  and a convex surface  484 . Supporting spheres  486  and  488  are mounted to concave surface  482 , or partially inset in surface  480  and extending out of concave surface  482 , such that they extend through surface  490  and out of concave surface  492 . 
     Supporting spheres  486  and  488  can be mounted at different places along concave surface  482  to vary the magnetic distribution of joint  440 . More supporting spheres can be added along concave surface  382  for additional magnetic strength. 
     Convex surface  474  of surface  470  is magnetically coupled to supporting spheres  486  and  488 . Sphere  476  is magnetically coupled to concave surface  472  of surface  470 . 
     Joint  440  can be used to magnetically connect two parts of a mannequin where, first, convex surface  484  of surface  480  is mounted to a first mannequin part, second, sphere  476  is mounted to a second mannequin part by means of threaded rod  478 , such that sphere  476  at least partially extends from the second mannequin part, and third, surface  480  and sphere  476  are movably and magnetically coupled. 
     The embodiments illustrated by  FIGS. 3 and 4  provide for a stronger magnetic pull through the use of more metal in the form of additional surfaces and supporting spheres, thus enabling the mannequin to support more weight. The use of multiple nested arcuate surfaces enables simultaneous motion in different directions, which is useful in depicting joints with multiple moving parts, for example, the hip joint, where the hips and torso may need to move in different directions independently of one another. The use of multiple nested arcuate surfaces can also serve to limit the range of motion of the joint, and thus can be used in replicating joints that have more restricted mobility, such as the hip joint. 
     Although the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 4  show two supporting spheres, the invention can include any number of supporting spheres, for example, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more supporting spheres. In embodiments having multiple supporting spheres, one or more of the supporting spheres can be magnetic. Alternatively, in embodiments having multiple supporting spheres, one or more of the supporting spheres can lack magnetic properties. Further yet, in embodiments having multiple supporting spheres, a combination of magnetic and non-magnetic spheres can be used. The magnetic strength of joints  340  and  440  can be varied, in one way, by varying the number, size and orientation of the supporting spheres, as well as the spacing between them. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , joint  540  is a double nested joint made up of surfaces  570  and  580 , and sphere  576 . Surface  570  is any arcuate surface having a concave surface  572  and a convex surface  574 . Surface  580  is an arcuate surface having a concave surface  582  and a convex surface  584 . Surface  580  is larger in size than surface  570 , such that surface  570  is nested within surface  580 . Sphere  576  is magnetically coupled to concave surface  572 . Convex surface  574  is magnetically coupled to concave surface  582 . 
     Joint  540  can be used to magnetically connect two parts of a mannequin where, first, convex surface  584  of surface  580  is mounted to a first mannequin part, second, sphere  576  is mounted to a second mannequin part by means of threaded rod  578 , such that sphere  576  at least partially extends from the second mannequin part, and third, surface  580  and sphere  576  are moveably and magnetically coupled. Joint  540  allows for smooth relative motion of surfaces  570  and  580  since the two surfaces are in direct contact and convex surface  574  lies flush along concave surface  582 . Joint  540  also allows for a greater range of motion than joint  340  in  FIG. 3  since no distance needs to be maintained between surfaces  570  and  580 . However, because no magnetic supporting spheres are present in joint  540 , joint  340  has greater magnetic strength than joint  540 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6  joint  640  is made up of surfaces  670  and  680 , and sphere  676 . Surface  670  is any arcuate surface having a concave surface  672  and a convex surface  674 . Surface  680  is any arcuate surface having a concave surface  682  (not shown in  FIG. 6 ) and a convex surface  684 . Sphere  676  is magnetically coupled to concave surface  672  of surface  670 . Convex surface  674  of surface  670  is magnetically coupled to convex surface  684  of surface  680 . 
     Joint  640  can be used to magnetically connect two parts of a mannequin where, first, sphere  676  is mounted to a first mannequin part by means of threaded rod  678 , such that sphere  676  at least partially extends from the first mannequin part, second, the first mannequin part is magnetically coupled to surface  670 , third, concave surface  682  (not shown in  FIG. 6 ) is mounted to a second mannequin part, and fourth, convex surface  674  is moveably and magnetically coupled to surface  680 . 
     Joint  640  has an unimpeded range of motion because convex surface  674  can orbit around the entire convex surface  684  without limitation. Although in  FIG. 6  surface  680  is depicted as a hemisphere, surface  680  could be any arcuate surface, including a sphere, in which case the range of motion of joint  640  would be much greater. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , joint  740  includes a reverse ball and socket arrangement. Joint  740  acts as a shoulder joint, magnetically coupling torso  712  and limb  711 . The magnetic coupling of joint  740  allows for a wide range of motion of limb  711 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7B , joint  740  is made up of surface  770  and sphere  776 . Surface  770  is any arcuate surface, for example, a hemisphere, or a portion of a sphere, having a concave surface  772  (not shown in  FIG. 7B ) and a convex surface  774 . Sphere  776  is magnetically coupled to convex surface  774  of surface  770 . 
     Joint  740  can be used to magnetically connect two parts of a mannequin where, first, sphere  776  is mounted to a first mannequin part by means of threaded rod  778 , such that sphere  776  at least partially extends from the first mannequin part, second, concave surface  772  (not shown in  FIG. 7B ) is mounted to a second mannequin part, and third, convex surface  774  is moveably and magnetically coupled to sphere  776 . 
     Joint  740  can allow for a wider range of motion than joints  40 ,  240 ,  340 ,  440 ,  540  and  640 . Instead of being nested within a concave surface, sphere  776  is magnetically coupled to a convex surface, therefore the range of motion is limited only by the portion of convex surface  774  that is exposed to contact with sphere  776 , as shown in  FIG. 7A . 
     Unlike joint  640 , the absence of an intervening arcuate surface, like surface  670  in  FIG. 6 , allows for a direct connection between sphere  776  and convex surface  774 , thus allowing for a gliding motion of the mannequin part along convex surface  774 . The absence of an intervening steel surface, such as surface  670 , also enables a mannequin part that could not fit within concave surface  772 , due to either its size or shape, to be mounted directly onto threaded rod  778  without restrictions. 
     Although due to the absence of an arcuate surface like surface  670 , joint  740  is weaker than joint  640  and can only support the weight of limb  711 , a gasket similar to gasket  279  in  FIG. 2B  can be coupled to joint  740  to reinforce it and allow it to support additional weight. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , joint  840  is made up of surface  870  and sphere  876 . Surface  870  is any arcuate surface, for example, a hemisphere, or a portion of a sphere, having a concave surface  872  (not shown in  FIG. 8 ) and a convex surface  874 . Convex surface  874  of surface  870  has multiple depressions  875   a ,  875   b ,  875   c , etc. Sphere  876  is magnetically coupled to convex surface  874  of surface  870 . The depressions in surface  870  result in an increased friction characteristic and increased magnetic strength between sphere  876  and surface  870 . 
     Depressions  875   a ,  875   b ,  875   c , etc. trap the magnetic strength of sphere  876 , thus creating a stronger magnetic concentration than could otherwise be achieved on a smooth surface. Depressions  875   a ,  875   b ,  875   c , etc. also allow sphere  876  to maintain an optimal axial north-south polarity orientation such that the strongest bond is created between sphere  876  and convex surface  874 . 
     Joint  840  can be used to magnetically connect two parts of a mannequin where, first, sphere  876  is mounted to a first mannequin part by means of threaded rod  878 , such that sphere  876  at least partially extends from the first mannequin part, second, concave surface  872  (not shown in  FIG. 8 ) is mounted to a second mannequin part, and third, surface  870  is moveably and magnetically coupled to sphere  876 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , joint  940  is made up of surfaces  970  and  980 , and sphere  976 . Surface  970  is any arcuate surface having concave surface  972  (not shown in  FIG. 9 ) and a convex surface  974 . Surface  980  is any arcuate surface having a concave surface  982  and a convex surface  984 . Sphere  976  is magnetically coupled to convex surface  974  of surface  970 . Concave surface  972  of surface  970  is magnetically coupled to convex surface  984  of surface  980  by means of the magnetic pull of sphere  976  and spheres  985   a ,  985   b ,  985   c , etc. 
     Joint  940  allows a separate non-magnetic surface  970  to glide between magnetic sphere  976  and magnetized surface  980 . The magnetic strength of joint  940  is greatest when sphere  976  and magnetic spheres  985   a ,  985   b  and  985   c  are optimally aligned. The magnetic strength of joint  940  can be varied by changing the number, size and orientation of magnetic spheres aligned with concave surface  982 . 
     Joint  940  can be used to magnetically connect two parts of a mannequin where, first, sphere  976  is mounted to a first mannequin part by means of threaded rod  978 , such that sphere  976  at least partially extends from the first mannequin part, second, magnetic spheres  985   a ,  985   b  and  985   c  are coupled to concave surface  982  of surface  980 , third, concave surface  982  is mounted to a second mannequin part, fourth, concave surface  972  (not shown in  FIG. 9 ) is coupled to convex surface  984 , and fifth, sphere  976  and surface  970  are moveably and magnetically coupled. Magnetic spheres  985   a ,  985   b  and  985   c  can be mounted at different places along concave surface  982  to vary the magnetic distribution of joint  940 . Further, more magnetic spheres can be added along concave surface  982  for additional magnetic strength. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , a joint  1040  is positioned in a reverse manner between limb  1011  and torso  1012  as compared to other embodiments described herein. Joint  1040  includes surfaces  1070  and  1099 , and spheres  1095   a ,  1095   b ,  1095   c , etc. Surface  1070  is mounted such that convex surface  1074  is attached to torso  1012 . Spheres  1095   a ,  1095   b  and  1095   c  are mounted to surface  1070  such that they extend or protrude through surface  1070  and out of concave surface  1072 . Surface  1099  can be any arcuate surface having a concave surface  1098  (not shown in  FIG. 10 ) and a convex surface  1097 . 
     Convex surface  1097  of surface  1099  has multiple depressions  1075   a ,  1075   b ,  1075   c , etc. Joint  1040  can be used to magnetically connect torso  1012  with limb  1011  where, first, concave surface  1098  is mounted to limb  1011 , second, surface  1070  is mounted to torso  1012 , and third, spheres  1095   a ,  1095   b ,  1095   c , etc. are moveably coupled to surface  1099 . In one embodiment, spheres  1095 A,  1095   b ,  1095   c , etc. are magnetic spheres, such as magnetized ball bearings. In other embodiments, depressions  1075   a ,  1075   b ,  1075   c , etc. are magnetized to magnetically couple with spheres,  1095   a ,  1095   b ,  1095   c , etc 
     While  FIG. 10  shows three magnetic spheres  1095   a ,  1095   b  and  1095   c , joint  1040  can have one or any number of magnetic spheres along surface  1070 . Magnetic spheres  1095   a ,  1095   b ,  1095   c , etc. can be mounted at different places along surface  1070  and at different orientations to vary the magnetic distribution of joint  1040 . Magnetic spheres  1095   a ,  1095   b ,  1095   c , etc. can be more or less recessed into surface  1070  and can have different sizes. Further, more magnetic spheres can be added along surface  1070  for additional magnetic strength. 
     In various embodiments, the arrangement of magnetic spheres  1095   a ,  1095   b ,  1095   c , etc. can be in a regular pattern or constellation, with depressions  1075   a ,  1075   b ,  1075   c , arranged accordingly to receive the spheres at regular intervals. Depressions  1075   a ,  1075   b ,  1075   c , can magnetically couple with all magnetic spheres provided or with less than all magnetic spheres provided. 
     The depressions in convex surface  1097  result in an increased friction characteristic and increased magnetic strength between spheres  1095   a ,  1095   b , and  1095   c  and surface  1099 . Convex surface  1097  can have any number of depressions  1075   a ,  1075   b ,  1075   c , etc. 
     In some embodiments, multiple spheres can be provided in a regular or random pattern, wherein less than all the spheres are magnetized. In other embodiments, multiple spheres can be provided as well as multiple depressions for receiving the spheres. The number of depressions can equal or be greater than the number of spheres. All of the depressions can be magnetized or less than all the depressions can be magnetized. 
     In embodiments, multiple spheres can be provided, wherein at least two spheres are of different sizes or shapes. In embodiments, multiple depressions can be provided wherein at least two depressions have different sizes or shapes. 
     Joint  1040  can also include gasket  1079 . In  FIG. 10 , gasket  1079  extends around the perimeter of limb  1011  at the point where limb  1011  joins torso  1012 . Gasket  1079  can be made of various materials including silicone, urethane rubber or foam rubber. Gasket  1079  can have different shapes, sizes and thicknesses to vary the friction properties as well as aesthetics of joint  1040 . Gasket  1079  provides additional friction, which helps to keep joint  1040  in place and enables it to support more weight. Further, gasket  1079  can enable joint  1040  to maintain an optimal distance between surface  1099  and spheres  1095   a ,  1095   b  and  1095   c  to ensure a complete range of motion. Further yet, gasket  1079  can wrap around the entire joint  1040  in order to conceal its structure and mimic a smooth human-like skin surface. 
     Other embodiments are included within the scope of the claims.