How about a "Chicken Coop" or "Chicken Hoop" instead of a Chicken Loop?
Chicken Loops: The Good, Bad and Ugly
(1) GOOD
(2) BAD
(3) UGLY
Someone else can fill in the above details…I would like to get directly to the subject that I would like to see explored, which is the concept of an easy to use, safe, self-aligning, self-activating, magnetic connector between "power line and spreader bar". This device would allow:
(1) Unhooked riding
(2) Maximum bar "travel"
(3) Tangle-free "hook"
(4) Quick and easy "rehooking"
(5) Other?
Here's the proposal to be explored: Combine the features of the following proven technologies:
(1) Apple computer power connector: "MagSafe"
(2) Swimming pool gate: "Magna Latch"
(3) Windsurfing mast base: "Chinook"
Here are some links to use as orientation and research material:
Securitron MCL 200lbs
http://www.google.com/products/catalog? ... ps-sellers
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Side pull Magna Latch:
http://www.hardwaresource.com/hinges/GA ... agna+Latch
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Apple Magsafe connector:
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1713…………………………..
Neodymium Magnets
http://www.amazingmagnets.com/c-80-neod ... gnets.aspx
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Here are some pictures of devices, using the basic principles related to the concept of a Chicken Coop (chicken goes into the housing) or Chicken Hoop (hoop goes into the housing). One would use a notched peg, and the other would use a "U" bolt connector. A magnet would be used to orient and lock the device, and a handled "pull" rod would be used to release the "chicken", where the "chicken" (peg or hoop) would be allowed to "free-range", until the rider wished to "re-hook" the "Chicken" to the "Coop".
Let's find out if this idea is "Chicken soup" or "Chicken poop"….
The Chicken Loop is soooooo 'Twentieth Century' …can't we do better than that clunky old thing?
Magnets have been used in kiting for 20 years or more… first to catch and secure flopping loose lines, and then as pull releases (GoPro)…. why stop there?
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