Adjustable magnetic snap fastener

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to adjustable magnetic snap fasteners.

2. Description of Prior Art

Magnetic snap fasteners have been used as closures for many years. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,722,126 and 5,933,926, issued to Reiter, entitled “Magnetic Snap Fasteners”, relate to magnetic snap fasteners of different configurations. These fasteners comprise a male and a female section which are magnetically coupled at a single position.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,453,294, issued to Morita, entitled “Engageable Article Using Permanent Magnet”, as reexamined and confirmed under Reexamination Certificate B1 4,453,294, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,021,891, also issued to Morita, entitled “Magnetic Lock Closure,” as reexamined and confirmed under Reexamination Certificate B2 4,021,891, relate to a magnetic closure wherein a solid projection on a first half of the closure engages a solid projection on a second half of the closure, which also contains a toroidal magnet. The Morita '294 and Morita '891 patents essentially describe the same product. Further, British Patent Specification No. 1,519,246, published Jul. 26, 1978, also discloses a magnetic closure. None of these patents for magnetic snap fasteners allow for multiple closed positions. Therefore, a user cannot make tighter or looser the article to which the fastener is attached.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a magnetic snap fastener that has at least two of either or both of its male and female sections, or its positive and negative sections, which when put into contact allow the fastener to be closed at more than one position.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a magnetic snap fastener that allows an article to which it is attached, to be fastened more loosely or tightly.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a magnetic snap fastener which can be easily fabricated for sale at a commercially reasonable price.

To those ends, the instant invention relates to a fastener having either a plurality of female magnetic snap sections or a plurality of male magnetic snap sections so that the male and female sections of the fastener may be fastened at any one of a number of possible positions. Alternatively, the fastener has either a plurality of positive magnetic snap sections or a plurality of negative magnetic snap sections which may be fastened at any one of a number of possible positions. These type fasteners are readily adjustable.

These and other advantages will become apparent from the detailed description and drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1

is a perspective view of an adjustable magnetic snap fastener in an open position attached to a shoe;

FIG. 1

a

is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of the magnetic snap fastener of the invention, having two female sections and two male sections, in open position;

FIG. 1

b

is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the magnetic snap fastener of the invention, having two female sections and one male section, in open position;

FIG. 1

c

is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of the magnetic snap fastener of the invention, having one female section and two male sections, in open position;

FIG. 1

d

is a cross-sectional view of one female section and one male section of the instant invention;

FIGS. 2

a

and

2

b

are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the magnetic ring of the first embodiment;

FIGS. 3

a

and

3

b

are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the base washer of the first embodiment;

FIGS. 3

c

and

3

d

are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the first and second base plates of the first embodiment;

FIGS. 4

a

,

4

b

, and

4

c

, are side views and a plan view, respectively, of the legs of the first embodiment;

FIGS. 5

a

and

5

b

are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the non-magnetic cover of the first embodiment;

FIGS. 6

a

and

6

b

are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the tubular stem of the first embodiment;

FIG. 7

is a cross-sectional view of one female section and one male section of another embodiment of the instant invention;

FIG. 8

is a cross-sectional view of one male section of the embodiment of

FIG. 7

attached to a piece of material;

FIGS. 9

a

and

9

b

are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the magnetic ring of the embodiment of

FIG. 7

;

FIGS. 10

a

and

10

b

are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the base washer of the embodiment of

FIG. 7

;

FIGS. 10

c

and

10

d

are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the first and second base plates of the embodiment of

FIG. 7

;

FIGS. 11

a

and

11

b

are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the non-magnetic cover of the embodiment of

FIG. 7

;

FIGS. 12

a

and

12

b

are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the tubular stems of the embodiment of

FIG. 7

;

FIG. 13

is a cross-sectional view of one female section and one male section of still another embodiment of the instant invention;

FIG. 14

is a cross-sectional view of one male section of the embodiment of

FIG. 13

attached to a piece of material;

FIGS. 15

a

and

15

b

are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the magnetic ring of the embodiment of

FIG. 13

;

FIGS. 16

a

and

16

b

are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the base washer of the embodiment of

FIG. 13

;

FIGS. 16

c

and

16

d

are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the first and second base plates of the embodiment of

FIG. 13

;

FIGS. 17

a

and

17

b

are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the non-magnetic cover of the embodiment of

FIG. 13

; and

FIGS. 18

a

and

18

b

are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the tubular stems of the embodiment of FIG.

13

.

FIG. 19

is a cross-sectional view of one female section and one male section of still another embodiment of the instant invention;

FIGS. 20

a

and

20

b

are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the magnetic ring of the embodiment of

FIG. 19

;

FIGS. 21

a

and

21

b

are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the base washer of the embodiment of

FIG. 19

;

FIGS. 21

c

and

21

d

are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the first and second base plates of the embodiment of

FIG. 19

;

FIGS. 22

a

and

22

b

are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the non-magnetic cover of the embodiment of

FIG. 19

;

FIGS. 23

a

and

23

b

are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the solid stems of the embodiment of

FIG. 19

;

FIG. 24

a

is a perspective view showing yet another embodiment of the instant invention, having two positive sections and two negative sections, in open position;

FIG. 24

b

is a cross-sectional view of one positive section and one negative section of the embodiment of

FIG. 24

a;

FIGS. 25

a

and

25

b

are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the magnetic rings of the embodiment of

FIG. 24

a;

FIGS. 26

a

and

26

b

are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the base washers of the embodiment of

FIG. 24

a;

FIGS. 26

c

and

26

d

are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the base plates of the embodiment of

FIG. 24

a;

FIGS. 27

a

and

27

b

are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the non-magnetic covers of the embodiment of

FIG. 24

a;

FIGS. 28

a

and

28

b

are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the tubular stems of the embodiment of

FIG. 24

a;

FIG. 29

is a perspective view showing an alternative version of the embodiment of

FIG. 24

a

having supplemental tubular stems between each of two positive sections and two negative sections.

FIG. 30

a

is a perspective view showing still another embodiment of the instant invention, having two female sections and two male sections with one cover plate encasing all female sections, in an open position;

FIG. 30

b

is a perspective view showing an alternative version of the embodiment of

FIG. 30

a

having multiple female sections and one male section;

FIG. 30

c

is a cross-sectional view of one female section and one male section of the embodiment of

FIG. 30

a;

FIGS. 31

a

and

31

b

are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the magnetic ring of the embodiment of

FIG. 30

a;

FIGS. 32

a

and

32

b

are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the first and second base plates of the embodiment of

FIG. 30

a;

FIGS. 33

a

,

33

b

, and

33

c

are side views and a plan view, respectively, of the legs of the embodiment of

FIG. 30

a;

FIGS. 34

a

and

34

b

are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the non-magnetic cover of the embodiment of

FIG. 30

a;

FIGS. 35

a

and

35

b

are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the tubular stems of the first embodiment;

FIG. 36

a

is a perspective view showing yet another embodiment of the instant invention, having multiple positive sections encased in one cover plate and multiple negative sections encased in a second cover plate, in an open position;

FIG. 36

b

is a cross-sectional view of one positive section and one negative section of the embodiment of

FIG. 36

a;

FIGS. 37

a

and

37

b

are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the magnetic rings of the embodiment of

FIG. 36

a;

FIGS. 38

a

and

38

b

are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the base plates of the embodiment of

FIG. 36

a;

FIGS. 39

a

and

39

b

are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the non-magnetic covers of the embodiment of

FIG. 36

a;

FIGS. 40

a

and

40

b

are a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the tubular stems of the embodiment of

FIG. 36

a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 and 1

a

show one preferred embodiment of the invention in which a plurality of female sections

3

of an adjustable magnetic snap fastener

1

are attached to a first base plate

8

to form female fastener

4

, which is attached to a first piece of material

2

a

, and a plurality of male sections

5

of an adjustable magnetic snap fastener

1

are attached to a second base plate

21

to form male fastener

6

, which is attached to a second piece of material

2

b

. As shown in

FIG. 1

b

, the invention alternatively may have multiple female sections

3

and one male section

5

. As shown in

FIG. 1

c

, in another alternative, the invention may comprise one female section

3

and multiple male sections

5

. If more than one of each of the female sections

3

and male sections

5

are used, the distance between each consecutive pair of female sections

3

preferably is equal, and the distance between each consecutive pair of male sections

5

preferably is equal to the distance between each of consecutive pair of female sections

3

.

Referring to

FIG. 1

d

, one female section

3

and one male section

5

of the first preferred embodiment of magnetic snap fastener

1

are shown separated from one another. Each female section

3

and each male section

5

is adapted so that any female section

3

and any male section

5

may mate so as to form a complete fastener.

Each female section

3

includes a base washer

7

with first side

7

a

, opposite facing second side

7

b

and central hole

7

c

. First base plate

8

has a first side

8

a

and a second side

8

b

, and for each female section

3

attached to first base plate

8

, there is a corresponding hole

8

c

through base plate

8

substantially axially aligned with central hole

7

c

of that particular female section

3

. Tubular stem

9

is circular in cross-section and in one embodiment has a central hole

9

c

. Tubular stem

9

also has a wide diameter section

9

a

and a narrow diameter section

9

b

and is insertable into the hole

7

c

in base washer

7

from base washer first side

7

a

, and also is insertable into the corresponding hole

8

c

in first base plate

8

from base plate first side

8

a

. The distal end of the narrow diameter section

9

b

is rolled over to affix first side

8

a

of first base plate

8

adjacent to the second side

7

b

of base washer

7

, separated only by the width of continuous flange

15

d

described below, and attachment legs

11

adjacent to second side

8

b

of base plate

8

. Desirably, the legs

11

are not rigidly secured so as to allow them to be rotatable 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

7

a

of base washer

7

by non-magnetic cover

15

, which has a top

15

a

and a side wall

15

b

. Flange

15

c

helps contain magnetic ring

13

in place within the cover

15

and continuous flange

15

d

holds the cover in place relative to base washer

7

. Desirably, continuous flange

15

d

is used to hold the cover

15

in place, because it is more secure than if discrete prongs or tabs are used to form a peripheral flange. Non-magnetic cover

15

may be made of brass to enhance the appearance of the fastener. Desirably also, flange

15

d

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

13

a

larger than the outside diameter of the wide diameter section

9

a

of tubular stem

9

. Since tubular stem

9

and non-magnetic cover

15

have central holes

9

c

and

15

e

, respectively, they are substantially axially aligned with central hole

7

c

of base washer

7

and corresponding hole

8

c

of first base plate

8

.

Turning now to male sections

5

of magnetic snap fastener

1

, it is seen that second tubular stem

19

connects second base plate

21

to attachment legs

23

in a manner similar to that used in connection with each female section

3

. Here again, in this embodiment, second tubular stem

19

has a central hole

19

a

that is substantially axially aligned with a corresponding hole

21

a

of second base plate

21

. The attachment legs

23

desirably are not rigidly secured so that they are rotatable with respect to second base plate

21

.

As is clear from

FIGS. 1

a

through

1

d

, second tubular stem

19

of one male section

5

is insertable into hole

15

e

of non-magnetic cover

15

of one female section

3

. 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

2

a

and

2

b

. Thus, the two pieces of material

2

a

and

2

b

are attached when one female section

3

and one male section

5

are snapped together.

FIGS. 2

a

and

2

b

show a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the magnetic ring

13

.

FIGS. 3

a

and

3

b

show a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the base washer

7

.

FIGS. 3

c

and

3

d

show a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of both the first and second base plates

8

and

21

.

FIGS. 4

a

,

4

b

, and

4

c

show side views and a plan view, respectively, of both the legs

11

and

23

.

FIGS. 5

a

and

5

b

show a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the non-magnetic cover

15

.

FIGS. 6

a

and

6

b

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 legs and tubular stems are identical on both the female and male sections of the fastener. If the number of female sections is equal to the number of male sections, both base plates also are identical. This reduces the number of different parts needed to make a complete assembly. The axially aligned holes in the components may serve as a distinguishing feature of products made in accordance with the invention.

It is important that each of the openings are in axial alignment. Thus, when a female section

3

and a male section

5

are magnetically attached to one another, central holes

7

c

,

9

c

,

13

a

,

15

e

, and

19

a

of the female section

3

and the male section

5

, as well as corresponding holes

8

c

and

21

a

of base plates

8

and

21

, 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. However, the size of the hole is within the level of ordinary skill in the art.

Another preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a female fastener and a male fastener that may be attached to pieces of material using rolled rivets instead of legs. Referring to

FIG. 7

, one female section

103

and one male section

105

of this preferred embodiment of magnetic snap fastener

101

are shown separated from one another. Each female section

103

and each male section

105

is adapted so that any female section

103

and any male section

105

may mate to form a complete snap fastener. Magnetic snap fastener

101

is a rolled rivet type of fastener.

Each female section

103

includes a base washer

107

with first side

107

a

, opposite facing second side

107

b

and central hole

107

c

. A first base plate

108

has a first side

108

a

and a second side

108

b

, and for each female section

103

attached to first base plate

108

, there is a corresponding hole

108

c

through base plate

108

substantially axially aligned with central hole

107

c

of that particular female section

103

. Tubular stem

109

is circular in cross section and has a wide diameter section

109

a

, a medium diameter section

109

b

, a narrow diameter section

109

c

, and a central hole

109

d

. Tubular stem

109

may be inserted into the central hole

107

c

from base washer first side

107

a

and into the corresponding hole

108

c

in first base plate

108

from base plate first side

108

a

. The distal end of the narrow diameter section

109

c

extends outward from first base plate

108

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 sections of the fastener to pieces of material. Rather, the sections of the fastener are attached by the rolled rivet connectors.

Magnetic ring

113

is held adjacent to first side

107

a

of base washer

107

by non-magnetic cover

115

, which has a top

115

a

and a side wall

115

b

. Flange

115

c

helps contain magnetic ring

113

in place within the cover

115

and continuous flange

115

d

holds the cover in place relative to base washer

107

. Magnetic ring

113

is toroidal in shape and has a central hole

113

a

larger than the outside diameter of the wide diameter section

109

a

of tubular stem

109

. In this embodiment, tubular stem

109

and non-magnetic cover

115

have central holes

109

d

and

115

e

, respectively, which are substantially axially aligned with hole

107

c

of base washer

107

and corresponding hole

108

c

of first base plate

108

.

Turning now to male sections

105

of magnetic snap fastener

101

it is seen that second tubular stem

119

, including wide section

119

a

, medium section

119

b

, and narrow section

119

c

, is insertable through a corresponding hole

121

a

of second base plate

121

in a manner similar to that used in connection with each female section

103

. Here again, in this embodiment, second tubular stem

119

has a central hole

119

d

that is substantially axially aligned with corresponding hole

121

a

of second base plate

121

. Moreover, as described in connection with female sections

103

, the distal end of narrow diameter section

119

c

extends outward from second base plate

121

to engage second attachment washer

123

, as shown more clearly in FIG.

8

and as discussed below.

FIG. 8

shows one male section

105

attached to a piece of material

125

held between second base plate

121

and second attachment washer

123

. As seen in

FIG. 8

, tubular stem

119

has section

119

e

rolled over to hold attachment washer

123

in place. Each female section

103

is attached to a piece of material in a similar manner. Thus, the mating of one female section

103

and one male section

105

results in attachment of the two pieces of material.

FIGS. 9

a

and

9

b

show a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the magnetic ring

113

.

FIGS. 10

a

and

10

b

show a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the base washer

107

.

FIGS. 10

c

and

10

d

show a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of both the first and second base plates

108

and

121

.

FIGS. 11

a

and

11

b

show a top view and side cut-away view, respectively, of the non-magnetic cover

115

.

FIGS. 12

a

and

12

b

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 on the male and female sides so as to provide for easy assembly and to reduce the cost of the finished product.

Still another preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises female sections and male sections that may be attached to pieces of material using Kwik-rivet connectors. Referring to

FIG. 13

, one female section

203

and one male section

205

of this preferred embodiment of magnetic snap fastener

201

are shown separated from one another. Each female section

203

and each male section

205

is designed so that any female section

203

and any male section

205

may unite to form a magnetic snap fastener of the Kwik-rivet style.

Each female section

201

includes a base washer

207

with first side

207

a

, oppositely facing second side

207

b

, and central hole

207

c

. First base plate

208

has a first side

208

a

and a second side

208

b

, and for each female section

203

attached to first base plate

208

, there is a corresponding hole

208

c

through base plate

208

substantially axially aligned with central hole

207

c

of that particular female section

203

. Tubular stem

209

, which is circular in cross-section and which has a wide diameter section

209

a

, a medium diameter section

209

b

, and a narrow diameter section

209

c

, is insertable into the central hole

207

c

from base washer first side

207

a

and into the corresponding hole

208

c

in first base plate

208

from base plate first side

208

a

. The distal end of the narrow diameter section

209

c

extends outward from first base plate

208

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 sections of the fastener to the pieces of material. Rather, the sections of the fastener 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

207

a

of first base washer

207

by non-magnetic cover

215

, which has a top

215

a

and a side wall

215

b

. Flange

215

c

helps contain magnetic ring

213

in place within the cover

215

and continuous flange

215

d

holds the cover in place relative to base washer

207

. Magnetic ring

213

is toroidal in shape and has a central hole

213

a

larger than the outside diameter of the wide diameter section

209

a

of tubular stem

209

. In this embodiment, tubular stem

209

and non-magnetic cover

215

have central holes

209

d

and

215

e

, respectively, which are substantially axially aligned with hole

207

c

of base washer

207

and corresponding hole

208

c

of first base plate

208

.

Turning now to male sections

205

of magnetic snap fastener

201

, it is seen that second tubular stem

219

, including wide section

219

a

, medium section

219

b

, and narrow section

219

c

, is insertable through a corresponding hole

221

a

of second base plate

221

in a manner similar to that used in connection with each female section

203

. Here again, in this embodiment, second tubular stem

219

has a central hole

219

d

that is substantially axially aligned with central hole

221

a

of second base plate

221

. Moreover, as described in connection with female sections

203

, the distal end of narrow diameter section

219

c

extends outward from second base plate

221

to engage second rivet cap

223

, as shown more clearly in FIG.

14

and as discussed below.

FIG. 14

shows one male section

205

attached to a piece of material

225

held between second base plate

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 to the inside of the second rivet cap

223

to hold material

225

. Each female section

203

is attached to a piece of material in a similar manner.

FIGS. 15

a

and

15

b

show a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the magnetic ring

213

.

FIGS. 16

a

and

16

b

show a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the base washer

207

.

FIGS. 16

c

and

16

d

show a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of both the first and second base plates

208

and

221

.

FIGS. 17

a

and

17

b

show a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the non-magnetic cover

215

.

FIGS. 18

a

and

18

b

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 on the male and female sides for the reasons previously discussed.

In still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, each male section and each female section comprises solid stems instead of tubular stems. Although not shown, the stems may also be partially hollow. Referring to

FIG. 19

, one female section

303

and one male section

305

of this preferred embodiment of magnetic snap fastener

301

are shown separated from one another. Each female section

303

and each male section

305

is adapted so that any female section

303

and any male section

305

may mate to form a complete snap fastener.

Each female section

303

includes a base washer

307

with first side

307

a

, opposite facing second side

307

b

and central hole

307

c

. A first base plate

308

has a first side

308

a

and a second side

308

b

, and for each female section

303

attached to first base plate

308

, there is a corresponding hole

308

c

through base plate

308

substantially axially aligned with central hole

307

c

of that particular female section

303

. Solid stem

309

is circular in cross section and has a wide diameter section

309

a

and a narrow diameter section

309

b

. Solid stem

309

may be inserted into the central hole

307

c

from base washer first side

307

a

and into the corresponding hole

308

c

in first base plate

308

from base plate first side

308

a

. The distal end of the narrow diameter section

309

b

is flattened to widen the portion of narrow diameter section

309

b

that protrudes from second side

308

b

of first base washer

308

and thereby affix first side

308

a

of first base plate

308

adjacent to the second side

307

b

of base washer

307

, separated only by the width of continuous flange

315

d

described below, and attachment legs

311

adjacent to second side

308

b

of base plate

308

. Desirably, the legs

311

are not rigidly secured with respect to base washer

307

.

Magnetic ring

313

is held adjacent to first side

307

a

of base washer

307

by non-magnetic cover

315

, which has a top

315

a

and a side wall

315

b

. Flange

315

c

helps contain magnetic ring

313

in place within the cover

315

and continuous flange

315

d

holds the cover in place relative to base washer

307

. Magnetic ring

313

is toroidal in shape and has a central hole

313

a

larger than the outside diameter of the wide diameter section

309

a

of solid stem

309

. Solid stem

309

is substantially axially aligned with central hole

315

e

of non-magnetic cover

315

, hole

307

c

of base washer

307

and corresponding hole

308

c

of first base plate

308

.

Turning now to male sections

305

of magnetic snap fastener

301

, it is seen that second solid stem

319

, including wide section

319

a

and narrow section

319

b

, connects second base plate

321

to attachment legs

323

in a manner similar to that used in connection with each female section

303

. Here again, second solid stem

319

is substantially axially aligned with corresponding hole

321

a

of second base plate

321

. The attachment legs

323

desirably are not rigidly secured.

FIGS. 20

a

and

20

b

show a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the magnetic ring

313

.

FIGS. 21

a

and

21

b

show a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the base washer

307

.

FIGS. 21

c

and

21

d

show a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of both the first and second base plates

308

and

321

.

FIGS. 22

a

and

22

b

show a top view and side cut-away view, respectively, of the non-magnetic cover

315

.

FIGS. 23

a

and

23

b

show a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of both the solid stems

309

and

319

. Once again, several of these components are identical on the male and female sides so as to provide for easy assembly and to reduce the cost of the finished product. This embodiment of the invention alternatively may comprise either type of attachment means employed in connection with the embodiments described above, e.g., rolled rivets or Kwik-rivet connectors, instead of legs, to attach the fastener to pieces of material.

Yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a positive fastener and a negative fastener, each of which comprises one or more magnetic sections.

FIG. 24

a

is a perspective drawing of one positive fastener

404

comprising multiple positive magnetic sections

403

, and one negative fastener

406

comprising multiple negative magnetic sections

405

. Alternatively, the invention comprises multiple positive magnetic sections and one negative magnetic section, or multiple negative magnetic sections and one positive magnetic section. If more than one of each of the positive magnetic sections

403

and negative magnetic sections

405

are used, the distance between each consecutive pair of positive sections

403

preferably is equal, and the distance between each consecutive pair of negative sections

405

preferably is equal to the distance between each of consecutive pair of positive sections

403

.

FIG. 24

b

shows one positive magnetic section

403

and one negative magnetic section

405

of this preferred embodiment of magnetic snap fastener

401

. Each positive section

403

is attracted to each negative section

405

.

Each positive section

403

includes a first base washer

407

with first side

407

a

, opposite facing second side

407

b

and central hole

407

c

. First base plate

408

has a first side

408

a

and a second side

408

b

, and for each positive section

403

attached to first base plate

408

, there is a corresponding hole

408

c

through base plate

408

substantially axially aligned with central hole

407

c

of that particular positive section

403

. First tubular stem

409

is circular in cross-section and has a central hole

409

c

. Tubular stem

409

may be solid, hollow or partially hollow. Tubular stem

409

also has a wide diameter section

409

a

and a narrow diameter section

409

b

and is insertable into the hole

407

c

in first base washer

407

from base washer first side

407

a

, and also is insertable into the corresponding hole

408

c

in first base plate

408

from base plate first side

408

a

. The distal end of the narrow diameter section

409

b

is rolled over to affix first side

408

a

of first base plate

408

adjacent to the second side

407

b

of first base washer

407

, separated only by the width of continuous flange

415

d

described below, and attachment legs

411

adjacent to second side

408

b

of first base plate

408

. Desirably, the legs

411

are not rigidly secured.

First magnetic ring

413

is toroidal in shape and has a central hole

413

a

larger than the outside diameter of the wide diameter section

409

a

of first tubular stem

409

. First magnetic ring

413

has positively poled side

413

b

and negatively poled side

413

c

. Negatively poled side

413

c

of magnetic ring

413

is held adjacent to first side

407

a

of first base washer

407

by first non-magnetic cover

415

, which has a top

415

a

and a side wall

415

b

. Flange

415

c

helps contain first magnetic ring

413

in place within the cover

415

and continuous flange

415

d

holds the cover in place relative to first base washer

407

. Since first tubular stem

409

and first non-magnetic cover

415

have central holes

409

c

and

415

e

, respectively, they are substantially axially aligned with central hole

407

c

of first base washer

407

and corresponding hole

408

c

of first base plate

408

.

Each negative section

405

includes a second base washer

417

with first side

417

a

, opposite facing second side

417

b

and central hole

417

c

. Second base plate

418

has a first side

418

a

and a second side

418

b

, and for each negative section

405

attached to second base plate

418

, there is a corresponding hole

418

c

through base plate

418

substantially axially aligned with central hole

417

c

of that particular negative section

405

. Second tubular stem

419

is circular in cross-section and has a central hole

419

c

. Of course, tubular stem

419

may be solid, hollow or partially hollow. Tubular stem

419

also has a wide diameter section

419

a

and a narrow diameter section

419

b

and is insertable into the hole

417

c

in second base washer

417

from base washer first side

417

a

, and also is insertable into the corresponding hole

418

c

in second base plate

418

from base plate first side

418

a

. The distal end of the narrow diameter section

419

b

is rolled over to affix first side

418

a

of second base plate

418

adjacent to the second side

417

b

of second base washer

417

, separated only by the width of continuous flange

425

d

described below, and attachment legs

421

adjacent to second side

418

b

of second base plate

418

. The legs

421

desirably are not rigidly secured to second base washer

417

.

Second magnetic ring

423

is toroidal in shape and has a central hole

413

a

larger than the outside diameter of the wide diameter section

419

a

of second tubular stem

419

. Second magnetic ring

423

has positively poled side

423

b

and negatively poled side

423

c

. Positively poled side

423

b

of magnetic ring

423

is held adjacent to first side

417

a

of second base washer

417

by second non-magnetic cover

425

, which has a top

425

a

and a side wall

425

b

. Flange

425

c

helps contain second magnetic ring

423

in place within the cover

425

and continuous flange

425

d

holds the cover in place relative to second base washer

417

. Since second tubular stem

419

and second non-magnetic cover

425

have central holes

419

c

and

425

e

, respectively, they are substantially axially aligned with central hole

417

c

of second base washer

417

and corresponding hole

418

c

of second base plate

418

.

The only difference between each positive magnetic section

403

and each negative magnetic section

405

is the orientation of the magnetic rings

413

and

423

. Therefore, when positive fastener

404

is brought into close proximity with negative fastener

406

, the positively poled side

413

b

of one or more magnetic sections

403

is magnetically attracted to the negatively poled side

423

c

of one or more magnetic sections

405

, and positive fastener

404

and negative fastener

406

thus are joined. The fasteners may be joined at any position at which the top

415

a

of at least one first non-magnetic cover

415

is in full contact with the top

425

a

of at least one second non-magnetic cover

425

. Of course, the terms positive and negative are relative, as the faces of the magnets have opposite polarity.

Legs

411

and

421

may, of course, be attached to two respective pieces of material

402

a

and

402

b

. Thus, the two pieces of material

402

a

and

402

b

are attached when one positive section

403

and one negative section

405

are joined.

FIGS. 25

a

and

25

b

show a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of magnetic rings

413

and

423

.

FIGS. 26

a

and

26

b

show a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of base washers

407

and

417

.

FIGS. 26

c

and

26

d

show a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of base plates

408

and

418

.

FIGS. 27

a

and

27

b

show a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of non-magnetic covers

415

and

425

.

FIGS. 28

a

and

28

b

show a top view and side cut-away view, respectively, of tubular stems

409

and

419

.

It is a particular feature of this embodiment of the invention that all parts, except in some instances the base plates

408

and

418

, are identical on both the positive and negative magnetic sections of the fastener. If the number of female sections is equal to the number of male sections, both base plates also are identical. This reduces the number of different parts needed to make a complete assembly.

FIG. 29

shows an alternative version of this embodiment of the invention. Supplemental tubular stems may be added between one or more adjacent pairs of positive magnetic sections or negative magnetic sections. In

FIG. 29

, positive fastener

454

contains one supplemental tubular stem

459

between adjacent positive magnetic sections

453

, and negative fastener

456

contains one supplemental tubular stem

460

between adjacent magnetic sections

455

.

Other than the addition of the supplemental tubular stems

459

and

460

, positive fastener

454

is identical to positive fastener

404

, and negative fastener

456

is identical to negative fastener

406

. Supplemental tubular stems

459

and

460

are identical to tubular stems

409

and

419

and are attached to base plates

458

and

468

in the same manner that tubular stems

409

and

419

are attached to base plates

408

and

418

, respectively. Supplemental tubular stems

459

and

460

may be solid, hollow or partially hollow. The attractive magnetic force between any positive magnetic section

453

and any supplemental tubular stem

460

of negative fastener

456

, as well as the attractive magnetic force between any negative magnetic section

455

and any supplemental tubular stem

459

of positive fastener

454

, allows positive fastener

454

and negative fastener

456

to be joined at intermediary positions, i.e., halfway between the centers of magnetic rings.

These embodiments of the invention, with or without the supplemental tubular stems, alternatively may comprise any of the attachment means described above, e.g., rolled rivets or Kwik-rivet connectors, instead of legs to attach the fastener to pieces of material.

In still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, again comprising female and male fasteners, instead of each female magnetic snap section having its own non-magnetic cover, one non-magnetic cover encases the entire female fastener.

FIG. 30

a

shows one version of this embodiment of the invention, in which a plurality of female sections

503

of an adjustable magnetic snap fastener

501

are attached to a first base plate

507

and covered by a non-magnetic cover

515

to form female fastener

504

, which is attached to a first piece of material

502

a

, and a plurality of male sections

505

of an adjustable magnetic snap fastener

501

are attached to a second base plate

521

to form male fastener

506

, which is attached to a second piece of material

502

b

. As shown in

FIG. 30

b

, the invention alternatively may have multiple female sections

503

and one male section

505

. The distance between each consecutive pair of female sections

503

preferably is equal, and the distance between each consecutive pair of male sections

505

preferably is equal to the distance between each pair of female sections

503

.

Referring to

FIG. 30

c

, one female section

503

and one male section

505

of this preferred embodiment of magnetic snap fastener

501

are shown separated from one another. Each female section

503

and each male section

505

is adapted so that any female section

503

and any male section

505

may mate so as to form a complete fastener.

Each magnetic ring

513

of female fastener

504

is held adjacent to first side

507

a

of base plate

507

by non-magnetic cover

515

, which has a top

515

a

and a side wall

515

b

. A plurality of flanges

515

c

, equal to the number of female sections

503

, help contain magnetic rings

513

in place within the cover

515

. Each flange

515

c

defines a central hole

515

e

. Continuous flange

515

d

holds the cover in place relative to base plate

507

. desirably, continuous flange

515

d

is used to hold the cover

515

in place, because it is more secure than if discrete prongs or tabs are used to form a peripheral flange. Desirably also, flange

515

d

is continuous about the periphery of cover

515

so that the cover is not easily removable and lies flat against the piece of material. Magnetic ring

513

is toroidal in shape and has a central hole

513

a

larger than the outside diameter of the wide diameter section

509

a

of tubular stem

509

. Central holes

509

c

and

515

e

of each tubular stem

509

and of non-magnetic cover

515

, respectively, are substantially axially aligned with a corresponding hole

507

c

of first base plate

507

.

Each magnetic ring

513

of female fastener

504

is held adjacent to first side

507

a

of base plate

507

by non-magnetic cover

515

, which has a top

515

a

and a side wall

515

b

. A plurality of flanges

515

c

, equal to the number of female sections

503

, help contain magnetic rings

513

in place within the cover

515

. Each flange

515

c

defines a central hole

515

e

. Continuous flange

15

d

holds the cover in place relative to base plate

507

. Desirably, continuous flange

515

d

is used to hold the cover

515

in place, because it is more secure than if discrete prongs or tabs are used to form a peripheral flange. Desirably also, flange

515

d

is continuous about the periphery of cover

515

so that the cover is not easily removable and lies flat against the piece of material. Magnetic ring

513

is toroidal in shape and has a central hole

513

a

larger than the outside diameter of the wide diameter section

509

a

of tubular stem

509

. Central holes

509

c

and

515

e

of each tubular stem

509

and of non-magnetic cover

515

, respectively, are substantially axially aligned with a corresponding hole

507

c

of first base plate

507

.

Turning now to male sections

505

of magnetic snap fastener

501

, it is seen that second tubular stem

519

connects second base plate

521

to attachment legs

523

in a manner similar to that used in connection with each female section

503

. Here again, in this embodiment, second tubular stem

519

has a central hole

519

a

that is substantially axially aligned with a corresponding hole

521

a

of second base plate

521

. The attachment legs

523

desirably are not rigidly secured so that they are rotatable with respect to second base plate

521

.

As is clear from

FIGS. 30

a

through

30

c

, second tubular stem

519

of one male section

505

is insertable into one hole

515

e

of non-magnetic cover

515

corresponding to one female section

503

. Due to the force of the magnetic ring

513

, the male section

505

and female section

503

snap together. Legs

511

and

523

may, of course, be attached to two respective pieces of material

502

a

and

502

b

. Thus, the two pieces of material

502

a

and

502

b

are attached when one female section

503

and one male section

505

are snapped together.

FIGS. 31

a

and

31

b

show a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the magnetic ring

13

.

FIGS. 32

a

and

32

b

show a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of both the first and second base plates

507

and

521

.

FIGS. 33

a

,

33

b

, and

33

c

show side views and a plan view, respectively, of both the legs

511

and

523

.

FIGS. 34

a

and

34

b

show a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the non-magnetic cover

515

.

FIGS. 35

a

and

35

b

show a top view and side cut-away view, respectively, of both the tubular stems

509

and

519

. Again, the legs and tubular stems are identical on both the female and male sections of the fastener. If the number of female sections is equal to the number of male sections, both base plates also are identical. This reduces the number of different parts needed to make a complete assembly. The axially aligned holes in the components may serve as a distinguishing feature of products made in accordance with the invention.

Also as with other embodiments of the invention, each of the openings are in axial alignment. Thus, when a female section

503

and a male section

505

are magnetically attached to one another, central holes

509

c

,

513

a

,

515

e

, and

519

a

of the female section

503

and the male section

505

, as well as corresponding holes

507

c

and

521

a

of base plates

507

and

521

, form a straight path.

This embodiment of the invention alternatively may comprise any of the attachment means described above, e.g., rolled rivets or Kwik-rivet connectors, instead of legs to attach the fastener to pieces of material. Furthermore, the tubular stems may be replaced by solid stems.

Yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a positive fastener and a negative fastener, each of which comprises one or more magnetic sections; all of the positive magnetic sections are encased in one non-magnetic cover and all of the negative magnetic sections are encased in a second non-magnetic cover.

FIG. 36

a

is a perspective drawing of one positive fastener

604

comprising multiple positive magnetic sections

603

, and one negative fastener

606

comprising multiple negative magnetic sections

605

. Alternatively, the invention comprises multiple positive magnetic sections and one negative magnetic section, or multiple negative magnetic sections and one positive magnetic section. If more than one of each of the positive magnetic sections

603

and negative magnetic sections

605

are used, the distance between each consecutive pair of positive sections

603

preferably is equal, and the distance between each consecutive pair of negative sections

605

preferably is equal to the distance between each of consecutive pair of positive sections

603

.

FIG. 36

b

shows one positive magnetic section

603

and one negative magnetic section

605

of this preferred embodiment of magnetic snap fastener

601

. Each positive section

603

is attracted to each negative section

605

.

Each positive section

603

is attached to a first base plate

607

having first side

607

a

, opposite facing second side

607

b

and a plurality of central holes

607

c

, the number of which is equal to the number of positive sections

603

. Each positive section

603

has a first tubular stem

609

, which is circular in cross-section and has a central hole

609

c

. Tubular stems

609

may be solid, hollow or partially hollow. Each tubular stem

609

also has a wide diameter section

609

a

and a narrow diameter section

609

b

and is insertable into corresponding hole

607

c

in first base plate

607

from base plate first side

607

a

. The distal end of the narrow diameter section

609

b

is rolled over to affix attachment legs

611

adjacent to second side

607

b

of first base plate

607

. Desirably, the legs

611

are not rigidly secured.

Each positive section

603

also has a first magnetic ring

613

, which is toroidal in shape and has a central hole

613

a

larger than the outside diameter of the wide diameter section

609

a

of corresponding first tubular stem

609

. Each first magnetic ring

613

has positively poled side

613

b

and negatively poled side

613

c

. Negatively poled side

613

c

of magnetic ring

613

is held adjacent to first side

607

a

of first base plate

607

by first non-magnetic cover

615

, which has a top

615

a

and a side wall

615

b

. A plurality of flanges

615

c

, equal to the number of positive sections

603

, help contain first magnetic rings

613

in place within the cover

615

. Each flange

615

c

defines a central hole

615

e

. Continuous flange

615

d

holds the cover in place relative to first base plate

607

. Central holes

609

c

and

615

e

of each tubular stem

609

and of non-magnetic cover

615

, respectively, are substantially axially aligned with a corresponding hole

607

c

of first base plate

607

.

Each negative section

605

also has a second magnetic ring

623

, which is toroidal in shape and has a central hole

623

a

larger than the outside diameter of the wide diameter section

619

a

of corresponding second tubular stem

619

. Each second magnetic ring

623

has positively poled side

623

b

and negatively poled side

623

c

. Positively poled side

623

b

of magnetic ring

623

is held adjacent to first side

617

a

of second base plate

617

by second non-magnetic cover

625

, which has a top

625

a

and a side wall

625

b

. A plurality of flanges

625

c

, equal to the number of negative sections

605

, help contain second magnetic rings

623

in place within the cover

625

. Each flange

625

c

defines a central hole

625

e

. Continuous flange

625

d

holds the cover in place relative to second base plate

617

. Central holes

619

c

and

625

e

of each second tubular stem

619

and of second non-magnetic cover

625

, respectively, are substantially axially aligned with a corresponding hole

617

c

of second base plate

617

.

Each negative section

605

also has a second magnetic ring

623

, which is toroidal in shape and has a central hole

623

a

larger than the outside diameter of the wide diameter section

619

a

of corresponding second tubular stem

619

. Each second magnetic ring

623

has positively charged side

623

b

and negatively charged side

623

c

. Positively charged side

623

b

of magnetic ring

623

is held adjacent to first side

617

a

of second base plate

617

by second non-magnetic cover

625

, which has a top

625

a

and a side wall

625

b

. A plurality of flanges

625

c

, equal to the number of negative sections

605

, help contain second magnetic rings

623

in place within the cover

625

. Each flange

625

c

defines a central hole

625

e

. Continuous flange

625

d

holds the cover in place relative to second base plate

617

. Central holes

619

c

and

625

e

of each second tubular stem

619

and of second non-magnetic cover

625

, respectively, are substantially axially aligned with a corresponding hole

617

c

of second base plate

617

.

The only difference between each positive magnetic section

603

and each negative magnetic section

605

is the orientation of the magnetic rings

613

and

623

. Therefore, when positive fastener

604

is brought into close proximity with negative fastener

606

, the positively poled side

613

b

of one or more magnetic sections

603

is magnetically attracted to the negatively poled side

623

c

of one or more magnetic sections

605

, and positive fastener

604

and negative fastener

606

thus are joined. Of course, the terms positive and negative are relative, as the faces of the magnets have opposite polarity.

Legs

611

and

621

may, of course, be attached to two respective pieces of material

602

a

and

602

b

. Thus, the two pieces of material

602

a

and

602

b

are attached when one positive section

603

and one negative section

605

are joined.

FIGS. 37

a

and

37

b

show a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of magnetic rings

613

and

623

.

FIGS. 38

a

and

38

b

show a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of base plates

607

and

617

.

FIGS. 39

a

and

39

b

show a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of non-magnetic covers

615

and

625

.

FIGS. 40

a

and

40

b

show a top view and side cut-away view, respectively, of tubular stems

609

and

619

.

It is a particular feature of this embodiment of the invention that all parts, except in some instances the base plates

607

and

617

and non-magnetic covers

615

and

625

, are identical on both the positive and negative magnetic sections of the fastener. If the number of female sections is equal to the number of male sections, both base plates and both non-magnetic covers also are identical. This reduces the number of different parts needed to make a complete assembly.

This embodiment of the invention also may comprise supplemental tubular stems between one or more adjacent pairs of positive magnetic sections or negative magnetic sections, as described above. Furthermore, this embodiment alternatively may comprise any of the attachment means described above, e.g., rolled rivets or Kwik-rivet connectors, instead of legs to attach the fastener to pieces of material.

The invention has practical utility in adjustably fastening pieces of material such as straps for golf shoes, children's shoes, shoes for the elderly, bags, and the like.

The fasteners of the invention are easily finished such as by coating processes. In the embodiments having a hole through the rivet or stem of each male and female section, the closures may be threaded on a wire and rapidly processed. Additionally, when tubular stems are used, the fasteners may be easily assembled using automatic positioning devices because each part has a hole therethrough. 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 substantially detract from the magnetic attractive force provided by the magnetic ring. However, to the extent the magnetic attractive force is reduced by the holes in the rivets or stems, a magnet of greater strength, such as a Neodymium-Iron-Boron magnet, may be used.

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, instead of being attached to a base plate, each female section may be separately attached to the piece of material to be fastened, in which case the base plate simply is removed from the female fastener, and if legs are used to attach the female apparatus to the material, each pair of legs is attached directly to the base washer of one female section. Likewise, each male section may be separately attached to a piece of material, in which case the base plate is replaced by individual base washers in each male section, which may be identical to those used in each female section. Also, instead of the base plates being visible when the female fastener and/or male fastener are attached to the material, they may be embedded between two layers of the material so that only the non-magnetic covers of the female sections and the tubular stems of the male sections are visible. Furthermore, the tubular or solid stems may be replaced by hollow stems that are open at one end, that is, they are partially hollow but not solid. Also, the non-magnetic covers may be held in place relative to the base washers or base plates by discrete prongs or tabs instead of continuous flanges. Moreover, not every male and female or positive and negative section must have attachment means such as legs or rivets to attach the fasteners to pieces of material; instead, as few as one attachment means is required on each fastener portion. In addition, the male and female portions may be square or another shape and need not be circular as shown. Therefore, the embodiments shown and described are only illustrative, not restrictive.

Claims

1. An adjustable magnetic snap fastener for releasably connecting a first surface and a second surface, comprising:(a) a plurality of female sections, each female section having a first base washer defining a first hole substantially in the center of the first base washer; a magnetic ring defining a second hole substantially in the center of the magnetic ring; a non-magnetic cover plate defining a third hole substantially in the center of the cover plate and having a peripheral flange, the cover plate being mounted to the first base washer by the peripheral flange whereby the magnetic ring is held between the first base washer and the cover plate and whereby the first, second, and third holes are substantially axially aligned; and a first stem extending through the first and second holes; (b) a plurality of male sections, each male section having a second base washer defining a fourth hole substantially in the center of the second base washer; and a second stem extending through the fourth hole; (c) a first base plate having a firs: side and a second side; (d) a second base plate having a first side and a second side; (e) wherein the peripheral flange of each female section engages the first side of the first base plate and each first attachment means is connected to the second side of the first base plate; (f) wherein the second base washer of each male section engages the first side of the second base plate and each second attachment means is connected to the second side of the second base plate; (g) wherein at least one of the plurality of female sections has a first attachment means connected to the first base washer of said female section by the first stem of said female section and adapted for attachment to the first surface, and at least one of the plurality of male sections has a second attachment means connected to the second base washer of said male section by the second stem of said male section and adapted for attachment to the second surface; (h) wherein at least one of the plurality of female sections is attached to the first surface and all of the female sections are arranged in substantially a straight line, and at least one of the plurality of male sections is attached to the second surface and all of the male sections are arranged in substantially a straight line; and (i) whereby insertion of the second stem of one of the plurality of male sections into at least the second and third holes of one of the plurality of female sections creates a magnetic force which releasably connects said one female section and said one male section and hence the first and second surfaces attached to the first and second attachment means, respectively.
2. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 1, wherein the first base plate defines a plurality of first plate holes whereby the first stem of each female section extends through a corresponding one of the plurality of first plate holes and the first, second, and third holes of each female section are substantially axially aligned with the corresponding first plate hole, and the second base plate defines a plurality of second plate holes whereby the second stem of each male section extends through a corresponding one of the plurality of second plate holes and the fourth hole of each male section is substantially axially aligned with the corresponding second plate hole.
3. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 1, wherein the first stem of at least one of the plurality of female sections has a first stem hole substantially in the center thereof and the second stem of at least one of the plurality of male sections has a second stem hole substantially in the center thereof.
4. An adjustable magnetic snap fastener for releasably connecting a first surface and a second surface, comprising:(a) a plurality of female sections, each female section comprising a magnetic ring defining a first hole substantially in the center of the magnetic ring and a first stem extending through the first hole; (b) a first base plate having a first side and a second side and defining a plurality of first base plate holes, wherein the magnetic ring of each female section engages the first side of the first base plate and the first stem of each female section extends through one of the plurality of first base plate holes; (c) a non-magnetic cover plate defining a plurality of cover plate holes and having a peripheral flange, the cover plate being mounted to the first base plate by the peripheral flange whereby each of the magnetic rings is held between the first base plate and the cover plate and whereby the first hole and the first stem of each female section are substantially axially aligned with a corresponding first base plate hole and a corresponding cover plate hole; (d) a plurality of male sections, each male section comprising a second stem; (e) a second base plate having a first side and a second side and defining a plurality of second base plate holes, wherein the second stem of each male section extends through one of the plurality of second base plate holes; (f) wherein at least one of the plurality of female sections has a first attachment means connected to the first base plate by the first stem of said female section and adapted for attachment to the first surface, and at least one of the plurality of male sections has a second attachment means connected to the second base plate by the second stem of said male section and adapted for attachment to the second surface; (g) wherein the first base plate is attached to the first surface by at least one first attachment means, and the second base plate is attached to the second surface by at least one of the second attachment means; and (h) whereby insertion of the second stem of one of the plurality of male sections into at least the first hole of one of the plurality of female sections creates a magnetic force which releasably connects said one female section and said one male section and hence the first and second surfaces attached to the first and second attachment means, respectively.
5. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 4, wherein each first attachment means comprises a first pair of legs, and each second attachment means comprises a second pair of legs.
6. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 5, wherein each first pair of legs is mounted to the first base plate by the first stem of one of said female sections, and each second pair of legs is mounted to the second base plate by the second stem of one of said male sections.
7. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 4, wherein each first attachment means comprises a first attachment washer connectible to the first stem of one of said female sections, whereby the first surface is held between the first attachment washer and the first base plate, and each second attachment means comprises a second attachment washer connectible to the second stem of one of said male sections, whereby the second surface is held between the second attachment washer and the second base plate.
8. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 4, wherein each first attachment means comprises a first rivet cap connectible to a collapsible section of the first stem of one of said female sections, whereby the first surface is held between the first rivet cap and the first base plate, and each second attachment means comprises a second rivet cap connectible to a collapsible section of the second stem of one of said male sections, whereby the second surface is held between the second rivet cap and the second base plate.
9. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 4, wherein the first stem of at least one of the plurality of female sections has a first stem hole substantially in the center thereof and the second stem of at least one of the plurality of male sections has a second stem hole substantially in the center thereof.
10. An adjustable magnetic snap fastener for releasably connecting a first surface and a second surface, comprising:(a) a plurality of female sections, each female section having a first base washer defining a first hole substantially in the center of the first base washer; a magnetic ring defining a second hole substantially in the center of the magnetic ring; a non-magnetic cover plate defining a third hole substantially in the center of the cover plate and having a peripheral flange, the cover plate being mounted to the first base washer by the peripheral flange whereby the magnetic ring is held between the first base washer and the cover plate and whereby the first, second, and third holes are substantially axially aligned; and a first stem extending through the first and second holes; (b) a male section having a second base washer defining a fourth hole substantially in the center of the second base washer; and a second stem extending through the fourth hole; (c) a first base plate having a first side and a second side; (d) wherein the peripheral flange of each female section is positioned adjacent to the first side of the first base plate and each first attachment means is connected to the second side of the first base plate; (e) wherein at least one of the plurality of female sections has a first attachment means connected to the first base washer of said female section by the first stem of said female section and adapted for attachment to the first surface, and the male section has a second attachment means connected to the second base washer by the second stem and adapted for attachment to the second surface; (f) wherein at least one of the plurality of female sections is attached to the first surface, and the male section is attached to the second surface; and (g) whereby insertion of the second stem of the male section into at least the second and third holes of one of the plurality of female sections creates a magnetic force which releasably connects said one female section and said male section and hence the first and second surfaces attached to the first and second attachment means, respectively.
11. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 10, wherein the first base plate defines a plurality of first plate holes whereby the first stem of each female section extends through a corresponding one of the plurality of first plate holes and the first, second, and third holes of each female section are substantially axially aligned with the corresponding first plate hole.
12. An adjustable magnetic snap fastener for releasably connecting a first surface and a second surface, comprising:(a) a plurality of female sections, each female section having a magnetic ring defining a first hole substantially in the center of the magnetic ring and a first stem extending through the first hole; (b) a base plate having a first side and a second side and defining a plurality of base plate holes, wherein the magnetic ring of each female section engages the first side of the base plate and the first stem of each female section extends through one of the plurality of base plate holes; (c) a non-magnetic cover plate defining a plurality of cover plate holes and having a peripheral flange, the cover plate being mounted to the base plate by the peripheral flange whereby each of the magnetic rings is held between the base plate and the cover plate and whereby the first hole and the first stem of each female section are substantially axially aligned with a corresponding base plate hole and a corresponding cover plate hole; (d) a male section comprising a base washer defining a second hole substantially in the center of the base washer and a second stem extending through the second hole; (e) wherein at least one of the plurality of female sections has a first attachment means connected to the base plate by the first stem of said female section and adapted for attachment to the first surface, and the male section has a second attachment means connected to the base washer by the second stem and adapted for attachment to the second surface; (f) wherein the base plate is attached to the first surface by at least one first attachment means, and the base washer is attached to the second surface by the second attachment means; and (g) whereby insertion of the second stem of the male section into at least the first hole of one of the plurality of female sections creates a magnetic force which releasably connects said one female section and said male section and hence the first and second surfaces attached to the first and second attachment means, respectively.
13. A female portion of an adjustable magnetic snap fastener for releasably connecting a first surface to which the female portion of the adjustable magnetic snap fastener is attached and a second surface to which a male section of the adjustable magnetic snap fastener is attached, comprising a plurality of female sections, each female section comprising:a base washer defining a first hole substantially in the center of the base washer; a magnetic ring defining a second hole substantially in the center of the magnetic ring; a non-magnetic cover plate defining a third hole substantially in the center of the cover plate and having a peripheral flange, the cover plate being mounted to the base washer by the peripheral flange whereby the magnetic ring is held between the base washer and the cover plate and whereby the first, second, and third holes are substantially axially aligned; and a stem extending through the first and second holes; wherein at least one of the plurality of female sections has an attachment means affixed to the base washer of that female section by the stem of that female section and adapted for attachment to the first surface; a base plate having a first side and a second side; wherein the peripheral flange of each female section is positioned adjacent to the first side of the base plate and each attachment means is connected to the second side of the base plate; wherein at least one of the plurality of female sections is attached to the first surface and all of the female sections are arranged in substantially a straight line; and whereby insertion of the male section of the adjustable magnetic snap fastener into at least the second and third holes of one of the plurality of female sections creates a magnetic force which releasably connects said one female section and said male section and hence the first surface attached to the attachment means of the female portion of the adjustable magnetic snap fastener and the second surface attached to the male section of the magnetic snap fastener.
14. The female portion of the adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 13, wherein the base plate defines a plurality of plate holes whereby the stem of each female section extends through a corresponding one of the plurality of plate holes and the first, second, and third holes of each female section are substantially axially aligned with the corresponding plate hole.
15. The female portion of the adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 13, wherein the stem of at least one of the plurality of female sections has a stem hole substantially in the center thereof.
16. A female portion of an adjustable magnetic snap fastener for releasably connecting a first surface to which the female portion of the adjustable magnetic snap fastener is attached and a second surface to which a male section of the adjustable magnetic snap fastener is attached, comprising:(a) a plurality of female sections, each female section comprising a magnetic ring defining a first hole substantially in the center of the magnetic ring and a stem extending through the first hole; (b) a base plate having a first side and a second side and defining a plurality of base plate holes, wherein the magnetic ring of each female section engages the first side of the base plate and the stem of each female section extends through one of the plurality of base plate holes; (c) a non-magnetic cover plate defining a plurality of cover plate holes and having a peripheral flange, the cover plate being mounted to the base plate by the peripheral flange whereby each of the magnetic rings is held between the base plate and the cover plate and whereby the first hole and the stem of each female section are substantially axially aligned with a corresponding base plate hole and a corresponding cover plate hole; (d) wherein at least one of the plurality of female sections has an attachment means connected to the base plate by the stem of said female section and adapted for attachment to the first surface; (e) wherein the first base plate is attached to the first surface by at least one of the attachment means; and (f) whereby insertion of the male section of the adjustable magnetic snap fastener into at least the first hole of one of the plurality of female sections creates a magnetic force which releasably connects said one female section and said male section and hence the first surface attached to the attachment means of the female portion of the adjustable magnetic snap fastener and the second surface attached to the male section of the magnetic snap fastener.
17. The female portion of the adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 16, wherein each attachment means comprises a pair of legs.
18. The female portion of the adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 17, wherein each pair of legs is mounted to the base plate by the stem of one of said female sections.
19. The female portion of the adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 16, wherein each attachment means comprises an attachment washer connectible to the stem of one of said female sections, whereby the first surface is held between the attachment washer and the base plate.
20. The female portion of the adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 16, wherein each attachment means comprises a rivet cap connectible to a collapsible section of the stem of one of said female sections, whereby the first surface is held between the rivet cap and the base plate.
21. The female portion of the adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 16, wherein the stem of at least one of the plurality of female sections has a stem hole substantially in the center thereof.
22. An adjustable magnetic snap fastener for releasably connecting a first surface and a second surface, comprising:(a) a plurality of male sections, each male section having a stem; (b) a female section having a base washer defining a hole substantially in the center of the base washer; a magnetic ring defining a hole substantially in the center of the magnetic ring; and attachment means connected to the base washer; a non-magnetic cover plate defining a hole substantially in the center of the cover plate having flange means at its periphery, the cover plate being mounted to the base washer by the flange means whereby the holes in the base washer, the magnetic ring and the cover plate are substantially axially aligned; a second stem extending through the axially aligned holes; (c) a base plate for the male sections having a first side and a second side and attachment means connected to the second side of the base plate; (d) wherein the attachment means connected to the base plate of said male sections is adapted for attachment to the first surface, and the attachment means connected to the base washer of said female section is adapted for attachment to the second surface; (e) wherein the plurality of male sections is attached to the first surface and all of the male sections are arranged in substantially a straight line, and the female section is attached to the second surface; and (f) whereby insertion of the stem of one of the plurality of male sections into one of the axially aligned holes of the female section creates a magnetic force which releasably connects said one male section and said female section and hence the first and second surfaces attached to the first and second attachment means respectively.
23. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 22, wherein the base plate defines a plurality of first plate holes whereby the stem of each male section extends through a corresponding one of the plurality of plate holes.
24. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 22, wherein the stem of at least one of the plurality of male sections has a first stem hole substantially in the center thereof and the stem of the female section has a second stem hole substantially in the center thereof.
25. An adjustable magnetic snap fastener for releasably connecting a first surface and a second surface, comprising:(a) a female section having a base washer defining a first hole substantially in the center of the base washer; a magnetic ring defining a second hole substantially in the center of the magnetic ring; a non-magnetic cover plate defining a third hole substantially in the center of the cover plate and having a flange means at its periphery, the cover plate being mounted to the base washer by the flange means whereby the magnetic ring is held between the base washer and the cover plate and whereby the first, second, and third holes are substantially axially aligned; and a first stem extending through the first, second and third holes; (b) a plurality of male sections, the male sections having a non-magnetic base plate defining holes substantially therethrough; and a plurality of stems extending through the holes in the base plate; (c) first attachment means connected to one side of the base plate and adapted for attachement to the first surface; (d) second attachment means connected to the base washer of the female section by the first stem and adapted for attachment to the second surface; (e) wherein at least one of the plurality of male sections is attached to the first surface, and the female section is attached to the second surface; and (f) whereby insertion of one stem of the male section into at least the third hole of the female section creates a magnetic force which releasably connects said male section and said female section and hence the first and second surfaces attached to the first and second attachment means, respectively.
26. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 25, wherein the base plate defines a plurality of plate holes and whereby the stem of each male section extends through a corresponding one of the plurality of place holes.

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Foreign Referenced Citations (4)

Number	Date	Country
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Adjustable magnetic snap fastener

Information

Patent Number

Date Filed

Date Issued

Inventors

Original Assignees

Examiners

Agents

CPC

US Classifications

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US

International Classifications

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Abstract

Description

Claims

US Referenced Citations (17)

Foreign Referenced Citations (4)