The present invention generally relates to magnetic platforms and more specifically to magnetic attachment system for securing vessels to a shaker.
Existing laboratory vessel shakers may take time and work to attach flask holders to laboratory shaking or mixing platforms, and may require additional screws or tools. Current technology requires the vessel holder to be attached with the use of screws, nuts and/or other tools. The current system requires tools and hardware such as screws, nuts, bolts, etc. Tools and hardware are not readily available in the laborites that use shakers. In addition, the process of using these tools is time consuming.
It would be desirable to use magnetism to securely attach a vessel holder to a metallic shaker platform.
In one aspect of the present invention, a device for a vessel and a metal shaker platform includes a magnet; and an attachment mechanism adapted to retain the vessel to the magnet; wherein the magnet is adapted to magnetically attach to the platform, thereby releasably retaining the vessel to the platform.
In another aspect of the present invention, a magnetic attachment system for securing vessels to a shaker includes a vessel holder, adapted to retain the vessel; a magnet, adapted to magnetically attach to the shaker; and an attachment mechanism adapted to retain the holder to the magnet, thereby releasably retaining the vessel to the shaker.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of retaining a vessel to a metal shaker platform includes attaching a magnet to a holder for the vessel, thereby providing a holder assembly; holding the vessel with the holder assembly; and placing the holder assembly upon the platform so as to releasably retain the magnet to the platform.
The preferred embodiment and other embodiments, which can be used in industry and include the best mode now known of carrying out the invention, are hereby described in detail with reference to the drawings. Further embodiments, features and advantages will become apparent from the ensuing description, or may be learned without undue experimentation. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, except where otherwise indicated. The following description of embodiments, even if phrased in terms of “the invention” or what the embodiment “is,” is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but describes the manner and process of making and using the invention. The coverage of this patent will be described in the claims. The order in which steps are listed in the claims does not necessarily indicate that the steps must be performed in that order.
Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention generally provides a magnetic attachment system for securing flasks and other laboratory glassware, plastic ware and vessels to the form of a laboratory shaker or mixer.
An embodiment may secure flasks and other laboratory vessels to a shaking platform without the necessity to use additional screws or tools, with the use of magnetism to securely attach the vessel holder to a metallic shaker platform. Embodiments may reduce the time and work associated with the current systems for attaching flask holders to laboratory shaking or mixing platforms.
As depicted in the embodiment of
As depicted in the embodiment of
An embodiment of the present invention may utilize magnetic attraction to replace hardware and tools, and may be used in different formats regarding the placement of the magnet itself. The magnet may be an integral part of the vessel holder or clamp, or may be attached above or below the shaking platform.
Embodiments of the present invention may utilize magnets to attach a flask or vessel to a shaker platform. The vessel may be a flask, tube, laboratory vessel, or other container that is to be shaken. Embodiments may include a high powered magnet that may be secured to the vessel or to a vessel holder. A magnet may be screwed to the base of the vessel holder. The vessel holder may be securely fastened to a metallic, laboratory shaking or mixing platform by making contact between the magnet and the platform.
A person (for example, in a laboratory) may use embodiments of the invention to attach a flask or other vessels to a laboratory shaker or mixer platform. A user may attach a magnet to a holder for the vessel, to provide a holder assembly, hold the vessel with the holder assembly, and place the holder assembly upon the platform so as to releasably retain the magnet to the platform.
Embodiments may include a method of retaining a vessel to a shaker platform, comprising: providing a holder that includes magnetic material; holding the vessel with the holder; and utilizing magnetism to attach the magnetic material in the holder to the shaker platform, thereby retaining the vessel to the shaker platform.
This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Patent Application No. 61/356,221, filed Jun. 18, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
61356221 | Jun 2010 | US |