PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11375789-B2
Application Number: US-201515537846-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Magnetic fastener

Abstract:
An item may be provided with a body that forms an enclosure. The body ( 12 ) may have body portions ( 16, 18 ) that open and close along a seam ( 14 ). An elongated magnetic fastener ( 36 ) may run along the seam. The magnetic fastener may have first ( 38 ) and second ( 40 ) portions on opposing sides of the seam. The first and second portions may include magnets. When the magnetic fastener is operated in a closed state, the magnets in the first and second portions attract each other and pull the first and second portions of the fastener together to close the seam. When the magnetic fastener is operated in an open state, the magnets in the first and second portions repel each other and push the first and second portions of the fastener apart to open the seam.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. Apparatus, comprising:
 a fabric body having an interior and having body portions that open and close along a seam to provide access to the interior from outside the fabric body through an opening in the fabric body; and 
 an elongated magnetic fastener having a curved track that extends along a curved portion of the seam of the fabric body, wherein the elongated magnetic fastener is operable in a closed state to hold the body portions together to close the opening and an open state to separate the body portions from each other to open the opening, and wherein the elongated magnetic fastener includes magnets that move within the curved track when the elongated magnetic fastener switches between the closed state and the open state. 
 
     
     
       2. The apparatus defined in  claim 1  wherein the elongated magnetic fastener has first and second portions that are magnetically attracted to each other in the closed state and that are magnetically repelled from each other in the open state. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus defined in  claim 2  wherein the magnets comprise respective first and second strips of magnets in the first and second portions that are shifted with respect to each other to transition the magnetic fastener between the closed state and the open state. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus defined in  claim 1  wherein the elongated magnetic fastener has first and second portions that are magnetically attracted to each other in the closed state. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus defined in  claim 4  wherein the magnets include a strip of magnets in the first portion and wherein the first and second portions are shifted with respect to each other to transition the magnetic fastener between the closed state and the open state. 
     
     
       6. The apparatus defined in  claim 4  wherein the first portion includes the magnets and wherein the first and second portions are shifted with respect to each other to transition the magnetic fastener between the closed state and the open state. 
     
     
       7. The apparatus defined in  claim 1  wherein the magnets comprise first and second strips of magnets. 
     
     
       8. The apparatus defined in  claim 7  wherein the first and second strips of magnets are shifted with respect to each other to transition the magnetic fastener between the closed state and the open state. 
     
     
       9. The apparatus defined in  claim 8  wherein the second strip of magnets includes a first set of the magnets that is attracted to the first strip of magnets when the magnetic fastener is in the closed state. 
     
     
       10. The apparatus defined in  claim 9  wherein the second strip of magnets includes a second set of the magnets that is repelled from the first strip of magnets when the magnetic fastener is in the open state. 
     
     
       11. The apparatus defined in  claim 1  wherein the magnets include at least one strip of magnets. 
     
     
       12. The apparatus defined in  claim 1  wherein the magnets include first and second strips of magnets, the apparatus further comprising:
 a tab that is pulled to shift the first and second strips of magnets with respect to each other. 
 
     
     
       13. The apparatus defined in  claim 1  wherein the magnets include first and second strips of magnets, the apparatus further comprising:
 a knob that is rotated to shift the first and second strips of magnets with respect to each other. 
 
     
     
       14. The apparatus defined in  claim 1  wherein the magnets include first and second strips of magnets, the apparatus further comprising:
 an electrically controlled actuator that shifts the first and second strips of magnets with respect to each other. 
 
     
     
       15. The apparatus defined in  claim 14  further comprising:
 an input-output device that receives an input from a user; and 
 control circuitry that controls the electrically controlled actuator in response to receiving the input from the user. 
 
     
     
       16. The apparatus defined in  claim 1  wherein the elongated magnetic fastener has first and second portions and wherein the magnets include a plurality of magnets in the first portion. 
     
     
       17. The apparatus defined in  claim 16  wherein the first portion has a rotating shaft that supports the plurality of magnets in the first portion. 
     
     
       18. The apparatus defined in  claim 1  wherein the fabric body is shaped to form an item selected from the group consisting of: a bag, a case, and a cover. 
     
     
       19. The apparatus defined in  claim 1  further comprising a hinge that supports the body portions as the body portions open and close along the seam. 
     
     
       20. The apparatus defined in  claim 1  wherein the elongated magnetic fastener has first and second portions that are magnetically attracted to each other in the closed state and that are not magnetically attracted to each other in the open state. 
     
     
       21. An item, comprising:
 a fabric body; and 
 an elongated magnetic fastener for securing an opening in the fabric body, wherein the elongated magnetic fastener is operable in a closed state that holds portions of the fabric body together to close the opening along a seam in the fabric body and is operable in an open state in which the portions of the fabric body are not held together along the seam, comprising:
 a first strip of magnets that runs along the seam of the fabric body; 
 a second strip of magnets that runs along the seam of the fabric body parallel to the first strip of magnets, wherein the second strip of magnets includes a first set of magnets that attracts the first strip of magnets when the magnetic fastener is in the closed state and includes a second set of magnets that repels the first strip of magnets when the magnetic fastener is in the open state; and 
 an electromechanical actuator that slides the second strip of magnets to switch the elongated magnetic fastener between the open state and the closed state. 
 
 
     
     
       22. The item defined in  claim 21  further comprising a track that captures the second strip of magnets, wherein the track runs along the seam and wherein the second strip of magnets is guided along the track while the second strip of magnets shifts position with respect to the first strip of magnets. 
     
     
       23. The item defined in  claim 22  wherein at least part of the track is curved. 
     
     
       24. The item defined in  claim 23  wherein the fabric body forms an enclosure that is part of an item selected from the group consisting of: a bag, a case, and a cover. 
     
     
       25. An enclosure, comprising:
 a hinge; 
 a fabric body that has first and second portions coupled to the hinge, wherein the first and second portions open and close along a seam in the fabric body; and 
 an elongated magnetic fastener that runs along the seam of the fabric body, wherein the elongated magnetic fastener has a first strip of magnets and a second strip of magnets and wherein the first strip of magnets rotates with respect to the second strip of magnets about a rotation axis that is parallel to at least part of the seam to place the elongated magnetic fastener in an open state in which the second strip of magnets repels the first strip of magnets to open the magnetic fastener. 
 
     
     
       26. The enclosure defined in  claim 25 , wherein the first and second strips of magnets shift with respect to each other to place the elongated magnetic fastener in a closed state in which the second strip of magnets attracts the first strip of magnets to close the magnetic fastener. 
     
     
       27. The enclosure defined in  claim 26  wherein the second strip of magnets includes a first set of magnets with magnetic poles oriented to produce magnetic fields in a first direction and includes a second set of magnets with magnetic poles oriented to produce magnetic fields in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Description:
This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 62/095,707, filed Dec. 22, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     This relates generally to fasteners, and, more particularly, to magnetic fasteners. 
     Bags and other items are often provided with zippers and other mechanical fasteners. A zipper is opened and closed by moving a slider between two sets of interdigitated teeth. Some fasteners use magnets. For example, a magnetic clasp may be used to secure an opening in a bag. Fasteners may also be formed from snaps and buttons. 
     Zippers can be unsightly and may be time consuming to open and close. Clasps such as magnetic clasps may be faster to open and close than zippers, but may not satisfactorily seal large openings. Buttons and snaps may also be incapable of forming sufficiently tight seals for openings and may be even more time consuming to use than zippers. 
     It would therefore be desirable to be able to provide improved fasteners. 
     SUMMARY 
     An item may be provided with a body having portions that open and close along a seam. The item may be an enclosure such as a bag, case, or cover, or an enclosure such as a device housing in a laptop computer or other electronic device. An enclosure may have an interior that receives personal articles, circuits and other device components, or other objects. The interior of a container such as a bag may be accessed from outside the body of the enclosure when the seam is opened. 
     An elongated magnetic fastener may run along the seam. The magnetic fastener may have first and second portions on opposing sides of the seam. The first and second portions may include magnets. When the magnetic fastener is operated in a closed state, the magnets in the first and second portions attract each other and pull the first and second portions of the fastener together to close the seam. When the magnetic fastener is operated in an open state, the magnets in the first and second portions repel each other and push the first and second portions of the fastener apart to open the seam. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an illustrative electronic device or other item having a body that forms an enclosure with an opening that is secured using a magnetic fastener in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative item with an opening that may be secured using a magnetic fastener in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram of an opening that has been sealed using a magnetic fastener in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram of the opening of  FIG. 3  in which the magnetic fastener is in an open position in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative magnetic fastener in a closed position in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional side view of the illustrative magnetic fastener of  FIG. 5  in a position for opening the fastener in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative magnetic fastener with ferromagnetic elements in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative magnetic fastener with rows of magnetic elements of alternating polarity in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a diagram of an illustrative magnetic fastener with a pull tab in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is a diagram of an illustrative magnetic fastener with a rotating knob and a rack and pinion mechanism in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is a diagram of an illustrative magnetic fastener with a sliding switch in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  is a diagram of an illustrative magnetic fastener with an electronically controlled opening and closing function in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional end view of an illustrative magnetic fastener showing how the magnetic fastener may have a moving strip of magnets mounted in a track in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  is a top view of an illustrative magnetic fastener that follows a path established by a track with straight and curved portions in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  is a top view of an illustrative magnetic fastener that follows a curved path in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  is a top view of an illustrative magnetic fastener that follows a circular path in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an illustrative magnetic fastener with a rotary action in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional end view of a rotary magnetic fastener in a closed position in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional end view of the rotary magnetic fastener of  FIG. 18  in which magnetic elements have been rotated to open the fastener in accordance with an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A magnetic fastener may be used as a closure for an opening in an electronic device such as a laptop computer or other device with a hinged opening or may be used as a closure in other items such as bags and cases. Magnetic fasteners may also be used in items of clothing, luggage, automobile, pieces of furniture, or in other items. Configurations in which magnetic fasteners are used to secure openings in enclosures that have been formed as parts of items of electronic equipment and items such as bags, cases, covers, or other containers are sometimes described herein as an example. 
     An illustrative item with an opening that is secured by a magnetic fastener is shown in  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , item  10  may have a body such as body  12 . Body  12  may be formed from plastic, metal, glass, ceramic, sapphire or other crystalline materials, wood or other natural materials, strands of plastic, metal, or other material that are embedded in a binder and/or that are intertwined to form fabric, other materials, or combinations of these materials. Body  12  may form an enclosure with an interior. For example, body  12  may form a housing for an electronic device or may form portions of a bag, case, or cover, or other item that is used as a container for electronic devices or other articles. If desired, body  12  may form portions of a system in an automobile or other vehicle, may form part of an item of furniture, or may form other structural components for item  10 . 
     Body  12  may have movable portions such as portions  16  and  18 . A hinge such as hinge  20  may be coupled to portions  16  and  18  to allow portions  16  and  18  to rotate relative to each other. Portions  16  and  18  may, for example, rotate in directions  24  about rotational axis  22 . When rotated away from each other, portions  16  and  18  may separate to form an opening in body  12 . If desired, mechanisms other than hinge  20  may be incorporated into body  12  to allow portions  16  and  18  to be separated from each other to form an opening in body  12 . The use of a hinge is merely illustrative. 
     When portions  16  and  18  are separated, seam  14  opens and forms an opening in body  12 . When portions  16  and  18  are joined together along seam  14 , the opening in body  12  is closed. An elongated magnetic fastener may run along seam  12  and may be used to hold body  12  together along the length of seam  14  when item  10  is in its closed state. When it is desired to move portions  16  and  18  apart to form an opening in body  12 , the magnetic fastener that runs along seam  12  may be released. 
     Portions  16  and  18  may be first and second housing portions in an electronic device. For example, item  10  may a laptop computer, cellular telephone, or other portable electronic device with a hinged opening. Portion  16  may be, for example, the upper housing of a laptop computer that is used to support a display and portion  18  may be the lower housing of a laptop computer that is used to support a keyboard and trackpad. In configurations in which item  10  is a bag, case, or cover, portions  16  and  18  may be first and second portions of the bag, case, or cover (as examples). 
     Body  12  of item  10  may be shaped to form an enclosure with an interior portion. In a configuration in which item  10  is an electronic device, input-output devices such as displays and keyboards, batteries, circuits, and other electrical components may be mounted in the housing formed from body  12  (see, e.g., components  26 ). In a configuration in which item  10  is a bag, case, or cover, item  10  may have a hollow interior that is used to contain electronic devices or other objects (see, e.g., article  28 ). 
       FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional side view of item  10  in a configuration in which item  10  is a bag, case, cover, or other item that is used as a container for articles such as article  28 . Article  28  may be a personal item (e.g., keys, a wallet, glasses, etc.), an electronic device (e.g., a cellular telephone, tablet computer, etc.), or any other object. Portions  16  and  18  and other portions of body  12  may be characterized by a thickness (e.g., a wall thickness) and may be shaped to define an interior cavity for item  10  such as cavity  34 . Articles  28  may be received within cavity  34 . 
     In  FIG. 2 , item  10  is shown in a closed position in which portions  16  and  18  are joined along seam  14  using magnetic fastener  36 . Magnetic fastener  36  may have a first portion such as portion  38  that is mounted to portion  16  of item  10  and may have a mating second portion such as portion  40  that is mounted to portion  18  of item  10 . In the closed position of  FIG. 2 , portions  38  and  40  magnetically attract each other and therefore pull portions  16  and  18  together along the length of seam  14 . This holds the opening in body  12  closed and ensures that articles  28  will not be inadvertently released from interior cavity  34  of item  10 . When it is desired to create an opening in body  12  along seam  14 , portions  38  and  40  can be reconfigured to magnetically repel each other, thereby moving portion  16  in direction  30  and/or moving portion  18  in direction  32 . Magnetic fastener  36  can be placed in its attracting (closing) and repelling (opening) states using mechanical and/or electrically controlled mechanisms. 
     Magnetic fastener  36  may have an elongated shape that extends along the length of seam  14 . This helps ensure that the entire seam can be held closed without forming cracks.  FIG. 3  is a side view of a portion of seam  14  that shows magnetic fastener  36  in a configuration in which portions  38  and  40  are magnetically attracting each other and have therefore closed the opening in item  10  along seam  14 .  FIG. 4  shows how magnetic fastener  36  may be configured so that portions  38  and  40  magnetically repel each other sufficiently to separate from each other and form a gap G between body portions  16  and  18 . The size of the opening in body  12  that is formed by gap G may be sufficient for a user to insert a fingertip within gap G to help manually pull apart body portions  16  and  18  and thereby enlarge the opening in body  12 . If desired, biasing structures  42  may be used to help enlarge the opening that is formed in body  12 . Biasing structures  42  may be springs that are attached to portions  16  and/or  18 , may be springs that form part of hinge  20 , or may be other biasing mechanisms that help separate portions  16  and  18  from each other when seam  14  is released by fastener  36 . When magnetic fastener  36  is in in its closed state, magnetic fastener structures  38  and  40  are preferably drawn toward each other with sufficient force to overcome the separating force imparted to structures  16  and  18  by biasing structures  42 . If desired, biasing structures  42  may be omitted (e.g., in configurations in which a user of item  10  opens body  12  manually following release of magnetic fastener  36 ). 
     Magnetic fastener  36  may be formed from a pair of opposing strips of magnetic elements. The magnetic elements may include permanent magnets and/or ferromagnetic elements such as iron elements that are attracted to permanent magnets. The magnetic elements may be arranged to attract the opposing strips of fastener  36  together when closing the opening in body  12  and to repel the opposing strips of fastener  36  when forming the opening in body  12 . 
     An illustrative configuration for magnetic fastener  36  that is based on strips of magnetic elements is shown in  FIG. 5 . In the illustrative configuration of  FIG. 5 , strip  38  of fastener  36  has a row of magnets  46  and strip  40  of fastener  36  has a row of magnets  44 . Magnets  44  include first and second sets of magnets  44 A and  44 B, respectively. First magnets  44 A may alternate with second magnets  44 B along the length of fastener  36  or magnets  44 A and  44 B may be organized in other patterns. 
     The poles of the magnets in fastener  36  may be oriented to produce both fastener closing and fastener opening states for fastener  36  depending on the relative linear position between strips  38  and  40 . Magnets for fastener  36  may be permanent magnets such as rare earth magnets (e.g., neodymium magnets) or other magnetic elements. 
     Consider, as an example, magnet  46 ′ of strip  38 . Magnet  46 ′ may have a first pole such as pole  48  and a second pole such as pole  50  that are oriented to produce magnetic field Bl. Magnet  46 ′ may initially be aligned with opposing magnet  44 A′ in first magnet set  44 A of strip  40 . Magnet  44 A′ may have poles  48  and  50  that are arranged to produce magnetic field B 2 . Magnetic fields B 1  and B 2  may be oriented in the same direction, so that magnet  46 ′ and magnet  44 A′ are attracted towards each other. Each of magnets  46  may likewise be aligned with a respective one of magnets  44 A, so that magnets  46  and  44 A are attracted together along the length of fastener  36 . In this configuration (in which magnets  46  are aligned with attracting magnets  44 A), strips  38  and  40  are pulled towards each other and close seam  14 . 
     Magnets  44 B have poles  48  and  50  that are reversed with respect to the poles of magnets  44 A. Accordingly, magnets  44 B produce magnetic fields that repel magnets  46 . Consider, as an example, magnet  44 B′, which produces magnetic field B 3 . Magnetic field B 3  is oriented to oppose magnetic field Bl. Each of magnets  44 B likewise has its poles oriented to produce a magnetic field that opposes the magnetic fields produced by magnets  46 . Initially, when magnets  44 A are in alignment with magnets  46  and magnets  44 B are not in alignment with magnets  46 , magnets  46  will be attracted towards magnets  44 A. When it is desired to separate strips  38  and  40  in magnetic fastener  36 , strips  38  and  40  may be shifted in position with respect to each other so that repelling magnets  44 B are aligned with magnets  46  rather than attracting magnets  44 A. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , for example, strip  40  may be shifted in direction PD when it is desired to separate strips  38  and  40  along seam  14 . In particular, the position of strip  40  may be shifted with respect to strip  38  until repelling magnets  44 B are aligned with magnets  46  rather than attracting magnets  44 A. In this configuration, repelling magnetic fields such as field B 3  from repelling magnet  44 B′ will oppose magnetic fields from magnets  46  such as field B 1 . This will cause each of repelling magnets  44 B to repel its opposing magnet  46  along the length of strips  38  and  40 . Strips  38  and  40  are therefore pushed away from each other along seam  14 . 
     With this type of magnetic fastener arrangement, fastener  36  can be changed from its closing state to its opening state by moving the magnets in strip  40  relative to the magnets in strip  38 . Relatively rapid small movements such as small shifting movements of strips  38  and  40  with respect to each other can be used to rapidly transition magnetic fastener  36  between attracting (closing) and repelling (opening) states. 
     If desired, magnetic attraction can be achieved using ferromagnetic materials such as iron in place of attracting permanent magnets. As shown in  FIG. 7 , for example, elements  44 AF in strip  40  may be ferromagnetic elements that are attracted to opposing permanent magnets  46 . If desired, additional ferromagnetic elements may be used to help close fastener  36  (see, e.g., ferromagnetic elements  46 F, which are attracted to magnets  44 B). In the configuration of  FIG. 7 , fastener  36  is in its closed position. When it is desired to open fastener  36  of  FIG. 7 , strips  38  and  40  may be shifted in position relative to each other so that repelling magnets  44 B are aligned with magnets  46  (i.e., so that magnets  44 B and  46  produce opposing magnetic fields). 
     Another illustrative configuration for magnetic fastener  36  is shown in  FIG. 8 . In the configuration of  FIG. 8 , magnets  46  include magnets  46 A and  46 B with alternating polarities. In the position of  FIG. 8 , magnets  46 A attract magnets  44 A and magnets  46 B attract magnets  44 B. When the position of strips  38  and  40  is shifted relative to each other, magnets  46 A will repel magnets  44 B and magnets  46 B will repel magnets  44 A. The use of additional magnets such as magnets  46 B may help secure fastener  36  when fastener  36  is in its closed position. 
     The positions of strips  38  and  40  may be shifted relative to each other by moving strip  38 , by moving strip  40 , or by moving both of strips  38  and  40  in opposite directions. Manual strip moving schemes and/or electrically controlled strip moving schemes may be used for controlling the state of fastener  36 . 
     An illustrative tab-based manual strip movement scheme is shown in  FIG. 9 . With the configuration of  FIG. 9 , tab  60  is attached to strip  40 . When a user desires to change the state of fastener  36  by moving strip  40  relative to strip  38 , the user may pull tab  60  in direction  62 . This will shift strip  40  relative to strip  38  and will thereby change the alignment of the magnets in strips  38  and  40  so that fastener  36  transitions from a closed (magnets attracting) state to an open (magnets repelling) state. If desired, fastener  36  may include a biasing structure such as spring  64  to help restore strip  40  to its initial position after the user has finished pulling on tab  60 . When spring  64  has been stretched by pulling on tab  60 , spring  64  will exhibit a restoring force on strip  40  in direction  66 . This restoring force will pull strip  40  into its original position after the user releases tab  60 . Once strip  40  is in its original position, strips  38  and  40  will attract each other when the user closes the opening in body  14  by pushing strips  38  and  40  towards each other (e.g., when the user closes gap G of  FIG. 4 ). 
     If desired, a rotary mechanism may be used to shift the position of strip  40  with respect to strip  38 . This type of arrangement is shown in  FIG. 10 . A shown in  FIG. 10 , knob  74  may be coupled to pinion  70 . Pinion  70  may have teeth that engage corresponding teeth on rack  72 . Rack  72  may be coupled to strip  40  of fastener  36 . Knob  74  may be rotated in direction  76  to move strip  40  in direction  62  relative to strip  38 . A biasing structure such as spring  64  may impose a restoring force on strip  40  that moves strip  40  in direction  66  when the user releases knob  74 . 
     In the illustrative configuration of  FIG. 11 , strip  38  is coupled to sliding button  78 . A user may slide button  78  and strip  38  in direction  62  when it is desired to open fastener  36 . A spring or other biasing mechanism may be used to impose a restoring force on strip  38  so that strip  38  will be returned to its original position with respect to strip  40  when button  78  is released by the user. 
       FIG. 12  shows how circuitry  80  may be used in electronically opening and closing fastener  36 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , circuitry  80  may include control circuitry  84  and input-output devices  82 . Actuator  88  may be used to control the position of strip  38 . Actuator  88  may be a solenoid, motor, or other electromechanical actuator. As shown in  FIG. 12 , actuator  88  may include a body such as body  90  that is fixed with respect to body  12  of item  10  and a sliding inner portion such as portion  92  that is coupled to strip  38 . Battery  86  may supply power to control circuitry  84 , input-output devices  82 , and actuator  88 . 
     Control circuitry  84  may include storage and processing circuitry. The storage and processing circuitry may include storage such as hard disk drive storage, nonvolatile memory (e.g., flash memory or other electrically-programmable-read-only memory configured to form a solid state drive), volatile memory (e.g., static or dynamic random-access-memory), etc. Processing circuitry in control circuitry  84  may be used to control the operation of actuator  88  and other resources in item  10 . The processing circuitry may be based on one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, baseband processors, power management units, audio chips, application specific integrated circuits, etc. 
     Input-output circuitry in item  10  such as input-output devices  82  may be used to allow data to be supplied to item  10  and to allow data to be provided from item  10  to external devices. Input-output devices  82  may include buttons, joysticks, scrolling wheels, touch pads, key pads, keyboards, microphones, speakers, tone generators, vibrators, cameras, sensors, light-emitting diodes and other status indicators, data ports, etc. A user can control the operation of item  10  by supplying commands through input-output devices  82  and may receive status information and other output from device  10  using the output resources of input-output devices  82 . For example, a user who desires to open fastener  36  may supply an open command to control circuitry  84  using input-output devices  82 . In response, control circuitry  84  may supply a command to actuator  88  that moves sliding member  92  and strip  38  in direction  62 , thereby opening fastener  36 . An optional biasing structure such as spring  64  may be used to help move strip  38  in direction  66  after the user has finished opening fastener  36 . 
     It may be desirable to guide strips such as strips  38  and  40  along curved paths and other paths in body  12 .  FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional side view of fastener  36  showing how strips such a strip  40  may be guided within opening  102  in a track structure such as track  100 . Track  100  may be formed as an integral part of body  12  or may be attached to body  12 . For example, track  100  may form part of portion  18 . In the example of  FIG. 13 , strip  40  is captured within track  100  and can slide in and out of the page of  FIG. 13  while remaining within track  100 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , track  100  may have straight portions  104  and curved corners  106 . The example of  FIG. 15  shows how track  100  may have a curved shape. In the illustrative configuration  FIG. 16 , track  100  has been curved to form a circular shape. These configurations are merely illustrative. If desired, track  100  may have other shapes (e.g., curved path shapes, path shapes with combinations of curved and straight portions, path shapes with non-parallel straight segments, etc.). 
     If desired, elongated magnetic fastener  36  may be implemented using a mechanism that rotates a strip of magnetic elements. This type of configuration is shown in the perspective view of  FIG. 17 .  FIGS. 18 and 19  are cross-sectional side views of fastener  36  of  FIG. 17  taken along line  206  and viewed in direction  208 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 17 , magnetic fastener  36  may have a strip of magnets  44  such as strip  40 . Magnetic fastener  36  may also have a strip of magnets  46  such as strip  38 . Strip  38  may have a rotating shaft such as shaft  204  that contains a row of magnets  46 . Shaft  204  may have a knob such as knob  202 . A user may rotate knob  202  to rotate shaft  204  and magnets  46  about rotational axis  200 . When poles  48  of magnets  46  on shaft  204  are rotated into opposition with opposing poles  50  of corresponding magnets  44  on strip  40  as shown in  FIG. 18 , strip  40  and shaft  204  will be attracted towards each other and fastener  36  will be closed. When poles  50  of magnets  46  on shaft  204  are rotated into opposition with poles  50  of magnets  44  as shown in  FIG. 19 , shaft  204  and strip  40  will be repelled from each other and fastener  36  will be opened. 
     If desired, shaft  204  may be electrically controlled. For example, shaft  204  may be rotated using an actuator such as electrically controlled actuator  88  of  FIG. 12  in response to user commands supplied through input-output devices  82 . 
     Shaft  204  may be formed from a rigid material and may have a straight shape or shaft  204  may be formed from a flexible material. When shaft  204  is formed from a flexible material, shaft  204  may follow a curved path of the type show by curved tracks  100  of  FIGS. 14, 15, and 16 . Shaft  204  may, if desired, be mounted within hollow piping or other trim feature in body  12  that extends along the length of seam  14 . 
     In accordance with an embodiment, apparatus is provided that includes a body having an interior and having body portions that open and close along a seam to provide access to the interior from outside the body through an opening in the body, and an elongated magnetic fastener that extends along the seam, the elongated magnetic fastener is operable in a closed state to hold the body portions together to close the opening and an open state to separate the body portions from each other to open the opening. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the elongated magnetic fastener has first and second portions that are magnetically attracted to each other in the closed state and that are magnetically repelled from each other in the open state. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the first and second portions include respective first and second strips of magnets that are shifted with respect to each other to transition the magnetic fastener between the closed state and the open state. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the elongated magnetic fastener has first and second portions that are magnetically attracted to each other in the closed state. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the first portion includes a strip of magnets and the first and second portions are shifted with respect to each other to transition the magnetic fastener between the closed state and the open state. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the first portion includes magnets and the first and second portions are shifted with respect to each other to transition the magnetic fastener between the closed state and the open state. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the elongated magnetic fastener has first and second strips of magnets. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the first and second strips of magnets are shifted with respect to each other to transition the magnetic fastener between the closed state and the open state. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the second strip of magnets includes a first set of magnets that is attracted to the first strip of magnets when the magnetic fastener is in the closed state. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the second strip of magnets includes a second set of magnets that is repelled from the first strip of magnets when the magnetic fastener is in the open state. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the elongated magnetic fastener includes at least one strip of magnets. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the elongated magnetic fastener has first and second strips of magnets, the apparatus includes a tab that is pulled to shift the first and second strips of magnets with respect to each other. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the elongated magnetic fastener has first and second strips of magnets, the apparatus includes a knob that is rotated to shift the first and second strips of magnets with respect to each other. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the elongated magnetic fastener has first and second strips of magnets, the apparatus includes an electrically controlled actuator that shifts the first and second strips of magnets with respect to each other. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the apparatus includes an input-output device that receives an input from a user, and control circuitry that controls the electrically controlled actuator in response to receiving the input from the user. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the first and second portions each have a plurality of magnets. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the first portion has a rotating shaft that supports the plurality of magnets in the first portion. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the body is shaped to form an item selected from the group consisting of a bag, a case, and a cover. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the seam follows a curved path and the elongated magnetic fastener follows the curved path. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the apparatus includes a hinge that supports the body portions as the body portions open and close along the seam. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the elongated magnetic fastener has first and second portions that are magnetically attracted to each other in the closed state and that are not magnetically attracted to each other in the open state. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, an elongated magnetic fastener for securing an opening in a body of an item, the elongated magnetic fastener is operable in an closed state that holds portions of the body together to close the opening along a seam in the body and is operable in an open state in which the portions of the body are not held together along the seam, including a first strip of magnets that runs along the seam, and a second strip of magnets that runs along the seam parallel to the first strip of magnets, the second strip of magnets includes a first set of magnets that attracts the first strip of magnets when the magnetic fastener is in the closed state and includes a second set of magnets that repels the first strip of magnets when the magnetic fastener is in the open state. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the magnetic fastener includes a track that captures the second strip of magnets, the track runs along the seam and the second strip of magnets is guided along the track while the second strip of magnets shifts position with respect to the first strip of magnets. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, at least part of the track is curved. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the body forms an enclosure that is part of an item selected from the group consisting of a bag, a case, and a cover. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, an enclosure is provided that includes a hinge, a body that has first and second portions coupled to the hinge, the first and second portions open and close along a seam in the body, and an elongated magnetic fastener that runs along the seam, the elongated magnetic fastener has a first strip of magnets and a second strip of magnets and the first and second strips of magnets shift with respect to each other to place the elongated magnetic fastener in an open state in which the second strip of magnets repels the first strip of magnets to open the magnetic fastener. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the elongated magnetic fastener has a first strip of magnets and a second strip of magnets and the first and second strips of magnets shift with respect to each other to place the elongated magnetic fastener in a closed state in which the second strip of magnets attracts the first strip of magnets to close the magnetic fastener. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the second strip of magnets includes a first set of magnets with magnetic poles oriented to produce magnetic fields in a first direction and includes a second set of magnets with magnetic poles oriented to produce magnetic fields in a second direction opposite the first direction. 
     The foregoing is merely illustrative and various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The foregoing embodiments may be implemented individually or in any combination.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20151214
Publication Date: 20220705
Grant Date: 20220705
Priority Date: 20141222
Inventors: Weber, Douglas J.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/1679", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1679", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T292/11", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C13/1069", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16B2/10", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16B1/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05C17/56", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C13/1069", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F7/021", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05C19/16", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05C17/56", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05C19/16", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1679", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16B2001/0035", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16B2/10", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F7/021", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T292/11", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C13/1069", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16B1/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16B2200/83", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 55085904