Patent ID: 8967071
Filing Date: 2015-03-03
Classification: E01F,E21F

Abstract:
1. A guide apparatus comprising: an extendable portion of a variable length, wherein the extendable portion comprises a first body link, a second body link, a coupler, and a first collar, wherein the coupler and the first collar connect the first body link to the second body link to provide for the variable length, wherein the coupler comprises a flex fitting portion and a snap fitting portion, the snap fitting portion being disposed opposite the flex fitting portion, wherein the snap fitting portion includes a snap surface for engaging the first body link and the flex fitting portion includes a ridge for engaging the second body link, and wherein the first collar comprises a sliding surface and a collar snap surface that are disposed on an interior portion of the first collar and engage with the coupler; a connector housing that comprises a connector snap surface that is disposed on an interior surface of the connector housing, wherein the connector housing defines a hollow portion adjacent to the interior surface, and wherein the connector housing is coupled to the extendable portion via the connector snap surface; and a rounded connector portion secured partially within the hollow portion of the connector housing and extending beyond an edge of the connector housing, wherein the rounded connector portion comprises a magnetic material configured to magnetically engage with a spad that is attached to a ceiling, wherein the rounded connector portion causes the guide apparatus to hang substantially downward, regardless of an orientation of the spad.