Transformable Nunchaku System

This application is a non-provisional of, and claims priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/570,602, filed Mar. 27, 2024, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

This disclosure generally relates to martial arts weapons and particularly to transformable nunchaku.

Traditional nunchaku, also referenced as “nunchakus” or “nunchucks,” have been used as striking weapons for self-defense for centuries. However, nunchakus have existed in limited form. Traditional nunchakus tend to be bulky and difficult to carry, which presents challenges when nunchakus are used by law enforcement, military, and certain self-defense applications. Moreover, the limited form of traditional nunchakus has relegated nunchakus to a limited set of techniques and situations that cannot be adapted to changing needs of users.

Thus, there is need for martial arts weapons that address the challenges and problems encumbering traditional nunchakus. This and other needs are addressed by the present disclosure.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to martial arts weapons and particularly to transformable nunchaku systems, devices, and methods.

In one aspect, a nunchaku system is disclosed. A first member may be connected to a 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.

In another aspect, a method for forming nunchaku is disclosed. 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.

In various embodiments, the first member and the second member may be magnetically and removably dockable to one another. In various embodiments, the first member comprises a pin, and the second member comprises a recess matching the pin. In various embodiments, the first member and the second member may be magnetically and removably dockable to one another based in part on the pin and the recess. The pin may be inserted into the recess when the first member and the second member are docked. In various embodiments, the first member and the second member may be rotatable about a pivot corresponding to the pin and the recess.

In various embodiments, the first member may include a first flat surface. The second member may include a second flat surface. The first flat surface and the second flat surface may be brought into close proximity when the first member and the second member are magnetically and removably coupled. In various embodiments, one or both of the first member and the second member may include one or more magnets. The one or more magnets may facilitate docking the first member and the second member together.

In various embodiments, the first member and the second member may have a same length. In various embodiments, the first member or the second member may be longer than the other. In various embodiments, the first member or the second member may be half the length of the other. In various embodiments, a third member may be connected to a fourth member via a second set of one or more flexible connectors. The third member and the fourth member may be magnetically and removably couplable to one another. In various embodiments, the third member and the fourth member may be magnetically and removably couplable to the first member and the second member.

In various embodiments, the third member and the fourth member may be magneticallyand removably dockable to the first member and the second member. In various embodiments, the first member, the second member, the third member, and the fourth member may be combinable in a plurality of configurations. In various embodiments, the plurality of configurations may include a two-segmented nunchaku. In various embodiments, the plurality of configurations may include a three-segmented nunchaku.

Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating various embodiments, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to necessarily limit the scope of the disclosure.

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.

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.

Various embodiments will now be discussed in greater detail with reference to the accompanying figures, beginning with. Inand 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.

illustrates a side view of a nunchaku system, in accordance with certain embodiments according to the present disclosure. The nunchaku systemis depicted as a complete system in a locked state. The nunchakus systemmay include a first composite memberflexibly connected to a second composite member-. The composite membersand-may be flexibly connected via two or more flexible connectors.

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

The flexible connectorsmay correspond to any suitable means for connecting the composite membersand-while allowing freedom of movement typical for nunchaku. In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible connectorsare parachute cords. Other embodiments may use other types of flexible connectors, which may include various types of ropes or chains with ball bearing assemblies.

The composite membermay include a half memberand a half member-. The half memberand the half member-may be combined to make up the composite member. In the magnetically locked state, the half memberand the half member-may be magnetically attached to one another. Likewise, the composite member-may include a half member-and a half member-. The half member-and the half member-may be combined to make up the composite member-. In the magnetically locked state, the half member-and the half member-may be magnetically attached to one another.

The half membersmay be formed from any one or more materials suitable for the rigorous applications required by the nunchaku system. For example, the half membersmay 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 membersmay be formed from carbon fiber (e.g., carbon fiber tubing). In other examples, the half membersmay 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 membersto enhance their durability (e.g., any suitable ceramic-based, thin-film coating).

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

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

In some embodiments, each of the half membersmay be formed to have tactile grooves on a lower portion of the half member. 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, 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(e.g., by way of a spray-on or other adhesive process). Advantageously, such grip features may facilitate splitting apart the half members.

In some embodiments, each of the half membersmay 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(as disclosed herein) do not pinch fingers.

In the fully locked state as shown, the nunchaku systemmay 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 membersmay be configured to remain magnetically locked together as in the example depicted while the nunchaku systemmay be used as a single nunchaku. So, for example, a magnetic locking and docking system (referenced herein as “magnetic locking system”) may be configured to keep the half memberstogether when in the resting state, when one or both of the composite membersare swung, and when a composite memberimpacts another object in a manner suitable for regular nunchaku. Yet, the magnetic locking system may still allow for the half membersto be pulled apart from one another by a user.

illustrates another view of the nunchaku systemwith one composite member-in an expanded state, in accordance with certain embodiments according to the present disclosure. The half members-and-of the composite member-have been pulled apart from one another by a user. The composite memberremains in a locked state. As shown, the half member-may still be connected in the expanded state by a subset-of the flexible connectorsto the locked composite member. Likewise, the half member-may still be connected in the expanded state by a subset-of the flexible connectorsto the locked composite member.

The half members-and-may respectively have surfacesand-that may be revealed in the expanded state. The surfacesand-may be substantially flat to facilitate mating of the half members-and-when the half members-and-are in the locked state. When in the locked state, the surfacesand-may be interior surfaces of the composite member-. The half membersand-may likewise be formed to have such surfaces, but such surfaces are not visible indue to the locked state of the composite membershown.

In the partially locked and partially expanded state illustrated in, the nunchaku systemmay accordingly be usable in a second configuration. The second configuration may correspond to one version of a three-segmented nunchaku. 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.

The nunchaku systemmay easily be returned to the first configuration by the user aligning and mating the surfacesand-of the half members-and-together. Further, the nunchaku systemmay be transformed to a different configuration.

illustrates another view of the nunchaku systemin 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 inwhere the half membersand-of the composite memberwere in a locked state, the half membersand-shown inhave been pulled apart from one another by a user. In the fully expanded state as shown, the nunchaku systemmay be usable in a third configuration as two separate nunchakusand. Each of the nunchakusandmay be half the size of the single, combined nunchaku. 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 nunchakuand the nunchakumay be combinable and recombinable to transform into any of the various configurations disclosed herein.

The nunchakumay include the half membersand-connected via the subset of flexible connectors-and the half members-and-connected via the subset of flexible connectors-. In the depicted embodiment, the subset of flexible connectors-and the subset of flexible connectors-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 membersand-and a single connector connecting the half members-and-).

is a close-up, front view of a portion of the nunchakuincluding the subset of flexible connectors-, in accordance with certain embodiments according to the present disclosure.is a close-up, side view of a portion of the nunchakuincluding the subset of flexible connectors-, in accordance with certain embodiments according to the present disclosure. In the example illustrated, part of the subset of flexible connectors-may extend through a longitudinal hole (not shown) in the proximal end of each half memberand-that extends longitudinally to a first transverse hole. The first transverse holemay extend all the way through the half member.

Part of the subset of flexible connectors-may extend through part of the first transverse hole, exit the first transverse hole, extend along the surface-, and enter a second transverse holethat also extends all the way through the half member. Part of the subset of flexible connectors-may exit the second transverse hole, extend along an outer surface, enter the first transverse hole, extend through part of the first transverse hole, and exit the longitudinal hole. Part of the subset of flexible connectors-may likewise extend through corresponding features of the half member-. The nunchakumay be likewise configured. Other embodiments are possible.

Referring again to, the view indicates portions of the magnetic locking system. The magnetic locking system may include two or more magnetsembedded in two or more of the half members. In various embodiments, the magnetic locking system may include two or more pairs of magnetsembedded in two or more of the half members. Any type, shape, and/or size of magnet providing suitable magnetic forces for the dynamic uses of the nunchaku systemmay be used for the magnetsin various embodiments. In some embodiments including multiple pairs of magnets, each of the magnetsmay 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.

The example depicted inincludes twelve magnets,-,-, . . .-. Each magnetof one set of magnets (e.g.,,-,-, and-) may be disposed at a first distance from the proximal end of the half memberin which it is embedded. Each magnetof a second set of magnets (e.g.,-,-,-, and-) may be disposed at a second distance from the proximal end of the half memberin which it is embedded. Each magnetof a third set of magnets (e.g.,-,-,-, and-) may be disposed at a third distance from the proximal end of the half memberin which it is embedded.

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

Accordingly, the matching sets of magnetsmay be disposed to facilitate attraction to one another when brought in close proximity. Moreover, the orientation of the magnetsmay be aligned to facilitate attraction to one another when brought in close proximity. Thus, each of the magnetsmay be oriented such that its polarity is aligned with the polarities of other magnetswhen two of the surfacesare brought into contact with one another.

The magnetsmay be centered laterally with respect to the surfacesof the half members. In some embodiments, one set of magnetsmay be centered longitudinally in the half members. For example, each magnetof the second set of magnets (e.g.,-,-,-, and-) may be disposed at a midpoint in the length of one of the half members.

Various embodiments may use different numbers of magnetsand magnet placements. Moreover, in alternative embodiments, instead of matching pairs of magnets, a magnetmay be paired with a corresponding ferromagnetic metal to facilitate the magnetic attraction. Thus, for example, the embodiment shown inmay be modified such that ferromagnetic metal may be used instead of one or more of magnets-,-,-,-,-,-. The ferromagnetic metal components may be matched with one or more of magnets,-,-,-,-, and-. Various combinations of magnetsand 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(e.g., docking slots or clasps).

To facilitate the docking of one half memberto another half member, the half membersmay include docking components. The docking components may include the magnetsand, in some embodiments, ferromagnetic components matched with the magnets. The docking components may further include a protrusionextending beyond the surfaceof a half memberand a matching recessthat extends below the surfaceof another half member. The recessmay be configured to receive the protrusion.

is a close-up, side view of a portion of the nunchakuincluding the protrusionand the matching recess, in accordance with certain embodiments according to the present disclosure.is a close-up, front view of a portion of the nunchakuincluding the protrusionand the matching recess, in accordance with certain embodiments according to the present disclosure. In the example embodiment depicted, the protrusionmay correspond to a knob and/or pin having a generally cylindrical shape with a rounded edge, and the recessmay be a hole having a corresponding shape to provide a space to receive the protrusion.

As illustrated by, a matching protrusionand recessmay be included in the half members,-of one nunchaku, while another matching protrusion-and recess-may be included in the half members-,-of the other nunchaku(shown in). Accordingly, the illustrated embodiment includes one protrusion-recess docking pair per nunchaku,. Other embodiments may include multiple protrusion-recess docking pairs per nunchaku,.

In various embodiments, the protrusionsand/or the recessesmay be formed in a magnet. Thus, for example, the recessmay be formed in the magnet-, and the magnet-may be formed to provide the protrusion. Similarly, in embodiments that use some ferromagnetic material, the protrusionor the recessmay be formed with the ferromagnetic material. However, in some embodiments, the protrusioncomponent and/or the recesscomponent may be formed separately from the magnets. In various embodiments, the protrusioncomponent and/or the recesscomponent may be attached (e.g., via a suitable adhesive, molecular bond, etc.) to the half memberssuch that the magnetsare embedded directly behind the protrusioncomponent and/or the recesscomponent. In some embodiments, some of the magnets(e.g.,-and-) may provide the end of the recesses, and, thus, may be visible through the holes of the recesses. In other embodiments, the magnetsmay not embedded behind the protrusioncomponent and/or the recesscomponent.

illustrates an example pinand matching magnet, in accordance with certain embodiments according to the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the pinmay be partially embedded in one half memberto provide the protrusion. In various embodiments, the pinmay be formed of stainless steel, titanium, and/or any other suitable material.

Likewise, the magnetbe at least partially embedded or fully embedded in the same half memberand/or the opposing half member. For example, the pinmay be inserted into the magnetto form a composite. The pinmay have a base that is wider than a hole in the magnetto limit the extent to which the pinmay be inserted into the hole in the magnetand leave a portion of the pinextending beyond the magnetto provide the protrusion. The compositemay be partially embedded in the half member, while another magnetmay be partially or fully embedded at a matching position in the opposite half member. In various embodiments, the protrusionof the pinmay have a different shape (e.g., a square shape, a rectangular shape, a star shape, or another suitable shape), and the recessof the magnetmay likewise have a different matching shape configured to receive the protrusion. Moreover, in various embodiments, the overall shape of the magnetmay 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).

illustrates part of an embodiment of the nunchaku-(connectorsnot shown) with an interior cap, hollow portions, and a recessin the half member-, in accordance with certain embodiments according to the present disclosure. Other half membersmay be likewise formed. The recessmay be formed to match and seat the magnetand/or pin. Once the magnetand/or pinare seated in the recess, the interior capmay be attached to the half member-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 capmay be formed to have a hole, adapted to allow protrusion of part of the pinthrough the hole.

In some embodiments, the hollow portionsmay be formed to seat magnets, as well (e.g., rectangular magnets). In some embodiments, where the half membersare wrapped in carbon fiber, the magnetand/or pinmay be secured in place in the half membersby the carbon fiber wrapping without the need for the interior cap.

The docking components may allow for each of the nunchakuand the nunchakuto be easily collapsed.illustrates a view of the nunchaku systemwith each of the separate nunchakuand nunchakuin a collapsed state, in accordance with certain embodiments according to the present disclosure. The collapsed states of the nunchakuand the nunchakumay be achieved by transitioning from the fully expanded states depicted inby bringing the half membersand-in close proximity to one another to form the nunchakuand by bringing the half members-and-in close proximity to one another to form the nunchaku.

For example, by dint of the magnetsof the docking components, a user may need only to generally align the surfaces-andand bring the half membersand-into a mutual proximity of approximatelytoinches from one another in order for the magnetsto attract the half membersand-together, with the protrusionand recessautomatically docking. Thus, the magnetsmay automatically align the protrusionand recess. To do so, a user may need only hold one half memberor-and swing the other half member-orto flip it into close proximity such that magnetic forces attract the half members,-together into a collapsed configuration.

In the separate and collapsed states shown, the nunchakuand the nunchakumay 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 nunchakuand the nunchakumay allow for easy portability, carry, storage, and concealment, which may be advantageous in certain situations.