U.S. patent application number 11/020061 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-29 for remotely positionable and magnetically attachable securement device.
Invention is credited to Joe Raymond Clement.
Application Number | 20060138293 11/020061 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36610288 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060138293 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Clement; Joe Raymond |
June 29, 2006 |
Remotely positionable and magnetically attachable securement
device
Abstract
An improved magnetic securing device that incorporates a
neodymium magnet, a securing member, and a means of remote
placement. The remote placement is intended to be manual and may be
accomplished by magnetic or physical mating to a pole used for
extending the reach of the person placing the device. The securing
member may be a clip, hook, confining passageway, or other. If a
securing member is not provided, objects desired to be secured to
the remotely hung device could be permanently affixed.
Inventors: |
Clement; Joe Raymond;
(Minnetonka, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Joe Clement
16218 Woodland Lane
Minnetonka
MN
55345
US
|
Family ID: |
36610288 |
Appl. No.: |
11/020061 |
Filed: |
December 23, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/206.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21S 4/10 20160101; F21V
21/096 20130101; F21W 2121/00 20130101; F21V 19/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/206.5 |
International
Class: |
A47G 1/17 20060101
A47G001/17 |
Claims
1) A magnetic device comprising: a) a permanent magnet with a flat
base and at least one other surface; b) a projecting tab affixed to
said other surface; and c) said projecting tab includes a first
part of a two part, releasable, cooperative mating system, whereby
said first part of said two part, releasable, cooperative mating
system may be matingly engaged to another object so that a
predetermined movement of said other object will cause movement of
said magnetic device.
2) The device of claim 1 wherein: a) said two part, releasable,
cooperative mating system is constructed and arranged to provide
physical interlocking and physical unlocking.
3) The device of claim 2: a) including a hub structurally
independent of said magnetic device; and b) said hub includes a
second part of said two part, releasable, cooperative mating
system.
4) The device of claim 3 wherein: a) said first part of said two
part, releasable, cooperative mating system located on said
projecting tab defines an aperture with a predetermined cross
section; b) said second part of said two part, releasable,
cooperative mating system on said hub includes a projecting finger
with a predetermined cross section; c) said predetermined cross
section of said hub is similar in outline to said predetermined
cross section of said aperture; and d) said predetermined cross
section of said projecting finger being slightly smaller in outline
than said predetermined cross section of said aperture, whereby
said projecting finger may be inserted into said aperture and
physical interlocking accomplished.
5) The device of claim 4 wherein: a) said hub includes a
cylindrical bore with female threads, whereby a pole with male
threads may be screwed into said cylindrical bore with said female
threads and a connection made thereby.
6) The device of claim 1 wherein: a) said projecting tab includes a
securing member; and b) said magnetic device and said securing
member together forming a magnetic securement device, whereby
structurally independent objects can be attached to said securing
member of said magnetic securement device.
7) The device of claim 6 wherein: a) said securing member is
selected from the group consisting of clip, hook, confining
passageway, and part of a hook and loop system.
8) The device of claim 6 wherein: a) said securing member includes
a partially enclosed channel, whereby structurally independent
objects can be inserted into said partially enclosed channel and
there be secured.
9) The device of claim 6: a) including a structurally independent
decorative light strand comprising a plug, insulated electrical
wires, and lights; and b) said structurally independent decorative
light strand being securable by said securing member.
10) The device of claim 6 wherein: a) said projecting tab includes
an elongated segment with a basal end and a projecting end; b) said
basal end located proximal to said permanent magnet; c) said
projecting end located a predetermined distance away from said
permanent magnet; and d) said securing member located proximal to
said projecting end, whereby structurally independent objects can
be attached to said securing member and held a predetermined
distance away from said permanent magnet.
11) The device of claim 10 wherein: a) said elongated segment is
adjustable in length.
12) The device of claim 1 wherein: a) said permanent magnet is a
rare earth magnet.
13) The device of claim 12 wherein: a) said permanent magnet is a
neodymium magnet.
14) The device of claim 1 wherein: a) said two part, releasable,
cooperative mating system is magnetic.
15) The device of claim 14: a) including a hub structurally
independent of said magnetic device; b) said hub including a steel
plate with an exposed surface; and c) said steel plate is a second
part of said two part, releasable, cooperative mating system,
whereby movement of said hub causes movement of said permanent
magnet when said permanent magnet is magnetically attached to said
exposed surface of said steel plate.
16) An elongated magnetic securement device comprising: a) a
permanent magnet with a flat base and at least one other surface;
b) a projecting tab affixed to said other surface; c) said
projecting tab includes an elongated segment with a basal end and a
projecting end; d) said basal end located proximal to said
permanent magnet; e) said projecting end located a predetermined
distance away from said permanent magnet; f) said projecting tab
includes a securing member; and g) said securing member located
proximal to said projecting end, whereby structurally independent
objects can be attached to said securing member and held a
predetermined distance away from said permanent magnet.
17) The device of claim 16 wherein: a) said projecting tab includes
a first part of a two part, releasable, cooperative mating system,
whereby said first part of a said two part, releasable, cooperative
mating system may be matingly engaged to an other object so that a
predetermined movement of said other object will cause movement of
said elongated magnetic securement device.
18) A magnetic device comprising: a) a permanent magnet with a flat
base and at least one other surface; and b) said other surface
including a first part of a two part, releasable, cooperative
mating system, whereby said first part of a two part, releasable,
cooperative mating system may be matingly engaged to another object
so that a predetermined movement of said other object will cause
movement of said magnetic device.
19) A decorative light strand held by a magnetic securement device
comprising: a) a permanent magnet with a flat base and at least one
other surface; b) a projecting tab affixed to said other surface;
c) said projecting tab including a securing member; d) said
permanent magnet and said projecting tab together forming said
magnetic securement device; e) said decorative light strand
comprising a plug, insulated electrical wires and lights; and f)
said decorative light strand held by said securing member, whereby
said decorative light strand may be magnetically attached to ferric
surfaces.
20) The device of claim 19 wherein: a) said projecting tab includes
a first part of a two part, releasable, cooperative mating system,
whereby said first part of said two part, releasable, cooperative
mating system may be matingly engaged to an other object so that a
predetermined movement of said other object will cause movement of
said magnetic securement device.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of Invention
[0002] This invention relates to the field of magnetically
supporting objects that are desired to be displayed on a ferric
surface.
[0003] 2. Description of Prior Art
[0004] The need to secure objects to vertical or overhead surfaces
in everyday life is common. Our walls and ceilings are hung with a
host of objects from calendars and clocks to photos and maps.
Ferric surfaces exist in many locations in our environs. These
include cabinets, inboxes, computer cases, window jambs and a host
of other objects. The availability of these ferric surfaces
provides the opportunity to magnetically hang objects desired to be
displayed on them. This is an opportunity because magnetic securing
devices provide many advantages over nails and adhesives that make
up the bulk of hangers. Magnets can be easily applied and removed.
They are inexpensive and they leave no scar or residue behind. They
allow a great flexibility of display and many types and sizes are
available today.
[0005] When these magnets are placed on ferric surfaces beyond the
reach of the installer, ladders or chairs are employed to increase
the attainable height. Stability problems often result from such
use. Accidents can happen in these situations.
[0006] One special display type of display requiring hanging is
that of Holiday or decorative lighting. The hanging of decorative
light strands on the exterior of homes and businesses is presently
accomplished through first securing hooks or wires onto elements of
buildings. The decorative light strands are then hung on the hooks
and wires. The task is laborious, time consuming, difficult, and
even dangerous. The addition of hooks often leaves permanent holes
and the hooks may also rust and stain the building. The unsightly
hooks or wires are often left on year round due to the difficulty
or removing them and replacing them each holiday season.
[0007] The attachment of these hooks and wires often takes place
during frigid weather and this adds to the discomfort and time
required to perform this task. Gloves must often be worn and this
causes the job to be prolonged. When the lights are to be suspended
from elevated objects such as eaves, trees, or lamp posts an
element of risk is added. Ladders are often employed during
inclement weather to accomplish the task. Frozen and icy ground
conditions add an element of risk to this task.
[0008] When lights are hung inside, the job does become easier and
less risky. However it is still time consuming and irksome. Tape,
hooks and wires are the most common means of attachment but they
can all leave residue or marks behind. This job is usually finished
with a sigh of relief rather than a feeling of Holiday satisfaction
due to its unpleasant nature.
Previous Patents
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 3,275,818 to Campbell on Aug. 26, 1964
describes decorative lighting hung about a window utilizing
magnets. However the actual clips which secure the insulated
electrical wires are not magnetic. Rather they are of an elastic
material that grips a steel channel. Than channel is then mounted
to another steel member by magnets. This system is very heavy and
complex and requires intensive labor to assemble.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 3,350,045 to Meyers on Oct. 31, 1967 describes
a securing clip that may be held to a vertical surface by a magnet.
However the clip must be placed by hand and has no means of remote
placement. Also, the bar for holding the sheet materials is
elongated and would not be a good securement for linear decorative
lighting. The bar does not have an appropriate cross section
required to grip the small insulated electrical wires of a
decorative lights strand. Thus the strand could shift and become
displaced. Also no remote placement structure is described. The
potential of including decorative light strands is not
foreseen.
SUMMARY
[0011] Many objects in our daily lives require hanging. Magnetic
attachment is a viable option to perform this function when ferric
surfaces are available. Objects needing to be hung on ferric
surfaces may be hung within human reach or at remote locations.
Since the act of hanging may thus require the securing device to be
placed out of reach, a remote system of hanging is very desirous.
This invention provides remote hanging potential through both a
magnetically affixed extension and a physically interlocked
extension. These temporarily attached extensions allow for remote
placement. Also included in this invention are securing means
integral to the remotely placed magnet so that objects that require
hanging can therewith be secured. A prime use of this system would
be the hanging of decorative light strands on overhead steel eaves.
Also if remote placement is not required, this invention describes
a magnetic securing device including a decorative lighting
strand.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
[0012] Accordingly, several objects and advantages of my design
follow.
[0013] The placing of the magnetic securement device is much
quicker and simpler than placing traditional non-magnetic hangers.
The magnet is simply placed on the ferric surface and the
preferential rare earth neodymium magnet is capable of tenacious
adhesion. Traditional hangers often require drilling, screwing, or
tying to accomplish the task. No tools are needed to attach the
magnetic securement device. Traditional hangers may require drills,
screwdrivers, scissors or other tools. These tools are often
difficult to operate in winter weather when glove wearing becomes
necessary.
[0014] The remote hanging of the magnetic securement device for a
decorative light strand is safer than placing the traditional eave
hanger because the use of a ladder is eliminated. Through the use
of the attachable extension pole the magnetic securing device may
raised into position. The drilling for hooks or winding of wires
requires more time and more complex work sequences. These expanded
work efforts require work on a ladder and expose the installer to
greater danger.
[0015] The magnetic securement device can be removed simply and
quickly by just pulling it away from the attachment surface. They
will leave no disfiguring marks requiring repair or painting. The
magnet may be coated with an epoxy or plastic to keep the metal
surface of the magnet from scratching the attachment surface. The
placing of conventional hooks leaves permanent holes when the hooks
are removed. Wiring must be cut down or left on until the next
year. These traditional hangers must be directly removed by hand
and thus may require reuse of a ladder. Hangers applied with
adhesives can remove paint when withdrawn and may also leave behind
a sticky residue.
[0016] Still further objects and advantages of the magnetic
securement device disclosed herein will become apparent from
consideration of the following figures and descriptions.
DRAWING DESCRIPTIONS
[0017] FIG. 1: Front Elevation of Main Embodiment
[0018] FIG. 2: Front Elevation of Second Embodiment
[0019] FIG. 3: Front Elevation of Third Embodiment
[0020] FIG. 4: Front Elevation of Fourth Embodiment
[0021] FIG. 5: Front Elevation of Fifth Embodiment
DESCRIPTIONS: FIGS. 1-5
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a front elevation of the main embodiment.
A magnetic securement device 8 includes a projecting tab 12 and a
permanent magnet 10. Permanent magnet 10 includes a flat base 11.
Included in the projecting tab 12 is an aperture 14 of a
predetermined cross section. Also included in projecting tab 12 is
clip 16 and a partially enclosed channel 18. The clip 16 has a
point of discontinuity 17 with the projecting tab 12. A second
device is hub 20. The hub 20 includes a projecting finger 22. Hub
20 also includes a cylindrical bore 26 with female threads 27. A
third device is a pole 28 with male threads 29. A fourth device is
a complete decorative light strand 30 with light 31, insulated
electrical wires 32, and plug 34.
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a front elevation of the second
embodiment. A magnetic securement device 60 includes a permanent
magnet 10 with a flat base 11. A projecting tab 54 includes an
aperture 14 of a predetermined cross section, an elongated segment
58, a basal end 61, a projecting end 62, and a securing member 64.
A second device is hub 20 that includes a projecting finger 22 of a
predetermined cross section. Hub 20 also includes a cylindrical
bore 26 with female threads 27. A third device is a pole 28 with
male threads 29.
[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates a front elevation of the third
embodiment. A permanent magnet 40 includes a flat base 11 and a
recess 42 with a predetermined cross section. A second device is
hub 20. The hub 20 includes a projecting finger 22 of a
predetermined cross section. Hub 20 also includes a cylindrical
bore 26 with female threads 27. A third device is a pole 28 with
male threads 29.
[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates a front elevation of the fourth
embodiment. A magnetic securement device 88 includes a projecting
tab 90 and a clip 89 affixed to permanent magnet 10 with flat base
11 and flat top 87. A second device is hub 80. The hub 80 includes
two projecting fingers 82 and 84. Finger 82 has a thin steel plate
83 with exposed surface 81. Finger 84 has a permanent magnet 86.
Hub 80 also includes a cylindrical bore 26 with female threads 27.
A third device is a pole 28 with male threads 29.
[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates a front elevation of the fifth
embodiment. A magnetic securement device 70 has a permanent magnet
10 with a flat base 11. A projecting tab 71 includes a securing
member 72. Also included are insulated electrical wires 74.
Operation
[0027] Main Embodiment. The insulated electrical wires 32 of the
decorative light strand 30 can be inserted into the partially
enclosed channel 18 of clip 16 through the point of discontinuity
17 and there secured. Pole 28 has male threads 29 that can be
screwed into female threads 27 in cylindrical bore 26 of hub 20.
Pole 28 can thus be temporarily fixed to hub 20. The projecting
finger 22 of the hub 20 can be inserted into aperture 14 of
projecting tab 12 that is a part of the magnetic securing device 8.
The projecting finger 22 has a cross section slightly smaller yet
similar in outline to the aperture 14 into which it can be
inserted. This insertion, longitudinal to the projecting finger 22,
provides a connection that can be used to raise or lower the
magnetic securing device 8 by applying transverse or lifting
pressure to the projecting finger 22. Thus the pole 28, hub 20, and
magnetic securing device 8 can all be temporarily connected. The
magnetic securing device 8 can then be raised to a ferric surface
at a remote location. It can there be magnetically attached through
contact with the flat base 11 of permanent magnet 10. The hub 20
can then be detached from the magnetic securing device 8 by sliding
the projecting finger 22 out of the aperture 14 with a reversed,
longitudinal movement. Thus the decorative light strand 30 with
light 31 and plug 34 can be remotely secured to a ferric surface.
By placing several magnetic securing devices 8 along the length of
a decorative light strand 30, an entire decorative light strand 30
can be hung.
[0028] Second Embodiment. Pole 28 has male threads 29 that can be
screwed into female threads 27 in cylindrical bore 26 of hub 20.
The pole 28 can thus be temporarily fixed to hub 20. The projecting
finger 22 of the hub 20 can be inserted into aperture 14 of
projecting tab 54 that is a part of the magnetic securing device
60. The projecting finger 22 has a cross section slightly smaller
yet similar in outline to the aperture 14 into which it can be
inserted. This insertion, longitudinal to the projecting finger 22,
provides a connection that can be used to raise or lower the
magnetic securing device 60 by applying transverse or lifting
pressure to the projecting finger 22. Thus the pole 28, hub 20, and
magnetic securing device 60 can all be temporarily connected. The
magnetic securing device 60 can then be raised to a ferric surface
at a remote location and there be magnetically attached through
contact with the flat base 11 of permanent magnet 10. The hub 20
can then be detached from the magnetic securing device 60 by
sliding the projecting finger 22 out of the aperture 14 with a
reversed, longitudinal movement. The elongated segment 58 separates
the basal end 61 of the projecting tab 54 from the projecting end
62. An element desired to be hung can then be attached to the
securing member 64 and be held away from the permanent magnet 10.
If the permanent magnet 10 is attached to a steel ceiling rib, the
securing member 64 will hang down from the ceiling into a position
that a person standing on the ground could reach if the elongated
segment 58 is of a length designed to accomplish this. The
elongated segment 58 could incorporate length adjustability to aid
this requirement when differing ceiling heights are encountered.
The elongated segment 58 could be constructed of two parts to allow
for adjustability. For instance, an inner rod and an outer sleeve
could function together so that the outer sleeve could slide over
the inner rod. Or the elongated member 58 could include a cord and
a squeezing member holding the securing member 64 with the
squeezing member capable of sliding up and down the cord.
[0029] Third Embodiment. Pole 28 has male threads 29 that can be
screwed into female threads 27 in cylindrical bore 26 of hub 20.
The pole 28 can thus be temporarily fixed to hub 20. The projecting
finger 22 has a cross section slightly smaller yet similar in
outline to the recess 42 into which it can be inserted. This
insertion, longitudinal to the projecting finger 22, provides a
connection that can be used to raise or lower the permanent magnet
40 by applying transverse or lifting pressure to the projecting
finger 22. Thus the pole 28, hub 20, and permanent magnet 40 can
all be temporarily connected. The permanent magnet 40 can then be
raised to a ferric surface at a remote location and there be
magnetically attached by contact with the flat base 11. The hub 20
then can be detached from the permanent magnet 40 by sliding the
projecting finger 22 out of the recess 42 with a reversed,
longitudinal movement. The permanent magnet 40 can take the shape
or a decoration such as a star and thus its hanging will fulfill a
decorative objective. Alternately, a plastic decoration could be
affixed to the magnet and thereby be hung.
[0030] Fourth Embodiment. Pole 28 has male threads 29 that can be
screwed into female threads 27 in cylindrical bore 26 of hub 80.
The pole 28 can thus be temporarily fixed to hub 80. The thin steel
plate 83 attached to projecting finger 82 of hub 80 can be
magnetically attached to flat top 87 of permanent magnet 10 through
contact with exposed surface 81. Likewise, the permanent magnet 86
attached to projecting finger 84 of hub 80 can be magnetically
attached to permanent magnet 10. The thin steel plate 83 is of a
light enough design so that is has less magnetic attraction to
permanent magnet 10 than to either permanent magnet 86 or the
average heavy ferric surface. The thin steel plate 83 has enough
magnetic attraction to permanent magnet 10 to support the magnetic
securement device 88 while it is being placed. Once the magnetic
securement device 88 is attached to a heavy ferric object, the thin
steel plate 83 can be removed and the magnetic securement device 88
left behind. Conversely when the permanent magnet 86 is attached to
flat top 87 of permanent magnet 10 and permanent magnet 86 is
lifted away, permanent magnet 10 will stay attached to permanent
magnet 86 and leave the heavy ferric surface behind. This result is
achieved because the attraction of two magnets is greater than the
attraction of a single magnet and a heavy ferric surface which in
turn is greater in attraction than a single magnet and a thin
ferric surface. Thus the magnetic securement device 88 can be
placed on a heavy ferric surface with thin steel plate 83 and
removed with permanent magnet 86. The two permanent magnets 10 and
86 must have their poles aligned for proper functioning.
[0031] Fifth Embodiment. Projecting tab 70 includes securing member
72 that secures insulated electrical wires 74. Projecting tab 70 is
affixed to permanent magnet 10 with flat base 11. Flat base 11 of
permanent magnet 10 can be magnetically attached to a ferric
surface and thus secure the insulated electrical wires 74 proximal
to ferric surface. The insulated electrical wires 74 are
preferentially part of a complete decorative light strand.
CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE OF INVENTION
[0032] From the above descriptions, it is evident that the
invention detailed herein improves upon the current art of object
securement to ferric surfaces. The described ability to place
desired objects in remote locations will reduce the work required
and improve safety during this task. The act of hanging decorative
light strands on steel eaves troughs will especially be
improved.
[0033] Many minor variations to the above noted invention are
possible. The permanent magnet could have a hollow foam sleeve
fitted so that the sleeve would hang beyond the plane of the flat
base of the magnet so that if it fell on an installer the foam
would reduce the impact. The foam would be pressed back when the
flat base draws itself to the ferric surface. The aperture for
receiving the finger of the hub could be flared and colored to aid
insertion. The device could include several apertures or
rotationally adjustability to accommodate different angles of
insertion. The securing member could also be rotationally
adjustable to allow the article being displayed to be held at
different angles to the permanent magnet.
[0034] Also, the magnetic securing device could be weighted so that
they would preferentially hang in a certain manner during the
installation process. The projecting tab could include sail like
protrusions that would slow the device down if it is dropped from a
height. The channel in the clip could be sized to securely grip an
average wire of a light strand which is about nine hundredths of an
inch. The securing member could have a rotating ability that would
allow it to face any direction desired so that any opening the
securing member might have would face upward or other advantageous
direction.
[0035] These and many other permutations are possible. Therefore
the scope of this invention should not be construed to be limited
to the few example described herein, but by the appended claims and
their legal equivalents.
* * * * *