A connector couples a pair of elongated rods in axial alignment for transmitting axial and rotational forces along a longitudinal axis of the rods through the connection. The connector includes interfitting male and female sections projecting in longitudinal extension from their corresponding respective rods, with the male section including an elongated transversely polygonal member having a transversely extending notch. The female section comprises an elongated channel having a cross-section configuration for complementally receiving the male section for rotation with the latter and having a transversely extending segment configured to be received in the notch when the rods are in axial alignment to lock the rods together for axial movement as a unit. The female section also includes a pair of elongated apertures respectively positioned on opposite facing surfaces of the channel relative to the longitudinal axis. The apertures communicate the channel with the exterior of the female section and are positioned to permit the sections to be moved into or removed from their connected positions when the rods are disposed in positions with their respective longitudinal axes at an angle with respect to one another.
A rehabilitation device which includes a frame supported on a plurality of wheels. The frame includes a longitudinal member supported on a rear wheel and transverse member supported on a pair of front wheels. The longitudinal member includes a descending section which is located substantially close to the ground to facilitate getting on and off the rehabilitation device, without having to substantially raise a leg. The frame assembly may be connected using the interconnect fitting. The interconnect fitting enables quick assembly of assembly and disassembly of the device so that the device may be transported as two lightweight, compact pieces.
Solid rod-shaped hinges and articles incorporating the same, such as collapsible sports articles, e.g., landing nets and snow sticks. A tubular landing net frame and handle incorporates at least three rod-shaped hinges. The hinge for the landing net comprises a cylindrical base element with locking shoulders on each end with pin rotatable, cylindrical and hooked extension elements. The extension elements have slots to accommodate the pins on the base element. Each extension element has a spring-loaded locking button for interacting with first locking apertures in the tubular net frame and handle. Each hook on the extension element is connected to a spring, anchored within the tubular frame. The folding procedure only requires a pull on the landing net frame at the joints to dislodge the locking buttons to expand the anchor springs and engage the locking buttons in second (limited in diameter) apertures of the tubular frame, thus to hold the net and handle in the folded position. The unfolding procedure requires minimum effort in dislodging the buttons to permit the expanded anchored springs to urge the opening of the landing net and handle. The snow stick incorporates at least two solid rod-shaped hinges. The folded snow stick can be conveniently carried in a case strapped to one's waist and thigh.
