WO1998019761A1

WO1998019761A1 - Wand

Info

Publication number: WO1998019761A1
Application number: PCT/GB1997/002817
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Henry Colin Horsman
Original assignee: David Henry Colin Horsman
Priority date: 1996-11-04
Filing date: 1997-10-29
Publication date: 1998-05-14
Also published as: AU4785697A; GB9622945D0; GB2318747A

Abstract

The invention relates to a novel wand including a self-winding or self-furling mechanism into which a cord attached to the wand is retracted so that the wand travels along the cord if this is held fast. The wand may also be collapsible. Typically, the wand comprises a tubular member and a resilient member mounted within the tubular member, one end of the resilient member being connected to a cord which passes out through an aperture and a side wall of the tubular member and the other end of the resilient member being conneccted to the tubular member whereby when the cord is extracted from the tubular member by the aperture, the resilient member is resiliently deformed such that the cord is under tension and the cord and tubular member are urged there together.

Description

WAND

The invention relates to a wand for example a toy wand, dancing baton, cane, rod, pole or staff for exercise or spatial and kinaesthetic awareness and so on.

Conventionally, magic wands are used by children as recreational toys and typically comprise a continuous rod or hollow tube which is brightly decorated. Occasionally, a clear tube is filled with liquid and glitter which is distributed when the wand is inverted during play to produce an eye catching effect. Such wands are typically formed form one continuous section. Once a child is bored with the decoration on a given wand, or he or she outgrows it, a new wand must be purchased.

Dance batons, canes and rods are frequently used by dancers for example in marching bands or cheerleading to produce intricate displays. However, when a baton is held in a dancers hand only a limited number of movements using such conventional implements can be defined. Also, in movements in which a dancing baton is separated from a dancer, the baton is usually thrown upwards since otherwise it would not return to the dancer.

Further, a novice often finds it difficult to grasp the rudimentary skills necessary to perform movements using the baton and frequently drops it during training. Damage can occur if a baton is dropped. Also, it is difficult to alter the length and/or design of the baton to meet the needs of the dancer. For example, a taller person will require a longer baton than a shorter one. Also, younger children are more likely to be interested in learning to play with an eye catching baton than a plain one. Existing wands or batons for play or dancing therefore have a limited range of movements in which they can be used, limited novelty or design appeal to a user and limited adaptability to the physical requirements of the user. Exercise apparatus in the form of weighted rods or poles are used in wight lifting, though these have limited applicability in relaxation, stretching or aerobic exercise. Also, weighted rods and poles are difficult to transport and also difficult to adapt to a users physical requirements .

Physical therapy is often used to increase spatial and kinaesthetic awareness and mobility skills of fully fit and physically impaired individuals. There is therefore a need to provide tools or apparatus which can be used in such therapy and which are portable, easily adaptable to the requirements of a user, and which provide an activity over a range of difficulties.

The present invention seeks to alleviate these problems.

It will be apparent to the reader that where a "wand" is referred to in this application, this terms covers a wand, such as a toy wand, a rod, a cane, a staff, pole or the like.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a wand comprising:

a tubular member and a resilient member mounted within the tubular member, one end of the resilient member being connected to a cord which passes out through an aperture in a side wall of the tubular member, the other end of the resilient member being connected to the tubular member;

whereby when the cord is extracted from the tubular member via the aperture, the resilient member is resiliently deformed such that the cord is under tension and the cord and tubular member are urged towards each other.

In preferred embodiment, a spool member is rotatably mounted in the tubular member and the cord passes around the spool member and out through the aperture so that when the cord is extracted through the aperture the spool member rotates within the tubular member.

Preferably the resilient member is positioned within the spool member. The resilient member may be a coil spring.

For example, one end of the coil is connected to the spool member and one end of the cord is connected to the spool member whereby when the cord is extracted, the spool member rotates and the coil spring is resiliently deformed. Preferably, the coil spring is wound up as the cord is extracted.

In a preferred embodiment, the spool member comprises a rotatable portion and a base which is fixably attached to the tubular member and to which one end of the coil spring is connected. Preferably, the end of the coil spring connected to the base member is the innermost end. Preferably the outer end of the spring is attached to the rotatable portion of the spool member and one end of the cord is also attached to the rotatable portion of the spool member .

In a preferred embodiment, the tubular member is an elongate member. Alternatively, or in addition, the spool member is an elongate member. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the elongate member is substantially perpendicular to the cord when the cord is under tension, in use.

Preferably, the aperture is centrally located in the tubular member. The longitudinal axes of the tubular member and the spool member are preferably substantially in alignment. One or more stops which extend radially inwards from the innermost surface of the tubular member may be provided to locate the spool member within the tubular member in the longitudinal direction.

Preferably the wand is collapsible. In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a collapsible wand comprising:

a body member, a first extension member and a connecting member slidably mounted about or within one of the body member or the extension member and substantially along a longitudinal axis of that member, the connecting member including means for releasably connecting with the other of the body member or the extension member;

whereby the extension member is telescopically receivable about or within the body member.

In a preferred embodiment, at least two first extension members and corresponding connection members are provided, whereby the at least two extension members are telescopically receivable about or within respective ends of the body member. Preferably, the wand also comprises one or more second extension members and one or more corresponding second connecting members slidably mounted about or within a corresponding first extension member or the second extension member substantially along a longitudinal axis of that member, the or each second connecting member including means for releasably connecting with the other of the corresponding first extension member or the second extension member whereby the or each second extension member is telescopically receivable about or within its respective first extension member.

Preferably at least one third, or third and one or more further extension members and corresponding third or third and further connecting members are provided in which the or each third extension member is telescopically receivable about or within its corresponding second extension member and in which, if one or more further extension members are provided, the or each further extension member is telescopically receivable about or within its corresponding previous extension member. Preferably, the connecting member comprises a screw thread compatible with a screw thread on a corresponding extension member .

Preferably, the body member and/or one or more extension members are tubular members having a connecting member slidably mounted in the tubular member such that the corresponding extension member is telescopically receivable therein. Preferably, the connecting member is retained within the body member, or the extension member, by a stop member extending radially inwards at an end of the body or the extension member.

Preferably, the connecting member is tubular and has a screw thread on its inner surface and the adjoining extension member has a screw thread on its outer surface.

Preferably, a locking stop is provided so that when the extension numbers are fully extracted from the body member or extension number from which they depend, the extracted extension member is held in the extended position.

In a preferred embodiment, symmetric extension members are provided at each end of a body member so that the first extension members are inter-changeable and, if provided, the second extension members are inter-changeable, and so on.

Preferably, a total of three extensions members are provided at each side of a body member. Preferably, one of the extension members remote from the body member is weighted with respect to the remaining extension members and body member. Preferably the weighting is such that the wand hangs vertically during use.

In a preferred embodiment a cord is attached to the body member. The cord may be connected to a handle in the form of a ring by means of a swivel or universal joint. Preferably the ring is oval. The ring may be resilient and may comprise plastic. Preferably, the ring is constructed so as to be easily slipped onto a finger, fingers or hand and yet capable of gripping so as not to easily slide off during normal use .

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of parts comprising one or more body members as hereinbefore described, and one or more inter-changeable extension members, the or each body member or extension member being provided with a corresponding connecting member as hereinbefore described.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following figures.

Figure 1 is a plan view of a wand in accordance with the invention when fully extended. The insets show highlighted regions of the wand.

Figure 2 shows a plan view of a wand according to the invention when fully retracted.

Figure 3 shows a cross sectional view of two extension members one telescopically receivable within the other.

Figure 4 shows a cross sectional view through a tubular extension member of figure 3.

Figure 5 shows a schematic partially exploded perspective view of a self-furling or self-winding mechanism within the central section of the wand in accordance with the invention.

Figure 6 shows a schematic cross sectional view of the self-furling mechanism in the central section of the wand. Figure 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the wand of the invention including extension members, threaded connecting sleeves and a central section.

Figures 8 (a) and 8 (b) show partial cut away views of two embodiments of the wand in accordance with the invention.

Figure 9 shows side views of half of four alternative wands in accordance with the invention.

Figure 10 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of half a wand such as those seen in figure 9 (with one less extension section) .

Figure 11 shows a complete wand of figure 9 in a collapsed state .

Referring to figures 1 to 4, a wand 1 has a central section 2 and extension sections 3, 4 and 5 symmetrically disposed about and telescopically receivable within central section 2. In one of the insets, a screw thread 7 is shown on the inner surface of extension member 3 which is compatible with a corresponding screw thread 6 on the outer surface of adjoining further extension member 4. A cord 8 typically comprising a nylon filament of around 500mm in length is attached to the centre of the wand in a manner to be described later. A handle 9 in the form of an oval ring is provided at the end of cord 8. Each section of the wand is decorated in an eye catching pattern. Corresponding sections, for example sections 3 can be inter-changed with one another or replacement sections having different eye catching panels. Whilst three extension sections are provided symmetrically about the central section 2, fewer or more extension sections may be provided.

When the wand is decorated with eye catching designs and the cord used is a filament, for example, the cord is barely visible making the movement of the wand appear independent from the user and therefore magical . The extension sections can be retracted within the central body as illustrated in figure 2. A rotating swivel 10 is provided at the end of cord 8 adjacent moulded flexible plastic ring 9 to further increase the range of movement of wand 1 with respect to ring 9.

The telescoping mechanism is illustrated in figure 3. Each section is screwed into a circular plastic sleeve 11 fitted inside its adjoining section. Each extension section, other than the end extension sections, are provided with a screw thread 6 at one end and a stop 21 at the other end for retaining slidable connecting sleeve 11 within tubular member 3. Sleeve 11 is made form low friction plastic and is moveable to and fro in the direction of arrow 100 along the entire length of the section 3. Screw thread 6 on section 4 is screwed into screw thread 7 on the inner surface of sleeve 11 to retain section 4 in sleeve 11. Sleeve 11 is held in place by friction and slides the length of the tube to enable the adjoining section to telescope into it. Section 4 is then telescopically receivable within the tubular cavity of section 3. It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that extension 4 is interchangeable with other extension sections having a diameter which may be differently weighted and/or decorated according to the wishes of the user. Extension sections of differing lengths also be used, to vary the length of the wand when extended and/or retracted.

An annular stop 12 and annular groove 13 are provided respectively in section 3 and sleeve 11 so that sections 3 and 4 can be locked in the extended position. Arrangements such as a thread mechanism and/or a taper tight (interference fit) mechanism could be used instead of or to supplement the ridge arrangement. If the taper tight mechanism is used, whether or not in conjunction with a ridge or thread, the extension tubes would normally be tapered correspondingly to provide an interference fit at an appropriate extended position. Referring to figure 4, a longitudinal ridge 15 and corresponding longitudinal groove 13 are provided in the tube 3 and sleeve 11 respectively to guide the sleeve 11 and hence section 14 as it slides through tubular section 3. Spaces or runners can also be provided to guide section

4 within section 3.

An alternative arrangement is illustrated in figure 7. Here, a section 3 is provided with a sleeve 11 about its outer surface. The outer surface of sleeve 11 has a screw thread which corresponds to a screw thread on the inner surface of number 2. Similarly, extension section 4 has a sleeve 11 slidably mounted on its outer surface and having a screw thread which is presented to a corresponding screw thread on the innermost surface of section 3. It will be appreciated by those in the art that this operates in a similar manner to the wand described in figure 3.

Referring to figure 5, a self-furling or self-winding mechanism of the wand is described. The self-furling mechanism includes a spring loaded spool 19 having circular plates 17 and 18 which are fixed to tubular section 2. The central portion 24 of the spool is rotatably mounted within between plates 17 and 18 and is recessed to accommodate cord 8. Cord 8 passes through an aperture 16 through the side wall of section 2.

The central section 2 houses self-furling spool 19 at its mid point. The retracted extension sections abut spool 19 when not in use in this particular embodiment.

The internal structure of the spring loaded spool 19 can be seen in figure 6. Here, it can be seen that when cord 8 is extracted from section 2 via aperture 16 in the direction of arrow 200 the rotatable portion 24 of the spring loaded spool 19 rotates causing spring 20 to wind up. One end of spring 20 is connected to the rotatable portion 24 at 22, the other end of spring 20 is connected to one of the fixed plates 17 or 18 of the spool (not shown) . The direction of force applied to spring 20 is indicated by arrow 300.

The action of extracting cord 8 from section 2 may be carried out in the following two ways. Firstly, a user can pull on cord 8 whilst holding section 2. Alternatively, a user can hold handle 9 of cord 8 and drop wand 1 or throw wand 1 away from him causing cord 8 to be extracted from aperture 16, rotatable section 24 to rotate and spring 20 to be wound up. Once the energy imparted in the action of pulling the cord or dropping or throwing the wand has been stored in the spring, it must be released.

If the user hold the wand fast, the cord will then be retracted into the wand. Alternatively, if the user holds the handle 9 of cord 8 fast, the wand will be drawn towards the user as the spring 20 unwinds and causes the cord 8 to wind around rotatable member 24 within section 2 causing the wand to travel along the cord.

A toggle switch mounted on the surface of the main section 2 operates a rubber break by applying for releasing pressure to a raised section of the rotating spool (not shown) . A fly wheel and/or a gear mechanism can be used to control the rate of furling when the spring loaded spool is released. The joint 10 comprises a moulded plastic ball of around 2mm in diameter which is housed in a hollow sphere of around 5mm in diameter acting as a swivel. A further moulded ball of similar dimensions is inserted into the hollow sphere from the other side and is attached to the oval plastic ring 9 which is approximately 25mm in length and 3mm in width. The ring 9 is constructed with sufficient spring in it to be flexible enough to place over a finger yet adapted so that it maintains sufficient grip so as not to slide off under normal conditions of use.

In a preferred embodiment, the wand is made of seven principal sections made from alloy or composite with various plastic components. For example, the body section and the extension sections may be made from plastic at least 2mm thick to resist impact during use. Three of these sections make up the bottom half of the wand and three the top half. Each section beginning with the outermost sections can retract into the neighbouring extensions. Both top and bottom sections, as has been described, can retract into either end of the central body sections. When extended, the sections are weighted in such a way that the wand hangs vertically. The outermost extension sections 5 are typically solid.

Figure 8(a) illustrates the self-furling mechanism seen in figure 6. The preferred self-furling mechanism is similar to that used in a retractable measuring tape. Indeed, figure 6 is a cross sectional view of the wand in figure

8 (a) through line BB' . An alternative embodiment is illustrated in figure 8(b) in which a spring 20 is situated between an elongate spool member 19A and an outer member 2A. Spring 20 connects to spool member 19A at 22 and to section 2A at 23. Cord 8 is extractable through aperture 16. Cord 8 is wound about spool member 19A and therefore on extraction spool 19A is made to rotate, thus winding up and imparting energy to spring 20. On release of cord 8 or spool section 19A, the cord is retracted into the wand and/or section 19A travels along cord 8 towards the handle. The furling mechanism housing is preferably attached to the central tube by means of screws etc so that it can be opened up to replace the nylon filament.

Typically each extension section of the wand is around 125mm, whilst the body section is around 250mm. The overall length of the wand, for example, the wand seen in figures 9 and 11, is around 900-lOOOmm, or 230-270mm when collapsed.

Figure 9 shows four examples of half of a wand in accordance with the invention. Here, extension nos. 3, 4, 5 and 5a have correspondingly larger diameters so that, for example, extension 5 can be telescopically received within extension 5a, extension 4 can be telescopically received within extension 5 and extension 3 can be telescopically received within extension 4. An example of what the wand looks like in a collapsed state is shown in figure 11. A lip provided at the free end of extension 5a is resiliently received by a corresponding lip on the inner surface of body member 2 so that the wand can be locked in a collapsed position.

An example of how the wand figure 9 might look in cross section is shown in figure 10. Here, extension 5 has been omitted for simplicity. Body member 2 has a greater diameter than outer extension 5a which is correspondingly larger than extension 4. Extension 4 has a larger diameter than member 3 which, in this particular embodiment, is rigidly fixed to body member 2. When collapsed, angular lip 30 rides over annular lip 31 of extension 5a to hold 5a within body member 2.

When extended, connecting members 11 and hence the extension members may be retained in position by a built in interference fit between extension members. For example, this can be achieved by ensuring the inner diameter of extension member 4 tapers axially inwards towards end 12a. Other means of retention such as screw threads or lips may be used instead of or in conjunction with a tapering interference fit. Indeed, the extension members may be tapered overall not just on the innermost surface.

It can be seen from the above description that a preferred invention provides a wand to which a cord is attached and in which there is provided a self-furling mechanism. Thus, it will be more difficult to drop the wand and more complex movements can be envisaged. Indeed, swivel or universal joint 10 specifically allows for more complex movements.

Also, the wand is collapsible and can be adapted in length, weight or external decoration to meet a users needs. Also such a wand is more easily stored. The wand may be weighted at one or both of its outermost ends so that it hangs vertically. Where the outer extension members are of greater diameter than inner extension members (as in figures 9 and 11) , this is the natural arrangement since the larger outer members are heaviest .

Because of centrifugal force the wand of the invention moves smoothly and rhythmically. The fact that in a preferred embodiment it tends to remain vertical gives it an elegant and slightly bizarre appearance which attracts attention and wonder for both user and observer. The sensations derived from moving an object around a user's body that is both attached to the user's body by a cord, moved by it and yet autonomous are seldom experienced, therefore new and generally pleasurable. Like many products with a gentle learning curve, it also gives tremendous satisfaction and people, children especially, enjoy showing off their skills. Once a certain level of skill has been reached, dancing with the wand to music, fast or slow, is particularly fun. The wand mimics a dance partner that a user controls entirely and who doesn't step on your feet. More challenging aspects are the ability to perfect choreographed routines, synchronise movements with other wand users or "wanders" and successfully manipulate two wands at the same time.

Moving or dancing with a wand can vary from a very relaxed low impact "stretch" work out to a full aerobic, exhausting routine. The level of effort is entirely dependent on the user and the choice of accompanying music. Because of its lightness and portability it can be used anywhere from the office to the home, the park to the beach. The natural rhythm of the wand has a tendency to relax and a gentle "wanding" session is excellent for unwinding, stress relief or as a diversion from repetitive thought patterns or long periods of work enforced inertia. The wand promotes good coordination, mobility, spatial and kinaesthetic awareness. The wand naturally draws attention to how the user moves, encouraging openness and therefore greater receptivity to our immediate surroundings. Working with professionals trained in this field, fit as well as physically impaired individuals can benefit with improvement in the level and quality of motor skills and human functionality. The learning process is no doubt helped by the enjoyable nature of the activity. The wand can be used in numerous different therapeutic disciplines from the Alexander Technique to Neuro linguistic programming and stress management , and from dance therapy to Tai Ch'i and other such movement arts. It can also be used in improving skills in children with motor skill difficulties, autism and other difficult to resolve pathologies .

It will be appreciated that where a wand has been described in the above description the invention of the application is not limited to such and can be applied to a cane, rod, pole, staff and so on.

It will apparent to those skilled in the art that alternative embodiments to those described herein can be envisaged, or such alternative embodiment are intended to lie within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A wand comprising:

a tubular member and a resilient member mounted within the tubular member, one end of the resilient member being connected directly or indirectly to a cord which passes out through an aperture in a side wall of the tubular member the other end of the resilient member being connected to the tubular member,

whereby when the cord is extracted from tubular member via the aperture the resilient member is resiliently deformed such that the cord is under tension and the cord and tubular member are urged together.

2. A wand according to claim 1, in which there is further provided a spool member rotatably mounted within the tubular member and in which the cord passes around the spool member and out through the aperture such that when the cord is extracted the spool member rotates.

3. A wand according to claim 2, in which the resilient member is positioned within the spool member.

4. A wand according claim 2 or claim 3 , in which the resilient member is a coil spring.

5. A wand according to claim 4, in which one end of the resilient member is connected to the spool member and one end of the cord is connected to the spool member whereby when the cord is extracted, the spool member is caused to rotate and the spring is resiliently deformed.

A wand according to claim 5 in which the coil spring is wound up as the cord is extracted.

7. A wand according to any of claims 3 to 6, in which the spool member comprises a central rotatable section and a housing which is fixedly attached to the tubular member and to which one end of the coil spring is connected.

8. A wand according to claim 7 in which the centre of the coil spring is connected to the housing of the spool member.

9. A wand according to any preceding claim in which the tubular member is elongate.

10. A wand according to any preceding claim in which the spool member is elongate.

11. A wand according to claim 9 or 10, in which the cord exits the aperture at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member.

12. A wand according to any preceding claim in which the aperture is centrally located in the tubular member.

13. A wand according to any claims 2 to 12 in which the longitudinal axes of the tubular member and the spool member are substantially aligned.

14. A wand according to any of claims 2 to 13 in which the spool member is longitudinally retained in the wand by means of one or more radially inwardly extended stops on the innermost surface of the tubular member.

15. A wand according to any preceding claim, in which the wand is collapsible.

16. A wand according to claim 15, in which at least one extension member is provided and the extension member is telescopically receivable about or within the tubular member.

17. A wand according to any of claim 16, in which one of the tubular member or the spool member is an elongate body member and which further comprises an extension member and a connecting member mounted about or within either the body member or the extension member and able to slide along it, the connecting member connecting with the other of the body member or the extension member

18. A collapsible wand comprising a body member, an extension member and a connecting member slidably mounted about or within either the body member or the extension member substantially along a longitudinal axis of that member, the connecting member including means for releasably connecting with the other of the body or the extension member

19. A wand according to any of claims 17 to 18, in which at least two extension members and corresponding connection members are provided, whereby the extension members are telescopically receivable about or within respective ends of the body member.

20. A wand according to any of claims 15 to 19, further comprising one or more second extension members and one or more corresponding second connecting members mounted about or within either a corresponding first extension member or the second extension member and able to slide along it, each connecting member connecting with the other of the corresponding first extension member or the second extension member whereby each second extension member is telescopically receivable about or within its respective first extension member.

21. A wand according to any of claims 15 to 20, in which a third or a third and further extension members, and corresponding third or third and further connecting members, are provided and in which the or each third extension member is telescopically receivable about or within its corresponding second extension member and in which, if at least one further extension member is provided, each further extension member is telescopically receivable about or within its neighbouring previous extension member.

22. A wand according to any of claims 17 to 21, in which the or each connecting member is a sleeve.

23. A wand according to any of claims 17 to 22, in which at least one or all the connecting members includes means for releasably connecting with the other of the body member or the extension member.

24. A wand according to claim 23, in which the or each connecting member comprises a screw thread and its respective extension member comprises a compatible screw thread.

25. A wand according to any of claims 17 to 24, in which the connecting member is tubular and has a screw thread on its innermost surface and the corresponding extension member has a screw thread on its outermost surface .

26. A wand according to any of claims 17 to 25, in which the body member or one or more extension members is a tubular member and the or each corresponding connecting member is slidably mounted within the tubular member so that the corresponding further extension member is telescopically receivable therein.

27. A wand according to any of claims 17 to 26, in which the connecting member is retained within the body member or extension member by a stop means located at an end of the body and/or extension member.

28. A wand according to any of claims 15 to 27, in which at least one extension member is provided at each of the end of the body member .

29. A wand according to any of claims 15 to 28, in which three extension members are provided at each end of the body member.

30. A wand according to any of claims 16 to 29, in which one or more extension members are weighted with respect to the body member or other extension members.

31. A wand according to claim 30, in which one end of the wand is weighted so that in use, the wand hangs vertically.

32. A wand according to any of claims 16 to 31, in which a locking arrangement is provided so that at least one or all extension members can be locked into an extended position.

33. A wand according to claim 32, in which the locking arrangement is an interference fit between members.

34. A wand according to claims 17 to 29, in which corresponding extension members are interchangeable.

35. A wand according to any preceding claim, in which a handle is provided on the cord.

36. A wand according to claim 35, in which the handle is connected to the cord by means of a swivel joint.

37. A wand according to claim 35 or 36, in which the handle is a ring.

38. A wand according to claim 37, in which the ring is oval .

39. A kit comprising a wand according to any of claims 16 to 38 and at least one further extension member interchangeable with the extension member of the wand.

40. A wand substantially as described herein with reference to and/or as illustrated in the figures.