You can add influence objects to smooth skinned geometry when it is at any pose.

However, adding an influence object to smooth skinned geometry when not at the bind pose produces slightly different results than when at the bind pose. For example, if you add an influence object to geometry that is not at its bind pose, some deformation can occur where you place the influence object because of a redistribution of weights in that area.

To add an influence object

1. Position the influence object.
2. Select the skin, skin object(s) (for example, NURBS surfaces), or skin points (NURBS CVs or polygonal vertices) that you want the object(s) to influence.
3. Select the influence object.
4. Select Skin > Edit Smooth Skin > Add Influence > .
5. Set the Add Influence options, then click Add.