Flexible shell structure for show elements

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a flexible shell structure. The flexible shell structure includes a plurality of rigid support strips that collectively define a three-dimensional shape of at least one portion of a character form. The flexible shell structure further includes at least one connecting member configured to connect two or more of the plurality of rigid support strips. The at least one connecting member allows the flexible shell structure to deflect when a first force is applied to the flexible shell structure in a first direction and allows the flexible shell structure to resist deflection when a second force is applied to the flexible shell structure in a second direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - reference to Related Applications) This application claims the priority and benefit of U.S. Utility Application No. 17 / 543,584, titled "FLEXIBLE SHELL STRUCTURE FOR SHOW ELEMENTS", filed on December 6, 2021, which claims the priority and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 122,454, titled "FLEXIBLE SHELL STRUCTURE FOR SHOW ELEMENTS", filed on December 7, 2020, the entire contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein.

[0002] The technology described below generally relates to shell structures, and more specifically, to flexible shell structures for show elements.

Background Art

[0003] Show elements such as anime figures (e.g., robots) may incorporate a shell structure to achieve a desired aesthetic appearance. For example, a rigid shell structure shaped to resemble a part of a character form (e.g., a human chest or torso, a part of a fictional creature, etc.) may be used to enclose the hardware (e.g., electromechanical actuators, electronic devices, cables, etc.) that controls the movement of the show element. The size and shape of these shell structures are typically defined by the aesthetic requirements of the show element. As a result, these shell structures often limit the mechanical capabilities (e.g., range of motion) of the show element.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following provides a simplified overview of one or more aspects of the Disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This overview is not intended to be a comprehensive overview of all the features intended of the Disclosure, nor is it intended to identify the main or important elements of all aspects of the Disclosure, nor to describe the scope of any or all aspects of the Disclosure. Its sole purpose is to present in a simplified form some of the concepts of one or more aspects of the Disclosure as a prelude to the more detailed explanations that will be presented later.

[0005] Aspects of this disclosure relate to a flexible shell structure. The flexible shell structure includes a plurality of rigid support strips that collectively define the three-dimensional shape of at least one portion of a character form. The flexible shell structure further includes at least one connecting member configured to connect two or more of the plurality of rigid support strips. The at least one connecting member allows the flexible shell structure to flex when a first force is applied to it in a first direction, and allows the flexible shell structure to resist flexing when a second force is applied to it in a second direction.

[0006] In one example, a method for generating a flexible shell structure is disclosed. This method includes generating a plurality of rigid support strips that collectively define the three-dimensional shape of at least one part of a character form. The method further includes connecting two or more of the plurality of rigid support strips with at least one connecting member. The at least one connecting member allows the flexible shell structure to flex when a first force is applied to it in a first direction, and allows the flexible shell structure to resist flexing when a second force is applied to it in a second direction. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] (Including Figures 1A to 1D) Examples of the range of motion of the jointed arms of anime figures are shown. [Figure 2]Further examples of the range of motion of articulated arms in anime figures are shown (including Figures 2A to 2D). [Figure 3] (Including Figures 3A to 3D) Further examples of the range of motion of articulated arms in anime figures are shown. [Figure 4] This disclosure shows flexible shell structures according to various embodiments. [Figure 5] Detailed diagrams of rigid support strips and connecting members within a flexible shell structure according to various embodiments of this disclosure are shown. [Figure 6] Cross-sections of connecting members according to various embodiments of this disclosure are shown. [Figure 7] The following are side views of rigid support strips according to various embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 8] The following are side views of rigid support strips according to various embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 9] This disclosure shows some of the liner materials coupled to rigid support strips according to various embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 10] This disclosure shows flexible shell structures according to various embodiments. [Figure 11] These are flowcharts illustrating various aspects of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The embodiments for carrying out the invention described below with respect to the accompanying drawings illustrate various configurations and are not intended to represent only the configurations in which the concepts described herein can be implemented. The embodiments for carrying out the invention include certain details to provide a complete understanding of the various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts can be implemented without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in the form of block diagrams to avoid obscuring such concepts. While the aspects and embodiments are described in this application by example to several examples, those skilled in the art will understand that additional embodiments and use cases may arise in many different configurations and scenarios. The innovations described herein can be implemented across many different platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes, and / or package configurations.

[0009] Figure 1 (including Figures 1A to 1D) shows an animated figure 100 (also called a robot), where Figure 1A is a front view of the animated figure 100, Figure 1B is a side view of the animated figure 100, Figure 1C is a front perspective view of the animated figure 100, and Figure 1D is a rear perspective view of the animated figure 100. The animated figure 100 has articulated arms 102, 104 and articulated legs 106, 108. As shown in Figure 1A, the articulated arms 102, 104 may be controlled by their respective electromechanical actuators 110, 112, and the articulated legs 106, 108 may be controlled by their respective electromechanical actuators 114, 116.

[0010] In some examples, the anime figure 100 may be configured for use as a show element or for other entertainment purposes. As used herein, the term “show element” may refer to a tangible figure, tangible object, tangible device, or tangible system created or manufactured for theatrical or entertainment purposes. For example, the anime figure 100 may be configured as a character for a live show, an attraction (e.g., a ride or display in a theme park), a television program, a feature film, and / or other suitable entertainment use. Thus, as shown in Figure 1A, the anime figure 100 may include one or more solid shell structures (e.g., solid shell structures 118, 120, 122, 124) that provide the anime figure with a desired aesthetic appearance. In some examples, each of the solid shell structures may be formed using a rigid material (e.g., plastic, 3D printed parts, or other suitable material) and may have the shape of a character form or a part of a character form. In some examples, each of the solid shell structures may be covered with a flexible material (e.g., silicone, urethane, foam, rubber, and / or other suitable material) to give the anime figure 100 a lifelike outer shell appearance.

[0011] In other examples, show elements do not have to be animated (for example, they do not have to be operated by electromechanical actuators). For example, show elements may be static props such as car bumpers used in theatrical productions. In this example, the flexible shell described herein may be implemented in the shape of a bumper. Thus, when a live actor (for example, a live actor playing the role of a superhero character with great strength) pushes the bumper, the bumper can be deformed in at least one direction, giving the illusion that the bumper has been deformed.

[0012] As used herein, the term “character form” may refer to the appearance, resemblance, and / or aesthetic qualities of a particular character. In some examples, a character may be a fictional character, such as a fictional person, animal, or living creature. In other examples, a character may be an anthropomorphic object (e.g., a talking tree, or a lamp with animated arms and / or legs). In yet another example, a character may be a non-fictional character, such as a person (e.g., a historical figure) or a lifelike animal (e.g., a horse, a dog, etc.).

[0013] One or more of the solid shell structures of the anime figure 100 may function as structures for supporting a cover. In some examples, the cover may be a stage costume, uniform, or outfit, and may include one or more pieces of clothing such as a shirt, dress, coat, robe, and / or other suitable garments. For example, solid shell structure 118 may support the shirt of the anime figure 100, and the shape of solid shell structure 118 simulates the presence of a human torso beneath the shirt.

[0014] Each of the articulated arms 102, 104 and articulated legs 106, 108 of the anime figure 100 may have a range of motion. For example, as shown in Figure 1A, the articulated arm 104 of the anime figure 100 may have a lateral range of motion defined by a lowest position 126 and a highest position 130. Thus, in this example, the articulated arm 104 can move laterally to an intermediate lateral position between the lowest position 126 and the highest position 130 (e.g., an intermediate lateral position 128). As shown in Figure 1A, the solid shell structure 118 may include an articulated clearance mechanism on or near the electromechanical actuator of each articulated arm, such as an articulated clearance mechanism 132 that exposes the electromechanical actuator 112 of the articulated arm 104. The articulated clearance mechanism 132 may allow the articulated arm 104 to move up and down without being obstructed by the solid shell structure 118.

[0015] Figure 2 (including Figures 2A-2D) shows further examples of the range of motion of the articulated arm 104. Figure 2A shows a front view of the anime figure 100, Figure 2B shows a side view of the anime figure 100, Figure 2C shows a front perspective view of the anime figure 100, and Figure 2D shows a rear perspective view of the anime figure 100. As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the electromechanical actuator 112 can rotate the articulated arm 104 of the anime figure 100. For example, the articulated arm 104 can be moved to the lowest position 126, a forward horizontal position 216, a highest position 130, a rear horizontal position 220, or an intermediate position (e.g., intermediate positions 218, 222). As shown in Figure 2A, the joint clearance mechanism 132 may allow the articulated arm 104 to rotate without being obstructed by the solid shell structure 118.

[0016] Figure 3 (including Figures 3A to 3D) shows further examples of the range of motion of the articulated arm 104. Figure 3A shows a front view of the anime figure 100, Figure 3B shows a side view of the anime figure 100, Figure 3C shows a front perspective view of the anime figure 100, and Figure 3D shows a rear perspective view of the anime figure 100. As shown in Figure 3A, the articulated arm 104 of the anime figure 100 can move from side to side. For example, the articulated arm 104 can move from a first position 320 to a second position 322. As another example, the articulated arm 104 can move from a third position 324 to a fourth position 326. The solid shell structure 118 may hinder the movement of the articulated arm 104 (for example, when the articulated arm 104 is moved to the second position 322 or the fourth position 326), and may limit the range of motion of the articulated arm 104 (for example, the range of motion from side to side). Referring to Figure 3C, it should be noted that the joint clearance mechanism 132 may not provide sufficient clearance to the joint arm 104 when the joint arm 104 is moved to the second position 322 or the fourth position 326. In some scenarios, the joint arm 104 may impact the solid shell structure 118 (for example, in region 328), potentially damaging the solid shell structure 118.

[0017] FIG. 4 shows a flexible shell structure 400 according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, as described herein, the flexible shell structure 400 may be part of a show element or may be configured for other entertainment purposes. For example, at least a portion of the flexible shell structure 400 may be coupled or attached to a show element structure (e.g., the flexible shell structure 400 may be securely attached to region 119 on the anime figure 100 of FIG. 1). In some examples, the show element structure may be an anime figure, a robot figure, a doll, a walking character, an interactive character, a theater prop, a static prop, or an animated prop. In one example, the flexible shell structure 400 may replace the solid shell structure 118 described herein.

[0018] In some examples, the flexible shell structure 400 may be covered with a flexible material (e.g., a silicone material, a urethane material, a foam material, a rubber material, and / or other suitable materials) that simulates skin for a character form. For example, the flexible material may have the color and texture of human skin in order to achieve the appearance of a real human torso. In other examples, when the aspects described herein are used to construct a flexible shell structure for an animal character form, the flexible material may have the color and texture appropriate for the intended animal (e.g., the texture of fur).

[0019] The flexible shell structure 400 may function as a structure for supporting a covering. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the covering may include a flexible material such as a rubber material, a silicone material, a vinyl material, a urethane material, a neoprene material, a foam material, a cloth, and / or a fiber. In some examples, the covering may be a stage costume (e.g., at least one clothing item) as described herein. For example, the flexible shell structure 400 may support the shirt of the anime figure 100, and the shape of the flexible shell structure 400 simulates the presence of a human torso under the shirt.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 4, the flexible shell structure 400 may include several rigid support strips such as rigid support strips 401, 402, 404, 406, 408. In some examples, one or more of the rigid support strips may be formed using a rigid and relatively lightweight material such as plastic or other suitable materials. In some examples, one or more of the rigid support strips may be formed using a printer (e.g., a 3D printer) for manufacturing three-dimensional (3D) parts.

[0021] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the rigid support strips may be designed to collectively define the three-dimensional shape of a character form or a part of a character form. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the rigid support strips (e.g., rigid support strips 401, 402, 404, 406, 408) define the three-dimensional shape of a human torso. In some exemplary embodiments, the three-dimensional shape may be a different part of a human character form, a part of an animal or creature character form, or a part of an object character form. For example, the three-dimensional shape may be the body, legs, or tail of an animal character form.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 4, the rigid support strips may be coupled to each other by one or more coupling members. For example, rigid support strips 404 and 406 may be coupled to each other by coupling member 440 (e.g., portion 444 of coupling member 440) and coupling member 448. As another example, rigid support strips 406 and 408 may be coupled to each other by coupling member 428 (e.g., portion 430 of coupling member 428), coupling member 440 (e.g., portion 446 of coupling member 440), and coupling members 420, 422, 424, and 426. At least some of the coupling members are shaped to allow the flexible shell structure 400 to flex when a first force is applied to the flexible shell structure 400 in a first direction (e.g., a horizontal direction) and to resist flexing when a second force is applied to the flexible shell structure 400 in a second direction (e.g., a vertical direction).

[0023] In some aspects of this disclosure, at least a portion of the flexible shell structure 400 may be configured at or near a movable joint of a show element structure (e.g., the shoulder joint 105 of the articulated arm 104 shown in Figure 1A), and the flexible shell structure 400 may be configured to flex in response to the movement of the movable joint (e.g., when the articulated arm 104 rotates around the shoulder joint 105 and comes into contact with the flexible shell structure 400). In some aspects of this disclosure, the features of the flexible shell structure 400 described herein may be used to form flexible shell structures that simulate the shoulder joint (e.g., to simulate the appearance of shoulder muscles), elbow joint, wrist joint, hip joint, talus joint, and / or other suitable joints of an animated figure 100.

[0024] For example, the coupling members (e.g., coupling members 420, 422, 424, 426, 428, 440) may be formed from a rigid or partially rigid material (e.g., plastic, 3D printed parts). In some aspects of the present disclosure, the coupling members may have a cylindrical or tubular shape and may include other preferred features that allow one or more twists, bends, curves, and / or deflections. In some examples, the overall appearance of the coupling members may be described as wavy, coiled, or spring-shaped. The coupling members may be configured to deflect (e.g., bend or deform) in response to a first force (e.g., force F1432 or force F3436) and resist deflection in response to a second force (e.g., force F2434). As shown in Figure 4, the direction of the first force (e.g., force F1432 or force F3436) may be substantially perpendicular to the direction of the second force (e.g., force F2434). It should be understood that the connecting members of the flexible shell structure 400 allow the flexible shell structure 400 to return to its original shape when the first force (e.g., force F1432 or force F3436) is no longer applied.

[0025] In some aspects of this disclosure, the flexibility of the flexible shell structure 400 may be based on the length and / or thickness of each connecting member. This will be described in detail with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 shows a detail view of the rigid support strips 404, 406 and the connecting member 448. As shown in Figure 5, the rigid support strip 404 may include a front surface 514, a first side surface 516, and a second side surface 518. The rigid support strip 406 may include a front surface 520, a first side surface 522, and a second side surface 524. As further shown in Figure 5, the first end of the connecting member 448 may be coupled to the second side surface 518, and the second end of the connecting member 448 may be coupled to the first side surface 522. In the example of Figure 5, the flexibility of the flexible shell structure 400 may increase as the length 506 of the connecting member 448 increases. In other examples, if the application requires the flexible shell structure 400 to be more rigid (for example, to improve stability when supporting heavy stage costumes), the length 506 of the connecting member 448 may be reduced.

[0026] As another example, the flexibility of the flexible shell structure 400 may increase as the thickness of the connecting member 448 decreases. For example, Figure 6 shows a cross-section of the connecting member 448 of Figure 5 along line 502. In one example, the flexibility of the flexible shell structure 400 may increase as the diameter 622 of the connecting member 448 decreases. In other examples, the diameter 622 of the connecting member 448 may be increased if the application requires the flexible shell structure 400 to be more rigid. In some aspects of this disclosure, the thickness of the connecting member 448 may vary along the length 506 of the connecting member 448.

[0027] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the width of the rigid support strip may vary in different portions of the rigid support strip. For example, the rigid support strip 404 may have a first width 504 and a second width 512, the second width 512 being greater than the first width 504. In some aspects of the present disclosure, portions of the rigid support strip may be made thicker to increase the rigidity and / or strength of the rigid support strip.

[0028] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the thickness of the rigid support strip may vary in different parts of the rigid support strip. For example, Figure 7 shows a side view of the rigid support strip 404 (when viewed, for example, from the direction of arrow 510 in Figure 5). As shown in Figure 7, the rigid support strip 404 may have a first thickness 716 and a second thickness 718, the second thickness 718 being greater than the first thickness 716. In some embodiments of this disclosure, parts of the rigid support strip may be made thicker to increase the rigidity and / or strength of the rigid support strip.

[0029] In some aspects of this disclosure, the rigid support strip may have a uniform thickness. For example, Figure 8 shows a side view of the rigid support strip 406 (when observed from, for example, the direction of arrow 526 in Figure 5). As shown in Figure 8, the rigid support strip 406 may have a thickness of 818.

[0030] In some aspects of this disclosure, the rigid support strips described herein may be separated by one or more separation distances. In these aspects of this disclosure, larger separation distances may increase the flexibility of the flexible shell structure 400, while shorter separation distances may decrease the flexibility of the flexible shell structure 400. For example, referring to Figure 5, the rigid support strips 404 and 406 may be separated by a separation distance 508. In this example, the flexibility of the flexible shell structure 400 may increase as the separation distance 508 increases. In other examples, the separation distance 508 may be reduced if the application requires the flexible shell structure 400 to be more rigid. In some aspects of this disclosure, at least two of the separation distances may be different. For example, rigid support strips closer to the central part of the flexible shell structure 400 (e.g., rigid support strips 406 and 408) may have shorter separation distances than rigid support strips closer to the ends of the flexible shell structure 400.

[0031] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the flexible shell structure 400 may include a liner material (also called a backing material) bonded to at least two of the rigid support strips. The liner material may extend into the gaps between the rigid support strips to provide additional support and / or mechanical protection for the flexible shell structure 400. In one example, the liner material may be bonded to a first front surface of a first rigid support strip (e.g., the front surface 514 of rigid support strip 404) and a second front surface of a second rigid support strip (e.g., the front surface 520 of rigid support strip 406). In another example, the liner material may be bonded to a side surface of a first rigid support strip (e.g., the second side surface 518 of rigid support strip 404) and a side surface of a second rigid support strip (e.g., the first side surface 522 of rigid support strip 406). In yet another example, the liner material may be bonded to the back surface of the first rigid support strip (e.g., the back surface 720 of the rigid support strip 404) and the back surface of the second rigid support strip (e.g., the back surface 820 of the rigid support strip 406).

[0032] In some configurations, the liner material can control the deformation of the rigid support strips (e.g., by limiting the bending of the rigid support strips). This may enable the flexible shell structure 400 to support greater weights (e.g., heavy stage costumes) while reducing the curvature of its original shape. For example, Figure 9 shows a portion of the liner material 902 bonded to the rigid support strips 404 and 406. In some examples, the liner material 902 may be bonded to all of the rigid support strips of the flexible shell structure 400 shown in Figure 4. For example, the liner material may be a natural fiber (e.g., cotton fabric), a synthetic fiber (e.g., polyester fabric), a flexible plastic sheet, or a combination thereof.

[0033] In some aspects of this disclosure, there may be a correlation between the dimensions and shape of each rigid support strip (e.g., rigid support strips 401, 402, 404, 406, 408) and the dimensions and shape of each connecting member (e.g., connecting members 420, 422, 424, 426, 428, 440). For example, the width and thickness of each rigid support strip, and the diameter of each connecting member, may be increased to increase the overall strength of the flexible shell structure while reducing the flexibility of the flexible shell structure. However, some configurations of the flexible shell structure may not follow the aforementioned correlation. For example, to accommodate the strength and flexibility requirements of a given application, the diameter of one or more connecting members may be greater than the width and / or thickness of one or more of the rigid support strips.

[0034] In some aspects of this disclosure, different regions of the flexible shell structure 400 (or different regions of the flexible shell structure 1002) may have different amounts of flexibility. For example, referring to the flexible shell structure 400 of Figure 4, the end regions of the flexible shell structure 400, including the rigid support strip 401, may have greater flexibility than the central regions of the flexible shell structure 400, including the rigid support strips 406, 408. This configuration may allow the flexible shell structure 400 to provide greater flexibility near the movable joints of the anime figure or doll while providing an appropriate amount of rigidity (e.g., strength) for supporting the stage costume of the anime figure or doll.

[0035] Figure 10 shows a flexible shell structure 1002 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 10, the flexible shell structure 1002 may include several rigid support strips, such as rigid support strips 1004, 1006, 1008, 1010, and 1012. In some examples, one or more of the rigid support strips may be formed using a rigid and relatively lightweight material, as described above with reference to the flexible shell structure 400. In embodiments described with reference to Figure 10, one or more of the rigid support strips (e.g., rigid support strips 1004, 1006, 1008, 1010, and 1012) may have a curved shape.

[0036] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 10, the curved rigid support strips (e.g., rigid support strips 1004, 1006, 1008, 1010, 1012) define the three-dimensional shape of a human torso. In some exemplary embodiments, the three-dimensional shape may be different parts of a human character form, a part of an animal or biological character form, or a part of an object character form. For example, the three-dimensional shape may be the body, legs, or tail of an animal character form.

[0037] The rigid support strips of the flexible shell structure 1002 may be connected to one another by one or more connecting members, such as connecting members 1014, 1016. One or more connecting members may allow at least some of the rigid support strips (e.g., rigid support strips 1004, 1006, 1008, 1010, and / or 1012) to flex in response to a first force (e.g., a force F11022 resulting from the movement of the articulated arm 1018 toward the flexible shell structure 1002) and to resist flexing in response to a second force (e.g., force F21024). As shown in Figure 10, the direction of the first force (e.g., force F11022) may be substantially perpendicular to the direction of the second force (e.g., force F21024). It should be understood that the connecting members of the flexible shell structure 1002 allow the flexible shell structure 1002 to return to its original shape when the first force (e.g., force F11022) is no longer applied.

[0038] For example, referring to Figure 10, the region of the flexible shell structure 1002 that includes the rigid support strips 1004 and 1006 may have greater flexibility than the region of the flexible shell structure 1002 that includes the rigid support strips 1010 and 1012. In some embodiments, different amounts of flexibility may be associated with the respective shapes of each of the multiple rigid support strips. For example, the rigid support strips 1010 and 1012 may be shorter, wider, and have a smaller curvature than the rigid support strips 1002 and 1004. In this example, the central part of the flexible shell structure 1002 (e.g., the region including the rigid support strips 1010 and 1012) may have lower flexibility and higher strength than the ends of the flexible shell structure 1002 (e.g., the region including the rigid support strips 1004 and 1006).

[0039] In the aforementioned embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 10, the flexibility of the described flexible shell structure (e.g., flexible shell structure 400, 1002) can improve the range of motion of an anime figure, doll, or other object. For example, if the flexible shell structure 400 (or flexible shell structure 1002) is coupled to the anime figure 100 shown in Figure 3C instead of the solid shell structure 118, the flexible shell structure 400 may flex when the articulated arm 104 is moved to a second position 322 or a fourth position 326. This can allow for a greater range of motion of the articulated arm 104 compared to the range of motion enabled by the solid shell structure 118. Furthermore, the flexibility of the flexible shell structure 400 can prevent damage to the flexible shell structure 400 in scenarios where the articulated arm 104 comes into contact with the flexible shell structure 400.

[0040] It should be noted that the flexible shell structure 400 (or flexible shell structure 1002) is configured to flex when a force is applied in one direction (e.g., force F3436 in Figure 4 resulting from the movement of the articulated arm 104 to the second position 322 or the fourth position 326) and to resist flexing when another force is applied in a different direction (e.g., force F2434 in Figure 4 resulting from the weight of the stage costume and applied perpendicular to force F3436). Thus, the design of the flexible shell structure 400 allows for flexing to improve the range of motion (e.g., of an anime figure or doll) while providing sufficient rigidity to support a cover (e.g., a relatively heavy stage costume or other suitable cover).

[0041] Figure 11 is a flowchart of an exemplary process 1100 for generating a flexible shell structure (e.g., flexible shell structure 400 or flexible shell structure 1002) according to one aspect of the present disclosure. Some or all of the illustrated features may be omitted in a particular implementation within the scope of the present disclosure, as described below, and some illustrated features may not be required for implementation of all embodiments. Process 1100 may be performed by any suitable apparatus or means for performing the functions or algorithms described below. In some examples, the apparatus may be a 3D printing device.

[0042] In block 1102, the apparatus generates a plurality of rigid support strips (e.g., rigid support strips 401, 402, 404, 406, 408, or rigid support strips 1004, 1006, 1008, 1010, 1012) that collectively define the three-dimensional shape of at least one part of the character form. In some examples, the character form may be based on a human character form, an animal character form, a fictional creature character form, or an object character form (e.g., an anthropomorphic object as described herein).

[0043] In block 1104, the apparatus connects two or more rigid support strips from a plurality of rigid support strips to at least one coupling member (e.g., coupling member 448, or coupling members 1014, 1016). The at least one coupling member allows the flexible shell structure to flex when a first force is applied to it in a first direction, and allows the flexible shell structure to resist flexing when a second force is applied to it in a second direction. In some examples, the first direction may be substantially perpendicular to the second direction. In some examples, the flexibility of the flexible shell structure may be based on at least one of the length or thickness of the at least one coupling member.

[0044] In this disclosure, the term “exemplary” is used to mean “serving as an example, case, or illustration.” Any embodiment or aspect described herein as “exemplary” should not necessarily be construed as being preferable or advantageous to other aspects of this disclosure. Similarly, the term “aspect” does not require that all aspects of this disclosure include the features, advantages, or modes of operation described. The term “combined” is used herein to refer to a direct or indirect combination between two objects. For example, if object A is in physical contact with object B, and object B is in contact with object C, objects A and C may still be considered combined with each other even if they are not in direct physical contact with each other. For example, an object can be combined with a second object even if the first object is not in direct physical contact with the second object.

[0045] One or more of the components, steps, features, and / or functions shown in Figures 1 to 11 may be rearranged and / or combined into a single component, step, feature, or function, or may be embodied in several components, steps, or functions. Additional elements, components, steps, and / or functions may also be added without departing from the novel features disclosed herein. Apparatus, devices, and / or components shown in Figures 1 to 11 may be configured to perform one or more of the methods, features, or steps described herein. Novel algorithms described herein may also be efficiently implemented in software and / or incorporated into hardware.

[0046] It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the disclosed method is illustrative of an exemplary process. It should be understood that, based on design preferences, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the method may be rearranged. The claims of the appended method present various step elements in an exemplary order and are not intended to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented therein unless specifically enumerated therein.

[0047] The preceding description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to implement the various embodiments described herein. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may apply to other embodiments. Therefore, the claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but rather to encompass the entire scope consistent with the wording of the claims, and references to elements in the singular are intended to mean "one or more" rather than "one and only one" unless otherwise specified. Unless otherwise specified, the term "several" refers to one or more. The phrase "at least one of" a list of items refers to any combination of those items that includes a single element. For example, "at least one of a, b, or c" is intended to include a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, and a, b and c. All structural and functional equivalents of elements of various aspects described throughout this disclosure, which are known to those skilled in the art or which will become known thereafter, are expressly incorporated by reference herein and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be made available to the public, whether such disclosure is expressly enumerated in the claims. No claim element should be construed under Section 112(f) of the United States Patent Act unless the element is expressly enumerated using the expression “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is enumerated using the expression “step for”.

Claims

1. A flexible shell structure, Multiple rigid support strips that collectively define the three-dimensional shape of at least one part of the character form, The system comprises at least one connecting member configured to connect two or more rigid support strips from the plurality of rigid support strips, The first end of the at least one connecting member is coupled to the side surface of one of the two or more rigid support strips, and the second end of the at least one connecting member is coupled to the side surface of another of the two or more rigid support strips. The at least one connecting member is formed of a material that is at least partially rigid and has a wavy shape, The at least one connecting member allows the flexible shell structure to bend when a first force is applied to it in a first direction, and allows the flexible shell structure to resist bending when a second force is applied to it in a second direction. At least a portion of the flexible shell structure is configured at or near a movable joint of a Shaw element structure, and the flexible shell structure is configured to flex in accordance with the movement of the movable joint. Flexible shell construction.

2. The flexible shell structure according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the flexible shell structure is attached to the Shaw element structure.

3. The flexible shell structure according to claim 2, wherein the show element structure includes anime figures, robot figures, dolls, walking characters, interactive characters, theater props, static props, or animated props.

4. The flexible shell structure according to claim 1, wherein the first direction is substantially perpendicular to the second direction.

5. The flexible shell structure according to claim 1, wherein the flexibility of the flexible shell structure is based on at least one of the length or thickness of the at least one connecting member.

6. The flexible shell structure according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of rigid support strips are separated by a separation distance, and the flexibility of the flexible shell structure is further based on the separation distance.

7. The flexible shell structure according to claim 6, wherein at least two of the separation distances are different.

8. The flexible shell structure according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of rigid support strips has at least a first width and a second width.

9. The flexible shell structure according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of rigid support strips has at least a first thickness and a second thickness.

10. The flexible shell structure according to claim 1, wherein the rigidity of each of the plurality of rigid support strips is based on at least one of the width or thickness of each of the plurality of rigid support strips.

11. The flexible shell structure according to claim 1, wherein different regions of the flexible shell structure have different amounts of flexibility, and the different amounts of flexibility are associated with the respective shapes of each of the multiple rigid support strips.

12. The flexible shell structure according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of rigid support strips has a curved shape.

13. The flexible shell structure according to claim 1, further comprising a liner material coupled to at least two of the plurality of rigid support strips.

14. The at least two rigid support strips include a first rigid support strip and a second rigid support strip, and the liner material is The first back surface of the first rigid support strip, and the second back surface of the second rigid support strip, The first front surface of the first rigid support strip, and the second front surface of the second rigid support strip, or The first side surface of the first rigid support strip, and the second side surface of the second rigid support strip, The flexible shell structure according to claim 13, which is bonded to the

15. The flexible shell structure according to claim 13, wherein the liner material comprises at least one of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or a flexible plastic sheet.

16. The flexible shell structure according to claim 1, wherein the flexible shell structure is part of the show element.

17. The flexible shell structure according to claim 16, wherein the show element includes a tangible figure, a tangible object, a tangible device, or a tangible system.

18. The flexible shell structure according to claim 1, wherein the character form includes a human character form, an animal or living organism character form, or an object character form.

19. The flexible shell structure according to claim 1, wherein the flexible shell structure is covered with a flexible material to simulate skin for the character form, and the flexible material comprises at least one of a silicone material, a urethane material, a foam material, or a rubber material.

20. The flexible shell structure according to claim 1, wherein the flexible shell structure simulates the presence of the character shape beneath the cover.

21. The flexible shell structure according to claim 20, wherein the covering includes at least one item of clothing.

22. The flexible shell structure according to claim 20, wherein the cover comprises a flexible material, and the flexible material comprises at least one of a rubber material, a silicone material, a vinyl material, a urethane material, a neoprene material, a foam material, a cloth, or a fiber.

23. The system further comprises at least one additional connecting member configured to connect two or more of the aforementioned plurality of rigid support strips, The at least one additional connecting member is connected to the end of the first rigid support strip among the two or more rigid support strips and to the end of the second rigid support strip among the two or more rigid support strips. The flexible shell structure according to claim 1.

24. A method for generating a flexible shell structure, To generate multiple rigid support strips that collectively define the three-dimensional shape of at least one part of the character form, This includes connecting two or more of the aforementioned plurality of rigid support strips with at least one connecting member, The first end of the at least one connecting member is coupled to the side surface of one of the two or more rigid support strips, and the second end of the at least one connecting member is coupled to the side surface of another of the two or more rigid support strips. The at least one connecting member is formed of a material that is at least partially rigid and has a wavy shape, The at least one connecting member allows the flexible shell structure to bend when a first force is applied to it in a first direction, and allows the flexible shell structure to resist bending when a second force is applied to it in a second direction. At least a portion of the flexible shell structure is configured at or near a movable joint of a Shaw element structure, and the flexible shell structure is configured to flex in accordance with the movement of the movable joint. method.

25. An anime figure configured to activate one or more movable accessories, A system comprising a flexible shell structure coupled to the aforementioned anime figure, wherein the flexible shell structure is Multiple rigid support strips that collectively define a three-dimensional shape, A connecting member and the connecting member, A first portion of the connecting member coupled to the first side surface of the first rigid support strip among the plurality of rigid support strips, The coupling member includes a second portion of the coupling member coupled to a second side surface of a second rigid support strip among the plurality of rigid support strips, The connecting member is formed of a material that is at least partially rigid and has a wavy shape. At least a portion of the flexible shell structure, positioned in close proximity to one or more of the movable accessories, is configured to flex in conjunction with the movement of the one or more of the movable accessories of the anime figure. system.

26. The system according to claim 25, wherein the flexible shell structure includes at least two rigid support strips from the plurality of rigid support strips and a liner coupled to the connecting member.

27. The system according to claim 25, wherein the connecting member is one of a plurality of connecting members that allow the flexible shell structure to flex when a first force is applied to the flexible shell structure in a certain direction.

28. The system according to claim 27, wherein the connecting member is one of the plurality of connecting members that enables the flexible shell structure to resist bending when a second force is applied to the flexible shell structure in a different direction.

29. The system according to claim 25, wherein the flexible shell structure is configured such that the flexibility of the shell structure is based on at least one of the length or thickness of the connecting member.

30. The system according to claim 25, wherein the plurality of rigid support strips are separated by one or more separation distances, and the flexible shell structure is configured such that the flexibility of the flexible shell structure is based on the one or more separation distances.

31. The system according to claim 25, wherein the three-dimensional shape is in the form of a leg.

32. The system according to claim 25, further comprising a plurality of connecting members for connecting different rigid support strips among the plurality of rigid support strips.

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