Abstract:
The present invention includes a unique magnetic coupling that can be used as a drink identification system as well as a myriad of other useful purposes. In one embodiment, two magnets are connected by a connector. Each of the magnets have at least one surface with an opposite polarity from the other magnet to induce a magnetic attraction. When the magnets are close in proximity, they come together due to the polarity, and effectively produce a loop. The magnets can be attached to the rim of a cup. Decorative charms attached to a small ring or loop can be put onto the connector. Alternatively, the decorative charm can have a magnet attached to it. The charm can then be magnetically attached to the outer magnet of the coupling. A monogram or name tag can be substituted in lieu of a decorative charm. The magnetic coupling can be used for other purposes, such as securing objects in a drink (a decorative umbrella or drinking straw).

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/286,322, entitled “Multipurpose Magnetic Couplings,” filed Dec. 14, 2009. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present application is directed generally to magnets, in particular, to magnetic couplings used for tracking, identification, and decorative purposes. 
       DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART 
       [0003]    In many social settings beverages are available for people to enjoy. However, in the midst of the numerous other guests, it would be useful for a guest to be able to identify their cup among those that belong to other guests. A person would benefit from being able to distinguish their cup from others for several reasons. First, by being able to identify and re-use a single cup, a guest is able to avoid exposure to bacteria and viruses. This is particularly important during outbreaks of various diseases such as the H1N1 flu, avian flu, or even the common cold. Additionally, being able to re-use a single cup reduces the number of cups used at the event. 
         [0004]    One solution is to use disposable cups and to write on the cup with a marker. However, many social settings are not conducive to the types of available disposable vessels and the use of markers. One problem that may-arise is that the marker easily wipes off the cup. The ink may inadvertently be wiped onto a person&#39;s body or clothing, leaving an unsightly stain. 
         [0005]    Another solution is to use available identification systems, such as wine charms. However, in may situations, beverages are not served in stemware, such as wine glasses or champagne flutes, and attaching the charms is impossible, rendering the system useless. Additionally, wine charms, particularly those that use wire are prone to becoming misshapen and thus unhelpful if they are no longer able to be attached to stemware. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The present invention includes a unique magnetic coupling that can he used as a drink identification system as well as a myriad of other useful purposes. In one embodiment, two magnets are connected by a connector. Each of the magnets have at least one surface with an opposite polarity from the other magnet to induce a magnetic attraction. When the magnets are close in proximity, they come together due to the polarity, and effectively produce a loop. The magnets can be attached to the rim of a cup. Decorative charms attached to a small ring or loop can be put onto the connector. Alternatively, the decorative charm can have a magnet attached to it. The charm can then be attached to the outer magnet of the coupling. A monogram or name tag can be substituted in lieu of a decorative charm. The magnetic coupling can be used for other purposes, such as securing objects in a drink (a decorative umbrella or drinking straw). 
         [0007]    The magnetic coupling can be used in many everyday situations. For instance, the magnetic coupling can be used to label plates or other food containers without the need to permanently mark or change the container. The magnetic coupling can he used to add decorative elements to many objects, such as candles, lamp shades, perfume bottles, and hand bags. The magnetic coupling can serve as a securing device for clothing and purses. The coupling can keep objects together, such as mittens, gloves, and socks. Another use for the couplings is as decorative napkin rings, where charms or other decorative elements can be interchanged for different occasions while the magnetic coupling holds the napkin. To reduce static electricity in a person&#39;s hair, a person can use the magnetic coupling as a pony tail holder or hair clip. The couplings can also be used as a way to prevent the clinking noises made from pet collars and the various tags that hang from them. The couplings can be used to fasten name tags without damaging a person&#39;s clothing. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The foregoing and other objects, aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent and better understood by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1A  is a block diagram of an embodiment of magnetic couplings; 
           [0010]      FIG. 1B  is a block diagram of another embodiment of magnetic couplings; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2A  is a block diagram of an embodiment of an interchangeable decorative coupling accessory; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2B  is a block diagram of an embodiment of an interchangeable identification coupling accessory; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2C  is a block diagram of an embodiment of an interchangeable tracking coupling accessory; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3A  is a block diagram of an illustrative example of the magnetic couplings and decorative coupling accessory; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3B  is a block diagram of another illustrative example of the magnetic couplings. 
       
    
    
       [0016]    The features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference characters identify corresponding elements throughout. In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0017]    Referring to  FIG. 1A , a block diagram of an embodiment of magnetic couplings  100  is depicted and described. In brief overview, the apparatus  100  includes two or more magnets  110  connected by a connector  120 . Although  FIG. 1A  depicts the magnetic coupling  100  with two magnets  110 , a magnetic coupling  100  can have any number of magnets  110  as long as they are connected by a connector  120 . 
         [0018]    Each magnet  110  has at least one surface that has an opposite polarity to at least one surface of the other magnet  110 . The opposite polarity causes the magnetic attraction between the two magnets  110 . The magnets  110  can be encased in a clear acrylic or other similar plastic or substance that does not interfere with the magnetic field of the magnet  110 . The clear acrylic (or similar substance) ensures that if the magnetic coupling  100  is attached to a fragile structure, it will not scratch or otherwise harm the structure&#39;s surface. 
         [0019]    The connector attached to the two or more magnets  110  can be of any type of pliable material. The connector  120  can comprise fabrics that can be braided or otherwise intertwined in a durable fashion. The fabric or textile can he coated in a waterproof material, such as wax or similar material. Alternatively, the connector  120  can be a molded plastic or other pliable, durable material. The molded plastic can he thin strips which can also be braided, linked, or fashioned in a manner similar to chain links. The connector  120  can be an elastic material, such as a rubber band coated in a water resistant substance or elastic fabric that allows flexibility and pliability. The connector  120  can be a springy coil encased in a molded plastic or other flexible or pliable material. In other embodiments, the connector  120  can be any supple material that is durable and not easily broken. 
         [0020]    Alternatively, the magnetic coupling  100  can be comprised of two or more magnets  110  connected by a connector  120  and entirely covered by a fabric, molded plastic, or other supple and durable material, to present a more uniform look. 
         [0021]    Referring to  FIG. 1B , a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of the magnetic couplings  100  is depicted and described. The connector  120  is a strip of thin, pliable, and durable sheet of plastic or other similar material. The magnets  110  are attached to the connector  120  at opposite ends of the strip on the same side by a strong adhesive or other means of attachments, such as screws or glue. Alternatively, the magnets  110  can he attached to the connector  120  at opposite ends of the strip on opposite sides of the strip so that when the magnets  110  connect, the connector  120  results in a twisted configuration. The connector  120  can he a piece of cardboard or other paper product coated in a water resistant material. The connector  120  can have pre-creased portions so that the magnetic coupling  100  forms a U-like shape. 
         [0022]      FIGS. 2A-2C  are block diagrams of coupling accessories  200  of the magnetic coupling  100 . In brief overview, each coupling accessory  200  is comprised of a magnet  210  connected to a feature  230 ,  240 ,  250 . The magnet  210  can then be attached to the magnetic coupling  100  and displayed as described herein. Referring now to  FIG. 2A , a block diagram of a coupling accessory  200  is depicted and described. The magnet  210  can be similar in size to the magnets  110  in the magnetic coupling  100 . The magnet  210  for the coupling accessory  200  has an opposite polarity to at least one of the magnets  110  of the magnetic coupling  100  to ensure that the it can be attached to the coupling  100  and the magnets  110  of the coupling  100  can still connect as described herein. On the other end of the magnet  210  of the coupling accessory  200 , a charm  230  can be attached. The charm  230  can be any decorative material and combination thereof, such as heads, gems, feathers, glitter, ribbons, stones, tiles, charms, letters, pendants, and flowers. The decorative coupling accessory  200  can also include a small light, such as an LED light bulb, which can be different colors and can blink. The accessory  200  can also include a mechanism that emits sounds, such as a short tune clip or a series of notes. The accessory  200  can also be a picture frame in which pictures can be placed and changed out later. 
         [0023]    Referring now to  FIG. 2B , a block diagram of an identification coupling accessory  200  is shown and described. The magnet  210  of the accessory is similar to that described in relation to  FIG. 2A . The identification feature  240  can be a permanent name tag with an individual&#39;s name or other moniker inscribed or otherwise displayed on the surface. Alternatively, the identification feature  240  can be a dry-erase surface on which a name can be temporarily written on the surface and later erased. This embodiment permits the name tag to be used several times. 
         [0024]    In another embodiment, the feature  240  may be a case which can hold a paper name tag, permitting a person to write their name on a sheet of paper and place it in the holder so that it can be displayed. 
         [0025]    Referring now to  FIG. 2C , a block diagram of a tracking coupling accessory  200  is shown and described. The magnet  210  of the accessory is similar to that described in relation to  FIG. 2A . The-tracking feature  250  can be a passive radio-frequency identification (RFD) device. A Passive RFID tag is one that relies entirely on an RFID reader as its power source. The tracking feature RFID tag  250  can include an RFID chip and antennae. The RFID chip can be an integrated circuit for storing and processing information and modulating and demodulating a radio-frequency signal. The antenna is used to receive and transmit the radio-frequency signal. Each RFID tag  250  can be accessed by an RFID reader and can store information transmitted to it. The RFID reader emits radio signals that power up and activate the passive RFID tags. The activated RFID tags  250  transmit data to the RFID reader which collects the information. The tracking feature  250  can be used to track information or gain access to secured areas. 
         [0026]    Although  FIGS. 2A-2C  illustrate three different embodiments of the present disclosure, the features of the three embodiments can be combined with each other in any combination. 
         [0027]    Referring now to  FIG. 3A , a block diagram of an illustrative use of an embodiment of magnetic couplings  100  and a decorative feature  200  is depicted and described. In brief overview, the magnetic coupling  100  and decorative feature  200  are used as a means of beverage identification. The diagram shows a beverage glass that does not have a handle or stem that is needed to attach a wine charm. Rather, the magnetic coupling  100  is attached to the rim of the cup. The magnets  110  of the magnetic coupling  100  are placed on opposite sides of the rim. The magnetic attraction of the magnets  110  pull the magnets  110  toward each other and allows the magnetic coupling  100  to be attached to the cup. The connector  120  prevents the magnets  110  from sliding apart or sinking to the bottom of the glass, where it would be submerged in the liquid attic beverage. The magnet  110  on the outer rim of the cup has another magnetized surface. A decorative beverage charm  200  in the shape of a star is shown. The decorative charm can server as a form of identification if it is distinctive enough from the other charms available, such as by either size, shape, or color. The charm  200  can be easily changed out or removed from the magnetic coupling  100 . 
         [0028]    Referring now to  FIG. 3B , a block diagram of another use of an illustrative use of another embodiment of magnetic couplings  100  is depicted and described. The illustrative embodiment of the magnetic coupling  100  includes four magnets  110  attached by a connector  120  with four arms. Two of magnets  110  of the magnetic coupling  100  are attached to the glass as described in relation to  FIG. 3A . The remaining two magnets  110  arc wrapped around the drinking straw  410  to secure and prevent the straw  410  from floating around the beverage. The magnetic coupling  100  can be used to secure other drink accessories, such as a paper umbrella, a stirrer, toothpick, and any other garnish or decoration that may float around in the beverage. 
         [0029]    The magnetic coupling  100  can be used in many everyday situations. For instance, the magnetic coupling  100  can be used to label plates or other food containers without the need to permanently mark or change the container. Similar to the process described for attached the magnetic coupling  100  to a cup, a magnetic coupling  100  can be attached to a plate, serving dish, bowl, or any other food container. In lieu of the magnetic coupling accessories  200  described in the present disclosure, a person can add a small clip, such as an alligator clip or other similar miniature clamping mechanism to the connector  120  of the magnetic coupling  100  and then write out a label on a paper card or other paper product. 
         [0030]    The magnetic coupling  100  can be used to add decorative elements to many objects, such as candles, lamp shades, perfume bottles, and hand bags. Another use for the couplings  100  is as decorative napkin rings, where charms or other decorative elements can be interchanged for different occasions while still serving as a ring for the cloth napkin. 
         [0031]    The magnetic coupling  100  can serve as a securing device such as for clothing, napkin holders, and purses. It can be an used as an alternative to a paper clip or binder clip. Additionally, The magnetic coupling  100  can be used as a bookmark to mark a place in the hook to return to without folding any pages of the book. 
         [0032]    The coupling  100  can keep objects together, such as mittens, gloves, and socks. To reduce static electricity in a person&#39;s hair, a person can use the magnetic coupling as a pony tail holder or hair clip. The couplings  100  can also be used as a way to prevent the clinking noises made from pet collars and the various tags that hang from them. The couplings  100  can be used to fasten name tags without damaging a person&#39;s clothing. 
         [0033]    While the present disclosure has been shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the scope of the personal authentication system described herein.