Patent ID: 7234739

Claim:
A magnetic latch assembly comprising: a first object; a second object movable relative to said first object; a first latch means arranged in said first object; and a second latch means arranged in said second object, said first and second latch means being operatively associated to secure said first and second objects together; said first latch means including a latch member movably mounted to said first object and a first magnet arranged in said latch member and having a first magnetic pole; said second latch means including a housing arranged in said second object and having a retaining end, a cavity defined within said housing and having a first passage and a second passage extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which said first passage extends, and a second magnet provided in said housing; said latch member being inserted into said first passage when said first and second objects are relatively moved toward each other; said second magnet having a second magnetic pole of opposite polarity from said first magnetic pole of said first magnet, said first magnet and said second magnet being operatively associated to force said latch member to move from said first passage into said second passage when said latch member is inserted into said first passage and to urge said latch member into latching engagement with said retaining end of said housing.