U.S. patent application number 11/197080 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-08 for magnetic clasp for purse.
Invention is credited to Mitsugi Ishida.
Application Number | 20070028429 11/197080 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37716290 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070028429 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ishida; Mitsugi |
February 8, 2007 |
Magnetic clasp for purse
Abstract
A magnetic clasp for a purse is described that can
advantageously aid those with limited dexterity by only requiring
the connectors to be brought into proximity to engage the magnetic
locking mechanism. The magnetic clasp includes a first magnetic
connector and a second magnetic connector. The magnet of the first
connector can move relative to the magnet of the second connector.
The second magnetic connector can include a pin that aligns and
accommodates the rotation of the first magnet between a first
locked position and a second unlocked position.
Inventors: |
Ishida; Mitsugi; (New York,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Stephen E. Feldman, P.C.
12 East 41st Street
New York
NY
10017
US
|
Family ID: |
37716290 |
Appl. No.: |
11/197080 |
Filed: |
August 4, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/303 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 13/1069 20130101;
Y10T 24/32 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
024/303 |
International
Class: |
A44B 17/00 20060101
A44B017/00 |
Claims
1. A magnetic clasp for use with a purse that comprises: a first
connector attached to a first portion of a purse, the first
connector includes a first magnet that has at least two oppositely
charged magnetic poles; a second connector attached to a second
portion of the purse, the second connector includes a second magnet
that has at least two oppositely charged magnetic poles; a locked
position that includes the at least the two magnetic poles of the
first connector in proximity to the at least two magnetic poles of
the second connector such that the polarity of the at least two
poles of the first connector is unlike the polarity of each of the
respective proximate magnetic poles of the second connector; and an
unlocked position that includes the at least two magnetic poles of
the first connector in proximity to the at least two magnetic poles
of the second connector such that the polarity of the at least two
poles of the first connector is like the polarity of the proximate
magnetic poles of the second connector, the first magnet movable
relative to the second magnet between the locked position and the
unlocked position.
2. The magnetic clasp of claim 1, wherein alignment means includes
a pin on one connector and the opposed connector defines an
aperture that receives the pin.
3. The magnetic clasp of claim 1, wherein the locked position
includes the first connector aligned by the alignment means and at
least partially rotatable relative to the second magnet between the
locked position and the unlocked position.
4. The magnetic clasp of claim 1, wherein the alignment means
includes a housing that aligns the first magnet and the first
magnet rotates relative to the second magnet between the locked
position and the unlocked position.
5. The magnetic clasp of claim 1 that further includes a handle
connected to at least one of the magnets.
6. The magnetic clasp of claim 1, wherein the second connector has
a housing that includes a base that is connected to the purse and a
pin that aligns the magnets of the connectors.
7. The magnetic clasp of claim 6, wherein the first magnet defines
an aperture and the housing includes a pin that aligns the first
magnet during rotation between the first position and the second
position.
8. The magnetic clasp of claim 1, wherein at least one of the
connectors includes a reduced friction means.
9. The magnetic clasp of claim 8, wherein the reduced friction
means includes the use of bearings.
10. A magnetic clasp that secures portions of a purse together that
comprises: a first connector attached to a first portion of a
purse, the first connector includes a first magnet that has at
least two opposed magnetic poles and friction reducing means; a
second connector attached to a second portion of the purse, the
second connector includes a housing and a second magnet that has at
least two opposed magnetic poles, the housing aligns the first
connector; a first position that includes the at least two magnetic
poles of the first connector in proximity to the at least two
magnetic poles of the second connector such that the polarity of
the at least two poles of the first connector is unlike the
polarity of the proximate magnetic poles of the second connector;
and a second position that includes the at least two magnetic poles
of the first connector in proximity to the at least two magnetic
poles of the second connector such that the polarity of the at
least two poles of the first connector is like the polarity of the
proximate magnetic poles of the second connector, the first magnet
rotatable relative to the second magnet between the first position
and the second position.
11. The magnetic clasp of claim 10, wherein the first connector
further includes a handle.
12. The magnetic clasp of claim 10, wherein the friction reducing
means includes bearings.
13. The magnetic clasp of claim 10, wherein the friction reducing
means includes fluropolymer coatings.
14. The magnetic clasp of claim 10, wherein the housing includes a
key that at least initially align the magnetically charged poles of
the first connector in the first position relative to the
magnetically charged poles of the second connector.
15. The magnetic clasp of claim 10, wherein the housing of the
second connector includes a pin that aligns the first connector
between the first position and the second position.
16. The magnetic clasp of claim 10, wherein the first connector
includes a frame that rotates with the first magnet and a base that
is fixed to the first portion of the purse.
17. A method for engaging and disengaging a magnetic clasp
comprising: providing a first connector adapted to attach to a
first portion of a purse, the first connector including a first
magnet that has at least two opposed magnetic poles, a second
connector adapted to attach to a second portion of the purse, the
second connector includes a housing and a second magnet; engaging
the first magnet with second magnet such that the unlike poles of
the magnets are in proximity and attract to fasten the connectors
in a first engaged position; and disengaging the first magnet from
the second magnet by moving the first magnet from the first
position and reducing the friction between the connectors to
position the like poles of the magnets in proximity and repel the
connectors apart in a second disengaged position.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of engaging further
includes aligning the first connector with the housing of the
second connector.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein the first magnet is rotatingly
moved between the engaged position and the disengaged position.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of disengaging further
comprises reducing the friction between the first magnet and the
second magnet during the movement of the first connector between
the engaged and disengaged positions.
21. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of disengaging further
comprises using a handle for moving the first magnet relative to
the second magnet.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to connecting devices for hand
held bags and more specifically to magnetic clasps that secure
portions of hand held bags together.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Connecting devices for hand held bags typically integrate an
ornamental outer component with a fastener such as a zipper, snap,
bayonet and/or biased connector. Less common are magnetic
connectors that secure portions of a bag together. Magnetic
connectors can be a primary fastening device or as a secondary
component of a fastening device. The strength of magnetic
connectors can make a strong engagement between the connectors, but
magnetic connectors lack a mechanical system that easily aligns the
connectors for engagement and readily disengages the magnets when
desired. In particular, disengaging the magnets by overpowering the
magnetic attraction for persons with reduced dexterity can be
especially difficult.
[0003] The present disclosure provides a magnetic clasp that
overcomes the problems of engagement and the strength required for
the disengagement of the magnetic clasp by utilizing mechanical
systems that align the connectors of the clasp for engagement and
enable the easy disengagement of the magnetic clasp.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] A magnetic clasp for use with a purse is described that
comprises a first connector attached to a first portion of a purse.
The first connector includes a first magnet that has at least two
oppositely charged magnetic poles.
[0005] A second connector is attached to a second portion of the
purse that includes a second magnet with at least two oppositely
charged magnetic poles. Alignment means is connected to one of the
connectors for aligning the connectors.
[0006] The magnetic clasp has a locked position that includes the
two magnets aligned by the alignment means and the at least two
magnetic poles of the first connector are positioned in proximity
to the at least two magnetic poles of the second connector. The
polarity of the at least two poles of the first connector in the
first position is unlike the polarity of each of the respective
proximate magnetic poles of the second connector.
[0007] The magnetic clasp also has an unlocked position that
includes the at least two magnetic poles of the first connector
being positioned in proximity to the at least two magnetic poles of
the second connector. The polarity of the at least two poles of the
first connector is like the polarity of the proximate magnetic
poles of the second connector in the second position. The first
magnet is movable relative to the second magnet between the first
position and the second position.
[0008] The alignment means includes a pin on one connector and the
opposed connector defines an aperture that receives the pin. The
locked position includes the first connector aligned by the
alignment means and at least partially rotatable relative to the
second connector between the locked position and the unlocked
position. The alignment means preferably includes a housing that
aligns the first magnet and the first magnet rotates relative to
the second magnet between the locked position and the unlocked
position.
[0009] The magnetic clasp can further include a handle connected to
at least one of the connectors. The second connector can have a
housing that includes a base attached to the purse and the
alignment means. The first connector preferably defines an aperture
and the housing of the second connector can include a pin that
aligns the first magnet. The pin can also align the first and
second magnets. At least one of the connectors preferably includes
a reduced friction means. The reduced friction means can include
the use of bearings.
[0010] The magnetic clasp that secures portions of a purse together
can also comprise a first connector attached to a first portion of
a purse and a first magnet. The first magnet has at least two
opposed magnetic poles and friction reducing means.
[0011] A second connector is attached to a second portion of the
purse and further includes a housing and a second magnet. The
second magnet has at least two opposed magnetic poles. The housing
includes alignment means that receive and align the first
connector.
[0012] The clasp has a first position that includes the at least
two magnetic poles of the first connector being positioned in
proximity to the at least two magnetic poles of the second
connector. The polarity of the at least two poles of the first
connector is unlike the polarity of the proximate magnetic poles of
the second connector.
[0013] A second position includes the at least two magnetic poles
of the first connector in proximity to the at least two magnetic
poles of the second connector. The polarity of the at least two
poles of the first connector is like the polarity of the proximate
magnetic poles of the second connector. The first magnet is
rotatable relative to the second magnet between the first position
and the second position.
[0014] The first connector of the magnetic clasp can further
include a handle. The friction reducing means can include bearings
and/or fluropolymer coatings. The housing can include a key to
align the magnetically charged poles of the first magnet in the
first position relative to the magnetically charged poles of the
second magnet.
[0015] A method for engaging and disengaging a magnetic clasp that
comprises the step of providing a first connector and a second
connector. The first connector is attached to a first portion of a
purse and includes a first magnet. The second connector is attached
to a second portion of the purse and includes a housing and a
second magnet. The first magnet and the second magnet have at least
two magnetic poles.
[0016] The method also includes the step of engaging the engaging
the first magnet with second magnet such that the unlike poles of
the magnets are in proximity and attract to fasten the connectors
in a first engaged position.
[0017] The method further includes the step of disengaging of the
first magnet from the second magnet that includes rotating the
first magnet relative to the second magnet and reducing the
friction between the connectors to position the like poles of the
magnets in proximity and repel the connectors apart in a second
disengaged position.
[0018] The step of engaging can further include aligning the first
connector with the housing of the second connector. The first
magnet can be rotatingly moved between the engaged position and the
disengaged position. The step of disengaging can further comprise
reducing the friction between the first magnet and the second
magnet during the movement of the first connector between the
engaged and disengaged positions. The step of disengaging further
comprises using a handle for moving the first magnet relative to
the second magnet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The above and other objects and the attendant advantages
will become readily apparent by reference to the following detailed
description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings wherein:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a magnetic clasp for
purse in a first position constructed in accordance with the
present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the magnetic clasp of
FIG. 1 in a second disengaged position;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a close-up side perspective view of a partial
cross-section along lines 3-3 of FIG. 2; and
[0023] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of
FIG. 1 that shows the magnetic clasp in the first engaged
position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of a magnetic
clasp 10 for purse includes a first magnetic connector 20 and a
second magnetic connector 40. First connector 20 is fastened to a
first portion 5 of purse 3 and second magnetic connector 40 is
fastened to a second portion 7 of purse 3. Magnetic clasp for purse
10 has a first or locked position with first portion 5 and second
portion 7 of purse 3 engaged due to the proximity of the unlike
charged poles of their respective magnetic connectors 20 and
40.
[0025] Purse 3 is shown as a typical woman's purse, but it is
understood that purse 3 can be any type of carrying bag to include
briefcases, containers, enclosures, satchels and carrying cases.
First portion 5 can be a flap, cover or lid as well as a strap,
tie, zipper or handle that is coupled to first connector 20.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, magnetic clasp 10 is in a second or
unlocked position with first portion 5 and second portion 7
disengaged due to the proximity of the like charged poles of
magnetic connectors 20 and 40. In this one preferred embodiment,
first connector 20 can be attached directly to a portion 5 that is
a fastener such as a zipper or indirectly to the zipper using a
line or strap, for example. First connector 20 is preferably
rotated relative to second connector 40 from the first position to
the second position such that the like charged poles of magnetic
connectors 20 and 40 are in proximity. The proximal positions of
the like charges of the magnetic poles in the second position
magnetically repels first connector 20 and first portion 5 apart
from second connector 40 and second portion 7 of purse 3.
[0027] Referring now to FIG. 3, first magnetic connector 20
includes a first magnet 24 and second magnetic connector 40
includes a second magnet 44. Magnets 24 and 44 each have opposed
ends that define at least one positively charged pole (+) and at
least one negatively charged pole (-). In this preferred
embodiment, magnets 24 and 44 have two poles and require a rotation
of approximately one hundred and eighty degrees to change between
the first and second positions. It is understood that connectors 20
and 40 can be configured with any arrangement of magnets and can
require any number of any type of movement, to include any number
of angular degrees of rotation, to move between the first and
second positions of magnetic clasp 10.
[0028] Continuing with this preferred embodiment, magnetic clasp
for purse 10 is shown in the second position with the like charged
poles of connectors 20 and 40 in proximity. This provides
sufficient repelling force to unlock and disengage connectors 20
and 40.
[0029] Magnet 24 preferably has a generally planar face surface 26
that includes opposed poles oriented towards second connector 40.
Magnet 24 can also define a centrally positioned aperture 25.
Connector 20 preferably includes a frame 23 that is attached to
magnet 24 and movably connected with first portion 5 of purse
3.
[0030] In this preferred embodiment handle 28 is connected to
magnet 24 and portion 5 is a line or strap connected to a zipper of
purse 3. Handle 28 assists in the movement of connector 20 between
the first and second positions. Handle 28 can be a ring or
protuberance extending from first connector 20 that is suitable for
engaging or holding using one hand. Handle 28 preferably rotates
between an extended position and a position approximately flush to
purse 3, but handle 28 can also be fixedly positioned on magnet 24.
For example, handle 28 can be a recess in connector 20 suitable for
engagement by one or more fingers or a pen tip, for example, that
assists in the relative movement between first magnet 24 and second
connector 40. In addition, in this preferred embodiment connector
20 can act as a portion of a handle that assists in the opening and
closing of the zipper.
[0031] Second connector 40 includes a base 41 and a second magnet
44. A frame 43 preferably attaches magnet 44 to base 41. Base 41
and/or frame 43 can compose a housing 42 of connector 40 that is
preferably fixedly attached to portion 7. First connector 20 and
second connector 40 can be attached to their respective portions 5
and 7 using any manner of fastening including adhesives, sewing
and/or heat bonding, for example.
[0032] Housing 42 can include a pin 48 that is preferably connected
to base 41 and centrally positioned to extend through an aperture
45 defined in magnet 44. Pin 48 advantageously provide an alignment
mechanism for first connector 20 and/or magnet 24 and has a length
that at least partially extends through first connector 20 in the
first position and preferably extends at least substantially
through the first connector. The extended length of pin 48 enables
a load bearing function. Pin 48 can have any shape of tip including
flat or rounded to assist in the initial alignment of first
connector 20. In addition, at least a distal portion of pin 48 and
first connector 20 can be keyed to align magnet 24 in the first
position.
[0033] In this preferred embodiment, second magnet 44 has a
generally planar face 46 that has radially opposed poles that mate
with planar face 26 of first magnet 24. Second magnet 44 also
defines an aperture 45 that receives pin 48. Pin 48 aligns
connector 20 with connector 40 and provides an axis for the
rotation of magnet 24. Pin 48 also assists in the alignment of
magnet 24 relative to magnet 44 in the first and/or second
positions.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 4, magnetic clasp for purse 10 in a second
preferred embodiment can also include first connector 20 further
having a housing 22. Housing 22 preferably has a base 21 that
includes an axially rotating mechanism that fixedly connects to
first portion 5 of purse 3 and a frame 23 that is connected to and
rotates with magnet 24. Handle 28 can be attached to frame 23
and/or magnet 24.
[0035] The movement of frame 23 and magnet 24 relative to base 21
and/or second connector 40 can be assisted by a friction reducing
mechanism 30 such as non-stick solid lubricants, fluropolymers, wet
lubricated surfaces and/or bearings.
[0036] Continuing with FIG. 4, second connector 40 has housing 42
that includes base 41, frame 43 and pin 48. Pin 48 is shown
positioned at least partially in and aligning magnet 24 with magnet
44. Housings 22 and 42 can be made from any material, but are
preferably made from non-magnetic materials.
[0037] In an alternative embodiment, magnets 24 and 44 have at
least two poles and can have any shape that interface to
magnetically engage and/or lock connectors 20 and 40 together. In
addition, housing 42 can omit pin 48 and alternatively have an
annular shape that receives, aligns and accommodates the relative
rotation between magnets 24 and 34. Housing 42 and/or pin 48
preferably have an alignment and structural integrity that assists
in retaining and supporting a load placed on magnets 24 and 44 that
is approximately parallel to faces 26 and 46. Similarly, magnets 24
and 44 can be at least partially structurally interconnected in the
first position to provide the same support. It is also understood
that first magnet 24 could be fixed and second magnet 44 rotate in
cooperation with a portion of housing 42.
[0038] In operation, attaching connectors 20 and 40 of magnetic
clasp 10 together to close purse 3 can be a difficult task for
those with diminished dexterity such as the disabled, young or
elderly. The present invention overcomes these disadvantages by
readily allowing a user to close connectors 20 and 40 together with
relative ease due to their magnetic strength.
[0039] A user only has to bring connector 20 in the first position
within a predefined proximity with respect to connector 40 and then
let the magnetic fields engage and lock connectors 20 and 40
together. Pin 48 is preferably used to align first connector 20
with second connector 40.
[0040] In the first position of the preferred embodiment of the
magnetic clasp for purse 10, the unlike charged poles of magnets 24
of connector 20 and magnet 34 of connector 40 are aligned and
brought into proximity in opposed relation. Pin 48 and connector 20
can be keyed and include a specialized interface such as a mating
thread or tongue and groove that accommodate the positioning of
connector 20 along the axis defined by housing 42/pin 48 that
assists in orienting connector 20 in the first position and does
not preclude rotation. The distal end of pin 48 can be keyed, for
example, for the initial engagement and then the keying tapered off
with the increasing proximity of the connectors. The engagement of
connectors 20 and 40 is augmented by the proximity of the magnetic
fields of the unlike charged poles of magnets 24 and 44 that draw
connectors 20 and 40 into the locked position.
[0041] Magnetic clasp for purse 10 is then moved to the second
position such that the like charged poles of magnets 24 and 44 are
in proximity. In this preferred embodiment, handle 28 is used to
rotate magnet 24 approximately one hundred and eighty degrees
relative to magnet 44 to place the like charged poles in proximity.
Connectors 20 and 40 then repel and disengage from each other due
to the proximity of the like charges of their poles.
[0042] Magnetic clasp for purse 10 can be closed by directly
interfacing magnetic connectors 20 and 40 in the first position or
by rotating handle 28 approximately one hundred and eight degrees
from the second position to the first position to align and place
in the proximity the unlike poles of magnets 24 and 34. As the
poles of magnets 24 and 34 are rotated and the unlike poles are
placed in proximity, connectors 20 and 40 attract, engage and lock
magnetic clasp for purse 10 in the first position.
[0043] It is readily apparent that the above-described fitting
device meets all of the objects mentioned above and has the
advantage of wide commercial utility. It should be understood that
the specific form of the invention hereinabove described is
intended to be representative only, as certain modifications within
the scope of these teaching will be apparent to those skilled in
the art.
[0044] Accordingly, reference should be made to the following
claims in determining the full scope of the invention.
* * * * *