a toy action figure comprises in combination a miniature three - dimensional model or figurine of a living creature , particularly a human being , and a manipulating stem which protrudes from the body of the figurine , the stem having an outer hand grip portion adapted to be grasped by the hand of the user . the figurine is preferably combined with a model of a vehicle , such as a bicycle or motorcycle , or a miniature model of other locomotion means such as skates , a skateboard or the like . pairs of certain body members of the figurine , such as the pelvis and thighs , are connected by a first , loose type of joint which enables those body members to be pivoted freely with respect to one another in response to inertial forces exerted on the body members , such inertial forces including the force of gravity , when the figurine is tilted about a horizontal axis , and centrifugal force , when the figurine is spun about an arbitrary axis . pairs of other body members of the figurine , e . g ., an upper and lower arm are rigidly joined to one another or interconnected by a second , “ stiff ” type joint which enables the body members to be moved relative to another to a posed orientation which remain fixed while the figurine is moved in inertial space . the combination of loose and stiff joints between different pairs of body members causes the figurine to execute realistically life - like , fluid motions as the figurine is manipulated by the manipulating stem . realistic motion is enhanced by limit stops which limit the relative angular excursion angles of certain body members otherwise freely pivotable with respect fo one another . also , a preferred manipulating stem includes a ring - shaped portion adapted to inertially receive a person &# 39 ; s fingertip , thereby allowing the action figurine to be orbited around the finger .