JP2006516916A - Magnetic fastener - Google Patents

Abstract

A magnetic fastener (1) including a first detachable fastening member (10) and a second detachable fastening member (20), said first and said second detachable fastening members (10, 20) respectively include a first and a second magnetic coupling surfaces (34, 64) which are magnetically attracted towards each other along an axial magnetic coupling direction, said magnetic fastener including guarding means (99) adapted to resist relative lateral movements between said first and said second magnetic coupling surfaces (34, 64) when said first and said second fastening members (10, 20) are under magnetic coupling, said first and second fastening members include co­ operative catching means (391, 991) adapted to resist disengagement of said first and second fastening members (34, 64) generally along said axial magnetic coupling direction when said first and second fastening members are simultaneously under magnetically coupling and subject to lateral tensions applied transversally to said axial magnetic coupling direction.

Description

  The present invention relates to magnetic fasteners, and more particularly to magnetic fasteners including a pair of combination fasteners having complementary magnetic properties. More particularly, the present invention relates to a magnetic fastener having means for withstanding a trip force applied in multiple directions. More specifically, of course, but not limited to this, the present invention relates to magnetic fasteners for use in clothing such as jeans and clothing.

  Magnetic fasteners have been widely used for many consumer goods and households for a long time. For example, magnetic fasteners have been used in clothing and clothing and accessories such as handbags and briefcases. Furthermore, magnetic fasteners are also used in household appliances for closing such as refrigerators or doors. For example, a strong and compact permanent magnet such as a tablet magnet of 1200 gauss or more can be obtained at a low cost, and more magnetic fasteners are available.

  Magnetic fasteners are generally considered advantageous over conventional fasteners, such as buttons, because of the convenience that magnetic fasteners provide. For example, a garment or garment having a pair of combination magnetic fasteners attached to a corresponding flexible portion of the garment can be easily opened and closed. The flexible portion of the garment can be easily closed because the pair of magnetic fasteners approach each other and the mutual magnetic force pulls the combined magnetic fastener and performs a well-known snap fastening.

  However, the direct reaction of this simple closure is that there is a risk of inadvertent or unintentional detachment between the paired combination magnetic fasteners, which in some cases is confusing and In some cases, property may be lost. Furthermore, conventional magnetic fasteners are generally capable of withstanding trip forces only along a single axis, for example along an axis along or across the magnetic coupling axis. Thus, the combination magnetic fastener is generally opened and closed along a common magnetic axis between two corresponding permanent magnets. However, such a simple pull resistance may not be appropriate for some applications. Accordingly, it would be highly desirable to be able to provide an improved magnetic fastener that alleviates the disadvantages of conventional magnetic fasteners. More specifically, this improved magnetic fastener must provide the same or similar level of convenience as a conventional magnetic fastener while reducing the risk of unexpected and undesired unintentional disengagement between combined magnetic fasteners. Don't be. Furthermore, it would be highly desirable to be able to provide an improved magnetic fastener that can provide the convenience of conventional magnetic fasteners while resisting trip forces along multiple directions.

  Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved magnetic fastener that alleviates the disadvantages associated with conventional or known magnetic fasteners. More specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved magnetic fastener comprising means for reducing the risk of undesirable or unintentional disengagement between coupled combined magnetic fasteners. Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved magnetic fastener comprising means for resisting multi-directional trip forces that tend to break the coupling between the combined magnetic fasteners. It is at least an object of the present invention to provide the public with a beneficial choice of magnetic fasteners.

  In accordance with the present invention, a magnetic fastener is provided that includes a first removable fastener member and a second removable fastener member. The first and second removable fastener members each include first and second magnetic coupling surfaces that are attracted to each other by a magnetic force along a magnetic coupling axis direction, wherein the magnetic fastener is the first magnetic coupling. Protective means suitable for resisting relative lateral movement between the first magnetic coupling surface and the second magnetic coupling surface when the surface and the second magnetic coupling surface are magnetically coupled And the first and second fastener members are subjected to a lateral tension applied across the magnetic coupling axis direction at the same time that the first fastener member and the second fastener member are magnetically coupled. Sometimes including cooperating capture means suitable for resisting disengagement of the first and second fastener members substantially along the magnetic coupling axis direction.

  In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a magnetic fastener is provided that includes a first removable fastener member and a second removable fastener member. The first and second removable fastener members include first and second magnetic coupling surfaces that are attracted to each other by a magnetic force along a magnetic coupling axis direction, respectively, and the magnetic fastener includes the first fastener member and the first fastener member. Protective means suitable for resisting relative lateral movement between the first magnetic coupling surface and the second magnetic coupling surface when the second fastener member is magnetically coupled; The first and second fastener members each include attachment means for attaching the first or second fastener member to a product or part of a product, wherein the attachment means of the first and second fastener members is , Disposed on opposite sides of the magnetic coupling surface.

  In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a magnetic fastener is provided that includes a ring magnet or ring magnetic assembly and a housing in which the magnet or magnetic assembly is held. The housing includes a plurality of sawing holes disposed in a region of the housing corresponding to the central opening of the ring magnet or ring magnetic assembly.

  The protection means includes a first and a second when the first removable member and the second removable member are magnetically coupled so that the first magnetic coupling surface and the second magnetic coupling surface are in contact with each other. It is desirable to include peripheral means that surround the magnetic coupling surface.

  The latch means extends substantially along the magnetic coupling direction, and the first and second magnetic coupling surfaces are in contact with each other when the first fastener member and the second fastener member are in magnetic coupling contact with each other. It is desirable to include a peripheral wall that substantially surrounds.

  The peripheral wall included as a part of one of the removable fastener members includes a narrowed portion higher than the one magnetic coupling surface of the removable fastener members, and the narrowed portion corresponds to the magnetic coupling direction. Suitable for allowing the magnetic coupling surface of the removable fastener member to pass through, and the high constriction of the peripheral wall is adapted to allow the magnetic coupling surface of the corresponding removable fastener member to receive the tension applied to the side. It is generally desirable to resist passage of the corresponding removable fastener member through the magnetic coupling surface when removed from magnetic coupling along the coupling direction.

  The first and second removable fastener members include first and second permanent magnets, respectively, and the first and second permanent magnets each have opposite magnetic poles. And the first and second permanent magnets are each preferably received in a non-magnetic housing.

  The non-magnetic housing that receives a second permanent magnet includes a flared base portion that is flared when the magnetic fastener is subjected to laterally applied tension and the first removable fastener member and the Desirably, it is suitable to resist longitudinal disengagement with the second removable fastener member.

  Preferably, the peripheral wall is included in one of the removable fastener members, the peripheral wall including inwardly extending flange means and the other corresponding removable fastener member includes outwardly extending flange means. .

  Preferably, either or both of the inwardly and outwardly extending flange means includes a substantially circumferentially extending flange portion.

  The first removable fastener member includes a first permanent magnet, the first magnetic coupling surface is formed on the first permanent magnet, and the peripheral wall is included in the first removable fastener member. The opening formed by the peripheral wall preferably exceeds the surface area of the first magnetic coupling surface.

  Preferably, the first and second removable fastener members each include a non-magnetic housing surrounding the first and second magnetic coupling surfaces, respectively.

  The first removable fastener member includes a first permanent magnet, the magnetic axis of the first permanent magnet is generally parallel to the first magnetic coupling direction, and the peripheral wall is generally That is, it extends away from the first magnetic coupling surface along the magnetic coupling direction, surrounds the first magnetic coupling surface, and a circumferential ring portion is intermediate between the first magnetic coupling surface and the peripheral wall. It is desirable to be arranged in.

  The peripheral wall preferably includes a constriction opening at a point higher than the first magnetic coupling surface.

  The circumferential ring part is preferably substantially non-magnetic.

  Preferably, the protection means includes means for guiding a gradual coupling between the first magnetic coupling surface and the second magnetic coupling surface substantially along the magnetic direction.

  The first and second fastener members each include attachment means for attaching the first or second fastener member to a product or a part of a product, and the attachment of the first and second fastener members The means is preferably arranged on opposite sides of the magnetic coupling surface.

  Preferably, the first and second removable fastener members include first and second permanent magnets, respectively, and the first and second permanent magnets are each surrounded by a non-magnetic housing.

  Each of the permanent magnets may be surrounded by a magnetic housing, and the nonmagnetic housing may be surrounded by a nonmagnetic housing.

  Attachment means for attaching the removable fastener member to the product or part of the product is formed in the non-magnetic housing, and the attachment means for the first and second removable fastener members is a reciprocal of the magnetic coupling surface. It is desirable to be formed on the side to be.

  It is preferable that the attachment means is disposed along the magnetic coupling direction.

  Both said attachment means are preferably adapted to withstand tension applied along and across the magnetic coupling direction.

  The attachment means includes a stem portion and a cap portion, the stem portion generally extending longitudinally away from the magnetic coupling surface of the removable fastener member, and the cap generally speaking said magnetically. It is desirable to extend across the bond direction.

  Preferably, the first and second removable fastener members include non-magnetic housings surrounding respective magnetic coupling surfaces, and the attachment means is supported by the non-magnetic housing.

  The removable fastener means includes inserting the stem portion into a product or a part of the product, and holding the product or the part of the product between the cap portion and the non-magnetic housing. Desirably attached to product or part thereof.

  The fastener further includes a ring magnet or ring magnetic assembly and a housing in which the magnet or magnetic assembly is held, the housing being disposed in a region of the housing corresponding to a central opening of the ring magnet or ring magnetic assembly. It is desirable to include a plurality of sawing holes that are made.

  Preferred embodiments of the magnetic fastener of the present invention will be described in further detail below, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  Referring first to FIGS. 1, 1A-0 to 1A-7, 1B-0 to 1B-8 and FIG. 1C, a first preferred embodiment of a magnetic fastener 1 of the present invention is shown. The magnetic fastener 1 includes a first fastener part 10 and a second fastener part 20. The first fastener part 10 includes a main housing 30 and attachment means 40. The main housing 30 includes first and second housing parts 31, 32 that are combined to receive a permanent magnet 50. The attachment means 40 includes a stem portion 41 and a cap portion 42. The stem portion 41 is in a state in which the enlarged portion 43 is maintained in the main housing and the elongated neck of the stem portion 41 protrudes through a correspondingly shaped opening 33 formed on the upper surface of the first housing part 31 of the main housing 30. The mounting means 40 is provided with an enlarged lower end 43 so that it is held by the main housing 30. The transition from the neck portion 44 to the shoulder portion may be gradual, such as a flare shape, or may be abrupt as in this example.

  The second housing part 32 includes a permeable first magnetic coupling surface 34 and a container 35 for receiving a permanent magnet. This second housing part can for example be made of chromium or nickel plated stainless steel, which is generally magnetic in nature. The first housing part 31 includes a top portion 38 and a skirt 39 extends circumferentially downward. A flange 391 extending outward is formed on the circumference of the lower end of the skirt 39. A plurality of openings 36 are formed in the top portion 38 for coupling to the second housing part 32 through a plurality of upstanding fingers 37 disposed in the second housing part. The fingers 37 of the second housing part 32 extend from the coupling surface 34 and are arranged corresponding to the spatial position of the opening 36.

  To assemble the first fastener component 10, the tablet-shaped permanent magnet 50 is placed in the container 35 such that one of the pole faces (eg, S pole) is adjacent to the permeable first magnetic coupling face. . When the stem portion 41 is first assembled with the first housing part 31 such that the elongated neck portion 44 protrudes from the top portion 38 and the shoulder portion 43 is held under the opening 33 and the top portion 38, the second housing An upwardly projecting finger 37 of the part 32 is aligned with the opening 36 of the first housing part 31. When the permanent magnet 50 and the stem portion 41 are put in a predetermined position, the first and second housing parts 31 and 32 are combined. This can be done, for example, by pressing the first housing part and the second housing part together and then bending the fingers 37 extending upwards so that the tablet permanent magnet 50 fits snugly within the container 35. This is done by tightening the parts together. The bottom surface of the circumferential flange 391 is approximately the same height as the first magnetic coupling surface 34 when assembled. Instead of the magnet 50, a magnetic subassembly 50a including a ring-shaped permanent magnet and a magnetic base having a central protrusion can be used.

  In order to complete the assembly of the first fastener part 10, the cap part 42 is joined to the upper end of the neck part 44. In a desired application, the neck portion 44 is threaded through an opening or buttonhole formed in the surface of the product prior to securing the cap portion 42 to the subassembly including the permanent magnet 50, the main housing 30 and the stem portion 41. . Instead, the subassembly is riveted to the product, for example by deforming it by stamping the upper end of the neck 44, to form an enlarged upper end of the neck 44 so that the fastener part is held in the product. be able to.

  The first housing part 31 also has a magnetic field emitted from the back pole surface (for example, N pole in this example) of the tablet-shaped permanent magnet 50 to adjust the direction in order to strengthen the magnetic coupling with the corresponding fastener 20. It can be made of magnetic material such as chromium or nickel plated stainless steel so that it can be concentrated along the circumferential flange 391. Of course, without loss of generality, the first housing part 31 and the second housing part 32 can be made of a non-magnetic material such as copper or brass.

  Referring to FIGS. 1B and 1B-0 to 1B-8 showing the second magnetic fastener part 20, the fastener part 20 includes a main housing 60, attachment means 70 and a tablet-type permanent magnet 51. The attachment means 70 generally includes a stem portion 71 and a cap portion 72 that serve the same purpose as the cap portion 41 and stem portion 42 of the first fastener component 10, respectively. The main housing 60 includes a first housing part 61, a second housing part 62 and a third housing part 91. The first housing part 61 and the second housing part 62 are connected through projecting fingers 67 with corresponding pairs of openings 66 arranged in the first housing part 61 and the second housing part 62, respectively. Generally speaking, the first housing part 61 and the second housing part 62 of this second magnetic fastener part 20 are similar to the corresponding parts of the first fastener part and generally speaking have the same purpose. Fulfill. This subassembly including the first housing part 61 and the second housing part 62 is then attached to the third housing part 91. The third housing part 91 includes a base portion 98 in which an opening 93 is formed through which the elongated neck 74 of the attachment means 70 can pass. An upwardly extending skirt portion 99 is formed dependently from the base portion 98 to enclose the subassembly including the first housing part 61 and the second housing part 62. It will be appreciated that this skirt serves as a protective means to prevent lateral movement of the first and second magnetic coupling surfaces. An inwardly extending flange 991 is formed at the upper end of the skirt portion 99.

  When the second fastener part 20 is assembled, the tablet-type permanent magnet 51 is replaced with the magnetic pole surface (for example, the S pole) of the tablet-shaped permanent magnet 50 adjacent to the surface 34 and the magnetic pole surface (for example, the pole surface of the permanent magnet 51). In this example, the N pole) is disposed in the container 65 so as to be disposed adjacent to the second magnetic coupling surface 64 for attracting by magnetic force.

  Similarly, the stem portion 71 of the attachment means 70 includes an elongated neck portion 74 and a shoulder portion 73. The neck 74 is dimensioned to pass through the opening 63 of the first housing part 61, whereas the shoulder 73 is blocked by the opening 63. Before combining the first housing part 61 and the second housing part 62, the stem part 71 of the attachment means 70 so as to hold the tablet permanent magnet 51 between the second magnetic coupling surface 64 and the shoulder part 73. It will be understood that the is passed through the opening 63. The semi-subassembly including the first housing part 61, the second housing part 62, the stem part 71 and the tablet-shaped permanent magnet 51, and then the third part with the neck part 74 protruding from the openings 63 and 93. It attaches to the base part 98 of the housing part 91 of FIG. This semi-subassembly is attached to the third housing part 91 with the second magnetic coupling surface 64 facing the opening formed by the skirt 99.

  The first housing part 61 and the second housing part 62 are also made of a magnetic material such as chromium or nickel plated stainless steel. In the case of a permeable housing, the magnetic flux can be transmitted through the surface 64 for magnetic coupling with the corresponding fastener 10. Further, the magnetic flux generated from the back pole surface of the permanent magnet 51 that appears along the circumferential rim 69, that is, the pole surface not in contact with the second magnetic coupling surface 64, causes the first housing component 61 to substantially form a magnetic basin. As such, the direction is adjusted and concentrated on the first housing part 61, thereby increasing the strength of the magnetic field and strengthening the magnetic coupling between the two fastener parts 10,20. Further, the circumferentially inwardly extending flange 991 is higher than the second magnetic coupling surface and the first fastener part 10 circle to form a protective means when the first and second fastener parts are joined. It will be seen that the height is sufficient to surround the circumferential flange 391.

  Referring again to FIG. 1 to examine the operation of the fastener 1, the tablet-type permanent magnets 50 and 51 are adjacent to the first and second magnetic coupling surfaces 34 and 64 corresponding to the opposite pole faces. As such, the combined magnetic fastener parts 10 and 20 are attracted by opposing magnetic poles between the first magnetic coupling surface 34 and the second magnetic coupling surface 64. In addition, since the additional complementary magnetic field is focused along the circumferential flange 391 and the circumferential rim 69, each of which has a substantially corresponding shape, the pair of combined fastener parts has two additional coupling forces. They are coupled by substantially automatic alignment without the need for extra force to align the paired combination fastener parts.

  In particular, when the fastener parts 10 and 20 are close to each other, the permanent magnets 50 and 51 are mutually connected along the magnetic coupling axis direction YY ′ substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the neck portion of the combined fastener parts 10 and 20. I will attract you. Further, as shown for example in FIG. 1, a pair of combined magnetic fasteners 10 and 20 may have lateral shear or trip forces along XX ′, such as when used in jeans or other garments. When receiving, the lateral tension causes relative movement of the fastener parts along the first magnetic coupling surface 34 and the second magnetic coupling surface 64, and the circumferential flange 391 moves to cause the circumferential flange 991 and It is arranged in the middle of the base part 98 of the housing part 91. In such a case, the circumferential flanges 991 and 391 cooperate to form a capture means for resisting the longitudinal movement of the circumferential flange 391 and along the axial direction when subjected to lateral tension. The pair of magnetic fasteners resists axial or longitudinal tripping forces along YY ′, providing additional resistance to detachment.

  Referring now to FIGS. 2, 2A, 2A-1 to 2A-8 and 2B-1 to 2B-8 illustrating a second preferred embodiment of the magnetic fastener 2 of the present invention, the magnetic fastener 2 is One fastener part 210 and a second fastener part 220 are included. The first fastener component 210 includes a main housing 230 and attachment means 240. The main housing 230 includes a first housing part 231 and a second housing part 232 that are combined to receive a permanent magnet 250. The first and second housing parts 231 and 232 are substantially the same as the corresponding parts or housing parts 31 and 32 of the first preferred embodiment, respectively.

  The attachment means 240 includes a stem portion 241 and a base portion 243. The stem portion 241 is mainly in a state where the base portion 243 is held in the main housing and the elongated arm 244 of the stem portion 241 protrudes from a correspondingly shaped opening 233 formed on the upper surface of the first housing part 231 of the main housing 230. A pair of upwardly extending arms 244 are included to be retained by the housing 230.

  Referring to FIGS. 2B-1 to 2B-8 showing the second magnetic fastener part 220, the fastener part 220 includes a main housing 260, attachment means 270, and a tablet-type permanent magnet 251. The attachment means 270 generally includes a stem portion 274 and a base portion 273 that serve the same purpose as the base portion 243 and stem portion 244 of the first fastener component 210, respectively. The main housing 260 includes a first housing part 261, a second housing part 262 and a third housing part 291 and is substantially the same as the main housing 60 of the first preferred embodiment.

  It will be appreciated from the above preferred embodiment that the magnetic fastener includes a first removable fastener member (10, 210) and a second removable fastener member (20, 220). The first and second removable fastener members are first and second magnetic coupling surfaces (34, 234) and second magnetic coupling surfaces (64, 64) that are attracted to each other along the magnetic coupling axial direction YY ', respectively. H.264). Further, the magnetic fastener resists relative lateral movement between the first magnetic coupling surface and the second magnetic coupling surface when the first fastener member and the second fastener member are magnetically coupled. Suitable protection means (99, 299). Further, the first and second fastener members receive a lateral tripping force X ′ applied across the magnetic coupling axis direction when the first fastener member and the second fastener member are magnetically coupled. And includes cooperative capture means (391, 991: 2931, 2991) suitable for resisting disengagement of the first and second fastener members substantially along the magnetic coupling axis direction YY ′.

  The advantage of this magnetic fastener is particularly noticeable when the product is used on jeans or other garments that need to resist multiple directions of pulling force. For example, when a pair of coupled fastener parts are subjected to a pulling force along the waistline and at the same time undergo a radial expansion of the waist (this is to the side XX ′ and the magnetic coupling axis YY ′, respectively). Similar to simultaneous tension along). Further, it will be appreciated that attachment means for attaching the first and second fastener parts to the product or part of the product are disposed substantially on opposite sides of the magnetic coupling surface.

  Referring to FIGS. 3, 3A-1 to 3A-2 and 3B-1 to 3B-2, a third preferred embodiment of the magnetic fastener 3 of the present invention is shown. The magnetic fastener 3 includes a first fastener part 310 and a second fastener part 320 that are substantially identical. First fastener part 310 and second fastener part 320 are each substantially the same as first fastener part 10 of the first preferred embodiment except for first housing part 31 of main housing 30. . The first housing part 310, 320 of this preferred embodiment includes a top portion 338 in which an opening 333 is formed so that the neck portion of the attachment means can be inserted. Similar to the first housing part 31 of the first preferred embodiment, a circumferential skirt extends downward from the top portion 338 and cooperates with the second housing part 332 to form a container for receiving a tablet-type permanent magnet. To do. Unlike the circumferential flange 391 that extends outwardly of the first housing part 31, a capturing means 3391 that extends downward beyond the depth of the skirt 339 is formed at the lower end of the skirt portion 339. This capture means 3391 is such that when the first fastener part 310 and the second fastener part are coupled together and the teeth are arranged substantially diagonally in the diametrical direction, the entire teeth are in the first and second magnetic coupling surfaces. It takes the form of a staggered tooth to resist lateral movement of the two fastener parts along. It can be seen that the free lower end of the skirt 339 is asymmetric with respect to the magnetic coupling axis direction. The first housing parts 331 and 361 of the first and second fastener parts are made of magnetic material, while the second housing part 332 is made of copper, brass or other non-magnetic material.

  Referring to FIGS. 4 and 4A, a fourth preferred embodiment of the magnetic fastener 4 of the present invention is shown. The magnetic fastener 4 includes substantially identical first and second fastener parts 410 and 420. As in previous embodiments, fastener parts 410, 420 each include a tablet-type permanent magnet, a main housing, and attachment means. The main housing of this preferred embodiment is substantially the same as the main housing of the third preferred embodiment, whereas the attachment means is substantially the same as the attachment means 271 of the second preferred embodiment. is there.

  Referring to FIGS. 5 and 5A illustrating a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention and its variations, the magnetic fastener 5 includes a first fastener part 510 and a second fastener part 520. The first fastener part 510 includes a main housing that is substantially the same as the main housing 30 of the first fastener part 10 of the first preferred embodiment except that there is no outwardly extending flange 391. The attachment means for the configuration of FIG. 5 is substantially the same as the attachment means of the embodiment of FIG. 1, whereas the modified attachment means of FIG. 5A is substantially the same as the second preferred embodiment. It is. The second fastener part 520 includes a main housing that is substantially the same as the main housing 60 of the first preferred embodiment, except that the free end of the housing part is not bent inward to form the flange 991. .

  Referring to FIGS. 6 and 6A, a sixth preferred embodiment of the magnetic fastener 6 of the present invention and variations thereof are shown. The magnetic fastener 6 includes a first fastener part 610 and a second fastener part 620. Fastener parts 610 and 620 each include a main housing and attachment means. The attachment means may be the same as the means of FIGS. 5 and 5A. The main housing is substantially the same as the main housing of the second fastener part 20 of the first preferred embodiment, except that the third housing part 91 is not present.

  7, 7A and 7A-1 through 7A-2 illustrate a seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention and variations thereof. As with other preferred embodiments, the magnetic fastener 7 includes first and second fastener parts, each of which includes a main housing 730 and attachment means 740. The main housing 730 includes a first housing part 731 and a second housing part 732, which together form a container for receiving permanent magnets. The first housing component 731 includes a magnetically permeable surface 734 so that the magnetic flux at the pole face of the permanent magnet immediately adjacent to the magnetic coupling surface 734 can pass through this surface due to magnetic forces. The second housing part 732 adjusts the direction of the magnetic field emanating from the back pole face of the permanent magnet, that is, the pole face not adjacent to the coupling face 734, and concentrates along the free end of the circumferential wall of the second housing 732, A circumferential wall made of a magnetic material is included so that the strength of the steel can be increased. The attachment means includes a plurality of ear-shaped members having a hollow frame so that the fastener parts 710, 720 can be sewn to corresponding portions of the product. The deformation shown in FIGS. 7B and 7B-1 to 7B-2 is substantially the same as FIG. 7 except that the attachment means 7401 is formed on the back surface of the main housing.

  Referring to FIGS. 8 and 8A-1 through 8A-11, an eighth preferred embodiment of the present invention and variations thereof are shown. The magnetic fastener 8 includes first and second fastener parts 810 and 820. One of the fastener parts includes a main housing, a ring magnet and attachment means. The main housing of the first fastener part includes a first housing part 831 and a second housing part 832 that cooperate together to form a container for receiving the magnet 850. The first housing part 831 comprises a recess that substantially matches the contour and shape of the ring magnet. The subassemblies including the first housing part 831, the ring-shaped magnet 850 and the second housing part 852 are connected together, for example by riveting. Magnetic flux generated from the tablet-type permanent magnet 850 can pass through the magnetic coupling surface 851, and at the same time, the direction of the magnetic flux from the back pole surface of the tablet-type permanent magnet 850 is adjusted and concentrated on the end of the rivet to strengthen the magnetic coupling. As can be done, the first housing part, the second housing part and the rivet 840 are preferably made of a magnetic material. A plurality of sewing holes 870 are formed around the second housing part. The second fastener component 820 includes a main housing 861 of magnetic material. As shown in FIGS. 8A-10, an additional sawing hole 880 can be formed in the back surface of the main housing part 861 to make the attachment to the product more reliable and reliable.

  Referring to FIGS. 9, 9A-9C, 9A-1 to 9A-8 and 9B-1 to 9B-4, a ninth preferred embodiment of the magnetic fastener 9 and variations thereof are shown. The magnetic fastener 9 includes a first fastener part 910 and a second fastener part 920. The first fastener component 910 includes a main housing, a fastener structure, and a ring-shaped magnet plate. The main housing includes a first housing part 931 and a second housing part 932, which are combined to form a container for receiving a ring-shaped magnet. The first housing part 931 is made of a magnetically permeable material such as plastic, ABS, PVC or rubber and is shaped to match the shape of the ring magnet or ring magnetic subassembly. The first housing part 931 and the second housing part 932 together with the ring magnet form a magnetic fastener subassembly. Ring-shaped back covers 941, 972 can be attached to the first housing parts 931, 961 to make the fastener parts waterproof and rust-proof. The back cover is preferably made of a material that is compatible with the first housing part 931 so that it can be melted, soldered or pasted together.

  In the second housing part, the magnetic flux generated from the permanent magnet plate 950 can pass through the magnetic coupling surface, and at the same time, the direction of the magnetic flux generated from the other surface of the permanent magnet can be adjusted to be generated on the magnetic coupling surface. As made from magnetic material. A plurality of sawing holes are formed in the first housing part for attachment to the flexible surface in a conventional manner. The first housing part of the first fastener part 910 includes a protrusion 939, whereas the first housing part 961 of the second fastener part 920 has a corresponding part that forms a cooperative receiving mechanism. Thus, the protrusion 999 is included to prevent relative sliding of the magnetic coupling surface. The first and second housing parts 961 and 962 of the second fastener part are generally the same as the corresponding parts of the first fastener part. In addition, the primary fastener component main housing 931 and back cover 942 include a plurality of sawing holes to enhance the stability of the fastener component and the ability to attach the fastener component to the surface.

  Referring to FIGS. 10, 10A-1 to 10A-7, 10B-1 to 10B-2, 10C and 10D, a tenth preferred embodiment of the magnetic fastener 10 and variations thereof are shown. The magnetic fastener 10 includes a first fastener part 1010 and a second fastener part 1020. The first fastener part 1010 includes a main housing 1031, a fastener part 1042 and a ring-shaped permanent magnet 1050. The main housing includes a first housing part 1031 and a second housing part 1042, which are combined to form a magnetic container for receiving a ring-shaped magnet. The first housing part 1031 is made of a magnetically permeable material such as copper, stainless steel, plastic, ABS, PVC or rubber and is shaped to have a compartment that matches the shape of the ring magnet 1050 or ring magnetic assembly. The first housing part 1031, the second housing part 1042 and the ring magnet 1050 are combined to form a magnetic subassembly of the magnetic fastener. The first housing part 1031 comprises a ring-shaped back cover and is sealed with a sealing member so that the fastener is virtually waterproof and rust-proof. The back cover can be secured to the first housing part 1031 by a plurality of upstanding fingers 1037. The back cover 1042 is preferably made of a material that is compatible with the material of the first housing part 1031 so that it can be melted, soldered or welded together.

  The magnetic coupling surface of the housing component 1061 of the second fastener component 1020 is made of a magnetically permeable material so that magnetic flux emanating from one surface of the permanent magnet plate 1050 can pass through the magnetic coupling surface, and at the same time the housing component is made of permanent magnets. A main housing part 1061 having a basin shape is included so that the magnetic flux emanating from the other back surface 1062 is directed to the magnetic coupling surface by the back cover to enhance the strength of the magnetic coupling. Similarly, the back cover 1062 can be secured to the main housing component by a plurality of upstanding fingers 1067. A plurality of sawing holes 1044 are included in the first housing part.

  The first fastener part 1010 includes a protrusion 1039, while the second fastener part 1022 includes a correspondingly shaped recess 1099, so that a cooperative coupling that reduces relative sliding between the coupling surfaces. Form a mechanism. The first fastener part 1010 and the second fastener part 1020 are generally the same except for the parts that constitute the cooperative coupling mechanism (ie, 1039 and 1099). A back plate 1042 comprising a plurality of sewing holes 1044 can form part of the first fastener component to improve the attachment and stability of the fastener component on a flexible surface such as clothing. . FIGS. 10C and 10D show a variation of the preferred embodiment described above in which the second fastener component is made into a simple basin shape of magnetic material 1042 to simplify the overall structure. As shown in FIG. 10D, the second fastener component can be replaced with a magnetic basin 1042 having magnetic properties to further simplify the overall structure.

  Although the present invention has been described with reference to the above-described preferred embodiments, it will be understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example only to aid in understanding the invention and are not intended to limit the scope thereof. For example, the cooperative capture means between the first fastener part and the second fastener part may include a constriction at a level axially above the magnetic coupling surface connected to the third housing part. It can be formed by having a third housing part (or protection means) or parts 91 and 291. This constriction is such that the corresponding magnetic coupling surface passes through the constriction opening of the third housing part along the axial direction, and at the same time the constriction opening is against the mutual magnetic axis of the combination tablet magnet when subjected to lateral tension. Suitable for resisting passage of the corresponding magnetic coupling surface along a substantially parallel direction. In particular, the scope, boundaries and spirit of the invention are intended to include the general principles of the invention inferred or illustrated by the embodiments described above. More specifically, variations or modifications obvious or obvious to those skilled in the art, as well as improvements made to the principles of the invention, should be considered within the scope and boundaries of the invention.

  Further, although the present invention has been described with reference to a magnetic fastener having a tablet magnet on each fastener part, the present invention loses generality whether or not modifications or other changes are made. However, it should be understood that the present invention can be applied to other variations, including one that includes only one tablet magnet in a pair of fasteners.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a pair of combination magnetic fasteners of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention shown with the attachment means separated. Each shows a cross-sectional view and a bottom view of the first fastener component of the combination magnetic fastener. Each shows a cross-sectional view and a bottom view of the first fastener component of the combination magnetic fastener. Various corresponding views of the components are shown. Various corresponding views of the components are shown. Various corresponding views of the components are shown. Various corresponding views of the components are shown. Various corresponding views of the components are shown. Various corresponding views of the components are shown. Various corresponding views of the components are shown. Each shows a cross-sectional view and a bottom view of a second fastener part of a combination magnetic fastener. Each shows a cross-sectional view and a bottom view of a second fastener part of a combination magnetic fastener. Various corresponding views of the components are shown. Various corresponding views of the components are shown. Various corresponding views of the components are shown. Various corresponding views of the components are shown. Various corresponding views of the components are shown. Various corresponding views of the components are shown. Various corresponding views of the components are shown. Various corresponding views of the components are shown. 2 shows the combined magnetic fastener of FIG. 1 when subjected to a trip force that is non-parallel or non-orthogonal to the magnetic axis characteristic of the pair of fasteners. Figure 2 shows a longitudinal section of a second preferred embodiment of a pair of combination magnetic fasteners of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the first fastener component 210 of FIG. 2. Figure 3 shows various corresponding views of the components of the combination magnetic fastener of the embodiment of Figure 2; Figure 3 shows various corresponding views of the components of the combination magnetic fastener of the embodiment of Figure 2; Figure 3 shows various corresponding views of the components of the combination magnetic fastener of the embodiment of Figure 2; Figure 3 shows various corresponding views of the components of the combination magnetic fastener of the embodiment of Figure 2; Figure 3 shows various corresponding views of the components of the combination magnetic fastener of the embodiment of Figure 2; Figure 3 shows various corresponding views of the components of the combination magnetic fastener of the embodiment of Figure 2; Figure 3 shows various corresponding views of the components of the combination magnetic fastener of the embodiment of Figure 2; Figure 3 shows various corresponding views of the components of the combination magnetic fastener of the embodiment of Figure 2; Figure 3 shows various corresponding views of the components of the combination magnetic fastener of the embodiment of Figure 2; Figure 3 shows various corresponding views of the components of the combination magnetic fastener of the embodiment of Figure 2; Figure 3 shows various corresponding views of the components of the combination magnetic fastener of the embodiment of Figure 2; Figure 3 shows various corresponding views of the components of the combination magnetic fastener of the embodiment of Figure 2; Figure 3 shows various corresponding views of the components of the combination magnetic fastener of the embodiment of Figure 2; Figure 3 shows various corresponding views of the components of the combination magnetic fastener of the embodiment of Figure 2; Figure 3 shows various corresponding views of the components of the combination magnetic fastener of the embodiment of Figure 2; Figure 3 shows various corresponding views of the components of the combination magnetic fastener of the embodiment of Figure 2; Figure 4 shows a longitudinal section through a pair of combination magnetic fasteners of a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows a longitudinal sectional view of one of the combination magnetic fasteners of FIG. 3. The bottom view and sectional drawing of the components 331 and 361 are shown, respectively. The bottom view and sectional drawing of the components 331 and 361 are shown, respectively. Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view and a top view of a modified form of first and second housing parts 331 and 361 that can be used in the embodiment of Figure 3, respectively. Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view and a top view of a modified form of first and second housing parts 331 and 361 that can be used in the embodiment of Figure 3, respectively. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of a pair of combination magnetic fasteners of a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown with the attachment means separated. FIG. 5 shows a longitudinal sectional view of one of the combination magnetic fasteners of FIG. 4. Figure 5 shows a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention and variations thereof. Figure 5 shows a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention and variations thereof. 6 shows a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention and variations thereof. 6 shows a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention and variations thereof. A seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown, and FIG. 7B shows a variation thereof. A seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown, and FIG. 7B shows a variation thereof. 7B shows a cross-sectional view of the housing of the component of FIG. 7A. 7B shows a cross-sectional view of the housing of the component of FIG. 7A. 7B shows a top view and a sectional view of the housing of the component fastener of FIG. 7B, respectively. 7B shows a top view and a sectional view of the housing of the component fastener of FIG. 7B, respectively. 8 shows an eighth preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 8A-1 through 8A-11 show various views of its components. Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a pair of magnetic fasteners of a ninth preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a corresponding cross-sectional view of the fastener component and an exploded view thereof. Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a pair of magnetic fasteners of a ninth preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a corresponding cross-sectional view of the fastener component and an exploded view thereof. Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a pair of magnetic fasteners of a ninth preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a corresponding cross-sectional view of the fastener component and an exploded view thereof. Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a pair of magnetic fasteners of a ninth preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a corresponding cross-sectional view of the fastener component and an exploded view thereof. Various views of the components are shown. Various views of the components are shown. Various views of the components are shown. Various views of the components are shown. Various views of the components are shown. Various views of the components are shown. Various views of the components are shown. Various views of the components are shown. Various views of the components are shown. Various views of the components are shown. Various views of the components are shown. Various views of the components are shown. Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view of a pair of magnetic fasteners of a tenth preferred embodiment of the present invention. Various corresponding views of the components are shown. Various corresponding views of the components are shown. Various corresponding views of the components are shown. Various corresponding views of the components are shown. Various corresponding views of the components are shown. Various corresponding views of the components are shown. Various corresponding views of the components are shown. Various corresponding views of the components are shown. Various corresponding views of the components are shown. Some variations are shown. Some variations are shown.

Claims (26)

  In a magnetic fastener including a first removable fastener member and a second removable fastener member, the first and second removable fastener members are each attracted to each other by a magnetic force along the magnetic coupling axis direction. The magnetic fastener includes a first magnetic coupling surface and the second magnetic coupling surface when the first fastener member and the second fastener member are magnetically coupled to each other. Including protection means adapted to resistance to relative lateral movement between the coupling surfaces, the first and second fastener members being magnetically coupled to the first and second fastener members At the same time, adapted to resist disengagement of the first and second fastener members substantially along the magnetic coupling axis direction when subjected to lateral tension applied across the magnetic coupling axis direction. Magnetic fasteners, characterized in that it includes cooperative catching means that.   When the first removable member and the second removable member are magnetically coupled and the first magnetic coupling surface and the second magnetic coupling surface are in contact with each other, the protection means The magnetic fastener of claim 1 including peripheral means surrounding the first and second magnetic coupling surfaces.   The latch means extends substantially along the magnetic coupling direction when the first fastener member and the second fastener member are magnetically coupled and in contact with each other, and the first fastener member extends substantially along the magnetic coupling direction. The magnetic fastener according to claim 1, further comprising a peripheral wall substantially surrounding the second magnetic coupling surface.   The peripheral wall is included as part of one of the removable fastener members, and the peripheral wall includes a constriction that is elevated above the one magnetic coupling surface of the removable fastener member. The constriction is adapted to allow passage of the magnetic coupling surface of the corresponding removable fastener member along the magnetic coupling direction, and the high constriction of the peripheral wall is the corresponding removable When the magnetic coupling surface of the fastener member is subjected to a laterally applied tension and is removed from the magnetic coupling along the magnetic coupling direction, it generally resists passage of the corresponding removable fastener member through the magnetic coupling surface. The magnetic fastener according to claim 3.   The first and second removable fastener members include first and second permanent magnets, respectively, and the first and second permanent magnets have opposite magnetic poles, respectively. The magnetic fastener of claim 4 including two magnetic coupling surfaces, wherein the first and second permanent magnets are each received in a non-magnetic housing.   The non-magnetic housing in which the second permanent magnet is received includes a flared base portion, the flared base portion when the magnetic fastener is subjected to a laterally applied tension. 6. A magnetic fastener according to claim 5, wherein the magnetic fastener is adapted to resist longitudinal disengagement between the second removable fastener member and the second removable fastener member.   The peripheral wall is included in one of the removable fastener members, the peripheral wall includes inwardly extending flange means and the other corresponding removable fastener member extends outwardly. 4. A magnetic fastener according to claim 3 including flange means.   8. One or both of the inwardly extending flange means and the outwardly extending flange means includes a flange portion extending substantially outwardly. Magnetic fastener as described in 1.   The first removable fastener member includes a first permanent magnet, the first magnetic coupling surface is formed on the first permanent magnet, and the peripheral wall is included in the first removable fastener member. The magnetic fastener according to claim 8, wherein an opening defined by the peripheral wall is larger than a surface area of the first magnetic coupling surface.   4. The magnetic fastener of claim 3, wherein each of the first and second removable fastener members includes a non-magnetic housing that surrounds the first and second magnetic coupling surfaces, respectively. .   The first removable fastener member includes a first permanent magnet, the magnetic axis of the first permanent magnet is substantially parallel to the first magnetic coupling direction, and the peripheral wall is substantially the magnetic coupling direction. Extending away from the first magnetic coupling surface and surrounding the first magnetic coupling surface, and an outer peripheral ring portion is disposed between the first magnetic coupling surface and the peripheral wall. The magnetic fastener according to claim 2.   The magnetic fastener according to claim 11, wherein the peripheral wall includes a constriction opening at a height above the first magnetic coupling surface.   The magnetic fastener according to claim 11, wherein the outer ring portion is substantially non-magnetic.   The protection means includes means for guiding a gradual coupling between the first magnetic coupling surface and the second magnetic coupling surface substantially along the magnetic direction. Item 3. A magnetic fastener according to item 2.   Each of the first and second fastener members includes attachment means for attaching the first or second fastener member to a product or part of a product, the first and second fastener members The magnetic fastener according to claim 1, wherein the attachment means is disposed on opposite sides of the magnetic coupling surface.   The first and second removable fastener members include first and second permanent magnets, respectively, and each of the first and second permanent magnets is surrounded by a non-magnetic housing. The magnetic fastener according to claim 1.   The magnetic fastener according to claim 16, wherein each permanent magnet is surrounded by a magnetic housing, and the nonmagnetic housing is surrounded by a nonmagnetic housing.   Attachment means for attaching the removable fastener member to the product or part of the product is formed in the non-magnetic housing, and the attachment means for the first and second removable fastener members is the magnetic coupling surface. The magnetic fastener according to claim 16, wherein the magnetic fastener is formed on opposite sides of each other.   A magnetic fastener including a first removable fastener member and a second removable fastener member, wherein the first and second removable fastener members are each magnetically directed toward each other along the magnetic coupling axis direction. First and second magnetic coupling surfaces to be attracted, the magnetic fastener having a first magnetic coupling surface when the first fastener member and the second fastener member are magnetically coupled. And protective means adapted to resist relative lateral movement between the first and second magnetic coupling surfaces, each said first and second fastener member being said first or said Attachment means for attaching a second fastener member to the product or part of the product, wherein the attachment means of the first and second fastener members is a phase of the magnetic coupling surface. Magnetic fasteners, characterized in that it is arranged on the side.   The magnetic fastener according to claim 19, wherein the attachment means is disposed along the magnetic coupling direction.   20. A magnetic fastener according to claim 19, wherein both attachment means are adapted to withstand tension applied along and across the magnetic coupling direction.   The attachment means includes a stem portion and a cap portion, the stem portion generally extending longitudinally away from the magnetic coupling surface of the removable fastener member, and the cap portion is generally 20. A magnetic fastener according to claim 19, wherein the magnetic fastener extends across the magnetic coupling direction.   The first and second removable fastener members include a non-magnetic housing surrounding each magnetic coupling surface, and the attachment means is supported from the non-magnetic housing. The magnetic fastener of claim 19.   The removable fastener member is configured to insert the stem portion into the product or part of the product and hold the product or part of the product between the cap portion and the non-magnetic housing. The magnetic fastener according to claim 19, wherein the magnetic fastener is attached to a part of the product.   A ring magnet or ring magnetic assembly; and a housing in which the magnet or magnetic assembly is held, the housing corresponding to a central opening of the ring magnet or ring magnetic assembly. The magnetic fastener of claim 1, comprising a plurality of sawing holes disposed on the surface.   A magnetic fastener comprising a ring magnet or ring magnetic assembly and a housing in which the magnet or magnetic assembly is held, wherein the housing corresponds to a central opening of the ring magnet or ring magnetic assembly. A magnetic fastener comprising a plurality of sewing holes arranged in a region.

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