HK1237223B - Magnetic fastener assemblies - Google Patents

Description

Magnetic fastening components

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a magnetic fastening component, a magnetic fastening assembly and an object comprising the magnetic fastening assembly.

Background Art

Magnetic fasteners are a useful alternative to their non-magnetic counterparts. Magnetic fasteners typically consist of complementary magnetic mating fastening components attached to separate parts. In use, when the mating fastening components are in magnetic proximity, the separate parts are held together by a magnetic fastening operation. To separate the parts, a separation force is applied to the mating fastening components in a separation direction opposite to the magnetic fastening direction. The separation force overcomes the magnetic attraction force, causing the mating fastening components to move out of magnetic proximity.

Exemplary magnetic fasteners are disclosed in, for example, US 2012/0117764 (Wong), US 6,622,349 (Wong), and US 6,606,767 (Wong).

Magnetic fasteners are useful alternatives to their non-magnetic counterparts. Magnetic fasteners with enhanced measures against accidental separation would be beneficial and advantageous.

Summary of the Invention

Disclosed herein is a magnetic fastening assembly having mating magnetic fastening components in a separable magnetic coupling fastening engagement. The magnetic fastening assembly is configured to be in both an axially aligned magnetic coupling fastening engagement and an axially non-aligned magnetic coupling fastening engagement. When in the axially aligned magnetic coupling fastening engagement, the mating magnetic fastening components are separable from each other from the magnetic coupling engagement, and when in the axially non-aligned magnetic coupling fastening engagement, the mating magnetic fastening components resist axial separation when subjected to an axial separation force.

Disclosed herein are magnetic fastening assemblies and articles according to the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an exemplary magnetic fastening assembly in aligned magnetically coupled fastening engagement;

FIG1A1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a first fastening component of the exemplary magnetic fastening assembly of FIG1 ;

FIG1A2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a second fastening component of the exemplary magnetic fastening assembly of FIG1 ;

FIG1B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the magnetic fastening assembly of FIG1 in a non-aligned magnetic coupling fastening engagement;

FIG1B1 is an enlarged view showing a portion of FIG1B ;

FIG1C is a perspective view of the housing prior to assembly;

FIG1C1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the housing of FIG1C ;

FIG2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an exemplary magnetic fastening assembly in aligned magnetically coupled fastening engagement;

FIG2A1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a first fastening component of the exemplary magnetic fastening assembly of FIG2 ;

FIG2A2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a second fastening component of the exemplary magnetic fastening assembly of FIG2 ;

FIG2B is a perspective view of a subassembly of the second fastening component of FIG2;

FIG2B1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the subassembly of FIG2B ;

FIG3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an exemplary magnetic fastening assembly in aligned magnetically coupled fastening engagement;

3A1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a first fastening component of the exemplary magnetic fastening assembly of FIG. 3 ;

3A2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a second fastening component of the exemplary magnetic fastening assembly of FIG. 3 ;

3B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the exemplary magnetic fastening assembly of FIG. 3 in a non-aligned magnetically coupled fastened engagement;

FIG3B1 is an enlarged view showing a portion of FIG3B ;

FIG3C is a perspective view of the second housing portion of the second fastening member as viewed from the rear side before assembly;

FIG3C1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the housing of FIG3C ;

FIG4 is a side view of an exemplary magnetic fastening assembly;

4A1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a first fastening component of the exemplary magnetic fastening assembly of FIG. 4 ;

4A2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a second fastening component of the exemplary magnetic fastening assembly of FIG. 4 ;

FIG5A is a schematic diagram showing an object according to the present invention; and

FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram illustrating an object according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The magnetic fastening assembly 100 shown in Figure 1 includes a first fastening component 120 and a second fastening component 160. The first fastening component 120 and the second fastening component 160 are in magnetically coupled fastening engagement and are aligned along a coupling axis A-A'.

As shown in FIG. 1A1 , the first fastening member 120 includes a first retaining portion mounted on the first housing portion 140 .

The first housing portion 140 includes a metal plate 142 and an attachment device 144. The metal plate 142 includes a front surface 142A, a rear surface 142B, and a peripheral surface 142C interconnected with and surrounding the front and rear surfaces 142A, 142B.

The attachment device 144 includes an elongated bridge portion 144A and attachment pins 144B and 144C. The bridge portion 144A and the attachment pins 144B and 144C are integrally formed from an elongated metal plate, wherein the attachment pins 144B and 144C are formed at opposite longitudinal ends of the bridge portion 144A. The attachment pins 144B and 144C are at right angles to the bridge portion 144A.

The attachment device 144 is mounted on the underside of the first housing portion 140 with the attachment pins 144B, 144C extending axially away from the metal plate 142 and the bridging portion abutting the rear surface 142B of the metal plate 142 .

The first retaining portion includes a head portion 132 and a neck portion 134. The neck portion 134 extends to protrude above the front surface 142A of the metal plate 142 and extends away from the front surface 142A in the axial direction.

The head 132 includes an overhanging portion 132A that extends radially or laterally from the neck 134 and is located at an axial height above the front surface 142A. The overhanging portion 132A forms a peripheral portion that protrudes laterally and overhangs the neck. The overhanging portion 132A and the neck 134 are integrally formed and cooperate to define a latch portion for mating with a corresponding latch portion on the second fastening portion.

Retaining protrusion 136, comprising head 132 and neck 134, is mounted to metal plate 142, for example, by riveting. To facilitate quick and secure riveting, exemplary retaining protrusion 136 is the upper portion of a rivet, including a narrow stem portion positioned below neck 134. When forming first fastening component 120, corresponding rivet holes in metal plate 142 and bridge portion 144A are aligned. The narrow stem portion is then inserted through the rivet hole, forming a rivet joint, thereby securing metal plate 142 and bridge portion 144A together. A stepped portion is formed between the lower end of neck 134 and front surface 142A, which helps to provide a more secure mounting for retaining protrusion 136.

In some embodiments, such as the present embodiment, the front surface 142A functions as a magnetic coupling surface to enter into magnetic coupling engagement with a corresponding magnetic coupling surface on a second fastening component during releasable fastening engagement, and the metal plate 142 is formed of a ferromagnetic material.

In some embodiments, such as the present embodiment, the retaining projections also cooperate with alignment features on the second fastening component 160, and the retaining projections are magnetic and formed of a ferromagnetic material.

In this specification, a ferromagnetic material is magnetically active if it is magnetized to have a magnetic flux sufficient to attract a paired non-active ferromagnet. A ferromagnetic material is magnetically passive or inactive if it is not magnetized to have a magnetic flux sufficient to attract an unmagnetized ferromagnet. Magnetic properties are complementary herein when they are an active-passive pair or an active-passive pair of opposite magnetic polarity.

The exemplary ferromagnetic material of the first fastening component 120 is non-magnetic stainless steel and is magnetically passive.

The first fastening member 120 has an axis A extending in an axial direction through the first fastening member 120. In some embodiments, the axis A passes through the assembly comprising the metal plate 142 and the retaining protrusion 136. In the event that the attachment means comprises a bridge portion, the axis A also passes through the bridge portion.

In some embodiments, axis A is an axis of transverse symmetry or circular symmetry of first fastening member 120. In some embodiments, such as the present embodiment, metal plate 142 has a circular front surface 142A, and axis A is an axis of circular symmetry. Axis A is also an axis of transverse symmetry of head 132 or an axis of circular symmetry of head 132, where the front front surface of head 132 is circular.

The second fastening member 160 includes a second housing portion 170 on which a second holding portion is formed. The second housing portion includes a metal plate 172 of a ferromagnetic material, an attachment device 174, a magnet plate 180, and a housing 182.

The metal plate 172 and the attachment means 174 are mounted together by riveting in a manner similar to the riveted joining of the metal plate 142 and the attachment means 144 of the first fastening component 120. The annular magnet plate 180 is placed on the free surface of the metal plate 172 away from the attachment means 174 and is securely held in place on the ferromagnetic metal plate 172 by the magnetic attraction between the magnet plate 180 and the ferromagnetic metal plate 172.

A housing 182 formed of a ferromagnetic material is formed around the subassembly including the metal plate 172 and the magnet plate 180. The housing 182 includes a rear portion 182A that abuts the rear surface of the metal plate 172 remote from the magnet plate 180, a peripheral wall 182B that abuts or is proximate to the peripheral walls of the metal plate 172 and the magnet plate 180, and a front portion 182C that physically abuts the magnetic front surface of the magnet plate 180. When the front portion 182C is physically abutted against the magnet plate 180, a forward-facing surface 182D of the housing 182 (which is also the forward-facing free surface of the front portion 182C) is magnetically active and has the same magnetic polarity as the magnetic front surface of the magnet plate 180.

As shown in Figures 1C and 1D, housing 182 has a circular front portion 182C; a peripheral wall portion 182B extending along the outer circular edge of front portion 182C and protruding orthogonally to define a generally cylindrical compartment; and a plurality (four in this example) of legs extending from peripheral wall portion 182B. The legs are evenly distributed around the circular edge and, when assembled, are bent to form clamping claws that tightly clamp onto the rear side of metal plate 172. When assembled, the clamping claws become rear portion 182A.

The front portion 182C, the central or annular hole of the annular magnet plate 180 , and the metal plate 172 cooperate to define a retaining compartment 184 .

A front portion 182C of the housing 182 extends radially inward from the peripheral wall 182B to define the receiving aperture 178 and a collar portion 186 surrounding the receiving aperture 178. The collar portion extends axially inward toward the metal plate 172 and has a collar end 186A at a free axial end of the collar portion that defines the inlet aperture. The collar portion 186 tapers to gradually narrow as it extends toward the interior of the metal plate 172 or the holding compartment 184. Due to the axial taper, the collar end 186A limits the lateral dimension of the head portion 132 that can enter the axial inlet of the holding compartment 184.

An alignment protrusion is formed within the retaining compartment 184. The alignment protrusion includes an alignment head 188 that protrudes from the metal plate 172 and extends axially toward the receiving aperture, but stops before reaching the collar end 186A. An axial gap between the alignment head 188 and the collar end 186A is slightly greater than the axial length of the head 132 of the first fastening member 120, allowing the head 312 to freely translate laterally or transversely while physically abutting the alignment head 188 when located within the retaining compartment 184.

The alignment head 188 has a transverse shape and size comparable to that of the head 132 of the first retaining portion 130 , such that the peripheral wall of the head 132 and the peripheral wall of the alignment head 188 are axially aligned or substantially aligned.

The alignment protrusion in this example is an integral extension of the rivet that holds the metal plate 172 and the attachment device 174 tightly together.

The alignment protrusion is magnetically active, and the alignment head 188 has a magnetic polarity that is opposite to the magnetic polarity on the forward-facing surface 182D of the housing 182 .

In some embodiments, such as the present embodiment, the magnetic flux or force that aligns the protrusions is obtained from the magnet plate 180 via the magnetic surface of the magnet plate 180 .

In some embodiments, the alignment protrusion is magnetically active, and the magnetic polarity on the alignment head 188 can be the same as or opposite to the magnetic polarity of the front surface 182D of the housing 182 .

Where the alignment head 188 is magnetically active, the magnetic attraction between the alignment head 188 and the corresponding head 132 will act to facilitate the guided magnetic coupling between the mating fastener components 120 , 160 .

In some embodiments, the magnetically active alignment head 188 has a magnetic flux or magnetic attraction sufficient to bring the alignment head 188 into magnetic coupling with the mating head 132 to form part of the magnetic coupling engagement between the mating fastener components 120 , 160 .

In some embodiments, the alignment protrusion is magnetically passive and has no magnetic polarity until magnetically coupled with a magnet or a magnetically active counterpart.

In some embodiments, such as the present embodiment, the alignment means comprises a combination of a collar portion and an alignment protrusion that cooperate to facilitate guiding the magnetic coupling engagement between the mating fastening components 120, 160 into magnetic coupling engagement.

In some embodiments, the alignment device may include a collar portion or an alignment head.

Other forms of alignment means that assist in guiding alignment between the first fastening component and the second fastening component during entry into magnetic coupling may be used as an alternative or in combination without loss of generality.

In some embodiments, such as the present embodiment, the front surface 182D functions as a magnetic coupling surface to form a magnetic coupling engagement with a corresponding magnetic coupling surface on the first fastening component during a releasable fastening engagement.

When the front surface 182D of the second fastening member 160 serves as a magnetic coupling surface to cooperate with the front surface 142A to form magnetic coupling, the front surface 182D of the second fastening member 160 has similar surface shape and size to form optimal magnetic coupling.

In some embodiments, when the front surface 182D is in magnetic coupling engagement with the front surface 142A, the front surface 182D is not physically adjacent or magnetically coupled to the front surface 142A. For example, the magnetic coupling may be between the alignment head 188 and the head 132.

The second fastening member 160 has an axis A' extending in an axial direction through the second fastening member 160. In some embodiments, the axis A' passes through the assembly including the metal plate 172 and the alignment protrusion 176. In the case where the attachment device includes a bridge portion, the axis A' also passes through the bridge portion.

In some embodiments, such as the present embodiment, axis A' is an axis of transverse or circular symmetry of second fastening component 160.

In some embodiments, such as the present embodiment, the front portion 182C of the housing 182 has a circular profile to define a circular coupling front surface, and the axis A' is an axis of circular symmetry.

In some embodiments, such as the present embodiment, the collar portion 186 has a circular cross-section, and the axis A' is an axis of circular symmetry.

Where an alignment protrusion is present, axis A' may be an axis of transverse or circular symmetry of the alignment protrusion.

To form an integral part of a separable article, an attachment pin on the fastening component is inserted into a retaining surface of the article and bent to form a retaining knot. When generally used, the first and second fastening components are attached to the ends of the strap, the separated portion of the article, or other retaining surface using attachment means such as attachment clips, sewing, splicing, welding, or gluing, without loss of generality. An attachment pin is used as a simple example of an attachment means herein.

The first fastening member 120 and the second fastening member 160 are adapted to cooperate as a pair of releasable mating magnetic fastening members. In typical use, the first fastening member 120 and the second fastening member 160 are oriented toward each other, with the front surface 142A of the first fastening member 120 facing the front surface 182D of the second fastening member 160. When the first fastening member 120 and the second fastening member 160 are in magnetic proximity, the magnetic attraction force causes the first fastening member 120 and the second fastening member 160 to move relative to each other and into aligned magnetic coupling engagement. When the mating fastening members 120 and 160 are in the aligned magnetic coupling engagement configuration, axes A and A' are aligned, and the mating fastening members 120 and 160 are aligned along the coupling axis A-A'. When in the aligned magnetic coupling engagement configuration as shown in FIG. 1 , the front surface 142A and the front surface 182D operate as mating magnetic coupling surfaces and are in physical abutment.

When the first and second fastening components 120, 160 are in magnetic proximity and move relative to each other under the influence of magnetic attraction, the guide means on the mating fastening components 120, 160 cooperate to guide the mating fastening components 120, 160 along the coupling axis A-A' into aligned magnetic coupling engagement. In this example, the magnetic attraction force between the mating fastening components 120, 160 is used to guide the mating fastening components 120, 160 toward each other. Then, the collar portion 186 of the second fastening component 160 and the protruding head 132 of the first fastening component 120 cooperate to guide the mating fastening components 120, 160 along the coupling axis A-A' into aligned magnetic coupling engagement.

After the first and second fastening components 120, 160 have been moved into the aligned magnetically engaged positions, and when the mating fastening components 120, 160 are in aligned magnetically coupled engagement along the coupling axis A-A′, application of an axial separation force along the coupling axis A-A′ at axially opposite ends of the magnetic fastening assembly 100 will cause the first and second fastening components 120, 160 to move away from each other, thereby separating and disassembling.

When the magnetic fastening assembly 100 is in the aligned magnetic engagement position and a relative lateral displacement force or shear force is applied to the mating fastening components 120, 160, as shown in Figures 1B and 1B1, the mating fastening components 120, 160 will be laterally or transversely offset, or displaced from each other from the aligned magnetic engagement position of Figure 1 and move to a non-aligned magnetic engagement position in which the axis A is laterally offset or displaced from the axis A′.

When the magnetic fastener assembly 100 is in the non-aligned magnetic engagement position, the first and second fastener components 120, 160 and the associated retaining device are in a lockable configuration in which the overhanging portion 132A of the head 132 protrudes axially directly above the collar end 186A.

When in the lockable configuration, applying an axial separation force parallel to the coupling axis A-A' at axially opposite ends of the magnetic fastening assembly 100 will cause the first fastening component 120 and the second fastening component 160 and the associated retaining device to enter the lockable configuration, and the first fastening component 120 and the second fastening component 160 will not separate.

FIG5A shows an exemplary application of the magnetic fastening assembly 100 of the present invention. The lidded briefcase 10 is primarily made of leather and includes a housing portion having a front panel 12 and a rear panel spaced apart from the front panel 12, a handle portion 14 mounted on a top panel 16, a lid 18, and the magnetic fastening assembly 100 including a pair of mating fastening components 120 and 160. The housing portion includes a peripheral wall and a bottom panel that cooperate to define a hollow storage compartment for receiving items such as documents. The top panel 16 is movable about a top edge on the rear panel that acts as a hinge, allowing the top panel to pivotally move about the top edge between an open configuration exposing the interior of the storage compartment and a closed configuration in which the top panel spans the top of the storage compartment. The lid 18 is continuous with and extends from the front edge of the top panel and is pivotally movable about the front edge between a first pivotal configuration, as shown in FIG5A , in which it overhangs the front panel 12, and a second pivotal configuration, as shown in FIG5B , in which it abuts the front panel 12.

The mating fastening members are mounted at corresponding locations on the cover 18 and the front panel 12. In the example of FIG.

When the cover 18 is in the first pivoted configuration separated from the front panel, upward lifting of the handle portion 14 will pivotally move the top panel 16 in a clockwise direction about the top edge and move the cover 18 relative to the front panel 12 .

When the cover 18 is in the first pivoted configuration and separated from the front panel, movement of the cover 18 toward the front panel 12 while the handle portion is stationary will bring the first fastening component 120 into magnetic proximity with the second fastening component 160. Once in this magnetic proximity, the magnetic attraction force between the mating magnetic fasteners 120, 160 will bring the mating fastening components into the aligned magnetic engagement position of FIG. 1 and move the cover 18 into the second pivoted configuration.

When the cover 18 is in the second pivoted configuration and attached to the front panel due to the magnetic coupling engagement between the mating fastening components 120, 160, upward lifting of the handle portion 14 will cause the cover panel to displace slightly upward along and relative to the front panel 12 due to the load in the receiving portion. This also displaces the magnetic fastening assembly 100 from the aligned magnetically engaged position of FIG. 1 to the non-aligned magnetically engaged position of FIG. 1B and FIG. 1B1, so that the retaining device is in the locked configuration.

Although the first fastening member 120 is mounted on the cover portion 18 in the example of FIG. 5A , the first fastening member 120 may alternatively be mounted on the front panel 12 without loss of generality.

In an exemplary application, the housing 182 is made of 0.2 mm thick steel sheet without significant lateral load forces being applied to the magnetic fastening assembly.

In other applications, the housing 182 is made of 0.3 mm or 0.4 mm thick steel sheet without significant lateral load forces being applied to the magnetic fastening assembly.

In other exemplary applications, a mating fastening component is attached to a separable retaining surface of an article connected by a magnetic fastening assembly. In such applications, the retaining surface is subjected to a separation force or separation tension applied at an angle or transverse to the direction of magnetic coupling of the mating fastening components. While in a non-aligned magnetically engaged position and under the action of a separation tension at an angle or transverse to the coupling axis, the resistance of the magnetic fastening assembly to axial separation reduces the risk of accidental separation and is comfortable for the user. Articles with straps, such as bras, belts, chest straps, and backpacks, are examples of articles that have the above-mentioned tensioning properties during use and are therefore particularly suitable for incorporation of the magnetic fastening assembly of the present invention.

In exemplary uses, the mating fastening components are mounted at or on the longitudinal ends of the strip, or at spaced locations along the length or longitudinal direction of the strip, with the mating coupling surfaces of the mating fastening components facing away from the body of the strip such that the coupling direction is perpendicular, transverse, or angled to the length of the strip. The length of the strip defines the longitudinal direction when the magnetic fastening assembly is subjected to shear tension applied along the length of the strip.

In an exemplary use, the magnetic fastening assembly is mounted on a reclosable container to facilitate repeated closure. An exemplary reclosable container may include: a body defining a main storage chamber; and a movable member that is movable between a release position or open position that allows hand access to the interior of the body and a closed position that prevents such access. The body may have a fixed form, or may have a variable shape, such as the shape of a flexible or semi-flexible leather tote bag. The movable member may be a lid-type closure lid member that is hingedly connected to the elongated edge and is movable between a release position and a closed position in a direction substantially perpendicular to the elongated edge as the hinge axis. When in the closed position, the closure lid member is attached to the side wall of the container body. When in the open position, the closure lid member is separated from the side wall of the container body to allow hand access to the interior of the main storage chamber.

In some embodiments, the elongated edge of the closure lid component is an edge of the intermediate lid component, which is hingedly connected to the container body along an intermediate lid component hinge. The intermediate lid component hinge is an elongated edge of the container body that is distal to and parallel to the closure lid hinge. When the intermediate lid component pivotally moves about the elongated container edge in a direction perpendicular to the elongated container edge, the closure lid component can move relative to the two parallel pivoting edges that are relatively movable. Mating fasteners are mounted at corresponding locations on the closure lid component and the sidewall, respectively. The direction of magnetic coupling between the mating fasteners is perpendicular to the direction of extension of the closure lid hinge. In some embodiments, a handle is provided on the intermediate lid component between the closure lid hinge and the intermediate lid component hinge to facilitate hand-carrying of the container. When the lid closure component is attached to the container sidewall via magnetic coupling of the mating fasteners, when the container is carried by hand by grasping the handle, the weight of the container body causes the mating fasteners to shear or translate relative to each other in a direction transverse to the direction of magnetic coupling, causing the mating fasteners to mechanically lock with each other.

The exemplary magnetic fastening assembly 200 shown in FIG2 includes a first fastening component 220 of FIG2A1 and a second fastening component 260 of FIG2A2. The first fastening component 220 and the second fastening component 260 are in magnetically coupled fastening engagement and aligned along a coupling axis B-B'. In this example, the first fastening component 220 is identical to the fastening component 120, and the second fastening component 260 is identical to the fastening component 160 except for the configuration of the metal plate 272 and the housing 282. The description herein of the magnetic fastening assembly 100 and the mating fastening components 120, 160 is incorporated into this example mutatis mutandis, with corresponding reference numerals being incremented by 100 and axes A and A' being changed to B and B', respectively.

2A2, 2B, and 2B1, the metal plate 272 includes a base 272A and a peripheral portion 272B extending from and surrounding the peripheral edge of the base 272A. The base 272A is circular or substantially circular to follow the contour of the magnet plate 280, and the peripheral portion 272B extends in an axial direction (i.e., parallel to the axis B') and extends away from the attachment device or in the direction of the second coupling surface. A plurality of (in this example, four) claw receiving holes are formed at the peripheral edge of the base 272A. In some embodiments, such as this embodiment, the claw receiving holes are evenly spaced around the circular edge for receiving fastening claws on the housing.

The housing 282 is made of a ferromagnetic material and includes: a front portion 272; a peripheral wall portion 282B that projects orthogonally from the front portion 272 and extends along the outer peripheral edge of the front portion 272; and a plurality of flexible legs that project axially away from the peripheral wall portion 282B and the front portion 272. The shape and size of the front portion 282, as defined by the distributed claw-receiving holes, are comparable to those of the base portion 272A of the metal plate 272. The legs are arranged to correspond to the distribution of the claw-receiving holes and are sized to be inserted through the claw-receiving holes to form clamping claws.

To assemble the second fastening component 260, after the magnet plate 280 is positioned on the front surface of the metal plate 272 of the subassembly of FIG. 2B1 , the legs on the housing 282 are inserted into the claw receiving holes. After insertion, when the front portion 272 is in close contact with the magnet plate 280, the legs are bent to form clamping claws. With the clamping claws formed, the magnet plate 280 is firmly held by the housing 282. The front surface 282D of the front portion 272 of the housing becomes the second coupling surface, the claws become the rear portion 282A of the housing 282, and are in close contact with the base 272A of the metal plate 272. The peripheral wall portion 282B of the housing 282 is surrounded by the upright peripheral wall 272B of the metal plate 272. The magnet plate 280, the metal plate 272, and the front portion 272 of the housing 282 cooperate to define a retaining compartment 284. The mounting arrangement, including a plurality of fastening pawls that cooperate with a corresponding plurality of pawl receiving apertures, functions to mitigate or prevent relative rotation between the metal plate 272 and the housing 282 .

In some embodiments, the front portion 272 is at an axial height along the axis B' that exceeds or is flush with the edge of the upright peripheral wall 272B of the metal plate 272.

The exemplary magnetic fastening assembly 300 shown in FIG3 includes a first fastening component 320 and a second fastening component 360. The first fastening component 320 and the second fastening component 360 are in magnetically coupled fastening engagement and aligned along a coupling axis C-C′. In this example, the first fastening component 320 is identical to the fastening component 120, and the second fastening component 360 is identical to the fastening component 160 except for the collar portion 386. The description herein of the magnetic fastening assembly 100 and the mating fastening components 120, 160 is incorporated into this example mutatis mutandis, with corresponding reference numerals incremented by 200 and axes A and A′ being changed to C and C′, respectively. The collar portion 386 of the second fastening component 360 has a non-uniform axial depth on opposite sides of the axis C′. 3 , 3A2 , 3B , 3B1 , and 3C , when the mating fastening components 320, 360 are in magnetically coupled fastened engagement, the axial depth of the collar portion 386 on one side of the axis C′ is below the head 332, while the axial depth of the collar portion 386 on the other side of the axis C′ is sufficient to prevent lateral movement of the head 332. Because the collar ends on opposite sides of the axis C′ are at different axial heights, the freedom of relative lateral or transverse movement between the mating fastening components 320, 360 can be restricted in a selected lateral direction or directions.

In some embodiments, except for the collar portion, the second fastening component 360 is identical to the fastening component 260. The description herein of the magnetic fastening assembly 200 and the mating fastening components 220, 260 is incorporated mutatis mutandis into this example, with corresponding reference numerals being increased by 100 and axes B and B' being changed to C and C', respectively.

The exemplary magnetic fastening assembly 400 shown in FIG4 includes a first fastening component 420 and a second fastening component 460. The first fastening component 420 and the second fastening component 460 are in magnetic coupling fastening engagement and are aligned along the coupling axis D-D'. In this example, the first fastening component 420 is identical to the fastening component 120 except for the head 432, and the second fastening component 460 can be identical to any of the fastening components 160, 260, and 360.

The description herein of the magnetic fastening assemblies 100, 200, 300 and mating fastening components 120 and 160, 260, 360 is incorporated mutatis mutandis into the present example, with corresponding reference numerals being incremented by 100, 200, or 300 where appropriate, and with the axes of transverse symmetry being changed to D and D′, respectively.

In this example, the head 432 has a frustoconical shape and tapers toward the metal plate 442. The axial height of the head should be greater (e.g., slightly greater) than the axial depth of the collar ends 186A, 286A, or the lower collar end 386A (if the collar ends are at different axial depths). The head 432 is similar or identical to the corresponding heads described herein except that it does not have a distinct or sharp overhanging head relative to the neck.

In some embodiments, such as the present embodiment, the head 432 tapers until it reaches the surface level of the metal plate 442 , and there is no clear definition between the head 432 and the neck 434 .

During operation, when an axial separation force is applied to the opposite ends or both axial distal ends of the assembly in a separation direction, the inwardly inclined tapered surface of the head 432 interacts or cooperates with the collar end 486A to resist or prevent axial separation when the axial separation force is applied to the opposite ends or both axial distal ends of the assembly in a non-aligned magnetic coupling fastening engagement. The inclined tapered surface of the head 432 helps to smoothly transition to the aligned magnetic coupling fastening engagement or the separated or disengaged position.

In some embodiments, the tapered end of the head 432 is at an axial height above the surface height of the metal plate 442, with a clear definition between the head 432 and the neck 434. In this case, the tapered portion of the head 432 overhangs the neck 434 and is axially positioned above the collar end 486A of the second fastening component 460 when the magnetic fastening assembly 400 is in a non-aligned magnetic coupling fastened engagement.

Typically, when the magnetic fastening assembly 100, 200, 300, 400 is in a non-aligned magnetic coupling fastening engagement, the overhanging portion of the head 132, 232, 332, 432 protrudes axially above and/or directly above the collar end 186A, 286A, 386A, 486A of the second fastening component 160, 260, 360, 460. When in this non-aligned magnetic coupling fastening engagement, the overhanging portion of the head 132, 232, 332, 432 cooperates with the collar end 186A, 286A, 386A, 486A to resist axial separation forces and does not separate.

In some embodiments such as the present embodiment, when in this non-aligned magnetic coupling secured engagement, the overhanging portion of the head 132, 232, 332, 432 cooperates with the collar end 186A, 286A, 386A, 486A to form a locking configuration, thereby resisting axial separation forces and preventing separation.

The features set out in the appended claims (collectively and individually, where appropriate) form part of the present disclosure and are incorporated herein by reference.

Although various examples or embodiments have been described herein, it should be understood that they are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. For example, although magnetic fastener 100 is used herein in exemplary applications, other magnetic fasteners such as magnetic fasteners 100-400 according to the present invention may also be used without loss of generality. It should be understood that parts or components of the various exemplary embodiments may be combined and/or mixed and matched, where appropriate, to form other variations without loss of generality.

Reference numeral table

100 Magnetic fastening components 120 first fastening member 160 Second fastening member 132 head 170 Second housing part 132A Overhang 172 Metal Sheet 134 neck 174 Attachment device 136 Retaining protrusion 176 Alignment protrusion 178 Receiving hole 140 First housing part 180 magnet plate 142 Metal Sheet 182 shell 142A Front surface (first coupling surface) 182A rear 142B rear surface 182B surrounding wall 142C peripheral surface 182C front 182D Second coupling surface 144 Attachment device 184 Keep compartment 144A Bridge part 186 Collar part 144B,C Attachment pin 186A Collar end 188 Alignment head

Claims (20)

1. A magnetic fastening assembly comprising a first fastening member and a second fastening member in a separable magnetically coupled fastening engagement, wherein the first fastening member includes a first retaining portion, and the second fastening member includes a second retaining portion; The first retaining portion includes a retaining protrusion protruding from a first coupling surface, the retaining protrusion including a neck and a head, the neck protruding axially from the first coupling surface, and the head protruding laterally from the neck and radially overhanging from the neck to form an overhanging portion; The second retaining portion includes a magnetic housing defining a retaining compartment and a retaining receiver, a magnetic metal plate, and a magnetic plate having a central hole on the magnetic metal plate; the housing includes a front portion forming a second coupling surface; the front portion extends radially inward from a peripheral wall to define a receiving hole on the second coupling surface and a collar portion surrounding the receiving hole, the collar portion extending axially inward toward the metal plate and tapering in the axial direction to gradually narrow, the collar portion including a collar end away from the second coupling surface; When the first fastening member and the second fastening member are in magnetic coupling engagement, the first coupling surface and the second coupling surface are opposite to each other; when in the magnetic coupling engagement, the retaining protrusion is accommodated in the retaining compartment; - Wherein, when the first fastening member and the second fastening member are aligned along the coupling axis, when the first fastening member and the second fastening member are magnetically coupled in the aligned magnetic engagement position, the first retaining portion and the second retaining portion are in a non-retaining configuration; - When the first fastening member and the second fastening member move relative to each other from the aligned magnetic engagement position into the misaligned magnetic engagement position, the first retaining portion and the second retaining portion are in a retaining configuration in which the first fastening member and the second fastening member are not aligned on the coupling axis. When in the misaligned magnetic engagement position, the first retaining portion and the second retaining portion cooperate to define a releasable retaining subassembly. When the first and second fastening components are in the aligned magnetically engaged position, by applying an axial separation force to opposite ends or two axially distal ends of the magnetic fastening assembly along the separation direction of the coupling axis, the first and second fastening components can move and disengage from the magnetic coupling fastening engagement, thereby separating from each other; and When the first fastening member and the second fastening member are in the misaligned magnetic engagement position, when an axial separation force is applied to opposite ends or two axial distal ends of the magnetic fastening assembly along the separation direction, the first fastening member and the second fastening member cooperate to resist or prevent axial separation, or when an axial separation force is applied to opposite ends or two axial distal ends of the magnetic fastening assembly along the separation direction, the overhanging portion of the head of the first fastening member and the collar end of the collar portion of the second fastening member are locked and held together in a locking engagement within the retaining compartment defined by the central hole of the magnet plate. 2. The magnetic fastening assembly of claim 1, wherein the first fastening member includes a first housing portion and the first retaining portion is attached to the first housing portion such that the first retaining portion follows the movement of the first housing portion; the second fastening member includes a second housing portion and the second retaining portion is attached to the second housing portion such that the second retaining portion follows the movement of the second housing portion; and wherein the collar portion has a non-uniform axial depth on opposite sides of the coupling axis, such that when the first fastening member and the second fastening member are in magnetically coupled fastening engagement, the axial depth of the collar portion on one side of the coupling axis is below the head, while the axial depth of the collar portion on the other side of the coupling axis sufficiently prevents lateral movement of the head. 3. The magnetic fastening assembly of claim 1, wherein the retaining receiver of the second retaining portion is defined below the second coupling surface, the first coupling surface and the second coupling surface are opposite each other when the first fastening member and the second fastening member are in magnetic coupling engagement, and the retaining protrusion is accommodated inside the retaining receiver when in the magnetic coupling engagement; the collar end of the second retaining portion tapers in the axial direction toward the metal plate. 4. The magnetic fastening assembly of claim 3, wherein the head of the retaining protrusion protrudes laterally from the neck at a height above the first coupling surface; when the first fastening member and the second fastening member are to move along the coupling axis to the aligned magnetic engagement position and a portion of the head protrudes axially above the end of the collar, the head will move axially past the end of the collar and into the compartment of the retaining receiver, such that when the first fastening member and the second fastening member are in the misaligned magnetic engagement position, the head is prevented from moving axially in the separation direction and out of the retaining receiver. 5. The magnetic fastening assembly according to claim 3, wherein when the first fastening member and the second fastening member are in the misaligned magnetic engagement position and are subjected to axial separation forces at opposite ends or two axially distal ends of the magnetic fastening assembly, the head locks onto the end of the collar. 6. The magnetic fastening assembly of claim 3, wherein the second fastening member includes an alignment protrusion that projects axially from the base and extends toward the receiving hole, and when in the aligned magnetic engagement position, the alignment protrusion is adjacent to and magnetically coupled to the head of the first retaining portion. 7. The magnetic fastening assembly of claim 3, wherein the collar portion includes a peripheral wall extending between the second coupling surface and the collar end, and the peripheral wall tapers and narrows as it extends from the second coupling surface toward the collar end; and the collar end allows axial passage of the head, and the neck is laterally translatable after the head moves to the aligned magnetic engagement position when the head axially passes over the collar end. 8. The magnetic fastening assembly of claim 3, wherein the end of the collar defines an inlet hole, and the lateral extent of the head is slightly smaller than the gap defined by the inlet hole, such that the head is substantially guided by the collar along the coupling axis into the magnetic coupling fastening engagement to reduce accidental separation. 9. The magnetic fastening assembly of claim 3, wherein the collar portion is shaped such that when the first fastening member and the second fastening member are in magnetic coupling engagement, the lateral movement freedom of the neck is restricted by the end of the collar, and the collar portion is shaped to correspond to the lateral protrusion range of the head. 10. The magnetic fastening assembly of claim 3, wherein the shape and size of the collar portion are designed to restrict the degree of freedom of lateral movement of the head in a predetermined lateral direction, such that the head can move to a locking configuration in the predetermined lateral direction during magnetic coupling and separable fastening engagement, but cannot move in the opposite direction. 11. The magnetic fastening assembly of claim 3, wherein when the first fastening member and the second fastening member are in a magnetically engaged position, the first coupling surface and the second coupling surface are magnetically coupled and physically adjacent; and wherein the collar portion has a non-uniform axial depth on opposite sides of the coupling axis, such that: when the first fastening member and the second fastening member are in a magnetically coupled fastened engagement, the axial depth of the collar portion on one side of the coupling axis is below the head, while the axial depth of the collar portion on the other side of the coupling axis sufficiently prevents lateral movement of the head. 12. The magnetic fastening assembly of claim 3, wherein the retaining protrusion has a truncated conical tapered head that tapers and narrows as it travels toward the first coupling surface, and when the first fastening member and the second fastening member are in the misaligned magnetic engagement position, the tapered head cooperates with the second retaining device to form a releasable hook engagement or locking engagement when an axial separation force is applied to opposite ends or two axially distal ends of the magnetic fastening assembly along the separation direction. 13. The magnetic fastening assembly of claim 3, wherein the second fastening member comprises a magnetic housing surrounding the retaining receiver and forming the second coupling surface, the second coupling surface having or not having magnetic flux. 14. The magnetic fastening assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first fastening member includes a first magnet and the second fastening member includes a second magnet, and when the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member are separated and magnetically close, the first fastening member and the second fastening member will move to the aligned magnetic engagement position along the coupling direction along the coupling axis due to the magnetic attraction between the first magnet and the second magnet, the coupling direction being opposite to the separation direction. 15. The magnetic fastening assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the magnetic fastening assembly includes an alignment device that, when the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component are separated and magnetically close, guides relative movement between the first fastening component and the second fastening component along the coupling axis to enter the aligned magnetic engagement position, and when the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component are subjected to a lateral displacement force, the first fastening component and the second fastening component will be displaced relative to each other in the lateral direction from the coupling axis to enter the misaligned magnetic engagement position. 16. The magnetic fastening assembly of claim 15, wherein the guiding device formed by the alignment device includes an alignment protrusion that protrudes from a base on the second fastening member and toward the second coupling surface but is recessed below the second coupling surface, wherein when in the magnetically engaged position of the alignment, the alignment protrusion and the free ends of the first retaining portion are physically abutted and magnetically coupled along the coupling axis; wherein the alignment protrusion includes an alignment head that protrudes from the metal plate and extends axially toward the receiving hole but stops before reaching the end of the collar, the axial gap between the alignment head and the end of the collar being slightly greater than the axial length of the head of the first fastening member, such that the head can freely translate laterally or transversely while being physically abutted with the alignment head when located inside the retaining compartment. 17. The magnetic fastening assembly of claim 16, wherein the alignment device further includes the collar portion, the alignment protrusion having a magnetic polarity opposite to that of the second coupling surface, the alignment protrusion cooperating with the collar portion to induce a guided magnetic coupling engagement between the first fastening member and the second fastening member to enter into a magnetic coupling engagement. 18. An article comprising a magnetic fastening assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the article comprises a first article portion and a second article portion, the first article portion and the second article portion being movable relative to each other along a coupling direction, along a separation direction opposite to the coupling direction and along a load direction substantially perpendicular to the coupling direction, the first article portion and the second article portion being attachable together by magnetic coupling operation of the magnetic fastening assembly; the first article portion comprising a first fastening member, and the second article portion comprising a second fastening member; and the first article portion and the second article portion being subjected to a load force in the load direction during use. 19. The article of claim 18, wherein a handle portion is formed on the first article portion, and the first article portion will move with the handle in the load direction or in a direction opposite to the load direction, the second article portion forms part of a load-bearing device, and the handle portion bears the weight of the load when the first article portion and the second article portion are attached together by the magnetic fastening assembly; and the weight of the load causes the second article portion to move relative to the first article portion in the load direction, thereby moving the first fastening member and the second fastening member to the misaligned magnetic engagement position. 20. The object according to claim 18, wherein the first object portion of the second object portion and the lid of the suitcase is a wall portion of the suitcase, and the lid is movable relative to the wall portion in a load direction, a coupling direction and a separation direction, the load direction being substantially perpendicular to the coupling direction and the separation direction.