Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01F—MAGNETS; INDUCTANCES; TRANSFORMERS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR MAGNETIC PROPERTIES
  • H01F7/00—Magnets
  • H01F7/02—Permanent magnets [PM]
  • H01F7/0231—Magnetic circuits with PM for power or force generation
  • H01F7/0252—PM holding devices
  • H01F7/0263—Closures, bags, bands, engagement devices with male and female parts

Definitions

• the invention is directed to a magnetic latch. More specifically, the invention is directed to a magnetic latch which is stronger and more environmentally resistant than conventional magnetic latches.
• Magnetic latches use magnetic force to hold two objects together.
• Another object of the invention to provide a magnetic latch which is thinner than conventional latches having the same latching force.
• a further object of the invention is to provide a latch which can withstand water and/or caustic environments.
• a magnetic latch having a first member and a second member.
• the first member includes magnetically attractable material.
• the first and/or second members include a mechanism for preventing the lateral movement of the first member relative to the second member when said first and second members are latched together.
• the s a i d second member includes a first magnet to attract the first member, wherein the first magnet defines therein a cavity.
• the second member also includes a first solid non-magnetic member arranged inside of the cavity to enhance attraction between said first member and said second member.
• a solid insulating member can be located on an inner periphery of the magnet cavity, and further solid non-magnetic members can be arranged on an outer periphery of the magnet or elsewhere as described below.
• the solid insulating member is in the shape of an open-ended cylinder.
• a magnetic latch which includes a first member having a protrusion and a second member engaging the protrusion to prevent the first member and the second member from sliding relatively to one another.
• the second member includes first and second magnets to attract the first member.
• a solid insulating member is located between the first magnet and the second magnet to enhance attraction between the first member and the second member.
• the first magnet and the solid insulating member are integrally bonded together and the second magnetic and the solid insulating member are integrally bonded together.
• the components are not integrally bonded together.
• Figure 1 illustrates a cross section of a first preferred embodiment of the invention
• Figure 2 illustrates a cross section of the second member of the Figure 1 preferred embodiment
• Figure 3 illustrates a plan view of the second member of the Figure 1 preferred embodiment
• Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the second member of the Figure 1 preferred embodiment
• Figures 5A, 5B and 5C illustrate modifications of the second member of the Figure 1 preferred embodiment
• Figures 6A-6G illustrate construction details of a modification of the Figure l preferred embodiment
• FIGS 7A-7I illustrates cross sections of other modifications of the first preferred embodiment of the invention.
• FIGS 8A-8E illustrates cross sections of yet further modifications of the first preferred embodiment of the invention
• Figures 9A and 9B show additional modifications of the first preferred embodiment of the invention
• Figure 10 illustrates a cross sectional view of another modification of the first embodiment of the invention.
• Figure 11 illustrates one technique for making an alternate form of the Figure 1 preferred embodiment
• Figure 12A illustrates a perspective view of the second member of the latch in a second preferred embodiment of the invention
• Figures 12B and 12C illustrate perspective views of modifications of the second member of the Figure 12A preferred embodiment
• Figure 12D is a cross section of the first member of the latch for use in the second embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Figures 12B and 12C;
• Figures 12E and 12F illustrated a modification of the embodiment of Figures 12C and 12D;
• Figure 13 illustrates a cross section of a third preferred embodiment of the invention.
• Figure 14 illustrates a cross section of a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention
• Figure 15 illustrates a cross section of a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention
• Figure 16 illustrates a cross section of a sixth preferred embodiment of the invention
• Figure 17 illustrates a cross section of a seventh preferred embodiment of the invention
• Figure 18 illustrates a cross section of an eighth preferred embodiment of the invention.
• Figure 19 illustrates a cross section of a ninth preferred embodiment of the invention
• Figure 20 illustrates a cross section of a tenth preferred embodiment of the invention.
• Figure 1 illustrates, in cross section, a first preferred embodiment of a magnetic latch according to the invention.
• the magnetic latch includes a first, or male, member 100 and a second, or female, member 200.
• the magnetic latch is unlatched, the first member 100 and the second member 200 are separated.
• the magnetic latch is latched, the first member 100 and the second member 200 are connected together as illustrated in Figure 1.
• the first member 100 is generally planar in shape and is magnetically attractable. For example, it may be formed from a ferromagnetic material such as iron or an iron-based material.
• the first member 100 has a protruding segment 110 positioned at the center of the first member. Although, the protruding segment 110 is shown integral with the remaining portions of the first member 100, it may be separately formed and connected thereto. In most embodiments, it is important that at least this protruding segment 110 be magnetically attractable although generally the entire first member will be magnetically attractable e.g., made of a ferromagnetic material.
• Protruding segment 110 engages the second member 200 to prevent the first member and the second member from moving radially (sliding) relatively to one another - in the plane of the view of Figure 1, to prevent movement in the positive and negative x directions as indicated by the arrows.
• Figures 2, 3, and 4 illustrate the construction of second member 200, with the first member 100 removed for' clarity.
• Figure 2 is a cross sectional view of second member 200.
• Figure 3 is a top, or plan, view of second member 200.
• Figure 4 is a perspective view of second member 200 partially in section.
• the second member comprises a center section 222, made, for example, from a ferromagnetic material, a magnet 230 having an aperture centrally located therein, and a first segment 240 made of a magnetically insulating material.
• the first segment 240 is a ring like member, positioned within the magnet aperture against the inner periphery of the magnet 230, and separates the magnet 230 from the central section 222.
• a second section 250 also made of a magnetically insulating material.
• the second section 250 is also a ring like member and surrounds the outer periphery of the magnet 230.
• a backing plate 280 made of ferromagnetic material for example, is provided to concentrate magnetic flux from the magnet into the magnet aperture to increase the overall attractive power of the latch. Additionally, the backing plate 280 may serve to secure the magnet 230 and segments 240 and 250.
• a central portion 281 of the backing plate is aligned with the aperture in the magnet 230.
• the backing plate may have a rim 280a as illustrated.
• the magnet 230, first segment 240, center section 222 and second segment 250 may be pressure fit within the housing defined by the backing plate 280 and rim 280a.
• protruding segment 110 is made of a non-resilient material so that it will not bind to the first segment 240 upon insertion therein.
• the protruding segment is fabricated as a single, unitary member and may be integral with the first member 100.
• first segment 240 is in the shape of an open-ended cylinder (top end open) with a circular cross section
• the aperture defined within the magnet 230 may be of oval cross section or any other shape with the first segment 240 being of any shape adapted to fit within the aperture, and with the center section 222 being of any shape adapted to fit within the first segment 240.
• first segment 240 has been illustrated as extending through the entire longitudinal length of the hole defined by the magnet 230, it may extend only from the bottom thereof and up to a point where its top surface is co-extensive with the top surface of the center section 222 as shown in Figure 5A.
• the first segment 240 may have a tapered top surface as illustrated in Figure 5A or may be untapered (flat) .
• the magnet aperture need not be positioned centrally in the magnet, but could be off-center and still exhibit the enhanced magnetic attractiveness characteristic of the invention.
• protruding segment 110 would likely be off-center as well in a manner comparable to the positioning of the aperture.
• first segment 240 may be in the shape of an open-ended rectangle.
• first segment 240 can be shaped in the shape of any open-ended polygon.
• segment 110 of the first member 100 is preferably long enough to go all the way through the aperture in magnet 230 so as to be positioned closely adjacent to or in contact with the center portion 281 of backing plate 280 when the latch is closed, thus maximizing the holding power of the latch.
• the first segment 240 extends the full longitudinal length of the magnet aperture thus separating and substantially completely filling the space between the protruding segment 110 and the inner surface of the magnet aperture.
• This modification of the first embodiment is shown in Figure 5B. However, in some embodiments, adequate holding power is developed through other points of contact (e.g. the outer periphery of magnet 230), and protruding segment 110 need not extend all the way through aperture 230.
• the length of the center section 222 may extend through the longitudinal length of the aperture of the magnet 230 so as to just contact the protruding segment 110 when the latch is closed (latched) , as in Figure 1, or it may alternately be spaced slightly therefrom but still closely adjacent thereto.
• the abutment or close positioning of these two members when the latch is closed assist in maintaining a strong closure force.
• Segments 240 and 250 concentrate magnetic force produced by magnet 230 into localized areas in and around the second member 200 to enhance the attractive force between first member 100 and second member 200. More specifically, the first segment 240 focuses magnetic flux toward the center of the latch, in the aperture in magnet 230, either through center section 222 or through the center portion 281 of backing plate 280, or through both. In this connection it is useful to minimize the amount of magnetically insulating material in the flux paths through center section 222 and center portion 281 to maximize the latching force.
• the positioning of the first segment 240 in combination with the protruding segment 110 and the center section 222 is such as to substantially fill the aperture when the first and second members 100 and 200 respectively are in the latched position.
• a clearance which may be quite small is provided to permit the protruding segment 110 to slide longitudinally within the aperture defined by the interior walls of the first segment 240.
• substantially the entire space between the outer surface of the protruding segment 110 and the inner surface of the magnet 230 defining the magnet aperture is occupied by the first segment 240.
• substantially the entire space between the outer surface of the center section 222 and the inner surface of the magnet 230 defining the magnet aperture is occupied by the first segment 240 which extends continuously across the entire inner surface of the magnet defining the magnet aperture.
• the first segment 240 enhances the attractive power of the latch as compared to devices in which there exists an air space between the protruding member 110 and the inner surface of the magnet defining the magnet aperture.
• Second segment 250 reduces the fringe field which would normally exist outside of the outer perimeter of the magnet and concentrates the magnetic lines of force so that they have a higher density in the region at and above the perimeter itself, namely, in the region indicated by number 277 in Figure 2, and in the rim 280a when such are provided.
• the net effect of these two segments, or rings, whether a given embodiment contains one, the other or both, is to enhance the latching force for a given size magnet. Since the latching force is enhanced over comparably dimensioned latches not made in accordance with the invention, the overall size of the inventive latch can be made smaller in size, either the radial (i.e., cross sectional area ) extent or thickness or a combination of both.
• a smaller size latch constitutes a distinct advantage over existing latches of larger size in enabling wider application of the latch such that it may be employed for use in items of clothing and the like. Moreover, since magnetic force is concentrate d in the central and peripheral regions of the magnet 230, the attraction between the first member and the second member is minimized when the first and second members are not properly lined up, and is maximize d when they are in alignment.
• the embodiment thus, provides a latch which has a stronger latching force for a given latch size or, alternatively, allows the use of a smaller latch in an application which requires a particular latching force.
• center section 222 may be constructed from an iron-based material and may be a permanent magnet integral with or di ⁇ inct from magnet 230.
• the center section 222 can be formed from other ferromagnetic materials as well.
• the specific materials used for constructing the backing plate 280 and rim 280a depend on the particular application, but in general they will be made of a ferromagnetic material. In some applications, however, particularly where the rim 280a is utilized, the center section 222 and even the protruding segment 110 need not be ferromagnetic.
• the insulating effects between the backing plate 280, rim 280a and the magnet 230 are minimized, for example, by having them be in close contact, so as not to interfere with the passage of magnetic flux from the magnet 230 to the backing plate 280.
• the backing plate 280 and rim 280a may be constructed from corrosion- resistant material such as stainless steel. Other materials are also possible for use in the backing plate. Preferably, these other materials readily conduct magnetic flux or at least are not flux insulators.
• the segments 240 and 250 are made of any solid material which does not readily conduct magnetic flux. Such materials will be termed non ⁇ magnetic materials, or alternatively, magnetically insulating materials. Segments fabricated from such non-magnetic materials provide the latch with an enhanced magnetic attractive force in localized regions of the latch.
• at least the segment 240 is made of non-resilient material.
• the use of non-resilient material permits fabrication of the latch with a defined and fixed clearance between the protrusion 110 and the inner surface of the segment 240. The clearance is sufficient to permit facile and non-binding movement of the protrusion 110 within the cavity defined within the segment 240.
• the segment 240 may be made of a single non-resilient material.
• the single non- resilient material may preferably be fabricated as an integral, unitary structure.
• the segments 240 and 250 may be formed from a composition containing zinc or tin, and a carrier such as a ceramic material or a polymer.
• a carrier such as a ceramic material or a polymer.
• Figure 5A illustrates a further modification of the Figure 1 embodiment and includes a tapered first segment 240 and a fastener 285 having prongs 286.
• the prongs are a non-limiting example of a suitable fastening mechanism to attach the second member to an element desired to be fastened, such as an article of clothing, handbag, etc.
• a similar fastener can be secured to the first member 100 to secure it to a different portion of the article desired to be fastened.
• Figure 5A also shows a rivet 288 passing through an aperture in the center section 222 to secure the center section 222, backing plate 280 and fastener 285 together.
• a waterproof film as for example an epoxy, may be used to completely encapsulate the second member 200 and its fastener 285 to provide a corrosive resistent fastening element.
• the film is only partially shown in Figure 5A and designated by the number 290. However, it is understood that the film envelopes the entire second member 200 and fastener 285 and penetrates the recess defined by the magnet 230 to provide a water tight, corrosion resistance structure.
• a similar film may be used to cover the first member 100.
• this waterproof film may be used to encapsulate the second and/or first members of all of the embodiments of the invention.
• the waterproof film 290 is also partially shown in Figure 2.
• Figure 5C illustrates yet another modification of the Figure 1 first embodiment in which the protruding segment 110 has a diameter so as to just fit within the magnet aperture of magnet 230 and makes contact, upon closure of the latch, with the top surfaces of both the center section 222 and the first segment 240. In this case, substantially all of the space between the
• Figure 6A illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of second member 200.
• magnet 230 and second segment 250 are secured to backing plate 280 using an adhesive 292 layer; however, any other fastening technique can be used to secure the backing plate 280.
• these elements may be secured by friction in a close mechanical fit or they may by held in place by magnetic attraction or a combination of mechanical fit and magnetic attraction.
• locking projections or tabs may be provided on rim 280a or a retaining cover member can be provided, fitting over the face of the magnet 230 and engaging lockingly with rim 280a or the corner between rim 280a and backing plate 280.
• One or more rivets as in Figure 5A may also be utilized. Many other fastening mechanisms will readily be apparent to one of skill in the art.
• Figure 6A also illustrates a variation of the Figure l preferred embodiment.
• the magnet 230 is covered with a solid, protective covering member 260 made, for example, of ceramic or other solid magnetically insulating material.
• the covering member 260 extends over most of the surface area of magnet 230 but does not extend over the portion defining the opening of the magnet cavity. Thus, the covering member 260 does not substantially interfere with the magnetic attraction through the central aperture of the magnet 230.
• a portion of magnet 230 not covered forms an outer rim section 270.
• Protective covering member 260 not only serves to protect the magnet from physical mechanical damage, but also serves to minimizes the attractive force between first member 100 and second member 200 when the first and second members are not lined up properly for latching.
• the covering member 260 assists in the attachment process since the protruding segment 110 of the first member 100 can easily slide over the surface of covering member 260 with minimal attraction to magnet 230 until the protruding segment 110 is proximate to the center of the aperture in magnet 230 and thus near the center section 222 of the second member 200.
• Covering members 260 may be secured by means of adhesive and/or force fit into place or secured by any other suitable means. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 6B, the covering member 260 may extend over the entire uppermost surface of the magnet 230, and magnetic engagement is achieved primarily through the aperture of the magnet 230.
• the covering member 260 may be formed integral with the second segment 250 so as to enhance corrosive resistant properties of the latch.
• the covering member 260 may extend over the entire upper face of the second member 200 and serves as the retaining cover member referred to above.
• This modification is shown in Figure 6D wherein the covering member 260 has a lip and is pressure fit over the rim 280a of the second member 200.
• Figure 6E in which the covering member 260 has a side extension 260a which extends over the rim 280a and onto the back of the backing plate 280 and is secured by tabs 260b or similar means adapted to grip the bottom surface of the backing plate 280.
• Figure 6F is similar to Figure 6E but has the rim 280a omitted.
• the rim 280a is omitted and the covering member 260, its side extension 260a and the second segment 250 are all integrally formed.
• the side extension and second segment are indicated by the designation 260a/250.
• the backing plate 280 is shown secured to fastener 285 via an adhesive layer 294.
• the fastener 285 is only partially shown, but is similar to that illustrated in Figure 5A.
• the various cover members shown in Figures 6A-6G are preferably made of magnetically- insulating material; however, materials which are magnetically attractable to a greater or lesser degree can also be used. If magnetically attractable materials are employed in the construction of the covering member 260, it is desirable to provide them with a smooth outer surface to facilitate sliding of projection 110 over the surface of second member 200 during the process of aligning the closure. In all of the modifications shown in Figures
• a water proof sealant may be applied as in the case of Figure 5A.
• Figure 7A is similar to Figure 1 but omits the rim 280a of the backing plate 280. Further, an adhesive layer 292 is shown between the backing plate 280, magnet 230, first segment 240, second segment 250 and center section 222.
• Figure 7B is similar to that of Figure 7A but includes a ring member 130 on the first member 100.
• Figure 7C is similar to that of Figure 7A omits the second segment 250.
• Figure 7D is similar to that of Figure 7C but includes the ring member 130 on the first member 100.
• Figure 7E is similar to that shown in Figure 1 except that the top portions of the rim 280a and second segment 250 extend upward to be coextensive with the top surface of first member 100.
• the diameter of first member is smaller than in Figure 1 so that the first member 100 fits within the inner periphery of the second segment 250.
• the top portion of the rim 280a is coextensive with the top of the first member 100, but the second segment 250 has a top portion which ends below first member 100.
• the diameter of the first member 100 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the rim 280a.
• Figure 7G is similar to Figure 1 but shows the first member having a ring member 130 fitting over and surrounding the rim 280a.
• the ring member 130 as well as the protruding segment 110 may generically be termed a "protrusion.”
• Figure 8A shows an alternate modification of the first embodiment of the invention in which the first member 100 does not have the protruding segment 110 and in which the center section 222 as well as the first segment 240 extend upwardly so as to be coextensive with the top surface of the magnet 230.
• the first member 100 contains a ring member 130 which is set into a shoulder formed in the top portion of the rim 280a.
• the ring member 130 can fit over the outer periphery of the rim 280a.
• first member 100 may fit within the inner periphery of second segment 250, as shown in Figure 8C, or may fit within the inner periphery of the rim 280a as shown in Figure 8D.
• the means for preventing sliding movement of the first and second members relative to one another is achieved via the positioning of the first member within the inner periphery of either the rim 280a or the second segment 250 of the second member 200.
• Figure 8E illustrates yet another modification of the Figure 1 embodiment in which both a protruding segment 110 as well as a ring member 130 are utilized as a means for securing the first and second members from relative sliding (transverse) movement with respect to one another.
• Figures 9A and 9B show yet another modification of the first embodiment of the invention.
• first member 100 does not have a protruding member 110 but rather has an aperture therethrough.
• the center section 222 of the second member 200 extends through the aperture of the first member 100 thereby providing a means for securing the first and second members against lateral (radial) movement relative to one another.
• the first segment 240 as well as the center section 222 extend through the aperture in the first member 100.
• the first member can contain only the protruding segment 110 as illustrated in Figure 1, only ring member 130 as illustrated in Figures 8A and 8B, or both protruding segment 110 and ring member 130, as illustrated in Figure 8E.
• center section 222, first segment 240, magnet 230, and second segment 250 are integrally bonded together to eliminate cracks and crevices in which caustic materials would otherwise accumulate.
• This integrally bonded structure can be achieved by gluing these members together in a manner such that the glue fills any void spaces between the various elements.
• Figure 10 illustrates yet another modification of the first embodiment of the invention in which in which a first member 301 is shown disposed above a second mating member 305.
• the first member 301 may be composed of a flexible material, and further may be composed of a flexible material made of a plastic having magnetic particles embedded therein. Such magnetic material is commonly used in refrigerator magnets in which the thin flexible surface is stamped with the suppliers advertisement.
• the first member 301 made in this fashion permits the magnetic snap to be suitable for use on clothing where it is desired for the snap to withstand repeated washing and/or dry cleaning operations. Flexibility in such situations inhibits cracking or breaking of the first member.
• the second member 305 includes magnet 230 as in the previous embodiments, but includes backing plate 315a and center section 315b, which may be integrally formed.
• an outer protective film 319 such as an epoxy layer which not only serves the function of the waterproof film 290 of Figures 2 and 5A, but also includes the first magnetically insulating material 240 of, for example.
• Figure 1 and/or may also optionally serve the function of the protective covering layer 260, depending on its thickness and composition.
• the portion of the protective film 319 disposed between the center section 315b and the magnet 230 is designated by the number 319a. Further, the top surface of the center section 315b may be coated with a thinner layer of the protective film as shown at 319b.
• the layers 319, 319a and 319b may be integrally formed with one another and form a single continuous waterproof protective layer.
• the latch can be manufactured by a wide variety of fabrication techniques.
• a multi-stage injection molding process illustrated in Figure 11, can be used to form an integrally bonded second member 200.
• a four stage injection molding process is employed to fabricate the latch.
• Figure 11 illustrates only one of many possible techniques to manufacture the latch.
• step 1 a mold is formed by slides 962, 964, 966, and 968; bottom portion 940; and top portions 910, 920, and 930.
• a space 980 is defined by these boundaries.
• step 2 magnetic material is injected into space 980 to form magnet 230.
• the magnetic material is subsequently subjected to a magnetic field to line-up the poles of the magnet in the desired direction.
• step 3 slides 962, 964, 966, and 968 are withdrawn as indicated by the arrows in step 3 of Figure 11.
• the voids left after the slides have been withdrawn are then filled with insulating material to form segments 240 and 250.
• step 4 of Figure 11 boundaries 910, 920, 930, and 940 are withdrawn.
• the process illustrated in Figure 11 thus ensures that center section 222, solid insulating first segment 240, magnet 230, and solid insulating second segment 250 are integrally bonded together without any cracks and crevices. It is noted that in Figure 11 the magnet 230 and center section 222 are integrally formed as one piece in the molding process.
• FIG. 12A illustrates a second member 300 of a second preferred embodiment of the invention.
• the second member 300 of Figure 12 is used with the first member 100 illustrated in Figure 1.
• the second member of the second preferred embodiment includes a first magnet 330 (corresponding to magnet 230 of Figure 2) , a segment 340 of solid insulating material (corresponding to first segment 240 of Figure 2) , a center section 322 (corresponding to section 222 of Figure 2) and an outer segment 350 of solid insulating material (corresponding to second segment 250 of Figure 2) .
• the Figure 12A embodiment includes a second magnet 331 which is separated from magnet 330 by a segment of solid magnetically insulating material 341.
• An adhesive layer 392 shown greatly enlarged may be used to secure the magnets and segments to a backing plate 380 having a rim 380a.
• Dividing the magnet up into various sections separated by solid magnetically insulating material further enhances the latching force of the magnetic latch by further concentrating magnetic force in localized areas.
• the Figure 12A second preferred embodiment has a greater latching force. It is understood that section 322 and magnets
• 330 and 331 may be integral with one another or may be discretely formed. Further, any two of these elements may be integrally formed with the third being discrete.
• Figure 12B illustrates a modification of the
• Figure 12A preferred embodiment.
• a groove 393 is provided with the magnetically insulating material 341.
• the groove serves to cooperate with a ridge 140 of the first member 100 as illustrated in Figure 12D to assist in the alignment and securing of the first and second members.
• the position of the groove need not be within the region of the magnetically insulating material 341.
• Figure 12C shows a modification of the embodiment of Figure 12B wherein the magnetically insulating material 341 is omitted and the magnet 330 occupies the entire space between the first segment 240 and the second segment 250.
• Groove 393 is cut into the magnet 330 and cooperates with the ridge 140 of the first member 100 as shown in Figure 12D.
• the center section 322 may be formed to extend to the top surface of the first segment 340 so as to be coextensive with the top surface of the magnet 330.
• the protruding segment 110 is omitted as in Figure 12F.
• the first member may also include a ring member as in ring member 130 of Figure 7B.
• Figures 7H and 71 are similar to the embodiments of Figures 7F and 7G respectively but wherein the second segment 250 is omitted.
• the ring member 130 may also be omitted.
• Figure 13 illustrates a third preferred embodiment.
• the Figure 13 embodiment is similar to the Figure 12A embodiment with corresponding elements identified by a number in the 400•s, with the same tens and units value as in Figure 12A.
• the polarities of first magnet 430 and second magnet 431 are reversed with respect to each other to increase the attraction force.
• center section 422 has the same depth as the depth of first magnet 430 and second magnet 431, i.e., it is coextensive therewith.
• the first member 100 would have the form of that shown in Figure 8B.
• Figure 14 illustrates a fourth preferred embodiment, with corresponding elements in the 500's.
• the Figure 14 embodiment is similar to the Figure 13 embodiment except that in the Figure 14 embodiment center section 522 is recessed.
• the first member 100 could now take several forms such as those shown in Figures l, 7C, 7D and 7E.
• Figure 15 illustrates a fifth preferred embodiment, with corresponding elements in the 600's.
• the Figure 15 embodiment includes four magnets 630, 631, 632 and 633. Use of multiple magnets further increases the available latching force. In Figure 15, the polarities of adjacent magnets are reversed to further increase the latching force.
• Figure 16 illustrates a sixth preferred embodiment which is similar to the Figure 15 fifth preferred embodiment, with corresponding elements in the 700's, except that the polarities are not reversed.
• Figure 17 illustrates a seventh preferred embodiment which is similar to the Figure 13 third preferred embodiment with corresponding elements in the 800's except that the polarities of the magnets are not reversed.
• the surfaces of the magnet(s) can be curved rather than flat as illustrated in Figures 18, 19, and 20.
• number in the 900's, 1000, and 1100 series have been used respectively to identify the corresponding elements as in previous figures.
• the surfaces of the magnets in Figures 7-9 and 12-20 may be covered with a covering member similar to covering member 260 of Figure 6A so as to leave a small perimeter of the outer magnet uncovered or as in Figures 6B-6G so as to completely cover all the magnet upper surfaces.
• the covering member may cover some or all or the solid magnetically insulating members as well (for example both members 341 and 350 or only member 341 of Figure 12A) or only the magnet portions, leaving the solid magnetically insulating members exposed.
• the magnets utilized in the embodiments described above may be fabricated using any conventional technique including the use of plastics having magnetic particles embedded therein.
• permanent magnets made of hard magnetic powder of ferrite, alnico, rare-earth etc. may be solidified with a synthetic resin and then magnetized.
• fasteners and their associated prongs as shown in Figures 5 and 6 may be used in all of the embodiments and are shown as non-limiting examples of a mechanism to attach the magnetic latch to the desired article, e.g., handbag, article of clothing etc.
• Other potential fastening means include various types of riveting means, holes in the closure (housing) or an embedded or integral loop provided to facilitate attachment by sewing, hook-and-eye means, adhesives of various types, and various other fastening means know to those skilled in the art.
• a water proof sealing layer (as in Figure 5A) may be employed to prevent corrosion of the various latch components.

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• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Electromagnetism (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Power Engineering (AREA)
• Slide Fasteners, Snap Fasteners, And Hook Fasteners (AREA)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging Apparatus (AREA)
• Walking Sticks, Umbrellas, And Fans (AREA)
• Telephone Function (AREA)
• Finger-Pressure Massage (AREA)
• Power-Operated Mechanisms For Wings (AREA)
• Water Treatment By Electricity Or Magnetism (AREA)
• Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)
• Burglar Alarm Systems (AREA)
• Valve Device For Special Equipments (AREA)
• Permanent Field Magnets Of Synchronous Machinery (AREA)
• Buckles (AREA)

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• 1992
  • 1992-12-04 CA CA002123308A patent/CA2123308C/fr not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 1992-12-04 ES ES93900840T patent/ES2136121T3/es not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 1992-12-04 EP EP93900840A patent/EP0615414B1/fr not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 1992-12-04 AT AT93900840T patent/ATE180636T1/de not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 1992-12-04 WO PCT/US1992/010446 patent/WO1994006319A1/fr active IP Right Grant
  • 1992-12-04 DE DE69229352T patent/DE69229352T2/de not_active Expired - Fee Related

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