Patent ID: 8333531

Claim:
A coupling device arranged to releasably couple first and second axially aligned hollow tubes of a dance exercise pole end to end, the coupling device comprising: a substantially cylindrical hollow body having first and second longitudinal ends that is arranged to be received within an end of the first and second tubes, the body comprising at least one slot and a through hole extending through a wall of the body adjacent each respective longitudinal end; and an adjustment mechanism disposed within each end of the body operable for radially expanding and contracting the coupling device, and when in an expanded state, the coupling device is arranged to form a friction joint with each of the tubes, locking the tubes relative to each other, each adjustment mechanism including first and second internally threaded elements fixed by fasteners to an inner face of the body on opposing sides of the slot, and a screw member received by each of the first and second internally threaded elements, the first and second internally threaded elements having axially aligned opposite threads that receive the screw member and are axially aligned with a respective one of the through holes so that the screw member may be accessed with a tool for turning the screw member, whereby rotation of the screw member in one direction pulls the first and second internally threaded elements towards one another, the first and second internally threaded elements being fixed to the inner face of the body so as to pull on the body when the screw member is rotated in said one direction, thereby closing the slot and radially contracting the body, and whereby rotation of the screw member in the other direction pushes the first and second threaded elements apart, thereby opening the slot and radially expanding the body.