Magnetically assisted coupling for segmented shaft
AssigneeEdgeWater International, Inc.
InventorsPaul Howarth, Alan Gnann, Shawn Bannon Szczesiul
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A magnetically assisted coupling comprises at least two shaft segments. Each shaft segment has opposed ends and a hollow core. Adjacent segment ends are configured in a probe/socket configuration such that one segment end is configured to receive the adjacent segment end. Magnets of opposite polarity are mounted within said hollow core of adjacent segment ends, such that the magnet in the socket is positioned at a bottom of the socket, while the magnet in the probe defines a probe end. When adjacent segment ends are brought into close proximity the magnets attract each other and draw the probe end into the socket until the magnets are in contact.
Claims19
A magnetically assisted coupling for a shaft comprising:
- at least two shaft segments, each shaft segment having opposed ends and a hollow core, wherein adjacent segment ends are configured in a probe/socket configuration such that one segment end is configured as a socket to receive said adjacent segment end configured as a probe;
- magnets of opposite polarity mounted within said hollow core of adjacent segment ends, such that said magnet in each socket is positioned at a bottom of said socket, while said magnet in each probe defines a probe end;
- a pair of shaft segment free ends at axially opposed ends of said shaft and not configured as a probe or socket, and
- a tension device secured at said free ends and extending through said coupling;
- wherein when adjacent segment ends are brought into close proximity said magnets attract each other and draw said probe end into said socket until said magnets are in contact.
A self-deploying staff comprising:
- a top segment, a bottom segment, and at least one intermediate segment, each segment comprising a shaft having a hollow core and first and second connector ends, said first end of said bottom segment, said second end of said top segment, and said first and second ends of said intermediate segment each having magnets defining apertures;
- a cord anchored at said first connector end of said top segment and said second connector end of said bottom segment threaded through said hollow core of each segment and received in each of said apertures intermediate said top segment first connector end and said bottom segment second connector end;
- wherein said staff is transformable between a storage configuration where each of said segments is uncoupled and secured in a compact bundle, and a deployed configuration where said first and second connector ends of each segment are mated to form an unitary staff.
A wading staff kit comprising:
- a self-deploying staff comprising a top segment, a bottom segment, and a plurality of intermediate segments, each segment comprising a shaft having a hollow core and first and second connector ends having mateable magnets defining apertures extending axially through each said magnet;
- a cord anchored at said first end of said top segment and said second end of said bottom segment threaded through said hollow core of each segment and each of said apertures intermediate said top segment first end and said bottom segment second end;
- wherein said staff is transformable between a storage configuration wherein each of said segments are uncoupled and secured in a compact bundle, and a deployed configuration where said first and second connector ends of each subsequent segment are mated to form an unitary staff;
- a holster sized to receive said staff in said storage configuration;
- and
- an adjustable leash connecting said staff to said holster.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.