Magnetic attachment element

Disclosed is a magnetic attachment element for use in connection with a pegboard having a plurality of pegboard orifices extending through a pegboard body. The magnetic element includes an attachment element body with at least one magnet in operational communication therewith for generating a magnetic force therefrom. The magnetic attachment element also includes at least one connector portion in operational communication with the attachment element in the element body for attaching the attachment element body to the pegboard by engaging the one or more connector portions to one or more of the pegboard orifices. Methods of manufacturing the magnetic attachment element are also disclosed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to attachment elements and other attachable devices that have a magnetic feature or property and, in particular, to a magnetic attachment element that can be used in connection with or attachable to a pegboard with a plurality of pegboard orifices extending through a pegboard body.

2. Description of Related Art

In order to provide organization to one's work area, some type of system or structural arrangement is often desired. For example, as a person collects tools and tool parts over a period of time, he or she may require some manner of organizing and positioning these tools and parts for easy access and recall. One example of a tool and device is found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,743,394 directed to a magnetic socket holder. While the socket holder disclosed in this reference uses magnetic force, other tool attachment and organization means are known in the art. For example, in a typical tool chest, a slidable drawer with segregated compartments is used. For tool organization structures that hang on the wall and are oriented in a vertical plane, clips or other attachment devices can be used. Examples of other magnet-based organizing systems can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,039,178; 6,431,373; 6,092,655; 5,855,285; 4,337,860; 3,726,393; 3,405,377; and 1,712,473.

Tool and other similar organization structures that hang on the wall and are oriented in a vertical plane may take many forms. For example, a pegboard, which includes multiple pegboard orifices extending through a pegboard body, can be used to attach clips and other items that have extensions or connectors capable of mating with the pegboard orifices. Such a system becomes configurable, since the clips or hangers may be removed from one pegboard orifice and reoriented in another pegboard orifice, depending upon the size and shape of the item one wishes to hang on the clip or hanger. However, such prior art pegboard arrangements only offer simple clips, hooks and other hangers for attachment to and cooperation with the pegboard orifices. Accordingly, the above-discussed systems and structures have many drawbacks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a magnetic attachment element that overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art. It is another object of the present invention to provide a magnetic attachment element that can be used in connection with a pegboard having a plurality of pegboard orifices extending through a pegboard body. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a magnetic attachment element that uses a magnet with sufficient holding power to removably secure tools and other metallic objects in a vertical manner. It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a magnetic attachment element that is sturdy and not easily separated into multiple parts or easily broken. It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a method of manufacturing a magnetic attachment element for use in connection with a pegboard, which overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art.

The present invention is directed to a magnetic attachment element for use in connection with a pegboard having multiple pegboard orifices extending through a pegboard body. The magnetic attachment element includes an attachment element body having at least one magnet in operational communication therewith for generating magnetic force therefrom. In addition, the magnetic attachment element includes one or more connector portions in operational communication with the attachment element body for attaching the attachment element body to the pegboard by engaging the connector portions to one or more of the pegboard orifices.

In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the attachment element body may include an attachment element orifice extending therethrough, such that the connector portion may engage with the attachment element orifice. Accordingly, the connector portion may be removable not only from the pegboard orifice, but may also be removable from the attachment element body. In addition, an end of the connector portion may include ribs, threads, ridges or other similar attachment structure that may allow it to be removably engaged with one or more of the pegboard orifices. The connector portion may removably attach the attachment element body to the pegboard.

In a further preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the attachment element body includes a base substrate having an inner base substrate area. The magnet is positioned at least partially within this inner base substrate area, and the attachment element body may include a cover element with a rim portion. The cover element would be positioned substantially adjacent the magnet, and the rim portion of the cover element would be partially embedded within the inner base substrate area. Further, an insert element may be provided and positioned in the attachment element body, such as by being embedded in the attachment element inner base substrate area. The insert element may be manufactured from a metal and/or a semi-metal, such that the magnetic force of the magnet is imparted upon and thereby magnetizes the insert element.

The present invention is further directed to a method of manufacturing an attachment element for use in connection with a pegboard having a plurality of pegboard orifices extending through a pegboard body. This method includes the step of at least partially surrounding one or more magnets with an attachment element body structure having one or more connector portions in operational communication with the attachment element body structure. Accordingly, the attachment element body structure is attachable to the pegboard by engaging the connector portion to one or more of the pegboard orifices.

The present invention is further directed to a method of manufacturing an attachment element for use in connection with a pegboard having a plurality of pegboard orifices extending through a pegboard body. The method includes the steps of: (a) embedding at least one magnet within an attachment element body structure having at least one connector portion in operational communication with the attachment element body structure; and (b) at least partially embedding a portion of a cover element within the attachment element body structure, where the cover element is positioned substantially adjacent the magnet embedded within the attachment element body structure. In addition, the attachment element body structure is attachable to the pegboard by engaging the connector portion to one or more pegboard orifices. In a further preferred embodiment, the cover element includes a rim portion, and the rim portion is at least partially embedded within the base substrate.

The present invention, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with the additional objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood from the following description of exemplary embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed to a magnetic attachment element10, as illustrated in various embodiments inFIGS. 1-7, as well as to a method of manufacturing such a magnetic attachment element10. The magnetic attachment element10, as described in detail herein, is specifically adapted for use in connection with a pegboard100having multiple pegboard orifices102extending through a pegboard body104. Such a pegboard100construction is well known in the art and extensively used in many applications. Accordingly, the manufacture and use of such a pegboard100will not be described in any further detail herein.

As seen inFIG. 1, the magnetic attachment element10includes an attachment element body12, and this attachment element body12includes one or more magnets14that are in operational communication with the body12. As is known in the art, such magnets14generate a magnetic force for attracting metallic and other materials. The magnetic attachment element10also includes one or more connector portions16in operational communication with the attachment element body12. The connector portion16allows the attachment element body12to be attached to the pegboard100by engaging the connector portion16to one or more of the pegboard orifices102. In one preferred embodiment, the connector portion16allows the attachment element body12to be attached to the pegboard100in a removable manner, such that the magnetic attachment element10is usable and reusable in connection with different pegboards100and pegboard orifices102.

In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 2, the attachment element body12includes an attachment element orifice18extending through the attachment element body12. The connector portion16is engageable with the attachment element orifice18. For example, as seen inFIG. 2, the attachment element orifice18may include an inner surface20or bore having threads disposed thereon. The connector portion16, which includes a connector portion first end22and a connector portion second end24, includes corresponding threads disposed on the connector portion first end22. Accordingly, the connector portion16can be threadedly engaged within the attachment element orifice18via the threads on the inner surface20thereof.

In a further preferred and non-limiting embodiment, and as illustrated inFIG. 2, the connector portion16may also include a connector portion rim26. The connector portion rim26extends circumferentially around and extends from a connector portion body28. In this manner, when the connector portion first end22of the connector portion16is engaged with the attachment element orifice18, the connector portion rim26abuts an attachment element body area30, which surrounds the attachment element orifice18.

The connector portion second end24includes appropriate structure in order to allow the connector portion16to be removably engaged with one or more of the pegboard orifices102. In particular, the connector portion second end24may include ribs, threads and/or ridges that can engage with the pegboard orifices102. Alternatively, the connector portion16may include some specifically designated attachment structure32allowing the connector portion16to be engaged with one or more of the pegboard orifices102.

In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment, as illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4, the attachment structure32may include one or more extension members34including an abutment surface36positioned or disposed adjacent an extension member end38. In operation, when the attachment structure32is engaged with one or more of the pegboard orifices102, the abutment surface36prevents the connector portion16from dislodgement from the pegboard orifice102. Further, the extension member34may be elastic and include a user engagement surface40positioned or disposed near the end38of each extension member34. Accordingly, when a user presses or pushes the engagement surface40, thereby displacing the abutment surface36, the user may then remove the connector portion16from the pegboard orifice102. Such a structure is specifically useful in connection with multiple, and preferably two, extension members34, where the user engagement surface40of each extension member34may be pressed towards each other to disengage the abutment surface36and, thereby, the connector portion16from the pegboard orifice102.

In yet another preferred and non-limiting embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 4, the extension members34may include multiple abutment surfaces36that are positioned along the extension member end38. This, in turn, will provide the user with multiple user engagement surfaces40. However, the use of multiple abutment surfaces36would allow for the use of the same magnetic attachment element10in connection with variously-sized and extending pegboard orifices102. Depending upon the standard widths and depths of the pegboard orifices102, in operation, the appropriate abutment surface36would be positioned and abut the pegboard body104upon connection. This provides the magnetic attachment element10additional flexibility for use in connection with varying pegboards100. In particular, one set of abutment surfaces36would be used for a pegboard100having a pegboard orifice102with the standard dimensions of 3/16 inch inside diameter and ⅛ inch depth, and the second set of abutment surfaces36could be used with a pegboard100with a pegboard orifice102having a 9/32 inch inside diameter and a ¼ inch depth.

In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment, and as illustrated inFIG. 2, the attachment element body12may include a front cover plate42and a back cover plate44. The engagement of the front cover plate42and the back cover plate44forms an inner space46. In this embodiment, the magnet14is positioned within this inner space46, and preferably multiple magnets14are positioned therein. Further, the back cover plate44includes the above-discussed attachment element orifice18extending therethrough. Therefore, the connector portion16is engageable with the back cover plate44via this attachment element orifice18.

As seen inFIG. 2, and as discussed above, the connector portion16may be removable from the attachment element body12. This would allow the user to remove and engage an alternatively sized and shaped connector portion16to the attachment element body12. As illustrated, in order to allow the magnetic attachment element10to be removably attached to a pegboard100including differently sized pegboard orifices102with different diameters, the user may simply remove one connector portion16and replace it with an appropriately-sized connector portion16.FIG. 2illustrates a removable connector portion16that may be capable of fitting a one-quarter inch pegboard orifice102, but which may be removed and replaced with a connector portion16that fits a one-eighth inch pegboard orifice102. However, it is also envisioned, and illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4, that the connector portion16may be integrally formed with or permanently affixed to the attachment element body12.

In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the attachment element body12is a base substrate48having an inner base substrate area50. SeeFIGS. 3-7. The magnet14is positioned in or embedded within the inner base substrate area50. In addition, the attachment element body12may include a cover element52having a rim portion54. The cover element52is positioned substantially adjacent the magnet14, and the rim portion54of the cover element52is at least partially embedded within the inner base substrate area50. The base substrate48may be manufactured from a variety of materials. For example, the base substrate48may be manufactured from a plastic, a polymeric material, a metal, a semi-metal, a synthetic material, a moldable material, etc. In addition, the cover element52may be manufactured from a metal and/or a semi-metal. In this manner, the magnetic force of the magnet14would be imparted upon and magnetize the cover element52. In a preferred embodiment, the base substrate48and the cover element52are manufactured as an integrated piece and/or a molded piece.

In operation, once the magnetic attachment element10is attached to the pegboard100, a user may place multiple items on the pegboard by using the magnetic force of the magnetic attachment element10to attach a metal tool or similar object. As opposed to relying on gravity and a hook structure to hold a tool or other object on the pegboard100, these typically metal and semi-metal-based tools and objects may be magnetically attached to the pegboard100via the magnetic attachment element10, which provides for both easy attachment and easy removal therefrom.

As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, in another embodiment, the magnet14includes a magnet orifice56. In this embodiment, the magnet14is typically formed in a circular shape, and the magnet orifice56extends through a central portion of the magnet14. Further, in this embodiment, an insert element58is positioned at least partially within the magnet orifice56. For example, this insert element58may be manufactured from a metal and/or a semi-metal, such that the magnetic force of the magnet14is imparted upon and thereby magnetizes the insert element58. It is also envisioned that the insert element58may be positioned within or embedded within the attachment element body12in a position that is substantially adjacent the magnet14. For example, the insert element58may be a steel peg that is centrally positioned within the attachment element body12. When the insert element58is used in connection with the cover element52, both the insert element58and the cover element52are magnetized by the magnet14and provide a greater magnetic force emanating from the cover element52, to which a user may attach a metal object.

As discussed above, the magnetic14may be in the form of a circular shape, with the magnet orifice56extending through a central portion of the magnet14. However, a variety of differently shaped magnets14is envisioned. For example, the magnet may be in another geometric shape, such as a square or rectangle, and be positioned in or embedded within the inner base substrate area50on either side of a central area of the inner base substrate area50, offset from a central area of the inner base substrate area50, evenly spaced around the inner base substrate area50, etc. For example, two spaced magnets14may be used on either side of the inner base substrate area50, or three magnets14may be evenly spaced around the inner base substrate area50. For example, three rectangular magnets14may be evenly spaced in a triangular shape around and within the inner base substrate area50. However, any arrangement of magnets14, together with any shape and size of magnet14, is envisioned in order to achieve the appropriate magnetic force for tracking metallic and other similar materials.

The attachment element body12may also include a rear-securing element60. This rear-securing element60may also, like the cover element52, include a rim portion62. Further, the rear-securing element60is positioned substantially adjacent a rear surface64of the magnet14. In addition, the rim portion62of the rear-securing element60may be embedded within the inner base substrate area50. In this manner, the magnet14is further secured within the base substrate48.

The cover element52may include a substantially planar surface, to which metal tools and objects may be easily attached. In addition, both the magnet14and the cover element52may be formed in a circular shape. However, such a preferred shape should not be considered as limiting. The magnetic attachment element10, the attachment element body12, the magnet14, the cover element52and the other components and subcomponents of the magnetic attachment element10may be formed in a variety of shapes and sizes, as illustrated inFIG. 7. For example, the magnetic attachment element10may be in the shape of a square, a rectangle, an octagon, or other similar geometric shape.

As seen inFIG. 4, the magnetic attachment element10may also include a projecting element66, which extends from the attachment element body12. This projecting element66may be integrally formed with, permanently affixed to or otherwise removable from the attachment element body12. For example, the projecting element66may extend through a cover element orifice68of the cover element52and further into the magnet orifice56. If the projecting element66was made from a metallic or semi-metallic material, it is envisioned that the projecting element66may be removed from and inserted into the magnet orifice56via the cover element orifice68. Therefore, the projecting element66may be provided in a variety of shapes and sizes to allow even further versatility and configurability in the magnetic attachment element10of the present invention. For example, the projecting element66may be in the form of a peg, an extension, a hook, a groove, a ridge or other similar attachment structure.

As seen inFIGS. 6 and 7, in another preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the attachment structure32of the connector portion16is the above-discussed extension member34. However, in this embodiment, and as opposed to inserting multiple extension members34through a single pegboard orifice102, each pegboard orifice102includes a single extension member34that corresponds with a laterally displaced pegboard orifice102. Accordingly, this attachment structure32operates as above for inserting and removing the attachment element body12from the pegboard100. In operation, the user may simply press the user engagement surface40of corresponding extension members34toward each other and remove the attachment element body12from the pegboard100.

The present invention is also directed to a further method of manufacturing the magnetic attachment element10. This method includes the step of at least partially surrounding at least one magnet14with an attachment element body structure12, which includes one or more connector portions16in operational communication with the attachment element body structure12. As discussed above, the attachment element body structure12may be attachable (or removably attachable) to the pegboard100by engaging the at least one connector portion16with one or more of the pegboard orifices102that extend through the pegboard body104.

The present invention is also directed to a method of manufacturing the magnetic attachment element10. This method includes the steps of: (a) embedding the at least one magnet14within the attachment element body structure12, where the attachment element body structure12includes a connector portion16in operational communication with the attachment element body structure12; and (b) at least partially embedding a portion of the cover element52within the attachment element body structure12, such that the cover element52is positioned substantially adjacent the at least one magnet14embedded within the attachment element body structure12. Accordingly, the attachment element body structure12is attachable to the pegboard100by engaging the at least one connector portion16to one or more of the pegboard orifices102.

In this manner, the present invention provides a magnetic attachment element10and methods of manufacturing such a magnetic attachment element10for beneficial use in connection with the pegboard100. Using the connector portion16, the attachment element body12is easily attachable to and removable from the pegboard100via the pegboard orifices102. Further, the magnetic attachment element10is configurable and is attachable to and removable from the pegboard100in a variety of positions and applications. Metal and semi-metal tools and other objects may be attached to the magnetic attachment element10and are easily attachable to and removable therefrom using the magnetic force of the magnet14.