In article ,
Dave Hinz wrote:

On Sun, 16 Dec 2007 09:04:03 -0500, ATP* wrote:

Make em in a hex shape at the coupling so they don't rotate. Fix the
coupling on one pole.

Tether 'em with a string of elastic through a hollow center. Congrats,
you've re-invented the modern tent pole. The original poster should
make a visit to his local sporting goods store and look at how the poles
on the dome-shaped tents work.

Just let them get married and be done with it.