U.S. patent application number 11/030278 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-07 for apparatus and method for magnetically mounting an object to a sheet of material.
Invention is credited to Verbaas, Eugene Renee, Verbaas, Mary Ann.
Application Number | 20050144760 11/030278 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34713244 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050144760 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Verbaas, Eugene Renee ; et
al. |
July 7, 2005 |
Apparatus and method for magnetically mounting an object to a sheet
of material
Abstract
An apparatus for mounting an object, including functional
objects as well as ornamental objects, to an intermediate sheet of
material such as fabric or glass includes pieces that are
magnetically coupled through the intermediate material so that the
magnetically coupled pieces are securely and replaceably held
thereto. An object retainer is secured in any desired manner to at
least one of the magnetically coupled pieces. One or both of the
magnetically coupled pieces may be placed into forms for added
mechanical strength, ease of handling, distribution of force, or
protection to the intermediate material. A coating layer may be
placed on the retainer, on some or all of the magnetically coupled
pieces, or on the forms if used, either over the entirety thereof
or over selected surface areas.
Inventors: |
Verbaas, Eugene Renee;
(Chandler, AZ) ; Verbaas, Mary Ann; (Chandler,
AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALTERA LAW GROUP, LLC
6500 CITY WEST PARKWAY
SUITE 100
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55344-7704
US
|
Family ID: |
34713244 |
Appl. No.: |
11/030278 |
Filed: |
January 6, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60534918 |
Jan 7, 2004 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/3.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 5/02 20130101; B60R
11/00 20130101; Y10T 24/13 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
024/003.1 |
International
Class: |
A45F 005/02 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for mounting an object, comprising: a first
magnetically coupled section; a retainer for removably retaining
the object, the object retainer being disposed at the first
section; and a second magnetically coupled section; wherein at
least one of the first and second sections is permanently
magnetized for magnetically coupling to another of the first and
second sections; and wherein the first section and the object
retainer are visually inobtrusive relative to the object.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: the object comprises a corsage
having a stem section; the first section comprises an elongated
first metal plate having generally parallel first and second
surfaces; the second section comprises: a second metal plate; a
plurality of permanent magnets having first and second generally
parallel flat surfaces containing magnetic poles, the permanent
magnets being respectively coupled to the second magnetic plate by
the second surfaces thereof; and a nonmagnetizable form, the second
plate being embedded in the form and the permanent magnets being
partially embedded in the form with the first surfaces thereof
being coplanar and outside of the form for magnetically coupling to
the second surface of the first metal plate; and the object
retainer is a safety pin permanently attached to the first surface
of the first metal plate.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first
magnetically coupled section and the object retainer are alignable
relative to a footprint of the object.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein: the object comprises a corsage
having a stem section; the first section is an elongated body
alignable with the stem section of the corsage; and the object
retainer is a safety pin.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first magnetically coupled
section and the object retainer are small relative to the
object.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first magnetically coupled
section and the object retainer are camouflaged relative to the
object.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a first body and a
second body distinct from one another, the first body comprising
the first section and the second body comprising the second
section.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: the first section comprises a
surface and is integrated into a magnetized body; the second
section comprises a surface and is integrated into the magnetized
body; and the surfaces of the first and second sections are
opposing.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first section comprises
material other than digitally malleable metal.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first and
second sections is rigid.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first and
second sections is flexible.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first and
second sections is resilient.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the retainer comprises a
straight pin, a safety pin, a clamp, a screw holder, an adhesive,
an elastic band, a hanger, or at least one crimpable tab.
14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first and
second sections comprises a plurality of permanent magnets.
15. An apparatus for mounting an object, comprising: a first
magnetically coupled section; a retainer for the object, the object
retainer being disposed at the first section; and a second
magnetically coupled section; wherein at least one of the first and
second sections is permanently magnetized for magnetically coupling
to another one of the first and second sections; and wherein at
least one of the first and second sections comprises a unitary
permanent magnet having a "Y" shape, an "X" shape, a horseshoe
shape, or a loop shape.
16. An apparatus for mounting an object, comprising: a first
magnetically coupled section; a retainer for the object, the object
retainer being disposed at the first section; a second magnetically
coupled section; a third magnetically coupled section; and a form,
the second and third sections being disposed in the form; wherein
at least one of the first, second and third sections is permanently
magnetized for magnetically coupling to others of the first, second
and third sections.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the form has a "Y" shape, an
"X" shape, a horseshoe shape, or a loop shape.
18. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the second and third sections
comprise respective permanent magnets, the permanent magnets being
disposed in the form.
19. An apparatus for mounting an object, comprising: a first
magnetically coupled section; a retainer for the object, the object
retainer being disposed at the first section; a second magnetically
coupled section; and a coating covering at least part of the first
section, the second section, the retainer, or any combination
thereof; wherein at least one of the first and second sections is
permanently magnetized for magnetically coupling to another of the
first and second sections.
20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the coating comprises a
plastic layer, a rubber layer, a camouflage layer, an ornamental
design, or a picture.
21. An apparatus for mounting an object, comprising: a first
magnetically coupled section; a retainer for the object, the object
retainer being disposed at the first section; a light disposed at
the first section; and a second magnetically coupled section; and
wherein at least one of the first and second sections is
permanently magnetized for magnetically coupling to another of the
first and second sections.
22. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of
lights disposed at the first section for illuminating the
object.
23. An apparatus for mounting an object, comprising: a first
magnetically coupled section; a retainer for the object, the object
retainer being disposed at the first section; and a second
magnetically coupled section; wherein at least one of the first and
second sections is permanently magnetized for magnetically coupling
to another one of the first and second sections; and wherein at
least one of the first and second sections comprises a magnetically
coupled flexible or resilient material.
24. The apparatus of claim 23 further comprising the object, the
object being a picture, a piece of art, or a broach, wherein the
object is mounted to the first section by the object retainer.
25. An apparatus for mounting an object, comprising: a first
magnetically coupled section; a second magnetically coupled
section; and a container for the object disposed at the first
section; wherein at least one of the first and second sections is
permanently magnetized for magnetically coupling to another one of
the first and second sections.
26. An apparatus for mounting a first object and a second object,
comprising: a first magnetically coupled section; a first retainer
for the first object, the first object retainer being disposed at
the first section; a second magnetically coupled section; and a
second retainer for the second object, the second object retainer
being disposed at the second section; wherein at least one of the
first and second sections is permanently magnetized for
magnetically coupling to another of the first and second
sections.
27. An apparatus for mounting an object, comprising: a magnetized
body having a first magnetically coupled section comprising a first
surface and a second magnetically coupled section comprising a
second surface, the first and second surfaces being opposing; and a
retainer for the object, the object retainer being disposed at the
first section; wherein at least one of the first and second
sections is permanently magnetized for magnetically coupling to
another one of the first and second sections.
28. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the magnetized body is a
unitary permanent magnet.
29. An apparatus for mounting an object, comprising: first
magnetically coupled means; second magnetically coupled means,
wherein at least one of the first and second magnetically coupled
means is permanently magnetized; and means for retaining the object
to the first magnetically coupled means, disposed at the first
section.
30. A method of mounting an object on a sheet of material
comprising: placing a first magnetically coupled section on one
side of the sheet of material, the first section having an object
retainer; placing a second magnetically coupled section on another
side of the sheet of material, opposing the first magnetically
coupled section; bringing the first and second sections into
proximity following the placing steps to enable magnetic coupling,
wherein at least one of the first and second sections is
permanently magnetized for magnetically coupling to another one of
the first and second sections; and attaching the object to the
retainer, wherein the object visually obscures the retainer and the
first section.
31. The method of claim 30 wherein the sheet of material comprises
fabric, clothing, plastic, metal, glass, or skin.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent document claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/534,918 filed Jan. 7, 2004 (Verbaas et
al., Magnetic holder apparatus), which hereby is incorporated
herein in its entirety by reference thereto.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates generally to the mounting of an object
on a sheet of material, and more particularly to apparatus and
methods for magnetically mounting objects to sheets of
material.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Ornamental items such as corsages typically are displayed
from nonmetallic flexible material such as fabric, paper, and the
like. A variety of techniques are known for mounting ornamental
items to the material. Some of them rely solely on mechanical
means, while others use a combination of magnetic and mechanical
means.
[0006] Numerous exclusively mechanical approaches are used for
hanging ornamental items on clothing worn to cover the body. U.S.
Pat. No. 6,389,649 issued May 21, 2002 4(Metzler, Garment accessory
mounting device and method) discloses a sharpened "S" shaped member
used to spear a flower or other floral arrangement on one end, and
a garment hook on the opposite end to allow the mounting of the
arrangement on clothing. This approach requires either hooking onto
the edge of a garment or penetrating through the garment, which
results in mounting in an undesirable location or damage to the
garment, respectively.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,559,675 issued Dec. 24, 1985 (Devenny,
Corsage support) discloses a pair of elements having cooperative
shapes wherein the cooperative shapes clamp together through an
article of clothing. A held object, such as a corsage, is secured
to one of the elements thereby holding the object to the clothing.
However, the disclosed crimping mechanism requires deformation of
the material resulting in unsightly lines to be apparent in the way
the material hangs. Further, this crimping mechanism damages
delicate clothing.
[0008] Generally speaking, known nonmagnetic corsage holders have
disadvantages in the manner that they hold a corsage onto a piece
of fabric. Some corsage holders deform or damage clothing during
the process of mounting the corsage. Some corsage holders
insecurely hold the corsage, or are difficult to position and often
result in off-vertical axis orientation of the held object, or are
difficult to replaceably mount.
[0009] Many known devices use magnets for hanging items to metallic
surfaces. Examples of such magnetic holders may be found in, for
example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,155,523 issued Dec. 5, 2000 (Pitre,
Magnetic base holder), U.S. Pat. No. 5,274,937 issued Jan. 4,1994
(Birnbaum, Magnetic holder), U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,006 issued Jun.
22, 1993 (Plumlee, Magnetic article holder), and U.S. Pat. No.
4,830,321 issued May 16, 1989 (Kenji, Magnetic holder). However,
the disclosures of these patents concern using magnets to mount
something to a metallic surface. Fabric typically is non-metallic
and flexible.
[0010] Other devices are suitable for use with non-metallic
material. U.S. Pat. No. 5,031,777 issued Jul. 16, 1991 (Knox,
Magnetic holder for bows and similar accessories) discloses a
ferromagnetic holder used for displaying hair bows and other
accessories. Magnets are attached to the back side of a thin taut
fabric strip. Magnetic forces are exerted through the strip to hold
bows or other accessories that have ferromagnetic parts by magnetic
attraction to the outwardly facing side of the strip, so that the
attached items may be displayed in a display case or on a display
rack. The held item contains a ferromagnetic part on which the
magnetic forces may act.
[0011] Magnetic devices are known for attaching name tags to
clothing. U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,455 issued Dec. 28, 1999 (Miller,
Magnetic name-tag) discloses the use of a magnet to attach a name
tag label envelope to clothing through magnetic forces exerted by
the magnet from an inner surface of the clothing to a metal
containing name tag envelope placed on the outside of the clothing.
The name tag envelope has a transparent outer surface. A name tag
is placed into the envelope. Inasmuch as a name tag holder is light
and is not bulky, it may be held in place by a very simple
arrangement of magnetically coupled pieces.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a pictorial representation of a corsage and
boutonniere "clip" 10, which is available from Pinless of Sierra
Vista, Ariz., as product number 501. The clip 10 is characterized
as being a reusable super magnet that makes attaching a corsage
quick and does not damage the clothing. The clip 10 uses a single
rigid magnet 18 which is placed on the inside of a shirt or jacket
(not shown). A holder 11 having a metal base 16 with two extending
metal tabs 12 and 14 is attracted to the magnet 18 through the
shirt or jacket. The holder 11 is a single piece of metal, with the
metal tabs 12 and 14 being digitally malleable so that the tabs 12
and 14 may be mechanically deformed by a person's hand and bent
inward or crimped about a corsage stem to lock the corsage in
place. The metal tabs 12 and 14 are at the extreme edge of one end
of the metal base 16. U.S. Pat. No. 5,682,648 issued Nov. 4, 1997
(Miller, Flower attachment mechanism for clothing) discloses the
use of a cradle to secure flowers or other ornamentation onto
clothing. The cradle or holder partially encircles the flower stems
and has prongs which are inserted into the stems. The cradle
preferably is metallic and is placed on an exterior portion of the
clothing while a magnet is placed on an opposing location on an
interior portion of the clothing. Both approaches are
disadvantageous in that the holder is visually intrusive. It
extends beyond and around part of the ornamental object, and may
detract from the appearance thereof.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 6,260,749 issued Jul. 17, 2001 (Horovitz,
Small article holder including magnet means) discloses holders for
various functional objects such as eyeglasses and keys. The holder
is provided by the operational combination of a base member of a
selected appearance, wherein the base includes a magnetizable area
thereon. The holder is in cooperative combination with a permanent
magnet. Holding means are secured to the base member for holding a
desired small article thereto or therein. As the holder is visually
intrusive, the base member of the holding means appears to be
designed to approximately match the size and appearance of the
article it is intended to hold.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present invention has a number of advantages over the
related art. In some embodiments, one or more of the magnetically
coupled pieces are resilient or flexible to maintain strong
magnetic coupling even when the intervening material such as a
fabric is stressed or distorted. In other embodiments, one or more
of the magnetically coupled pieces includes multiple magnets, or
are given a shape and size, or are placed within a form for various
purposes such as, for example, to provide enhanced mechanical
strength, ease of handling, distribution of force, protection of
the intermediate material, or enhanced mechanical support for
keeping bulky objects such as, for example, a corsage, from
twisting away from a particular alignment. In other embodiments, a
retainer is disposed at one of the magnetically coupled pieces, and
both the retainer and the magnetically coupled piece are visually
inobtrusive with respect to the object to be mounted. Suitable
techniques include, for example, having one of or both the retainer
and the magnetically coupled piece camouflaged with respect to the
object to be mounted or with respect to the material to which the
object is to be mounted, or of a relatively small with respect to
the object to be mounted, or capable of being aligned with the
object to be mounted. In other embodiments, one or more of the
magnetically coupled pieces, or the retainer, or all pieces and the
retainer include a coating or coated portions to protect delicate
materials, which may be the intervening material or material in the
object being held. In some of its embodiments, the present
invention includes superior retainers for the object being held,
such as, for example, supports for preventing a boutonniere from
sagging or twisting.
[0015] Various embodiments of the present invention are suitable
for mounting an object to various types of sheets of material
(including multiple layers), such as, for example, fabric, paper,
glass, cardboard, wallboard, partitions, layered masses, composite
masses, laminates, and so forth. More particularly, two or more
pieces are magnetically coupled through the intermediate sheet of
material in a manner that securely yet replaceably mounts the
object to the material. At least one of the magnetic pair of pieces
includes a retainer for the object. An optional coating layer is
placed onto one or more of the magnetically coupled pieces, either
over the entire surfaces thereof or over selected surfaces (major
surfaces, edges, and so forth) thereof for any desired purposes,
such as to prevent damage to delicate clothing, to provide an
attractive appearance or a camouflaged appearance, to facilitate
handling by the user, to improve contact with the intermediate
material, or any combination of the foregoing and other purposes.
Some embodiments are suitable for mounting functional objects,
while other embodiments are suitable for mounting ornamental
objects.
[0016] One embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for
mounting an object, comprising a first magnetically coupled
section; a retainer for removably retaining the object, the object
retainer being disposed at the first section; and a second
magnetically coupled section. At least one of the first and second
sections is permanently magnetized for magnetically coupling to
another of the first and second sections, and the first section and
the object retainer are visually inobtrusive relative to the
object.
[0017] Another embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus
for mounting an object, comprising a first magnetically coupled
section; a retainer for the object, the object retainer being
disposed at the first section; and a second magnetically coupled
section. At least one of the first and second sections is
permanently magnetized for magnetically coupling to another one of
the first and second sections, and at least one of the first and
second sections comprises a unitary permanent magnet having a "Y"
shape, an "X" shape, a horseshoe shape, or a loop shape.
[0018] Another embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus
for mounting an object, comprising a first magnetically coupled
section; a retainer for the object, the object retainer being
disposed at the first section; a second magnetically coupled
section; a third magnetically coupled section; and a form. The
second and third sections are disposed in the form. At least one of
the first, second and third sections is permanently magnetized for
magnetically coupling to others of the first, second and third
sections.
[0019] Another embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus
for mounting an object, comprising a first magnetically coupled
section; a retainer for the object, the object retainer being
disposed at the first section; a second magnetically coupled
section; and a coating covering at least part of the first section,
the second section, the retainer, or any combination thereof. At
least one of the first and second sections is permanently
magnetized for magnetically coupling to another of the first and
second sections.
[0020] Another embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus
for mounting an object, comprising a first magnetically coupled
section; a retainer for the object, the object retainer being
disposed at the first section; a light disposed at the first
section; and a second magnetically coupled section. At least one of
the first and second sections is permanently magnetized for
magnetically coupling to another of the first and second
sections.
[0021] Another embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus
for mounting an object, comprising a first magnetically coupled
section; a retainer for the object, the object retainer being
disposed at the first section; and a second magnetically coupled
section. At. at least one of the first and second sections is
permanently magnetized for magnetically coupling to another one of
the first and second sections, and at least one of the first and
second sections comprises a magnetically coupled flexible or
resilient material.
[0022] Another embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus
for mounting an object, comprising a first magnetically coupled
section, a second magnetically coupled section, and a container for
the object disposed at the first section. At. least one of the
first and second sections is permanently magnetized for
magnetically coupling to another one of the first and second
sections.
[0023] Another embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus
for mounting a first object and a second object, comprising a first
magnetically coupled section; a first retainer for the first
object, the first object retainer being disposed at the first
section; a second magnetically coupled section; and a second
retainer for the second object, the second object retainer being
disposed at the second section. At least one of the first and
second sections is permanently magnetized for magnetically coupling
to another of the first and second sections.
[0024] Another embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus
for mounting an object, comprising a magnetized body having a first
magnetically coupled section comprising a first surface and a
second magnetically coupled section comprising a second surface,
the first and second surfaces being opposing; and a retainer for
the object, the object retainer being disposed at the first
section. At least one of the first and second sections is
permanently magnetized for magnetically coupling to another one of
the first and second sections.
[0025] Another embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus
for mounting an object, comprising first magnetically coupled
means; second magnetically coupled means, wherein at least one of
the first and second magnetically coupled means is permanently
magnetized; and means for retaining the object to the first
magnetically coupled means, disposed at the first section.
[0026] Another embodiment of the present invention is a method of
mounting an object on a sheet of material comprising placing a
first magnetically coupled section on one side of the sheet of
material, the first section having an object retainer; placing a
second magnetically coupled section on another side of the sheet of
material, opposing the first magnetically coupled section; bringing
the first and second sections into proximity following the placing
steps to enable magnetic coupling, wherein at least one of the
first and second sections is permanently magnetized for
magnetically coupling to another one of the first and second
sections; and attaching the object to the retainer, wherein the
object visually obscures the retainer and the first section.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective diagram of a prior art magnetic
corsage holder.
[0028] FIG. 2 through FIG. 8 are schematic diagrams of various
apparatus for mounting an object to a sheet of material, in
accordance with the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 9 through FIG. 16 are side plan views of various
apparatus for mounting an object to a sheet of material, in
accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION, INCLUDING THE BEST MODE
[0030] An apparatus for mounting an object to a sheet of material
has two components, namely a mechanical component and a magnetic
component. The mechanical component is designed for mechanically
fastening to items, and preferably is optimized for mechanically
fastening to one or several specific types of items. An example
would be a pin, hook, prong or clamp specifically optimized for
engaging an ornamental item such as a corsage, boutonniere, piece
of art, decoration, or other ornamental piece. The magnetic
component is of a material or materials suitable both for
establishing a magnetic field and for forming a magnetic field
path, and with which the mechanical component may be integrated in
any convenient manner. The magnetic component includes a first
section with which the mechanical component is integrated, and a
second section that in use is spaced away from the first section by
the thickness of an intermediate material through which the
magnetic field path passes. The mechanical component and the first
section of the magnetic components may be distinct pieces, or may
be formed from the same material body. The first and sections of
the magnetic component may be separate and distinct pieces, or part
of the same piece.
[0031] Various examples of mounting apparatus are schematically
shown in FIG. 2 through FIG. 9. FIG. 2 shows an example of a object
mounting device 20 in which the magnetic component includes a
magnet 22 and a magnetizable plate 26, the magnet 22 being
magnetically coupled in use to the plate 26 through fabric 24. The
magnet 22 has a magnetic dipole that is parallel to the fabric 24.
A suitable mechanical component 28 is mechanically coupled to the
plate 26. FIG. 3 shows an example of a object mounting device 30 in
which the magnetic component includes a magnet 32 and a
magnetizable plate 36, the magnet 32 being magnetically coupled in
use to the plate 36 through fabric 34. The magnetic dipole of the
magnet 32 is perpendicular to the fabric 34. A suitable mechanical
component 38 is mechanically coupled to the plate 36. FIG. 4 shows
an example of a object mounting device 40 in which the magnetic
component includes a magnetizable plate 42 and a magnet 46, the
magnet 46 being magnetically coupled in use to the plate 42 through
fabric 44. The magnetic dipole of the magnet 46 is parallel to the
fabric 44. A suitable mechanical component 48 is mechanically
coupled to the magnet 46. FIG. 5 shows an example of a object
mounting device 50 in which the magnetic component includes a
magnetizable plate 52 and a magnet 56, the magnet 56 being
magnetically coupled in use to the plate 52 through fabric 54. The
magnetic dipole of the magnet 56 is perpendicular to the fabric 54.
A suitable mechanical component 58 is mechanically coupled to the
magnet 56. FIG. 6 shows an example of a object mounting device 60
in which the magnetic component includes a magnet 62 and a magnet
66, which are mutually coupled in use through fabric 64. The
magnetic dipoles of the magnets 62 and 66 are parallel to the
fabric 64. A suitable mechanical component 68 is mechanically
coupled to the magnet 66. FIG. 7 shows an example of a object
mounting device 70 in which the magnetic component includes a
magnet 72 and a magnet 76, which are mutually coupled in use
through fabric 74. The magnetic dipoles of the magnets 72 and 76
are perpendicular to the fabric 74. A suitable mechanical component
78 is mechanically coupled to the magnet 76. FIG. 8 shows an
example of a object mounting device 80 in which the magnetic
component includes a single magnet 81 having poles 82 and 86. The
magnet 81 preferably is bendable but resilient, so that the poles
82 and 86 can be separated and passed over an edge of the fabric
84, yet return into proximity through the fabric 84. When the
object mounting device 80 is in use, the poles 82 and 86 are
coupled through fabric 84. A suitable mechanical component 88 is
mechanically coupled to the magnet 81.
[0032] In arrangements such as shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 7 in which
the mechanical component is within the magnetic field path,
preferably the mechanical component is made small with respect to
the magnetic component or is made of nonmagnetizable material so as
not to weaken the magnetic field.
[0033] In the foregoing examples, the magnets and corresponding
magnetizable plates may be rigid or flexible. While the examples
show magnetic coupling through fabric, the coupling may be done
through other intermediate materials, including other flexible
materials or even through rigid materials such as glass. The
intermediate material preferably is non-magnetizable to minimize
weakening of the magnetic field. The mechanical component and the
magnetic component are integrated in any desired manner.
Illustratively, where the mechanical component is a metallic part
such as a hook, pin, prong or clamp, and the magnetic component is
metal, the mechanical component may be soldered or welded to the
magnetic component. Other techniques for fixing the mechanical
component to the magnetic component include adhesives and screws.
The mechanical component may also be connected to the magnetic
component through a joint, which may be a rotation joint, a
malleable material, or any other type of movable or distortable
joint to provide an alternative way to reposition the object other
than to reposition the magnetic component.
[0034] The various components of the mounting apparatus preferably
are optimized to exhibit particular performance characteristics.
The mechanical component may be designed in any desired manner to
achieve superior mounting performance, including the use of
supports for preventing a object such as a boutonniere from sagging
or twisting. Of particular advantage when the object is an
ornamental object, the mechanical component may be camouflaged with
respect to the object or the intermediate material, or the
mechanical component may be made small relative to the object being
fastened, or may be capable of being aligned with some structural
element of the object being fastened, so as to be non-intrusive.
Surfaces of the mechanical and magnetic components that could
contact fabric when in use may be coated to protect delicate
clothing. One or both of the sections of the magnetic component may
be placed into a form for added mechanical strength, ease of
handling, distribution of force, or protection of the fabric. One
or more of the sections of the magnetic component may be made
flexible so that the opposing surfaces remain in proximity even
when the fabric is stressed or distorted, to maintain strong
magnetic coupling. The magnetic component may include multiple
magnets to provide additional support to keep elongated objects
such as corsages from twisting away from proper alignment.
Generally speaking, the ability to independently optimize the
mechanical and magnetic components allows the entire object
mounting device to be optimized for the secure, replaceable and
repeatable attachment of a variety of different types of
objects.
[0035] FIG. 9 shows a magnetic pair of pieces 92 and 96 which is
used to fasten an object, such as a corsage (not shown), to a
material 94, such as a piece of fabric. The magnetic pair of pieces
92 and 96 are attracted toward each other via a magnetic field. At
least one of the magnetically paired pieces has attached to it
object retainer 98 for securely and replaceably retaining the
object. The attachment of the object retainer 98 to one of the pair
of magnetic pieces 92 and 96, in combination with the magnetic
field holding the two magnetic pieces to each other through the
material 94, combines to provide a firm attachment of the object
retainer 98 to the material 94 in a replaceable and secure manner
without damage to the material 94. The object retainer 98 holds a
decorative object, such as a corsage, to opposite sides of the
material 94, such as clothing. Optional protective and/or
decorative coatings are applied to one or both of the magnetic pair
of pieces 92 and 96.
[0036] At least one of the two magnetic pair of pieces 92 and 96
includes a magnet. The magnet is preferably a permanent magnet. The
selected magnet is based upon the required holding power, steric
parameters, size, shape, and/or cost. The magnet may be of any
type. Some example magnet types include rare earth, neodymium,
samarium cobalt, alnico, ceramic, and ferrite. The second
magnetically paired piece is attracted toward the first
magnetically paired piece via a magnetic field. The requirements
for the second piece is that is allows for an attractive magnetic
force to exist between the second paired piece and the first
magnet. A number of material types fulfill this requirement,
including a piece of metal or other magnetizable material, a
nonmagnetizable material impregnated with magnetizable material,
and a second magnet. Hence, the two magnetically coupled pieces 92
and 96 may include any of a pair of magnets, a magnet and a
magnetizable object, and a magnet and a piece of metal.
[0037] Each of the first and second magnetically coupled pieces 92
and 96 preferably has at least one relatively flat surface. The
flat surface of the first magnetically coupled piece is attracted
to the flat surface of the second magnetically coupled piece by the
magnetic field. The magnetically coupled pieces preferably are
rigid, resilient, or flexible. The flexible pieces and to some
extent the resilient pieces allow for conformity to a non-flat
surface.
[0038] The flat section of the magnetically coupled piece 96 is
referred to as a base. The object retainer 98 preferably is
attached to this base. Optionally, the object retainer 98 is
integrated into one of the magnetically couple pieces 92 and 96.
Alternatively, the object retainer 98 is an additional piece
coupled to the base. The connection between the object retainer 98
and one of the magnetically coupled pieces 92 and 96 is either a
permanent or a removably attached connection to the base. The
magnetically coupled piece that contains a base is on the side of
material 94 where the object is to be displayed. For example, if
the object is a corsage, the object retainer 98 may be a hanging
mechanism projecting from the piece away from the body and on the
outside of the material 94.
[0039] A number of different types of object retainers 98 are known
for holding an object. Malleable tabs such as shown in FIG. 1 may
be crimped about the object to be retained. For example, a corsage
stem may be placed next to a base from which the tabs extend, and
the tabs may be crimped about the corsage stem.
[0040] FIG. 11 shows magnetically coupled pieces 111, 112, 113 and
116 with another type of object retainer, a metal pin or spear 118
that may optionally have a sharp tip. The metal pin 118 is used to
pierce the object to be retained. For example, in a case where an
object to be retained is a corsage, the metal pin pierces the
corsage and the resulting combination piece is securely and
removably attached to a base 116 of the magnetically couple pieces
111, 112, 113 and 116. A straight pin 118 is an example of a
suitable type of pin.
[0041] FIGS. 12 and 13 show another type of pin, a safety pin 128,
which is welded or soldered to an elongated rigid metal base plate
126 and which is used to pierce an object to be mounted. The base
plate 126 is one of several magnetically coupled pieces, which also
include another elongated metal plate 125 and magnets 121, 122 and
123. Magnets 121, 122 and 123 are abutted against the plate 125 and
are magnetically coupled to the base plate 126 through fabric 124,
and have their magnetic dipoles oriented perpendicular to the
plates 125 and 126. The plate 125 is fully embedded in a preferably
nonmagnetizable form 120 of any suitable material including, for
example, plastic, rubber and ceramic. The magnets 121, 122 and 123
are partially embedded in the form 120 with one of their surfaces
being free of the form 120. These free surfaces are preferably
coplanar and are used to magnetically couple to the base plate
126.
[0042] FIG. 14 shows a "J" shaped hook 148 that is securely
mechanically coupled to a base piece 146. The base piece 146 is one
of several magnetically coupled pieces, which also include magnets
141, 142 and 143. The base piece 146 is magnetically coupled to the
magnets 141, 142 and 143 through fabric 144, thereby mounting on
the fabric 144 an object fastened by the hook 148. Other hanger
shapes may be used if desired, including an "S" shaped hook and a
clothes hanger form.
[0043] Any of a variety of other different object retainers may be
used if desired. One example is clamp or clip (not shown). The
clamp may optionally be spring loaded, such as a potato bag clip.
Alternatively, the clamp may be mechanically held together with a
screw device, such as a wood clamp. A clamp attached to the base
may grab and securely hold the stem of a corsage. Another example
of an object retainer is a container with spaced-apart sides and a
bottom, such as a cup (not shown). A further example of an object
retainer is a semi-permanent bonding agent (not shown). Other
examples include adhesive, glue, Velcro, and welds. Yet another
example of an object retainer is an elastic band (not shown). An
elastic band, such as a rubber band, is attached to at least one of
the magnetically coupled pieces. The elastic band holds an object
due to its elastic nature. Alternatively, the elastic band is
retracted and held in place by pulling on itself. Another example
is a tie wrap.
[0044] The size of the object retainer may be variable as needed.
For example, a small spring loaded clamp is preferably used with a
small held object, while a larger spring loaded clamp is preferably
used with a larger held object.
[0045] The object retained by the object retainer may be ornamental
or functional in nature. Examples of objects that may be retained
include a garment accessory, a floral item, a corsage, a
boutonniere, a flower, a floral arrangement, jewelry, an ornamental
item, a patch, a decoration, a sign, a name tag, a hanger, and a
container. A garment accessory is an item attached to a garment as
a fashion accessory. A floral item is a garment accessory such as a
living or artificial flower or plant.
[0046] The material 94 (FIG. 9) resides between the magnetically
coupled pieces 92 and 96 when the mounting apparatus is in use. The
material 94 is not a part of the mounting apparatus, but is rather
a material upon which the mounting apparatus acts. Some examples of
suitable material include fabric, clothing, plastic, metal, glass,
wallboard, partitions, and skin. The material 94 preferably should
not disrupt the attractive forces between the magnetically coupled
pieces, but if it does, it should not do so to a degree that the
attractive forces are insufficient to hold the magnetically coupled
pieces together during normal use of the mounting apparatus. The
magnetically coupled pieces 92 and 96 are placed on either side of
the material 94, as shown in FIG. 9. The magnetic field pulls via
magnetic force the pieces together, as shown at a subsequent time
in FIG. 10. The ornamental object affixed to the base piece 96 is
thus held next to the material 94. The mounted ornamental object
may be affixed before or after the magnetically coupled pieces are
attracted toward each other. The use of a magnetic field to hold
the magnetically coupled pieces together allows the item to be
replaceably attached to the material 94, even if the material is
very delicate. Examples of delicate material include a blouse or
shirt made up of a piece of fabric, such as silk or polyester. The
magnetically paired pieces do not pierce or damage the
clothing.
[0047] Shape, Size and Mechanical Considerations
[0048] A number of different shapes and orientations of the
magnetically coupled pieces may be used to achieve various
objectives. Suitable shapes and orientations include round bar,
rectangular bar, "Y" shape, "X" shape, rod, horseshoe, ring or
donut, disk, rectangle, kidney, trapezoidal, multi-fingered ring, a
multisided object, an object with at least one curved side, and
other geometric shapes.
[0049] Some magnets are cast into a mold and require grinding to
achieve final dimensions. Other magnets start as a powder, which is
subsequently pressed into a mold, pressure bonded, or sintered. The
orientations of the shapes are rotated as mechanical forces
necessitate keeping the flat surface next to the material.
[0050] Force Considerations
[0051] The force needed between the magnetically coupled pieces is
dependent upon the mass and structure of the retained object and
the composition and thickness of the intermediate material. For
example, a one-tenth ounce nametag requires a smaller magnetic
field than a twelve ounce corsage. Similarly, a thin material, such
as a silk or polyester blouse, would necessitate a smaller magnetic
force to hold an object than a thick sweater or a work shirt.
[0052] The force of the magnetic field between magnetically coupled
pieces varies in accordance with a number of factors, including
magnet type, magnetizable material type, size of the magnet,
quantity of magnets used, and the relative positioning of the
magnets. For example, a stronger neodymium magnet may be used in
place of a ferrite magnet when a larger magnetic force is
desirable. As another example, two, three, four, five, or more
magnets may be used on either side of the material. As yet another
example, two widely spaced magnets, such as greater than one-half
inch apart, may be used on a given side of the material in order to
increase mechanical and magnetic strength.
[0053] Mechanical Considerations
[0054] The magnetically coupled pieces attached to opposite sides
of a material provide mechanical support to a mounted object
through the attaching means. The magnetically coupled pieces and
optionally other structural material in contact with the
intermediate material are preferably shaped in a manner to firmly
holding the fastened object. In many applications, the intermediate
material between the magnetically coupled pieces is flexible. A
heavy mechanical load attached to the magnetically coupled pieces
would potentially deform the material, thereby potentially damaging
the material or resulting in a sagging or misalignment of the
mounted object. Adapting the size of the magnetically coupled
pieces to the application provides an appropriate degree of
mechanical strength. For example, the pieces on either side of the
material optionally have contact areas with the material that
independently range from less than a quarter square inch to greater
than three square inches. Examples include a contact surface area
of approximately 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, and 5 square
inches. As noted above, many shapes are suitable. A preferable
orientation of the shapes is to have the greater dimension be
vertical. This helps to prevent sagging of the fastened object by
allowing the body to act as a force against the innermost of the
two magnetically coupled pieces. The orientation of the
magnetically coupled pieces is optionally used to minimize tilting
or twisting of the held object. For example, an inverted "Y" shape
for the inner magnetically couple piece provides an outer force
from the body to be applied to the base of the "Y" and to the tips
of the "Y," thereby minimizing tilting and rotation of the held
object. In still another example, at least one of the magnetically
couple pieces is round and had a diameter of approximately one
inch. In yet another example, a backing material, such as a
semi-rigid material, is against one or both of the magnetizable
pieces. In this example, the backing material is optionally on the
garment side or opposite side of the magnetizable piece.
[0055] FIGS. 11 through 14 are examples of how one or more of the
magnetically coupled pieces may be placed in a form such as form
110 (FIG. 11), form 120 (FIGS. 12 and 13), and form 140 (FIG. 14)
to achieve the mechanical goals described above. The forms 110, 120
and 140 may have any of the shapes described above for the magnets.
Any number of the magnetically coupled pieces may be placed into a
form. As an example, smaller and relatively inexpensive round
magnets may be firmly placed and recessed into a "Y" shaped or
rectangular bar shaped forms, as shown in FIG. 11 (magnets 111, 112
and 113 are recessed into form 110) and in FIG. 14 (magnets 141,
142 and 143 are recessed into form 140). The magnet is attached to
the form via a magnetic field, through a compression fit, or both.
The flat surface of the magnetically coupled piece attracted toward
the paired piece is preferably minimally obscured or not interfered
with by the form into which it is placed. In this example, the form
adds mechanical strength. Since the forms should not completely
disrupt the attractive forces between the two magnetically coupled
pieces, non-magnetizable material such as plastic, rubber and
ceramic are well suited. However, magnetizable material including
metal may be used in some configurations where care is taken to
avoid completely disrupting the attractive forces.
[0056] One or both of the magnetically coupled pieces may be rigid
or resilient or flexible. Resilient and flexible magnetically
coupled pieces are particularly useful when it is desirable to
conform to the shape of the material between the magnetically
coupled pieces. This results in less mechanical stress on the
intermediate material and hence less damage done to it. Suitable
resilient materials include some plastics and rubber. Suitable
flexible materials include some plastics and woven nylon
webbing.
[0057] Coatings and Coloration
[0058] The surfaces of any of the magnetically coupled pieces, the
object retainers, and the forms may be coated entirely or partially
with materials selected to achieve particular purposes. FIG. 15 and
FIG. 16 show the back piece 92, and the base piece 96 and the
object retainer 98 having respective coating layers 152 and 154 on
their surfaces except for the opposing surfaces of the magnetically
coupled pieces 92 and 96. Optionally or alternatively, these
opposing surfaces may be coated. The coatings serve one or more
purposes, including protection of delicate clothing, an extension
for mechanical support, formation of a mounting element, an
ornamental presentation, and a camouflage function.
[0059] The coatings may take various forms. For example, the
coating may cover rough edges to further protect the intermediate
material, such as a fine silk, from damage. As another example, the
coating may be elongated to provide mechanical support. In still
another example, the coating may be shaped into a pin or hook that
becomes the object retainer. In yet another example, the coating
has a floral, geometric, or colored pattern that is ornamental in
presentation. In still yet another example, the coating resembles
the color, texture, or hue of the intermediate material or mounted
object acting as a camouflage. Optionally, the coating is plastic
or flexible.
[0060] If one desires that the mounting apparatus be inconspicuous,
potentially visible parts of it may be designed as small as
possible to be obscured from view by the held object. Alternatively
or additionally, the mounting apparatus may be made visually
inobtrusive by camouflaging visible parts from view by suitably
establishing the color and pattern of any of the outermost surface
of any of the magnetically coupled pieces, the object retainer,
and/or the form. The outermost layer may be color-coordinated with
the intermediate material or the mounted object in order to
camouflage the mounting apparatus.
[0061] Alternatively, the most visible surface of the mounting
apparatus may be provided with an appearance that is aesthetically
appealing by itself, such as a geometric or floral pattern. For
example, the mounted object is optionally surface-coated onto one
of the magnetically couple pieces itself, is a picture or piece of
art, or is a broach.
[0062] Lighting Considerations
[0063] An optional light source may be added to the hanging
apparatus for decorative purposes in order to create lighting
effects. One or more lights are either embedded into either of the
two magnetically coupled pieces or are attached to one of the two
magnetically coupled pieces as an extension. The light source is
either powered via a small battery or is a fluorescent or
phosphorescent device that uses energy from the battery power
supply or from conversion an external source of photons, such as
sunlight. Alternatively the light element is one or more light
emitting diodes. The light source is used to create or enhance
graphical or decorative presentations.
[0064] In one illustrative application, a magnetically coupled pair
of pieces are attracted toward each other through an inflexible
material, such as a piece of glass or a window material. One or
both of the magnetically coupled pieces may be base elements
associated with respective object retainers that may be used to
mount objects on one or both sides of the inflexible material. The
magnetically coupled pair of pieces and the object retainers, and
optionally forms, may be as described above, the primary difference
being that objects optionally may be held on both sides of the
intermediate material. In an example, two magnetically coupled
pieces are attracted toward each other through a window material, a
hanging hook projects from the magnetically coupled piece on the
inside of the window and is used to hang a decorative item. In
another example, two magnetically coupled pieces are attracted
toward each other through a window material, hanging hooks
respectively project from the magnetically coupled pieces, and
decorative items are hung from both sides of the window.
[0065] The description of the invention and its applications as set
forth herein is illustrative and is not intended to limit the scope
of the invention as expressed in the claims that follow. Variations
and modifications of the embodiments described herein are possible,
and practical alternatives to and equivalents of the various
elements of the embodiments would be understood by one of ordinary
skill in the art upon study of this patent document. These and
other variations and modifications of the embodiments described
herein may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of
the invention.
* * * * *