Double Bladed Lightsaber Coupler (Separable)

[nickpro]

So, like many people, I would love to have a coupler that allows you to connect 2 lightsabers and disconnect on the spot (rather than unscrewing).

I did a lot of research and came across these threads (in case any of you want to see more ideas and stuff).
http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com...ign-idea/page2
http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com...ded-lightsaber

And also this genius who inspired my idea:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piPpiAJeaXI

In the video, the guy shows that you can fit a sinktube adapter perfectly over a blade holder (style 1). My idea was to make 2 rectangular holes in the sinktube adapter, and 2 rectangular holes in the blade holder. Then, I would cut the blade holder (style 7, the angled one) to make some sort of angled plates that would go through the hold of the blade holder (from the inside). The plates would be pushed into position with springs inside the blade holder.

To lock, you just slide the sinktube adapter over the tip of the blade holder. The "plate's" shorter end (since its angled) would be low enough to let it pass. As it goes further, the plate would go down due to the springs. Then, once the rectangle holes are aligned, the plate would spring up into the adapter's hole and then lock it into place. It would lock into place since the plate's higher end would be pressing up against the hole of the adapter.

To unlock, would be as simple as pressing both plates at the same time (to compress the springs). This would allow the adapter to slide back out.

Please excuse my drawing. 1. is the blade holder with the rectangular holes 2. is the adapter with the rectangular holes 3. is an "x-ray" view of the blade holder with the "plates". The thick rectangles on the right side represents the blade holder (after the holes). The plates are the angled parts. Inside the blade holder, there are 2 circles pressing up against the insides of the blade holder. Those circles are holding A metal plate for the springs to press up on. You might not be able to see, but there tiny dot on the corner of the "angled plates" are points where they are held down (for stability).

IMG_3989.jpg

This is the same mechanism that we see in a lot of places. When I assemble my trampoline, there are 2 spring loaded studs that pop into the other parts hole. Same with the vacuum cleaner extension.

Please, tell me what you think! Any ideas, suggestions or anything welcome. ALSO, would love to hear OTHER ideas for "on the spot" separable coupler. Give me all you got My goal is to one day make one where the pommels would look the same on both lightsabers. I have some ideas for some, but I don't have the means to cut it (machining).

[Forgetful Jedi Knight]

There were some prototypes that were done. I'm not exactly sure what ever happened to the "next" batch. They were suppose to have a couple of modifications done to them.

[Strydur]

Did you miss this one in your search?
http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com...hlight=coupler

[nickpro]

@strydur No I didn't miss those in my search! I actually just havn't seen them in action or even seen too many actual images of it. I just know there were some issues with it (sharp edge, button not coming back up...) and I didn't know if there was an updated version coming out.

I did see a beautiful fix for those minor issues: http://goth-customsabers.ftl-network...s-coupler-mod/
Im not too experienced with staffs, but Im not sure I'd want a thumb screw popping out in the middle of my saber (I kind of do flips with my lightsaber as you can see at the end of this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aPjz3E2Ybw) --> the lightsaber I use is my TCSS saber!

Then again, I heard there is also a lot of moving with the coupler. Still seems awesome tho!

[FenderBender]

We also did these back in 2009/2010: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s51D...gBC733_MMabXuw They work great, and we use them for our custom builds.

[nickpro]

@FenderBender wow thats pretty sweet! Never saw a concept like that one before. Thanks for the share!

[ARKM]

Oooh, I had not seen the Vader's Vault coupler before. Very cool.

As for the coupler Corbin came up with, both Lord Maul and myself have done versions based off of that. it works great.

[nickpro]

@ARKM What is the coupler that corbin came up with? If you don't mind, id love to see pictures of your version that you have based off of that! I would love to see as many pictures of separable couplers as possible on this thread!

[TheSilverDark]

In reality, I'd imagine Corbin's idea is the best, a blade holder style 1 that fits inside a MHS adapter plus a retention screw. To get anything like Asajj Ventress with the super-fast, no-grip-change-neccessary, you'd probably want a Bayonet style coupler, but I doubt they'd stand up to heavy dueling due to the fact it's possible you accidentally twist the hilts during the duel...or your opponent manages to strike the coupler.

I'm gonna try (one day) Corbin's idea, it seems sturdiest and reasonably quick.

[ARKM]

@ARKM What is the coupler that corbin came up with? If you don't mind, id love to see pictures of your version that you have based off of that! I would love to see as many pictures of separable couplers as possible on this thread!

When I state "coupler Corbin came up with", I am referring to the same one in his video that you linked to your original post...

And also this genius who inspired my idea:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piPpiAJeaXI

Here's a few pic of the two saber-staffs I have made using a similar coupler as well as a blueprint anyone can use of they want to make their own. All pics are "clicky". Internet Explorer is not liking Photobucket today so you may need to use a different browser to view these pics.















On that last one, the blueprint, it shows the threaded rod going halfway (3/16") into the nut. In reality, it should only go in about 1/16" instead. The nut and threaded rod are not necessary but add a bit more strength to the overall design as well as make it harder for the two pieces to separate accidentally. when the two halves are joined, I use flush mounted set screws to pin the pieces together using pressure. Just one little 8-32 set screw using pressure alone is enough to make it to where you cannot twist the sabers apart. I should probably also mention that the set screws I use for pressure are pressing against other set screws that are permanently mounted in the coupler pieces (via metal epoxy). I did this because aluminum is soft and might wear out when sparring.