AU2019100633A4 - Magnetic holding strap - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a magnetic holding strap (100) for attaching accessories to an item, the strap (100) comprises a first end (101) including a first magnetic member (103) a second end (105) including a second magnetic member (107), the second magnetic member (107) being releasably connectable to the first magnetic member (103), the first end (101) being connected to the second end (105) by an attachment region (109) an aperture (111) within the attachment region (109), wherein the aperture (111) is adapted in use, for receiving a portion of the attachment region (109) to form a loop for engagement with the item. Figure 1

Description

[1] The present invention relates to a means for attaching accessories to an item such as a bag, belt or similar and in particular to a means of attaching school hats and other items to a bag.

[2] The invention has been developed primarily for use with children’s school hats and accessories and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

Background of the Invention [3] With the growing concern related to skin cancer, especially in countries such as Australia that have high UV exposure, there is a growing trend to make it mandatory for school children to wear hats to protect their face from the sun. A common issue surrounding this issue is the misplacement or loss of hats which is especially prevalent with young school children.

[4] Presently there is a deficiency of child friendly options to aid in the prevention of lost school hats and the like.

[5] The present invention seeks to provide a means of reducing the incidence of lost hats, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[6] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Invention [7] In accordance with the invention, a means of attaching accessories such as hats to other items such as a belt buckle of bag is achieved by having a strap comprising a first and second end, each attached through a threadable attachment region. The threadable attachment region being adapted for threading onto members such as a bag handle or belt strap, wherein the first and second end include a first and second magnetic member which when placed in proximity to each other are attracted together, providing for the ability to place items to be held between the magnetic members for holding.

2019100633 12 Jun 2019 [8] According to a first aspect, the present invention may be said to consist in a magnetic holding strap for attaching accessories to a bag, the strap comprising:

a. a first end including a first magnetic member;

b. a second end including a second magnetic member, the second magnetic member being releasably connectable to the first magnetic member, the first end being connected to the second end by an attachment region;

c. an aperture within the attachment region, wherein the aperture is adapted in use for receiving a portion of the attachment region to form a loop for engagement with the bag.

[9] In one embodiment, the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member are integrally formed with the strap.

[10] In one embodiment, the strap is made from a rubberised material.

[11] In one embodiment, the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member include a surface coating adapted to aid in the attachment of the accessories to the strap when inserted between the magnets when in use.

[12] In one embodiment, the surface coating comprises a plurality of protrusions adapted to create friction when an accessory is inserted between the magnets when in use.

[13] In one embodiment, the magnetic members are rare earth magnets.

[14] In one embodiment, the aperture is substantially T-shaped.

[15] This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[16] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings [17] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, a preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

2019100633 12 Jun 2019 [18] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the strap in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[19] Fig. 2 is a side view of the embodiment in Fig. 1 in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[20] Fig. 3 is a bottom perspective stretched out view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[21] Fig. 4 is a stretched out top view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and [22] Fig. 5 is a stretched out bottom view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Description of Embodiments [23] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

[24] A magnetic holding strap according to a first aspect of the invention is generally indicated by the numeral 1000.

[25] In one embodiment now described, the magnetic holding strap 1000 comprises a first end 101, where the first end 101 includes a first magnetic member 103 which may be constructed from a variety of ferromagnetic materials and will be discussed in more detail later.

[26] The strap 1000 further includes a second end 105 and a corresponding second magnetic member 107 which similarly to the first magnetic member 103 may be constructed from a variety of different ferromagnetic materials. When in use, the first magnetic member 103 and the second magnetic member 107 are adapted to attach to each other via magnetic attraction as is exemplified in Figures 1 and 2.

[27] The first end 101 and the second end 105 are attached to each other via an attachment region 109, the attachment region 109 is adapted to attach an item such as a bag or belt as a couple of examples. The attachment region 109 includes an aperture 111 which is specially shaped such that a portion of the attachment region 109 may be threaded through the aperture 111 to form a loop for securely attaching the strap 1000 to an item such as a belt or a bag (not shown) as is exemplified in Figures 1 and 2.

[28] In Figures 4 and 5, we see an open view of the strap 1000 and the aperture 111 which in the embodiment shown in the figures comprises a T shape which allows

2019100633 12 Jun 2019 for easy threading of the attachment region 109 upon itself to form a loop as was exemplified in Figures 1 and 2.

[29] There are a number of different shapes the aperture 111 may take, ranging from an elongated aperture, in which part of the attachment region 109 may be passed through the elongated aperture so as to provide a loop for attachment to a bag handle or similar article. In other alternative embodiments, it is envisaged that the aperture 111 may take a substantially oval shape.

[30] The material surrounding the aperture 111 is required to be sufficiently elastic such that the aperture 111 may be deformed when inserting a portion of the attachment region 109 through the aperture 111 and once the attachment region 109 has passed through the aperture 111 it should return substantially to its original shape.

[31] As can be seen in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, the magnetic members 103, 107 may be integrally formed as part of the strap 1000. In this case the strap 1000 may be moulded around the magnetic members 103, 107 or in alternate embodiments the magnetic members 103, 107 may be affixed using an adhesive or other attachment means such as a rivet or other fastener.

[32] It is preferable that the magnetic members 103, 107 have sufficient magnetic attractive force such that an accessory or item of clothing may be inserted between the magnetic members 103, 107 whilst providing enough magnetic attraction to apply sufficient force to the accessory or item of clothing inserted between the magnetic members 103, 107 to prevent slippage. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the strength of the magnetic members 103, 107 may be chosen on a basis of holding strength and the ability for a user to comfortably separate the magnetic members 103, 107 when inserting an accessory or item of clothing.

[33] For instance, in the case that the envisaged item being held by the magnetic members 103, 107, is either thick and/or heavy, one may choose stronger magnets such as rare earth magnets. However, if it is envisaged that when the items being held by the magnetic members 103, 107 are either thin and/or light, lower strength magnets may suffice. As will be discussed later, a surface coating 501 on the magnetic members 103, 107 can aid in providing greater friction to the item being held by the magnetic members 103, 107 reducing the requirement for strong magnets, such as rare earth magnets, to be used in the magnetic members 103, 107.

[34] Having the magnetic members 103, 107 integrally formed as part of the strap 1000, as is shown in the preferred embodiment is preferable as it provides a secure

2019100633 12 Jun 2019 means of attaching the magnetic members 103, 107 to the strap 1000 and furthermore, provides for a form in which the magnetic members 103, 107 are sealed from the environment preventing oxidation that can readily occur with ferromagnetic materials when exposed to oxygen and moisture.

[35] Furthermore, as the magnetic members 103, 107 are to be used for affixing accessories and/or articles of clothing such as hats, it is preferable that the magnetic members 103, 107 are concealed to prevent damage and possibly staining to the article of clothing that is attached between the magnetic members 103, 107.

[36] As is exemplified in Figure 5, within the vicinity of the magnetic members 103, 107, a surface coating 501 may be applied to the surface of the magnetic members 103, 107. The surface coating 501 may comprise a roughened surface, which may include corrugations of protrusions adapted to hold the article of clothing more securely between the magnets.

[37] The surface coating 501 may be applied in a variety of different ways including spraying the surface coating 501 onto the magnetic members 103, 107, using a spray paint, or applying a polymer coating to the magnetic members 103, 107 when in its liquid form, through heating. Alternatively, it is envisaged that with sufficiently strong magnets, the surface coating 501 may also consist of a smooth surface without any corrugations or protrusions.

[38] In the embodiment shown, the surface coating 501, includes a plurality of protrusions 503 adapted to improve the holding ability of the magnetic members 103, 107 when an item is placed between the magnetic members 103, 107.

[39] It is envisaged in other embodiments, that the surface coating 501 may include inter alia, corrugations, teeth, or a tacky surface as a few examples.

[40] In a preferred embodiment, the strap 1000 is constructed from a resilient material such as a rubber, rubberised material that is elastic and can be stretched whilst returning to its original shape once an external deforming force has been removed.

[41] In other embodiments, it is envisaged that the strap 1000 may be fabricated from leather or leatherette with the sacrifice of elasticity.

[42] When in use, the strap 1000 is intended to be attached to a bag handle or item of clothing such as a belt couple of examples, by passing the strap 1000 through a handle in the example of a bag and once located threading a portion of the attachment region 109 through the aperture 111 to securely attach the strap 1000 to

2019100633 12 Jun 2019 the bag and prevent it from being lost. Once the strap 1000 has been securely attached to the bag as was previously discussed, the two fee magnetic members 103, 107 may be used to relesably attach items to the strap 1000, through the combination of magnetic force and the friction derived from the surface coating 501.

Interpretation

Markush Groups [43] In addition, where features or aspects of the invention are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognise that the invention is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

Chronological sequence [44] For the purpose of this specification, where method steps are described in sequence, the sequence does not necessarily mean that the steps are to be carried out in chronological order in that sequence, unless there is no other logical manner of interpreting the sequence

Embodiments:

[45] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[46] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of

2019100633 12 Jun 2019

Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[47] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Different Instances of Objects [48] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Specific Details [49] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Terminology [50] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as forward, rearward, radially, peripherally, upwardly, downwardly, and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

[51] For the purposes of this specification, the term “plastic” shall be construed to mean a general term for a wide range of synthetic or semisynthetic polymerization products, and generally consisting of a hydrocarbon-based polymer.

[52] As used herein the term “and/or” means “and” or “or”, or both.

2019100633 12 Jun 2019 [53] As used herein “(s)” following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.

Comprising and Including [54] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[55] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Scope of Invention [56] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

[57] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Industrial Applicability [58] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the bag accessories industries.

2019100633 12 Jun 2019

Claims

Claims (7)

1. 2019100633 12 Jun 2019

   Claims

   The claims defining the invention are as follows:

   1. A magnetic holding strap for attaching accessories to an item, the strap comprising:

   a. a first end including a first magnetic member;

   b. a second end including a second magnetic member, the second magnetic member being releasably connectable to the first magnetic member, the first end being connected to the second end by an attachment region;

   c. an aperture within the attachment region, wherein the aperture is adapted in use, for receiving a portion of the attachment region to form a loop for engagement with the item.
2. 2. The strap as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first magnetic member and the second magnetic members are integrally formed with the strap.
3. 3. The strap as claimed in claim 1, wherein the strap is made from a rubberised material.
4. 4. The strap as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member include a surface coating to aid in the attachment of the accessories to the strap when inserted between the magnets when in use.
5. 5. The strap as claimed in claim 4, wherein the surface coating comprises a plurality of protrusions adapted to create friction when an accessory is inserted between the magnets when in use.
6. 6. The strap as claimed in claim 1, wherein the magnetic members are rare earth magnets.
7. 7. The strap as claimed in claim 1, wherein the aperture is substantially T-shaped.

   1/5

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