help or ideas to articulate a mannequin

[lolo080]

Hi guys,

I want to modify a lifesize mannequin which is striking a static pose for an articulated one.
the mannequin is actually a fiberglass one and if i can make moveable arms, it would be really great

i was thinking about swiveling head of tripod for photographic camera or something like this

but not sure it will be possible and don't know where to buy this...

if you have some ideas or products, i will appreciate your help
thanks

 

[Contec]

This is in my interest as well, I'm planning a lifesize bjork "all is full of love" inspired robot.

 

[the_batdemon]

Larger audio/video equipment seller might have that, places that carry mike, or lighting stands. I don't know of any specific sellers in Europe.
I was and a haunters convention and saw a vendor that was using a ratcheted joint. I've been trying to find a source for those, no luck yet.

 

[lolo080]

yes the idea of lighting stands is good with often fully articulated hinge but only for very light objects, for example an arm with thick clothes and a cape over begin to be heavy for this, isn't it ?

no one else ? or everyone keep that as a secret ?

 

[Coz]

What about something like this, from a window-washing pole:

(Pic here Angle Adapter)

May be better for elbow joints? they're about an inch in diameter, 6 - 7 inch long.

Locks in position, but if you added a spring to tension the joint (rather than tightening the bolt all the way up), it'd be adjustable.

C.

 

[the_batdemon]

yes the idea of lighting stands is good with often fully articulated hinge but only for very light objects, for example an arm with thick clothes and a cape over begin to be heavy for this, isn't it ?

no one else ? or everyone keep that as a secret ?

Light can get pretty heavy.

the only other thing I can thing of is outdoor patio umbrella stands. Some have joints in them to angle the umbrellas.

while they won't hold the weight, shower heads have a limited ball/socket joint.

 

[Amadscientist]

Believe it of not....Wal Mart sells a Tabletop tripod for a few bucks over the internet and in the stores. I have it in front of me. It is small and would not work for arms....but might be good for hands. It has the piece you need and is not costly at all. You may be able to find a larger version in this manufacturers line. It's a Targus.

I think using a lighting or camera store as a source might get expensive. Try thrift stores or pawn shops.

 

[zenmaster]

Was wondering about pivot joints too.
Looked at ball joint in automotive but how would you clamp down a ball joint once in the correct pose? Good for hips, wrist, shoulder but need 1 degree of freedom for knee, elbow

 

[the_batdemon]

the only automotive joint I can think of that might work is from a Range Rover., it's more of a swivel ball.

 

[jcoffman99]

If the costume will cover the arms, just use heavy duty wire and wrap it with foam or bubblewrap.

 

[lolo080]

thanks for your help and ideas
i think i will start and try to modify arms with differents balls head used in cameras tripod which allow lots of positions and permit to keep a correct pose with screw on the ball head