Abstract:
A magnetic snap fastener for releasably connecting two pieces of material. There is a tubular or partially sealed hollow stem with a central opening. The stem fits into a hole in a magnet to connect each of two sections of the fastener.

Description:
This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/651,522, filed May 22, 1996 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,126. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The instant invention relates to magnetic snap fasteners. More particularly, the instant invention relates to a magnetic snap fastener with a first half having a ring-shaped magnet and a second half having a tubular or partially sealed snap alignment means for insertion within the central hole in the ring-shaped magnet. 
     2. Description of Prior Art 
     Several patents have issued which show and describe magnetic snap fasteners. U.S. Pat. No. 4,453,294, issued to Tamao Morita, entitled &#34;Engageable Article Using Permanent Magnet&#34;, as reexamined and confirmed under Reexamination Certificate B1 4,453,294 (hereinafter &#34;Morita &#39;294&#34;) relates to a magnetic closure wherein a solid projection on a first half of the closure is adapted to fit within a hole in a circular magnet attached to the second half of the closure. Additionally, the second half of the closure, to which the circular magnet is attached, is solid in the area beneath the central hole in the circular magnet. 
     Likewise, U.S. Pat. No. 4,021,891, issued to Tamao Morita, entitled &#34;Magnetic Lock Closure&#34;, as reexamined and confirmed under Reexamination Certificate B2 4,021,891 (hereinafter &#34;Morita &#39;891&#34;) relates to a magnetic closure wherein a solid projection on a first half of the closure is adapted to fit within a hole in a circular magnet attached to the second half of the closure. Again, the second half of the closure, to which the circular magnet is attached, is solid in the area beneath the central hole in the circular magnet. The Morita &#39;294 and Morita &#39;891 patents essentially describe the same product. 
     Finally, British Patent Specification No. 1,519,246, published Jul. 26, 1978 (hereinafter &#34;Aoki&#34;) discloses a magnetic closure wherein a projection on a first half of the closure is adapted to fit within a hole in a circular magnet attached to the second half of the closure. The projection is specifically described as a sealed extension of the first half of the closure. Again, on the second half of the closure, to which the circular magnet is attached, there is a solid surface in the area beneath the central hole in the circular magnet. 
     The solid projections of Morita &#39;294 and Morita &#39;891 and the sealed projection of Aoki help to align the first half and the second half of the closures during the closure process. However, these closures have certain disadvantages. They do not permit automated manufacturing such as the use of a light activated alignment means used for the assembly of the component parts. This allows faster assembly rates and reduced costs with good quality. Further, these solid and sealed projections do not permit the use of a quick and efficient coating process, whereby a number of closures are simultaneously exposed to coating while being manipulated on a string or wire passed through a hole that is coaxial with the projection. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a magnetic snap fastener which can be easily fabricated for sale at a reasonable price. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a magnetic snap fastener with at least one closure half having tubular alignment means with a hole therethrough that may be used to support the closure half during a coating process. The tubular alignment means of the instant invention not only provides a means to support a closure half while it is being coated, but it also maximizes the magnetic attraction force between a male half and a female half of a snap incorporating such an advantageous coating process support means. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a magnetic snap fastener with at least one closure half having tubular alignment means with a hole therethrough, the hole being used to allow a light source (such as an infrared light source, for example) to direct a beam of light through the closure half to help align the closure half while it is being attached to a piece of material. The tubular alignment means of the instant invention not only provides a means to permit the passage of light through a closure half, but it also maximizes the magnetic attraction force between a male half and a female half of a snap incorporating such an advantageous light passage feature. 
     These and other advantages will become apparent from the detailed description accompanying the claims and attached drawing figures. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1a is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of the magnetic snap fastener of the invention as applied to pieces of material and FIG. 1b is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the instant invention; 
     FIGS. 2a and 2b are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the magnetic ring of the first embodiment; 
     FIGS. 3a and 3b are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the first and second base washers of the first embodiment; 
     FIGS. 4a, 4b, and 4c are a side view and a plan view, respectively, of the legs of the first embodiment; 
     FIGS. 5a and 5b are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the non-magnetic cover of the first embodiment; 
     FIGS. 6a and 6b are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the tubular stems of the first embodiment; 
     FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the instant invention; 
     FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the male section of the second embodiment attached to a piece of material; 
     FIGS. 9a and 9b are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the magnetic ring of the second embodiment; 
     FIGS. 10a and 10b are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the first and second base washers of the second embodiment; 
     FIGS. 11a and 11b are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the non-magnetic cover of the second embodiment; 
     FIGS. 12a and 12b are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the tubular stems of the second embodiment; 
     FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the instant invention; 
     FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the male section of the third embodiment attached to a piece of material; 
     FIGS. 15a and 15b are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the magnetic ring of the third embodiment; 
     FIGS. 16a and 16b are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the first and second base washers of the third embodiment; 
     FIGS. 17a and 17b are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the non-magnetic cover of the third embodiment; and 
     FIGS. 18a, and 18b are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the tubular stems of the third embodiment. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to FIGS. 1a and 1b, an apparatus according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in which the female section 3 and the male section 5 of magnetic snap fastener 1 are separated from one another. Female section 3 and male section 5 are adapted to mate so as to form a complete fastener. 
     The female section 3 includes a first base washer 7 with first side 7a, opposite facing second side 7b and central hole 7c. Tubular stem 9 is circular in cross-section and has a central hole 9c. Tubular stem 9 also has a wide diameter section 9a and a narrow diameter section 9b and is insertable into the hole 7c in base washer 7 from base washer first side 7a. The distal end of the narrow diameter section 9b is rolled over to affix attachment legs 11 adjacent to the second side 7b of base washer 7. Preferably, the legs 11 are not rigidly secured so as to allow them to rotate with respect to base washer 7. This allows coating solutions to reach all surfaces thereby giving greater corrosion protection. 
     Magnetic ring 13 is held adjacent to first side 7a of first base washer 7 by non-magnetic cover 15, which has a top 15a and a side wall 15b. Flange 15c helps contain magnetic ring 13 in place within the cover 15 and continuous flange 15d holds the cover in place relative to the first base washer 7. The continuous flange 15d holds the cover 15 in place more securely than if discrete prongs or tabs are used. Non-magnetic cover 15 may be made of brass to enhance the appearance of the fastener. Preferably, flange 15d is continuous about the periphery of cover 15 so that the cover is not easily removable and lies flat against the piece of material. Magnetic ring 13 is toroidal in shape and has a central hole 13a larger than the outside diameter of the wide diameter section 9a of tubular stem 9. Since tubular stem 9 and non-magnetic cover 15 have central holes 9c and 15e, respectively, they are substantially axially aligned with central hole 7c of first base washer 7. 
     Turning now to male section 5 of magnetic snap 1, it is seen that second tubular stem 19 connects second base washer 21 to attachment legs 23 in a manner similar to that used in connection with the female section 3. Here again, second tubular stem 19 has a central hole 19a that is substantially axially aligned with central hole 21a of second base washer 21. The attachment legs 23 are preferably not rigidly secured so that they may rotate with respect to the second base washer 21. This allows coating solutions to reach all surfaces thereby giving greater corrosion protection. 
     As is clear from FIGS. 1a and 1b, second tubular stem 19 is insertable into hole 15e of non-magnetic cover 15. Due to the force of the magnetic ring 13, the male section 5 and female section 3 snap together. Legs 11 and 23 may, of course, be attached to two respective pieces of material 2a and 2b. Thus, the two pieces of material 2a and 2b are attached when the female section 3 and the male section 5 are snapped together. Moreover, the continuous flange 15d of female section 3 contacts the piece of material 2a around substantially the entire perimeter of the female section 3, providing a superior cosmetic appearance as compared to the use of discrete prongs or tabs to hold the cover 15 in place, which would raise the bulk of the female section 3 above the piece of material 2a. 
     FIGS. 2a and 2b show a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the magnetic ring 13. FIGS. 3a and 3b show a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of both the first and second base washers 7 and 21. FIGS. 4a, 4b, and 4c show side views and a plan view, respectively, of both the legs 11 and 23. FIGS. 5a and 5b show a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the non-magnetic cover 15. FIGS. 6a and 6b show a top view and side cut-away view, respectively, of both the tubular stems 9 and 19. It is a particular feature of this embodiment of the invention that the base washers, legs, and tubular stems are identical on both the female and male sections of the fastener. This reduces the number of different parts needed to make a complete assembly. The axially aligned holes in the components are one distinguishing feature of the invention. 
     It is important that each of the openings are in axial alignment. Thus, central holes 7c, 9c, 13a, 15e, 19a, and 21a form a straight path. This path should not be too large in diameter. For example, the diameter should be about 0.006 to 0.125 inch. 
     Referring now to FIG. 7, an apparatus according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in which the female section 103 and the male section 105 of magnetic snap 101 are separated from one another. Female section 103 and male section 105 are adapted to mate to form a complete snap fastener. Magnetic snap fastener 101 is a rolled rivet type of fastener. 
     The female section 103 includes a first base washer 107 with first side 107a, opposite facing second side 107b and central hole 107c. Tubular stem 109 is circular in cross-section and has a wide diameter section 109a, a medium diameter section 109b, a narrow diameter section 109c, and a central hole 109d. Tubular stem 109 may be inserted into the central hole 107c from base washer first side 107a. The distal end of the narrow diameter section 109c extends outward from the base washer 107 to engage first attachment washer 110, as shown more clearly in FIG. 8 and as discussed below. There are no legs in this embodiment to attach the fastener to pieces of material. Rather, the fasteners are attached by the rolled rivet connectors. 
     Magnetic ring 113 is held adjacent to first side 107a of first base washer 107 by non-magnetic cover 115, which has a top 115a and a side wall 115b. Flange 115c helps contain magnetic ring 113 in place within the cover 115 and continuous flange 115d holds the cover in place relative to the first base washer 107. Magnetic ring 113 is toroidal in shape and has a central hole 113a larger than the outside diameter of the wide diameter section 109a of tubular stem 109. Tubular stem 109 and non-magnetic cover 115 have central holes 109d and 115e, respectively, which are substantially axially aligned with hole 107c of first base washer 107. 
     Turning now to male section 105 of magnetic snap 101 it is seen that second tubular stem 119, including wide section 119a, medium section 119b, and narrow section 119c, is insertable through hole 121a of second base washer 121 in a manner similar to that used in connection with the female section 103. Here again, second tubular stem 119 has a central hole 119d that is substantially axially aligned with central hole 121a of second base washer 121. Moreover, as described in connection with the female section 103, the distal end of narrow diameter section 119c extends outward from the second base washer 121 to engage second attachment washer 123, as shown more clearly in FIG. 8 and as discussed below. 
     FIG. 8 shows male section 105 attached to a piece of material 125 held between second base washer 121 and second attachment washer 123. As seen in FIG. 8, tubular stem 119 has section 119e rolled over to hold base washer 123 in place. Female section 103 is attached to a piece of material in a similar manner. Thus, the mating of female section 103 and male section 105 results in attachment of the two pieces of material. 
     FIGS. 9a and 9b show a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the magnetic ring 113, FIGS. 10a and 10b show a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of both the first and second base washers 107 and 121. FIGS. 11a and 11b show a top view and side cut-away view, respectively, of the non-magnetic cover 115. FIGS. 12a and 12b show a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of both the tubular stems 109 and 119. Once again, several of these components are identical so as to provide for easy assembly and to reduce the cost of the finished product. 
     Referring now to FIG. 13, an apparatus according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in which the female section 203 and the male section 205 of magnetic snap 201 are separated from one another. Female section 203 and male section 205 are designed to unite to form a magnetic snap fastener of the Kwik-rivet style. 
     The female section 201 includes a first base washer 207 with first side 207a, oppositely facing second side 207b, and central hole 207c. Tubular stem 209, which is circular in cross-section and which has a wide diameter section 209a, a medium diameter section 209b, and a narrow diameter section 209c, is insertable into the central hole 207c from base washer first side 207a. The distal end of the narrow diameter section 209c extends outward from the base washer 207 to engage first rivet cap 210, as shown more clearly in FIG. 14 and as discussed below. There are no legs in this embodiment to attach the fastener to the pieces of material. Rather, the fasteners are attached by the Kwik-rivet connectors. The rivet cap 210 may have a decorative surface or embossing. 
     Magnetic ring 213 is held adjacent to first side 207a of first base washer 207 by non-magnetic cover 215, which has a top 215a and a side wall 215b. Flange 215c helps contain magnetic ring 213 in place within the cover 215 and continuous flange 215d holds the cover in place relative to the first base washer 207. Magnetic ring 213 is toroidal in shape and has a central hole 213a larger than the outside diameter of the wide diameter section 209a of tubular stem 209. Tubular stem 209 and non-magnetic cover 215 have central holes 209c and 215e, respectively, which are substantially axially aligned with hole 207c of first base washer 207. 
     Turning now to male section 205 of magnetic snap 201, it is seen that second tubular stem 219, including wide section 219a, medium section 219b, and narrow section 219c, is insertable through hole 221a of second base washer 221 in a manner similar to that used in connection with the female section 203. Here again, second tubular stem 219 has a central hole 219d that is substantially axially aligned with central hole 221a of second base washer 221. Moreover, as described in connection with the female section 203, the distal end of narrow diameter section 219c extends outward from the base washer 207 to engage second rivet cap 223, as shown more clearly in FIG. 14 and as discussed below. 
     FIG. 14 shows male section 205 attached to a piece of material 225 held between second base washer 221 and second rivet cap 223. As seen in FIGS. 13 and 14, tubular stem 219 has a collapsible bump that is deformed by attachment of the second rivet cap 223 to cause the distal end of the tubular stem 219 to lock to the inside of the second rivet cap 223 to hold material 225. Female section 203 is attached to a piece of material in a similar manner. 
     FIGS. 15a and 15b show a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the magnetic ring 213. FIGS. 16a and 16b show a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of both the first and second base washers 207 and 221. FIGS. 17a and 17b show a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the non-magnetic cover 215. FIGS. 18a and 18b show a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of both the tubular stems 209 and 219. Several of these components are identical for the reasons previously discussed. 
     The invention has practical utility in the fastening of pieces of material such as leather or simulated leather, for example, in the manufacture of handbags, wallets, backpacks, and the like. 
     The improved fasteners of the invention are easily finished such as by coating processes. Because there is a hole through each nonsolid male and female section, the closures may be threaded on a wire and rapidly processed. The fasteners, because they have a hole therethrough, may be easily assembled using automatic positioning devices. For example, an infrared light source such as a laser alignment beam may be used to direct light through the holes to align the closures when they are being assembled in the manufacturing process, improving the quality of the parts, speeding assembly, and reducing cost. The axially aligned central holes do not detract from the magnetic attractive force provided by the magnetic ring. 
     Although the present invention is described by reference to particular embodiments thereof, many changes and modifications of the invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is only limited by the appended claims. For example, the tubular stems may be replaced by hollow stems that are open at one end, that is, they are partially hollow but not solid. Therefore, the embodiments shown and described are only illustrative, not restrictive.