Abstract:
A magnetic coupling member, method, and system including a housing and a first arrangement of a plurality of magnets housed within the housing is disclosed. The first arrangement of magnets is selectively arranged and disposed to provide alignment and detachable engagement with a second arrangement of a plurality of magnets.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/042,007, filed Apr. 3, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to magnetic couplings. More specifically, the present invention relates to interlocking magnetic couplings for use in conjunction with stages or platforms. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    In the performance industry, stages and platforms must be assembled and disassembled in relatively brief periods of time by relatively unskilled individuals. The assembly of these stages and platforms can require complex diagrams aiding the proper assembly of the stages and platforms, can require tools for locking the separate parts together, and can require several individuals working together. In other industries, other structures must be assembled and disassembled with similar needs. 
         [0004]    The process of assembling and disassembling stages and platforms has required the use of tools and lightweight components. Known assembly processes suffer from the drawback that tools slow the assembly and/or disassembly process and require the assemblers to carry tools, which can be broken and/or misplaced. 
         [0005]    Magnetic couplings are used in some industries for affixing devices to surfaces. Primarily, these devices rely solely upon the strength of the magnetic attraction to hold the devices in place. These systems suffer from the drawback that the magnet has weaker lateral attractive force permitting the magnet to be moved up or down on a metal surface thereby permitting relative movement between the surfaces. Although this adjustability may be helpful in some applications, this adjustability is not helpful when the magnets must be placed in a specific position with a specific orientation to provide support necessary for stages and platforms. 
         [0006]    Therefore, there is an unmet need to provide an interchangeable mechanism with interchangeable parts, which can be assembled without the use of tools, and may be attracted together to a specific position with a specific orientation thereby providing support designed for use with stages and platforms. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    This invention provides interlocking magnetic coupling members aiding for proper assembly of stages and platforms for interlocking separate parts together. 
         [0008]    According to an embodiment, a magnetic coupling member includes a housing and a first arrangement of a plurality of magnets housed within the housing. In the embodiment, the first arrangement of magnets is selectively arranged and disposed to provide alignment and detachable engagement with a corresponding arrangement of a second arrangement of a plurality of magnets. 
         [0009]    According to another embodiment, a method of assembling structures includes providing a magnetic coupling member, providing a corresponding structure having a second arrangement of magnets, and engaging the magnetic coupling member and the corresponding structure together. In the embodiment, the magnetic coupling member includes a first arrangement of magnets selectively arranged and disposed to provide alignment and detachable engagement with a corresponding arrangement of a second plurality of magnets. 
         [0010]    According to another embodiment, an attachment system includes a first housing comprising a first arrangement of magnets and a second housing comprising a second arrangement, detachably engageable to the first housing. In the embodiment, the first housing is selectively arranged and disposed to provide alignment and detachable engagement with the second housing. 
         [0011]    An advantage of the present invention includes manual connection/disconnection, including manipulation with a single hand. 
         [0012]    Another advantage of the present invention includes providing an interchangeable mechanism with interchangeable parts. 
         [0013]    Yet another advantage of the present invention includes permitting alignment and/or positioning in a specific position with a specific orientation. 
         [0014]    Further aspects of the method and system are disclosed herein. The features as discussed above, as well as other features and advantages of the present invention will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the magnetic coupling member. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  illustrates a reverse perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a magnetic coupling member. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the magnetic coupling member interlocked with a corresponding magnetic coupling member. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the magnetic coupling member affixed to a cuboid structure. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the magnetic coupling member applied to a stage or platform system. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the magnetic coupling member applied to a stage or platform system. 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the magnetic coupling member applied to soft goods. 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the magnetic coupling member applied to an architectural structure. 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the magnetic coupling member applied to the ceiling. 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the magnetic coupling member applied to the ceiling with light fixtures. 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the magnetic coupling member applied to the scaffolding. 
           [0026]      FIG. 12  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the magnetic coupling member applied to the theatrical set. 
           [0027]      FIG. 13  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the magnetic coupling member being applied to a covering. 
           [0028]      FIG. 14  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the magnetic coupling members applied to modular office furniture. 
           [0029]      FIG. 15  illustrates a perspective view of an alternate exemplary embodiment of the magnetic coupling member. 
       
    
    
       [0030]    Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to represent the same parts. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0031]    The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. 
         [0032]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a magnetic coupling member  102 . In this embodiment, the magnetic coupling member  102  includes an interlocking feature  104 , an interlocking receiving opening  106 , a fastener opening  108 , a fastener access opening  110 , a through-opening  112 , and a support opening  114 . In this embodiment, the magnetic coupling member  102  may be machined, cast or otherwise formed of plastic or other non-magnetic material. In other embodiments, the magnetic coupling member  102  may be made of other materials that permit magnetic forces to magnetically attract and/or attach to other surfaces or structures. 
         [0033]    The interlocking feature  104  is configured to be received by the interlocking receiving opening  106 . While  FIG. 1  shows a magnetic coupling member  102  having an interlocking feature  104 , interlocking receiving opening  106 , the magnetic coupling member  102  may include other configurations of interlocking features  104  and/or interlocking receiving openings  106  or may have no interlocking feature  104  or interlocking receiving opening  106 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the interlocking feature  104  is a five-sided protrusion including a top-side  118  and four side walls  120  extending from a base  116  of the magnetic coupling member  102 . The top-side  118  is of substantially planar geometry. The side walls  120  are of a sloped geometry. The interlocking receiving opening  106  is a recess or opening in the base  116  including four sides  122  with a sloping geometry configured to correspond with the geometry of the side walls  120  of the interlocking feature  104 . The top-side  118  of the interlocking feature  104  is configured to be flush with the base  116  of a corresponding magnetic coupling member  102  when the interlocking feature  104  is inserted into a corresponding interlocking receiving opening  106 . The side walls  120  are configured to abut the sides  122  of the corresponding interlocking receiving opening  106  when the interlocking feature  104  is inserted into the corresponding interlocking receiving opening  106 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the interlocking receiving opening  106  is configured to correspond to an interlocking feature  104  identical to the interlocking feature  104  depicted in  FIG. 1 . As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the magnetic coupling member  102  is configured to interlock or otherwise engage with substantially identical corresponding magnetic coupling member  102  or dissimilar magnetic coupling members  102  having corresponding interlocking features  104  and/or interlocking receiving openings  106 . In other embodiments, the magnetic coupling members  102  may be configured to correspond with other panels or features that are not magnetic coupling members  102 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 1  further illustrates an embodiment of the magnetic coupling member  102  including a fastener opening  108  defined by hexagonal sides  124  and a stopping base  126 . The fastener opening  108  is configured to permit a screw, nut, bolt, or other fastener to be inserted into the fastener opening  108 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the hexagonal sides  124  may correspond with a hexagonal nut (or hex nut). As will be understood by those skilled in the art, other geometric configurations may be used for other fasteners. In the embodiment in  FIG. 1 , the hexagonal sides  124  are capable of preventing the hex nut from rotating after the hex nut has been fully inserted into the fastener opening  108 . In  FIG. 1 , the stopping base  126  is a ring protruding from the hexagonal sides  124 . The stopping base  126  is configured to provide a stopping means limiting how far fasteners may be positioned upon being inserted into the fastener opening  108 . As will be understood by those skilled in the art, other geometric configurations may be used to correspond to other fasteners. 
         [0035]      FIG. 1  further illustrates the fastener access opening  110  corresponding to the fastener opening  108  depicted in the embodiment in  FIG. 1 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the fastener access opening  110  is configured to permit fasteners to protrude beyond the base  116  of the magnetic coupling member  102  when the magnetic coupling member  102  is interlocked with a corresponding magnetic coupling member  102 . This configuration permits the fastener to be longer thereby preventing unthreading of a screw used in conjunction with a nut as a fastener. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the fastener access opening  110  is further configured to prevent the hex nut from going through the fastener access opening  110 . This configuration may act as an additional alignment feature. In one embodiment, the screw portion engages one or more surfaces of the fastener access opening  110  providing additional stability. This additional stability may be provided by the screw protruding to a point that the magnetic coupling members  102  may only be detached by pulling them apart in a lateral position without any sort of angled force. 
         [0036]    Also depicted in the embodiment illustrated by  FIG. 1  is the through-opening  112  configured to permit a wire, rope, circular metal, or fastening means to be inserted through the through-opening  112 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the through-opening  112  corresponds to a through-opening  112  in another identical magnetic coupling member  102 . When the magnetic coupling members  102  are interlocked or otherwise engaged, the through-openings  112  may used for the purpose of further securing the magnetic coupling members  102  to each other by metal wires being pushed through the through-openings  112  and attached on each side of the through-opening  112 . 
         [0037]    The support opening  114  depicted in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1  is a semicircle extending from the base  116  of the magnetic coupling member  102  permitting supports or other external components or devices to be attached to the magnetic coupling member  102 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the support opening  114  is defined by a semicircle comprised of the same material as the base  116 . As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the support opening  114  geometry may be configured to correspond to specific features as needed and may be defined by loops, buttons, slits, slots, recesses, or other geometries corresponding to other features. In other embodiments, the fastener openings  108 , the fastener access openings  110 , the through-openings  112 , and the support openings  114  are used for fastening, attaching, or securing the magnetic coupling to a corresponding magnetic coupling, a wall, a portable support, a floor, a ceiling, a wire, a cable, a tarp, a covering, a stage, a platform, an architectural structure, a pole, a vehicle, light, a fixture, a door, and/or any other structure. 
         [0038]      FIG. 2  illustrates a reverse perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the magnetic coupling member  102 . The reverse perspective view is the opposite side of the magnetic coupling member  102  as the perspective view depicted in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The magnetic coupling member  102  is magnetically attractive by inclusion of a plurality of magnets  202 . As illustrated in the embodiment depicted by  FIG. 2 , the magnets  202  are arranged with two parallel sets of magnets  202 , one set arranged in north-south-north orientation and the other set arranged in south-north-south orientation. As utilized hereinafter, “north” and “south” are defined as opposed magnetic poles. However, any arrangements of poles having alternatively attractive or repulsive poles may be used. In other embodiments, the magnets  202  may be arranged in other configurations. The arrangement of the magnets  202  allows for simple and consistent positioning and/or alignment of a structure  302  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) corresponding to the magnetic coupling member  102  by limiting the orientation of the magnetic coupling member  102  to a specific orientation. The alignment and positioning of the magnetic coupling member  102  is substantially independent of the interlocking feature  104  and the interlocking receiving opening  106 , wherein the interlocking feature  104  and the interlocking receiving opening  106  may be omitted. This arrangement of magnets  202  permits an individual to place the corresponding magnetic coupling member  102  on the other magnetic coupling member  102  by simply bringing the corresponding magnetic coupling member  102  in sufficiently close proximity to the other magnetic coupling member  102  to permit magnetic attraction to interlock or otherwise engage the magnetic coupling members  102 . It is not necessary to preliminarily align the magnetic coupling members  102  as the attractive and repulsive forces of the selectively positioned magnets  202  permit consistent interlocking of the magnetic coupling members  102  in the desired orientation. 
         [0039]    The embodiment of the magnetic coupling member  102  illustrated in  FIG. 2 , depicts recesses  204  configured to house the magnets  202 . In this embodiment, the recesses  204  cylindrically correspond to the cylindrical geometry of the magnets  202 . In other embodiments, the recesses may be of a different geometry corresponding to geometry of the magnets  202 . In the embodiment illustrated by  FIG. 15 , the magnetic coupling member  102  does not include an interlocking feature  104 . In this embodiment, the alignment and/or engagement of a corresponding magnetic coupling member  102  is achieved by magnets. 
         [0040]    Also illustrated in  FIG. 2  are the interlocking feature  104 , the interlocking receiving opening  106 , the fastener openings  108 , the fastener access openings  110 , the through-openings  112 , and the support openings  114 . The reverse view of the interlocking feature  104  is depicted as a cavity  206  defining the interior of the interlocking feature  104 . Other embodiments do not include the cavity  206 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the interlocking receiving opening  106  is depicted as substantially the same in the reverse view as the view in  FIG. 1 . In other embodiments, the interlocking receiving opening  106  may not be visible in reverse view because, in those embodiments, the interlocking receiving opening  106  includes a surface defining a bottom of the interlocking receiving opening  106  configured to stop the interlocking feature  104 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the fastener openings  108  are depicted as circular openings  208  configured to permit the screw or shaft portion of a fastener to fit though the circular openings  208 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the fastener access openings  110  are depicted as including a fastener access opening recess  210 . The fastener access opening recess  210  prevents a nut, bolt, or other fastener from traveling through the fastener access opening  110 . The fastener access openings  110  permit access to the fastener for a corresponding magnetic coupling member  102  or the magnetic coupling member  102  when the magnetic coupling members  102  are interlocked or otherwise engaged. In the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the reverse view of the through-openings  112  and the support openings  114  depicts the through-openings  112  and the support openings  114  as substantially the same as in the view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Those skilled in the art will understand that the arrangement and configurations of all of the openings can be modified to meet specific needs for specific applications. 
         [0041]      FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the magnetic coupling member  102  interlocked with a corresponding magnetic coupling member  102 ′. As depicted in the illustration of the embodiment in  FIG. 3 , the interlocking feature  104 ′ of the corresponding magnetic coupling member  102 ′ is interlocked with the interlocking receiving opening  106  thereby permitting the interlocking feature  104 ′ to be visible through the interlocking receiving opening  106 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the magnetic coupling member  102  affixed to a cuboid structure  402 . In this embodiment, the magnetic coupling member  102  defines a side of the cuboid structure  402 . The cuboid structure  402  generally has four sides and an open top  404  and open bottom (not shown) permitting corresponding couplings to fit into the open top  404  of the cuboid structure  402 . The open top  404  is configured to permit a corresponding coupling or other insert to be inserted into the cuboid structure  402  while permitting the cuboid structure  402  to attach to other structures. In one embodiment, a support member is inserted into the open top  404 , where the support member (not shown) attaches to the cuboid structure  402 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the magnetic coupling member  102  can interlock with a corresponding magnetic coupling member  102  thereby permitting any structure attached to the corresponding magnetic coupling member  102  to be affixed by means of the interlocked magnetic coupling members  102  to the cuboid structure  402 . 
         [0043]    In other embodiments, the corresponding magnetic coupling member  102  may be attached to a stage or platform system  502  (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 ), soft goods  702  (see  FIG. 7 ), an architectural structure  802  (see  FIG. 8 ), a ceiling  902  (see  FIGS. 9 and 14 ), a scaffolding  1002  (see  FIG. 11 ), a theatrical set  1102  (see  FIG. 12 ), or other structures (see  FIGS. 12 and 13 ). In some embodiments, the cuboid structure  402  includes or is attracted to a plurality of magnetic coupling members  102 . The corresponding magnetic coupling members  102  may be attached directly to the other structure or as part of a structure. 
         [0044]      FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the magnetic coupling member  102  applied to a stage or platform system  502 . In the embodiment illustrated by  FIG. 5 , the magnetic coupling members  102  are disposed below a stage surface  504 .  FIG. 5  illustrates an embodiment of the magnetic coupling member  102  configured to permit a vertical support  506  to attach to the magnetic coupling member  102 .  FIG. 5  further illustrates an embodiment of the magnetic coupling member  102 ′ configured to suspend from the stage surface  504  without being supported by the vertical support  506 .  FIG. 5  further illustrates a covering device  508  attached to the front of the stage or platform system  502 . The covering device  508  may be attached by magnetic couplings  102 , which are covered by the covering device  508 . In one embodiment, the covering device  508  is of a material magnetically attracted to the magnetic coupling members  102 . This material includes, but is not limited to, magnetically attractable metal, such as iron or iron alloys, sheet metal, metallic drapes, metallic fabric, and magnetic polymers. In another embodiment, the covering device  508  includes corresponding magnetic coupling members  102  that permit the covering device  508  to be positioned and oriented by interlocking with the magnetic coupling members  102  disposed below the stage surface  504 . In this embodiment, the covering device  508  may be any material that is attractable to magnetic coupling members  102 . In yet another embodiment, the covering device  508  includes corresponding structures configured to interlock with the magnetic coupling members  102 . The corresponding structures include, but are not limited to, magnetically attractable metallic structures affixed to the covering surface, such as iron or iron alloys, any other substance subject to magnetic attraction, structures allowing for the attachment of magnetically attractable metal facades, bars, planks, panels, or other structures including a portion that will magnetically attach or engage to the magnetic coupling members  102 . In addition, multiple magnetic coupling members  102  may be present. The plurality of magnetic coupling members  102  may be oriented in other directions based upon the needs of the specific structure. 
         [0045]      FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the magnetic coupling member  102  applied to a stage or platform system  502 . In this embodiment, the magnetic coupling members  102  are disposed below the stage surface  504 .  FIG. 6  illustrates an embodiment of the magnetic coupling members  102  configured to permit a vertical support  506  to attach to the magnetic coupling member  102 .  FIG. 6  also illustrates an embodiment of the magnetic coupling members  102 ′ configured to permit a diagonal support  602  to attach to the magnetic coupling members  102 ′ by latching onto the support opening  114  on the magnetic coupling member  102 ′.  FIG. 6  further illustrates that the stage or platform system  502  may include wheels  604 . As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the stage or platform system  502  may include any features necessary to meet specific needs. 
         [0046]      FIG. 7  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the magnetic coupling member  102  applied to soft goods  702 . In the embodiment of the magnetic coupling member  102  illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the magnetic coupling member  102  is attached to the soft goods  702 . Although not visible in  FIG. 7 , a corresponding magnetic coupling member  102  is attached to a wall  704  or other supporting structure thereby permitting the magnetic coupling members  102  to interlock and support the soft goods  702 . In another embodiment, the soft goods  702  may be constructed of a magnetic material. In this embodiment, the magnetic coupling may be attached to the wall  704  and the soft goods  702  is supported by the magnetic coupling member  102 . In yet another embodiment, a metallic panel corresponding with the magnetic coupling member  102  may be attached to the soft goods  702  thereby permitting the magnetic coupling member  102  to interlock with the metallic panel and support the soft goods  702 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 8  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the magnetic coupling member  102  applied to an architectural structure  802 . The architectural structure  802  depicted in  FIG. 8  is a tunnel. In other embodiments, the magnetic coupling member  102  may be applied to bridges, buildings, trusses and other architectural structures. As depicted in the embodiment of the magnetic coupling member  102  illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the magnetic coupling members  102  align the interior of the side walls  804 . In this embodiment, the magnetic coupling members  102  are located on architectural supports  806  to permit added strength for features attached to the architectural structure  802  by means of the magnetic coupling members  102 . In another embodiment, the magnetic coupling members  102  may be located on the exterior of the side walls  804 . In yet another embodiment, the magnetic coupling members  102  may be located on the exterior of the top wall  808 . In yet another embodiment, similar to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the magnetic coupling members  102  may be located on the interior of the top wall  808 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 9  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the magnetic coupling member  102  applied to the ceiling  902 . In this embodiment, the magnetic coupling members  102  are affixed to ceiling supports  904 . Ceiling supports  904  may include beams, trusses, or other structures utilized to support components. The magnetic coupling members  102  are used for attaching and suspending any sort of feature to the ceiling  902  by means of the magnetic coupling member  102 . The ceiling  902  may be for use in a building, bridge, pavilion, theatre, boat, garden, patio, recreational vehicle, or any other area defined by a top surface. In one embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 10 , a light fixture  906  may be attached to the magnetic coupling member  102 , which is attached to the ceiling  902 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 11  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the magnetic coupling member  102  applied to the scaffolding  1002  or other multiple level structure. In  FIG. 11 , the magnetic coupling members  102  are disposed below a substantially planar surface  1003  and attached to lateral supports  1004 . In this embodiment, the magnetic coupling members  102  are configured to permit the vertical supports  506  to releasably attach and/or mate and/or engage with the magnetic coupling members  102  at or near the lateral supports  1004 . The substantially planar surface depicted in this embodiment is substantially identical to the stage surface  504  in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . However, in other embodiments, the scaffolding  1002  may be erected without the substantially planar surface. In other embodiments, similar multi-level structures may be used. In addition, secondary supports may be utilized to further support the substantially planar surfaces. These multi-level structures are applicable to the embodiments illustrated by  FIGS. 5 ,  6 , and  8 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 12  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the magnetic coupling member  102  applied to a lighting assembly  1102  for a theatrical set or other environment requiring light. In the embodiment of the magnetic coupling members  102  depicted in  FIG. 12 , the magnetic coupling members  102  are disposed below a lighting assembly  1102 . In this embodiment, the magnetic coupling members  102  are directly connected to the lighting assembly  1102 . In other embodiments, the magnetic coupling members  102  are connected to supports or cables that are connected to the lighting assembly  1102 . In one embodiment, the lighting assembly  1102  includes one or more trusses for attachment of light fixtures  906 .  FIG. 12  further illustrates the magnetic coupling members  102  connected with corresponding magnetic coupling members  102 . The corresponding magnetic coupling members  102  are attached to light fixtures  906 . This configuration permits the lighting fixtures to be removed  1108  and attached  1110  in various arrangements. In other embodiments, the magnetic coupling members  102  may be attached to posts, I-beams, cables, or other structures. In these other embodiments, the magnetic coupling members  102  similarly permit lighting fixtures to be removed, reconfigured, and attached in various arrangements. To permit flexibility in the positioning of the light fixtures  906 , in one embodiment, the light fixtures  906  may be battery powered or powered by a portable power source. In other embodiments, the light fixtures  906  are plugged in at or near the magnetic coupling member  102 . For example, in order to hide wires providing power and/or signals to lighting fixtures, in one embodiment, the wire may be fed through the through-opening  112  of both the magnetic coupling member  102  and the corresponding magnetic coupling member  102 . In this embodiment, wires may be plugged in after being pulled through an opening in the lighting surface  1102 . Although the above has been described with respect to light fixtures  906 , other lighting components, such as a light emitting diode (LED) assembly, video screens, or other visual or theatrical components may be attached in the same manner. 
         [0051]      FIGS. 12 and 13  illustrate an embodiment of the magnetic coupling members  102  applied to other structures. As illustrated by these figures, the magnetic coupling members  102  can be applied to a variety of other structures. For example,  FIG. 13  illustrates the magnetic coupling members  102  being applied to a covering  1202 . In this embodiment, the covering  1202  may be a tarp, a pool cover, a car cover, an awning, or any other flexible substance. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the magnetic coupling member  102  is attached to a surface  1204 , such as the ground, and a magnetic portion of the covering  1202  is magnetically attached to the magnetic coupling member  102 . The magnetic portion can be any magnetically attracted material including, but not limited to, a magnetically attractable plate, a fabric, a coating, a polymer, and/or a corresponding magnetic coupling member  102 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 14  illustrates the magnetic coupling members  102  applied to modular office furniture  1302  as is frequently erected and assembled in office environments. In the embodiment of the magnetic coupling members  102  illustrated by  FIG. 14 , the magnetic coupling members  102  comprise multiple sides of a cuboid structure  402  (as illustrated in  FIG. 4 ). In the embodiment illustrated by  FIG. 14 , the modular office furniture  1302  includes modular office furniture panels  1304  and modular office furniture supports  1306 . The modular office furniture panels  1304  are held in place by the modular office furniture supports  1306 . The modular office furniture supports  1306  are held in place by magnetic coupling members  102  affixed to the end of the modular office furniture supports  1306  or other magnetically attracted portions configured to mate with the magnetic coupling members  102 . As with all of the other embodiments disclosed herein that include the selectively positioned magnets  202 , in this embodiment, the selectively positioned magnets  202  within magnetic coupling member  102  permit the simultaneous alignment and attachment and/or engagement of the separate components. 
         [0053]      FIG. 15  shows an alternate embodiment of magnetic coupling members  102  of the present disclosure that includes an arrangement substantially identical to the arrangement shown and described in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . However, the embodiment of  FIG. 15  does not include an interlocking feature  104  or an interlocking receiving opening  106 . The arrangement of magnets  202  provide both attractive force and alignment of the individual magnetic coupling members  102 . As corresponding magnetic coupling members  102  (i.e. coupling members  102  having corresponding arrangements of magnets  202 ) are directed toward each other, the repulsive forces of like poles of the magnets  202  repel each other, while, simultaneously the opposite poles of the magnets  202  attract each other, permitting simultaneous attraction and alignment. 
         [0054]    While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.