TRANSFORMABLE NUNCHAKU SYSTEM

Abstract

Nunchaku systems, apparatus, and methods for forming the same are provided. A first member may be formed. A second member may be formed. The first member may be connected to the second member via a first set of one or more flexible connectors. The first member and the second member may be magnetically and removably couplable to one another.

Claims

1. A nunchaku system comprising: a first member connected to a second member via a first set of one or more flexible connectors; wherein the first member and the second member are magnetically and removably couplable to one another.

2. The nunchaku system as recited in claim 1, wherein the first member and the second member are magnetically and removably dockable to one another.

3. The nunchaku system as recited in claim 2, wherein the first member comprises a pin, and the second member comprises a recess matching the pin.

4. The nunchaku system as recited in claim 3, wherein: the first member and the second member are magnetically and removably dockable to one another based in part on the pin and the recess; and the pin is inserted into the recess when the first member and the second member are docked.

5. The nunchaku system as recited in claim 4, wherein the first member and the second member are rotatable about a pivot corresponding to the pin and the recess.

6. The nunchaku system as recited in claim 2, wherein: the first member comprises a first flat surface; the second member comprises a second flat surface; and the first flat surface and the second flat surface are brought into close proximity when the first member and the second member are magnetically and removably coupled.

7. The nunchaku system as recited in claim 6, wherein the first flat surface contacts the second flat surface when the first member and the second member are magnetically and removably coupled.

8. The nunchaku system as recited in claim 2, wherein one or both of the first member and the second member comprise one or more magnets, and the one or more magnets facilitate docking the first member and the second member together.

9. The nunchaku system as recited in claim 1, wherein the first member and the second member have a same length.

10. The nunchaku system as recited in claim 1, wherein the first member or the second member is longer than the other.

11. The nunchaku system as recited in claim 10, wherein the first member or the second member is half the length of the other.

12. The nunchaku system as recited in claim 1, further comprising: a third member connected to a fourth member via a second set of one or more flexible connectors; wherein the third member and the fourth member are magnetically and removably couplable to one another.

13. The nunchaku system as recited in claim 12, wherein the third member and the fourth member are magnetically and removably couplable to the first member and the second member.

14. The nunchaku system as recited in claim 13, wherein the third member and the fourth member are magnetically and removably dockable to the first member and the second member.

15. The nunchaku system as recited in claim 12, wherein the first member, the second member, the third member, and the fourth member are combinable in a plurality of configurations.

16. The nunchaku system as recited in claim 15, wherein the plurality of configurations comprises a two-segmented nunchaku.

17. The nunchaku system as recited in claim 15, wherein the plurality of configurations comprises a three-segmented nunchaku.

18. A method for forming nunchaku, the method comprising: forming a first member; forming a second member; connecting the first member to the second member via a first set of one or more flexible connectors; wherein the first member and the second member are magnetically and removably couplable to one another.

19. The method as recited in claim 18, wherein the first member and the second member are magnetically and removably dockable to one another.

20. The method as recited in claim 19, wherein the first member comprises a pin, and the second member comprises a recess matching the pin.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of various embodiments may be realized by reference to the following figures. In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a nunchaku system, in accordance with certain embodiments according to the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates another view of the nunchaku system with one composite member in an expanded state, in accordance with certain embodiments according to the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates another view of the nunchaku system in a fully expanded state, in accordance with certain embodiments according to the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 4A is a close-up, front view of a portion of a nunchaku including a subset of flexible connectors, in accordance with certain embodiments according to the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 4B is a close-up, side view of a portion of the nunchaku including the subset of flexible connectors, in accordance with certain embodiments according to the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 5A is a close-up, side view of a portion of the nunchaku including a protrusion and a matching recess, in accordance with certain embodiments according to the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 5B is a close-up, front view of a portion of the nunchaku including the protrusion and the matching recess, in accordance with certain embodiments according to the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 5C illustrates an example pin and matching magnet, in accordance with certain embodiments according to the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 5D illustrates part of the nunchaku with an interior cap, hollow portions, and a recess in the half member, in accordance with certain embodiments according to the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates a view of the nunchaku system with each of the separate nunchakus in a collapsed state, in accordance with certain embodiments according to the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 7 illustrates a view of the nunchaku after a user has rotated half members with respect to one another, in accordance with certain embodiments according to the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 8 illustrates another view of the nunchaku system in another partially expanded state to form a three-segmented nunchaku, in accordance with certain embodiments according to the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 9 illustrates a view of another nunchaku system, which may be a variation of the nunchaku system, in accordance with certain embodiments according to the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 10 illustrates a view of another nunchaku system, in accordance with certain embodiments according to the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 11 illustrates a view of yet another nunchaku system, in accordance with certain embodiments according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The ensuing description provides preferred exemplary embodiment(s) only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the preferred exemplary embodiment(s) will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing a preferred exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

[0030] Disclosed embodiments may provide for transformable nunchakus that allow for advantageous changes in form and structure. Disclosed embodiments may include one or more magnetic locking and docking systems that allow for the versatility of the nunchaku system. Consequently, disclosed embodiments of a nunchaku system may provide for versatility and advantageous changes in performance characteristics. Such adaptability may result in expansive sets of techniques and applications that are advantageous in various situations, while still allowing for portability and ease of use.

[0031] Various embodiments will now be discussed in greater detail with reference to the accompanying figures, beginning with FIG. 1. In FIG. 1 and the following figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used below, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a nunchaku system 100, in accordance with certain embodiments according to the present disclosure. The nunchaku system 100 is depicted as a complete system in a locked state. The nunchakus system 100 may include a first composite member 105 flexibly connected to a second composite member 105-1. The composite members 105 and 105-1 may be flexibly connected via two or more flexible connectors 110.

[0033] Each of the composite members 105 and 105-1 may generally correspond to a stick, shaft, and/or rod. In various embodiments, the shape of each composite member 105, 105-1 may be cylindrical or generally cylindrical. In alternative embodiments, the shape of each composite member 105, 105-1 may have flat exterior surfaces so that the overall shape is rectangular or generally rectangular. In some embodiments, each composite member 105, 105-1 may be formed to have a taper such that a perimeter (e.g., circumference) of each member 105, 105-1 may gradually increase from top (e.g., a proximal end of the member 105, 105-1 near the flexible connectors 110) to bottom (e.g., a distal end of the member 105, 105-1).

[0034] The flexible connectors 110 may correspond to any suitable means for connecting the composite members 105 and 105-1 while allowing freedom of movement typical for nunchaku. In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible connectors 110 are parachute cords. Other embodiments may use other types of flexible connectors 110, which may include various types of ropes or chains with ball bearing assemblies.

[0035] The composite member 105 may include a half member 115 and a half member 115-1. The half member 115 and the half member 115-1 may be combined to make up the composite member 105. In the magnetically locked state, the half member 115 and the half member 115-1 may be magnetically attached to one another. Likewise, the composite member 105-1 may include a half member 115-2 and a half member 115-3. The half member 115-2 and the half member 115-3 may be combined to make up the composite member 105-1. In the magnetically locked state, the half member 115-2 and the half member 115-3 may be magnetically attached to one another.

[0036] The half members 115 may be formed from any one or more materials suitable for the rigorous applications required by the nunchaku system 100. For example, the half members 115 may formed from one or a combination of aluminum, titanium, other metals, high-tensile strength plastics or resins, polymers, wood, carbon fiber, and/or the like. In one example, the half members 115 may be formed from carbon fiber (e.g., carbon fiber tubing). In other examples, the half members 115 may be formed to have carbon fiber casing encasing a core of a different material, such as a suitable plastic or titanium. In some embodiments, a coating may be applied to the half members 115 to enhance their durability (e.g., any suitable ceramic-based, thin-film coating).

[0037] In other examples, the half members 115 may be formed of aluminum with or without a carbon fiber wrapping. In some embodiments, the half members 115 may be 3D-printed. For example, the half members 115 may be 3D-printed out of aluminum, other metal, high-tensile strength plastics or resins, and/or the like. Other embodiments are possible.

[0038] Moreover, in various embodiments, the half members 115 may be formed to be solid or to each have one or more hollow portions 141. For example, in some embodiments, the half members 115 may each include a hollow portion 141-1 of any suitable extent in an upper portion of the half member 115 (i.e., near the proximal end that connects to the one or more the flexible connectors 110). Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the half members 115 may each include a hollow portion 141-2 of any suitable extent in a lower portion of the half member 115 (i.e., near the distal end that opposite of the connection to the one or more the flexible connectors 110). Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the half members 115 may each include a hollow portion 141-3 of any suitable extent in a middle portion of the half member 115. Advantageously, the hollow portions may decrease weight and allow for greater speeds of swinging, rotation, and/or the like movement.

[0039] In some embodiments, each of the half members 115 may be formed to have tactile grooves on a lower portion of the half member 115. In various embodiments, the tactile grooves may be shallow channels (e.g., about 0.5 to 1.0 mm deep) engraved in the half members 115, low ridges (e.g., about 0.5 to 1.0 mm high) imprinted or added on by 3D-printing, and/or the like. The tactile grooves may have any suitable pattern (e.g., diagonal lines, totem pole designs, Japanese wave patterns, and/or the like). In some embodiments, grit may be added to the half members 115 (e.g., by way of a spray-on or other adhesive process). Advantageously, such grip features may facilitate splitting apart the half members 115.

[0040] In some embodiments, each of the half members 115 may be formed to have curved beveling on the edges. The curved edges may make it easier to grasp where the flat side and the curve side meet. Moreover, the curved edges may act as a safety feature so that the strong magnets closing two half members 115 (as disclosed herein) do not pinch fingers.

[0041] In the fully locked state as shown, the nunchaku system 100 may be usable in a first configuration as a single nunchaku, with a first set of corresponding performance characteristics, techniques, and applications associated with the first configuration. The half members 115 may be configured to remain magnetically locked together as in the example depicted while the nunchaku system 100 may be used as a single nunchaku 120. So, for example, a magnetic locking and docking system (referenced herein as magnetic locking system) may be configured to keep the half members 115 together when in the resting state, when one or both of the composite members 105 are swung, and when a composite member 105 impacts another object in a manner suitable for regular nunchaku. Yet, the magnetic locking system may still allow for the half members 115 to be pulled apart from one another by a user.

[0042] FIG. 2 illustrates another view of the nunchaku system 100 with one composite member 105-1 in an expanded state, in accordance with certain embodiments according to the present disclosure. The half members 115-2 and 115-3 of the composite member 105-1 have been pulled apart from one another by a user. The composite member 105 remains in a locked state. As shown, the half member 115-2 may still be connected in the expanded state by a subset 110-1 of the flexible connectors 110 to the locked composite member 105. Likewise, the half member 115-3 may still be connected in the expanded state by a subset 110-2 of the flexible connectors 110 to the locked composite member 105.

[0043] The half members 115-2 and 115-3 may respectively have surfaces 116 and 116-1 that may be revealed in the expanded state. The surfaces 116 and 116-1 may be substantially flat to facilitate mating of the half members 115-2 and 115-3 when the half members 115-2 and 115-3 are in the locked state. When in the locked state, the surfaces 116 and 116-1 may be interior surfaces of the composite member 105-1. The half members 115 and 115-1 may likewise be formed to have such surfaces, but such surfaces are not visible in FIG. 2 due to the locked state of the composite member 105 shown.

[0044] In the partially locked and partially expanded state illustrated in FIG. 2, the nunchaku system 100 may accordingly be usable in a second configuration. The second configuration may correspond to one version of a three-segmented nunchaku 125. Accordingly, a second set of corresponding performance characteristics, techniques, and applications may be associated with the second configuration, which may be different from the first set.

[0045] The nunchaku system 100 may easily be returned to the first configuration by the user aligning and mating the surfaces 116 and 116-1 of the half members 115-2 and 115-3 together. Further, the nunchaku system 100 may be transformed to a different configuration.

[0046] FIG. 3 illustrates another view of the nunchaku system 100 in a fully expanded state, in accordance with certain embodiments according to the present disclosure. As compared to the partially expanded state of the second configuration depicted in FIG. 2 where the half members 115 and 115-1 of the composite member 105 were in a locked state, the half members 115 and 115-1 shown in FIG. 3 have been pulled apart from one another by a user. In the fully expanded state as shown, the nunchaku system 100 may be usable in a third configuration as two separate nunchakus 130 and 135. Each of the nunchakus 130 and 135 may be half the size of the single, combined nunchaku 120. Accordingly, a third set of performance characteristics, techniques, and applications may be associated with the third configuration, which may be different from the first set and the second set. Further, the nunchaku 130 and the nunchaku 135 may be combinable and recombinable to transform into any of the various configurations disclosed herein.

[0047] The nunchaku 120 may include the half members 115 and 115-1 connected via the subset of flexible connectors 110-1 and the half members 115-2 and 115-3 connected via the subset of flexible connectors 110-2. In the depicted embodiment, the subset of flexible connectors 110-1 and the subset of flexible connectors 110-2 each include a plurality of connectors. However, other embodiments may utilize a greater or lesser number of connectors (e.g., a single connector connecting the half members 115 and 115-1 and a single connector connecting the half members 115-2 and 115-3).

[0048] FIG. 4A is a close-up, front view of a portion of the nunchaku 130 including the subset of flexible connectors 110-1, in accordance with certain embodiments according to the present disclosure. FIG. 4B is a close-up, side view of a portion of the nunchaku 130 including the subset of flexible connectors 110-1, in accordance with certain embodiments according to the present disclosure. In the example illustrated, part of the subset of flexible connectors 110-1 may extend through a longitudinal hole (not shown) in the proximal end of each half member 115 and 115-2 that extends longitudinally to a first transverse hole 111. The first transverse hole 111 may extend all the way through the half member 115.

[0049] Part of the subset of flexible connectors 110-1 may extend through part of the first transverse hole 111, exit the first transverse hole 111, extend along the surface 116-2, and enter a second transverse hole 112 that also extends all the way through the half member 115. Part of the subset of flexible connectors 110-1 may exit the second transverse hole 112, extend along an outer surface 117, enter the first transverse hole 111, extend through part of the first transverse hole 111, and exit the longitudinal hole. Part of the subset of flexible connectors 110-1 may likewise extend through corresponding features of the half member 115-2. The nunchaku 135 may be likewise configured. Other embodiments are possible.

[0050] Referring again to FIG. 3, the view indicates portions of the magnetic locking system. The magnetic locking system may include two or more magnets 140 embedded in two or more of the half members 115. In various embodiments, the magnetic locking system may include two or more pairs of magnets 140 embedded in two or more of the half members 115. Any type, shape, and/or size of magnet providing suitable magnetic forces for the dynamic uses of the nunchaku system 100 may be used for the magnets 140 in various embodiments. In some embodiments including multiple pairs of magnets 140, each of the magnets 140 may be disposed equidistant from the center to ensure proper alignment during transformation. Such placement may facilitate the transformation and alignment of the segments of various embodiments disclosed herein.

[0051] The example depicted in FIG. 3 includes twelve magnets 140, 140-1, 140-2, . . . 140-11. Each magnet 140 of one set of magnets (e.g., 140, 140-3, 140-6, and 140-9) may be disposed at a first distance from the proximal end of the half member 115 in which it is embedded. Each magnet 140 of a second set of magnets (e.g., 140-1, 140-4, 140-7, and 140-10) may be disposed at a second distance from the proximal end of the half member 115 in which it is embedded. Each magnet 140 of a third set of magnets (e.g., 140-2, 140-5, 140-8, and 140-11) may be disposed at a third distance from the proximal end of the half member 115 in which it is embedded.

[0052] In some embodiments, some or all of the magnets 140 may be exposed and flush with the surfaces 116. In some embodiments, some or all of the magnets 140 may not be exposed but may be covered. For example, in various embodiments, some or all of the magnets 140 may be covered by caps adhering and/or molecularly bonded to the half members 115. As another example, in various embodiments, some or all of the magnets 140 may be covered by a casing, such as a carbon fiber casing that encases a core of the half member 115.

[0053] Accordingly, the matching sets of magnets 140 may be disposed to facilitate attraction to one another when brought in close proximity. Moreover, the orientation of the magnets 140 may be aligned to facilitate attraction to one another when brought in close proximity. Thus, each of the magnets 140 may be oriented such that its polarity is aligned with the polarities of other magnets 140 when two of the surfaces 116 are brought into contact with one another.

[0054] The magnets 140 may be centered laterally with respect to the surfaces 116 of the half members 115. In some embodiments, one set of magnets 140 may be centered longitudinally in the half members 115. For example, each magnet 140 of the second set of magnets (e.g., 140-1, 140-4, 140-7, and 140-10) may be disposed at a midpoint in the length of one of the half members 115.

[0055] Various embodiments may use different numbers of magnets 140 and magnet placements. Moreover, in alternative embodiments, instead of matching pairs of magnets 140, a magnet 140 may be paired with a corresponding ferromagnetic metal to facilitate the magnetic attraction. Thus, for example, the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 may be modified such that ferromagnetic metal may be used instead of one or more of magnets 140-3, 140-4, 140-5, 140-9, 140-10, 140-11. The ferromagnetic metal components may be matched with one or more of magnets 140, 140-1, 140-2, 140-6, 140-7, and 140-8. Various combinations of magnets 140 and ferromagnetic metal components maybe used in various alternative embodiments. In still other alternative embodiments, non-magnetic fastening methods may be used instead of the magnets 140 (e.g., docking slots or clasps).

[0056] To facilitate the docking of one half member 115 to another half member 115, the half members 115 may include docking components. The docking components may include the magnets 140 and, in some embodiments, ferromagnetic components matched with the magnets 140. The docking components may further include a protrusion 142 extending beyond the surface 116 of a half member 115 and a matching recess 143 that extends below the surface 116 of another half member 115. The recess 143 may be configured to receive the protrusion 142.

[0057] FIG. 5A is a close-up, side view of a portion of the nunchaku 130 including the protrusion 142 and the matching recess 143, in accordance with certain embodiments according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5B is a close-up, front view of a portion of the nunchaku 130 including the protrusion 142 and the matching recess 143, in accordance with certain embodiments according to the present disclosure. In the example embodiment depicted, the protrusion 142 may correspond to a knob and/or pin having a generally cylindrical shape with a rounded edge, and the recess 143 may be a hole having a corresponding shape to provide a space to receive the protrusion 142.

[0058] As illustrated by FIGS. 5A and 5B, a matching protrusion 142 and recess 143 may be included in the half members 115, 115-2 of one nunchaku 130, while another matching protrusion 142-1 and recess 143-1 may be included in the half members 115-1, 115-3 of the other nunchaku 135 (shown in FIG. 3). Accordingly, the illustrated embodiment includes one protrusion-recess docking pair per nunchaku 130, 135. Other embodiments may include multiple protrusion-recess docking pairs per nunchaku 130, 135.

[0059] In various embodiments, the protrusions 142 and/or the recesses 143 may be formed in a magnet 140. Thus, for example, the recess 143 may be formed in the magnet 140-1, and the magnet 140-4 may be formed to provide the protrusion 142. Similarly, in embodiments that use some ferromagnetic material, the protrusion 142 or the recess 143 may be formed with the ferromagnetic material. However, in some embodiments, the protrusion 142 component and/or the recess 143 component may be formed separately from the magnets 140. In various embodiments, the protrusion 142 component and/or the recess 143 component may be attached (e.g., via a suitable adhesive, molecular bond, etc.) to the half members 115 such that the magnets 140 are embedded directly behind the protrusion 142 component and/or the recess 143 component. In some embodiments, some of the magnets 140 (e.g., 140-1 and 140-7) may provide the end of the recesses 143, and, thus, may be visible through the holes of the recesses 143. In other embodiments, the magnets 140 may not embedded behind the protrusion 142 component and/or the recess 143 component.

[0060] FIG. 5C illustrates an example pin 152 and matching magnet 153, in accordance with certain embodiments according to the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the pin 152 may be partially embedded in one half member 115 to provide the protrusion 142. In various embodiments, the pin 152 may be formed of stainless steel, titanium, and/or any other suitable material.

[0061] Likewise, the magnet 153 be at least partially embedded or fully embedded in the same half member 115 and/or the opposing half member 115. For example, the pin 152 may be inserted into the magnet 153 to form a composite 154. The pin 152 may have a base that is wider than a hole in the magnet 153 to limit the extent to which the pin 152 may be inserted into the hole in the magnet 153 and leave a portion of the pin 152 extending beyond the magnet 153 to provide the protrusion 142. The composite 154 may be partially embedded in the half member 115, while another magnet 153 may be partially or fully embedded at a matching position in the opposite half member 115. In various embodiments, the protrusion 142 of the pin 152 may have a different shape (e.g., a square shape, a rectangular shape, a star shape, or another suitable shape), and the recess 143 of the magnet 153 may likewise have a different matching shape configured to receive the protrusion 142. Moreover, in various embodiments, the overall shape of the magnet 153 may have a different shape other than the circular shape illustrated (e.g., a square shape, a rectangular shape, a star shape, or another suitable shape).

[0062] FIG. 5D illustrates part of an embodiment of the nunchaku 130-1 (connectors 110 not shown) with an interior cap 156, hollow portions 157, and a recess 158 in the half member 115-6, in accordance with certain embodiments according to the present disclosure. Other half members 115 may be likewise formed. The recess 158 may be formed to match and seat the magnet 153 and/or pin 152. Once the magnet 153 and/or pin 152 are seated in the recess 158, the interior cap 156 may be attached to the half member 115-6 in any suitable manner (e.g., chemically bonded, adhesively attached, welded, brazed, covered in carbon fiber of a carbon fiber wrapping, and/or the like). As illustrated, the interior cap 156 may be formed to have a hole 159, adapted to allow protrusion of part of the pin 152 through the hole 159.

[0063] In some embodiments, the hollow portions 157 may be formed to seat magnets 153, as well (e.g., rectangular magnets). In some embodiments, where the half members 115 are wrapped in carbon fiber, the magnet 153 and/or pin 152 may be secured in place in the half members 115 by the carbon fiber wrapping without the need for the interior cap 156.

[0064] The docking components may allow for each of the nunchaku 130 and the nunchaku 135 to be easily collapsed. FIG. 6 illustrates a view of the nunchaku system 100 with each of the separate nunchaku 130 and nunchaku 135 in a collapsed state, in accordance with certain embodiments according to the present disclosure. The collapsed states of the nunchaku 130 and the nunchaku 135 may be achieved by transitioning from the fully expanded states depicted in FIG. 3 by bringing the half members 115 and 115-2 in close proximity to one another to form the nunchaku 130 and by bringing the half members 115-1 and 115-3 in close proximity to one another to form the nunchaku 135.

[0065] For example, by dint of the magnets 140 of the docking components, a user may need only to generally align the surfaces 116-2 and 116 and bring the half members 115 and 115-2 into a mutual proximity of approximately 2 to 4 inches from one another in order for the magnets 140 to attract the half members 115 and 115-2 together, with the protrusion 142 and recess 143 automatically docking. Thus, the magnets 140 may automatically align the protrusion 142 and recess 143. To do so, a user may need only hold one half member 115 or 115-2 and swing the other half member 115-2 or 115 to flip it into close proximity such that magnetic forces attract the half members 115, 115-2 together into a collapsed configuration.

[0066] In the separate and collapsed states shown, the nunchaku 130 and the nunchaku 135 may be usable in a fourth configuration. Accordingly, a fourth set of performance characteristics, techniques, and applications may be associated with the fourth configuration, which may be different from the other sets. Moreover, the collapsed states of the nunchaku 130 and the nunchaku 135 may allow for easy portability, carry, storage, and concealment, which may be advantageous in certain situations.

[0067] Additionally, due to the magnetic attraction of the half members 115, the nunchaku 130 and/or the nunchaku 135 may be advantageously partially in, and partially outside, a waistband, a pocket, or the like. For example, one half member 115 or 115-2 of the nunchaku 130 may be placed inside a waist waistband, a pocket, or the like, while the other half member 115-2 or 115 may remain on the outside of the clothing. The magnetic attraction of the half members 115, 115-2, acting through the clothing material, may secure the nunchaku 130 in place, allowing for carry of the nunchaku 130 in that position with partial concealment and allowing for easy and quick removal when needed. Moreover, the magnetic properties may allow the magnetically secured to various metal surfaces such as refrigerators, car parts, or rifle barrels.

[0068] The nunchaku system 100 may allow for a user to easily transition the nunchaku 130 and the nunchaku 135 from their collapsed states. Due to the magnetic attraction of the half members 115, the half members 115 may be configured to remain attracted to one another with a strong magnetic force in order to support rigorous applications. However, the advantageous docking system, including the protrusion 142 and the recess 143, may allow a user to rotate the half members 115 and thereby decrease the magnetic attraction, provide for easy gripping of the half members 115, and allow the user to easily remove the half members 115 from one another.

[0069] A user may need only to apply opposing lateral forces to the distal ends of the half members 115 in order to rotate the half members 115 with respect to one another.

[0070] FIG. 7 illustrates a view of the nunchaku 130 after a user has rotated the half members 115 with respect to one another, in accordance with certain embodiments according to the present disclosure. As can be seen in the example, the half members 115 have been rotated to an X configuration. The protrusion 142 and the recess 143 may provide for a pivot point about which behalf members 115 may be rotated with respect to one another. Accordingly, the magnetic attraction of the half members 115 may be decreased, and a user may easily grab the ends of the half members 115 and break them apart from one another, resulting in an expanded state as shown in FIG. 3. Of course, as is the case throughout this disclosure, the features Described herein with respect to nunchaku 130 are likewise applicable to nunchaku 135.

[0071] FIG. 8 illustrates another view of the nunchaku system 100 in another partially expanded state to form a three-segmented nunchaku 145, in accordance with certain embodiments according to the present disclosure. In the partially locked and partially expanded state shown, the nunchaku system 100 may be usable in a fifth configuration. Accordingly, a fifth set of performance characteristics, techniques, and applications may be associated with the fifth configuration, which may be different from the other sets.

[0072] The three-segmented nunchaku 145 may be achieved by transitioning from multiple configurations. As one example, the three-segmented nunchaku 145 may result from transitioning from the fully expanded state depicted in FIG. 3. From the fully expanded state, a user may generally align the half members 115 and 115-1 in an inverted fashion and bring the half members 115 and 115-1 into close mutual proximity to magnetically lock the half members 115 and 115-1 together in inverted fashion to form composite member 106 illustrated in FIG. 8. The user may need only to bring the half members 115 and 115-1 into a mutual proximity of approximately 2 to 4 inches from one another in order for the magnets 140 to attract the half members 115 and 115-1 together, with the magnets 140 automatically aligning the protrusion 142 and recess 143 and forcing the protrusion 142 into the recess 143 to facilitate the automatic docking. Of course, that which applies to the half members 115 and 115-1 may alternatively apply to the half members 115-2 and 115-3. Instead of the half members 115 and 115-1, the half members 115-2 and 115-3 may be aligned and mated by a user to magnetically lock the half members 115-2 and 115-3 to form the three-segmented nunchaku 140.

[0073] In one example, the three-segmented nunchaku 145 may be one of a pair of three-segmented nunchaku 145 that may be adapted to combine into one three-segmented nunchaku 145 and separate into two separate three-segmented nunchaku 145. As another example, the three-segmented nunchaku 145 may result from transitioning from the partially expanded state depicted in FIG. 2. From the partially expanded state, a user may rotate the half members 115 and 115-1 with respect to one another about the pivot point provided by the protrusion 142 and the recess 143. The user may rotate the half members 115 and 115-1 180 degrees (or partially to 180 degrees, approximately 150 degrees or more, such that the magnets 140 may bring the half members 115 and 115-1 the rest of the way into full, inverted alignment) to magnetically lock the half members 115 and 115-1 together in inverted fashion to form composite member 106 illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0074] As yet another example, the three-segmented nunchaku 145 may result from transitioning from the composite, single nunchaku configuration depicted in FIG. 1. A user may need only to rotate half members 115 and 115-1 with respect to one another about the pivot point provided by the protrusion 142 and the recess 143. Alternatively, a user may need only to rotate half members 115-2 and 115-3 with respect to one another about their pivot point.

[0075] Referring to the example shown, the magnetic locking system may be configured to keep the half members 115 and 115-1 together when in the resting state, when part or all of the three-segmented nunchaku 145 is swung, and when part of the three-segmented nunchaku 145 impacts another object. Not only may the magnets 140 keep the half members 115 and 115-1 together during swinging and impacts, but also the protrusion 142 and the recess 143 may provide lateral and longitudinal support to keep the half members 115 and 115-1 together. The protrusion 142 and the recess 143 may prevent the half members 115 and 115-1 from being pulled apart laterally or longitudinally along a plane corresponding to the abutted surfaces 116.

[0076] FIG. 9 illustrates a view of another nunchaku system 200, which may be a variation of the nunchaku system 100, in accordance with certain embodiments according to the present disclosure. The nunchaku system 200 may include one or more nunchakus 150. The nunchaku 150 may generally correspond to the nunchakus 130, 135, with a half member 115-4; flexible connectors 110-3; surfaces 116-4 and 116-5; magnets 140-12, 140-13, 140-14, and 140-15; recess 143-2; and protrusion 142-2 (correspond, in some embodiments, to the pin 152). However, instead of a second, full-size half member, the nunchaku 150 may have a partial member 115-5 that is shorter than the half member 115-4. For example, in some embodiments, the partial member 115-5 may be half the length of the half member 115-4. In various other embodiments, the partial member 115-5 may be greater than or less than half the length of the half member 115-4.

[0077] The magnetic locking and docking system of the nunchaku 150 may include the magnets 140-12, 140-13, 140-14, and 140-15; the recess 143-2; and the protrusion 142-2, and may allow for functionalities like those of the nunchaku system 100. In some embodiments, the nunchaku system 200 may include a second nunchaku (not shown) that matches the nunchaku 150. Thus, the two nunchakus 150 may allow for various configurations and functionalities similar to those of the nunchaku system 100.

[0078] In some embodiments, the partial member 115-5 may include multiple protrusions 142 (corresponding, in some embodiments, to pins 152), with the half member 115-4 including matching recesses 143 and magnets 140. In some embodiments, the half member 115-4 may include multiple protrusions 142, with the partial member 115-5 including matching recesses 143 and magnets 140. In some embodiments, the partial member 115-5 may include a combination of protrusion 142, recesses 143 and magnets 140, with the half member 115-4 including a matching combination of recesses 143, magnets 140, and protrusion 142.

[0079] The nunchaku system 200 may provide for unique and advantageous performance characteristics, techniques, and applications. Moreover, the smaller, compact, and asymmetrical nunchaku 150 when in a collapsed state may allow for easy portability, carry, storage, and concealment, which may be advantageous in certain situations. The asymmetrical structure of the nunchaku 150 may, for example, allow for nunchaku 150 to be placed partially in, and partially outside, a waistband, a pocket, or the like. For example, part or all of the half member 115-4 may be placed inside a waist waistband, a pocket, or the like. The partial member 115-5 may remain on the outside of the clothing. In one application, only the portion of the half member 115-4 that extends beyond the length of the partial member 115-5 may be placed in the pocket, waistband, etc. such that the rest of the half member 115-4 extends above the pocket, waistband, etc. with the partial member 115-5 magnetically attached to it. In another application, most or all of the half member 115-4 may be placed in the pocket, waistband, etc., while the partial member 115-5 may remain on the outside of the clothing. The magnetic attraction of the half members 115-4 and the partial member 115-5, acting through the clothing material, may secure the nunchaku 150 in place, allowing for carry of the nunchaku 150 in that position with partial concealment and allowing for easy and quick removal when needed.

[0080] FIG. 10 illustrates a view of another nunchaku system 300, which may be a variation of the nunchaku system 200, in accordance with certain embodiments according to the present disclosure. The nunchaku system 300 may include two nunchakus 160. Each of the nunchakus 160 may generally correspond to the nunchaku 150, but with two partial members 115-5 instead of just one partial member 115-5 as in the embodiment of the nunchaku 150. Other components may be the same or similar.

[0081] In some embodiments, the partial members 115-5 may each be about six inches in length. The connectors 110-4 may be longer than in other embodiments, providing a swing range comparable to the full-size versions. In some embodiments, the partial members 115-5 may be formed to have a larger diameter or bulbous design (as compared to the full-size versions) to enhance impact power, compensating for the smaller lengths.

[0082] FIG. 11 illustrates a view of another nunchaku system 400, which may be a variation of the nunchaku system 100, in accordance with certain embodiments according to the present disclosure. The nunchaku system 400 may include four half members 115-8 connected via a third set of one or more connectors 110-4. Other components may be the same or similar.

[0083] It should be noted that the methods, systems, and devices discussed above are intended merely to be examples. It must be stressed that various embodiments may omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. For instance, it should be appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, the methods may be performed in an order different from that described, and that various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Also, features described with respect to certain embodiments may be combined in various other embodiments. Different aspects and elements of the embodiments may be combined in a similar manner. Also, it should be emphasized that technology evolves and, thus, many of the elements are examples and should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention.

[0084] Specific details are given in the description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, well-known, processes, structures, and techniques have been shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments. This description provides example embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the preceding description of the embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing embodiments of the invention. Various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0085] Having described several embodiments, it will be recognized by those of skill in the art that various modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents may be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the above elements may merely be a component of a larger system, wherein other rules may take precedence over or otherwise modify the application of the invention. Also, a number of steps may be undertaken before, during, or after the above elements are considered. Accordingly, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.