An exemplary locking or coupling device includes a plurality of magnets each having a direction of magnetization. A plurality of pole shoe members are positioned between selected ones of the magnets. A moveable support supports some of the magnets and some of the pole shoe members. The moveable support is moveable to selectively change a relative orientation of the directions of magnetization. One relative orientation primarily directs a flow of magnetic flux between the magnets through the pole shoe members and the magnetic flux remains essentially in a plane containing the magnets and the pole shoe members. A second, different relative orientation primarily directs the flow of magnetic flux from the pole shoe members in a transverse direction away from the plane.