Patent ID: 7178207
Filing Date: 2007-02-20
Classification: A41F,A44D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A magnetic fastener comprising a first detachable fastening member, a second detachable fastening member and co-operative catching means, each said detachable fastening member comprising a magnetic coupling surface with a characteristic magnetic axis, said first and second detachable fastening members being in a fastening connection when the corresponding magnetic coupling surfaces of said first and second detachable fastening members are under magnetic coupling and have a common magnetic axis, wherein said first and second detachable fastening members are detachable from said fastening connection when subject to an axial separation force which is applied along said common magnetic axis, and said co-operative catching means confines the magnetic coupling surfaces of said first and second detachable fastening members under mutual magnetic attraction when said first and second detachable fastening members are in a fastening connection and subject to a non-axial separation force which is applied at an angle to said common magnetic axis, wherein said co-operative catching means comprises a catch compartment and a latch portion, said catch compartment is formed on said second detachable fastening member and comprises a peripheral boundary and a circumferential flange inwardly extending from said peripheral boundary, said catch compartment defines a compartment within which said first and said second detachable fastening members are relatively moveable while under magnetic attraction, and said latch portion is formed on said first detachable fastening member and comprises a circumferential flange which extends radially outward from said common magnetic axis, wherein said inwardly extending circumferential flange defines an entry aperture through which said first and said second detachable fastening members are engaged through magnetic coupling along said common magnetic axis and through which said first and said second fastening members are separated when subject to said axial separation force, wherein the co-operative catching means defines the maximum extent of allowable relative transverse displacement between the corresponding magnetic coupling surfaces when said first and second detachable fastening members are subject to a non-axial separation tension, wherein each said first and second detachable fastening members comprises a permanent magnet and each said permanent magnet is embraced by a magnetic housing, and said permanent magnet is embraced so that the magnetic field on a backside of the permanent magnet which is distal from the magnetic coupling surface is brought to the side of the magnetic coupling surface whereby regions of magnetic field of opposite magnetic polarity and a common magnetic axis are present on said magnetic coupling surface, and wherein said permanent magnet is also embraced by a non-magnetic housing, said magnetic housing embraces both said permanent magnet and said non-magnetic housing, and said magnetic housing forms the outer periphery of said magnetic coupling surface and circumferentially surrounds the permanent magnet.