U.S. patent application number 14/210946 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for magnetic fastener.
The applicant listed for this patent is Clarisse Sjoquist. Invention is credited to Clarisse Sjoquist.
Application Number | 20140259553 14/210946 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51520576 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140259553 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sjoquist; Clarisse |
September 18, 2014 |
Magnetic Fastener
Abstract
An article including a first section of material, a second
section of material, and a magnetic button assembly comprising a
first component and a second component. The first component has a
ring magnet and a body portion with the body portion having a
fastening region with a first thread disposed therethrough for
coupling the first component to the first section. A second thread
passes through the second component for coupling the second
component to the second section, and comprises at least one of a
magnet and a ferromagnetic material to couple the second component
to the first component thereby coupling the second section to the
first section. The fastening region is formed of a polymeric
material to minimize frictional wear of the first thread to prevent
separation of the first component from the first section.
Inventors: |
Sjoquist; Clarisse; (Las
Vegas, NV) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sjoquist; Clarisse |
Las Vegas |
NV |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51520576 |
Appl. No.: |
14/210946 |
Filed: |
March 14, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61788062 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/303 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 24/32 20150115;
A44B 1/04 20130101; A44B 1/20 20130101; A44D 2203/00 20130101; A41F
1/002 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
24/303 |
International
Class: |
A44B 1/18 20060101
A44B001/18 |
Claims
1. An article comprising: a first section of material having a
first surface; a second section of material having a second
surface; a magnetic button assembly comprising; a first component
coupled to said first section of material adjacent said first
surface with said first component having a ring magnet defining a
central opening and a body portion coupled to said ring magnet with
said body portion having a fastening region defining a first
plurality of apertures disposed across said central opening, a
second component coupled to said second section of material
adjacent said second surface with said second component defining a
second plurality of apertures and comprising at least one of a
magnet and a ferromagnetic material to magnetically couple said
second component to said first component thereby coupling said
second section of material to said first section of material; a
first thread disposed through said first plurality of apertures of
said fastening region to secure said first component to said first
section of material; and a second thread disposed through said
second plurality of apertures to secure said second component to
said second section of material; wherein said fastening region of
said body portion is formed of a polymeric material to minimize
frictional wear of said first thread to prevent separation of said
first component from said first section of material.
2. An article as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first component
includes a deflection element coupled to said ring magnet for
directing a magnetic field emanating from said ring magnet.
3. An article as set forth in claim 1 wherein said ring magnet
includes a coating for preventing corrosion of said ring
magnet.
4. An article as set forth in claim 1 wherein said second component
includes a first depression for receiving said first component and
for aligning said first component with said second component.
5. An article as set forth in claim 4 wherein said first depression
includes a floor, said second component further including a second
depression formed in said floor where said second plurality of
apertures are formed within said second depression.
6. An article as set forth in claim 1 wherein said second component
includes a coating to prevent corrosion of said second
component.
7. An article as set forth in claim 1 wherein said article includes
a handle coupled to and disposed on said first section of material
opposite said first surface.
8. An article as set forth in claim 1 wherein said body portion is
entirely formed of a polymeric material with said body portion and
said fastening region being formed simultaneously.
9. An article as set forth in claim 8 wherein said body portion
encapsulates said ring magnet.
10. An article as set forth in claim 8 wherein said body portion
include a depression with said first plurality of apertures
disposed through said depression.
11. An article as set forth in claim 1 wherein said body portion
has a first section formed of a metallic material partially
surrounding said ring magnet.
12. An article as set forth in claim 11 wherein said first section
includes a pocket for receiving said ring magnet.
13. An article as set forth in claim 12 wherein said first section
includes a series of tabs disposed about said pocket for retaining
said ring magnet within said pocket.
14. An article as set forth in claim 11 wherein said body portion
has a second section formed of a polymeric material with said
fastening region being defined within said second section.
15. An article as set forth in claim 14 wherein said second section
is a polymeric button defining said first plurality of
apertures.
16. An article as set forth in claim 14 wherein said first section
include a pocket for receiving said ring magnet and a series of
tabs with said tabs engaging said second section to retain said
ring magnet within said pocket.
17. An article as set forth in claim 1 wherein said second
component includes a ring magnet.
18. An article as set forth in claim 17 wherein said second
component is at least partially formed of a polymeric material
encapsulating said ring magnet.
19. An article as set forth in claim 17 wherein said second
component is entirely formed of a polymeric material encapsulating
said ring magnet.
20. An article as set forth in claim 1 wherein at least one of said
first and second sections of material includes a third section of
material secured to said one of said first and second sections of
material and extending therefrom with one of said first and second
components coupled to said third section.
21. A magnetic button assembly for coupling a first section of
material to a second section of material; said magnetic button
assembly comprising: a first component having a ring magnet
defining a central opening and a body portion coupled to said ring
magnet with said body portion having a fastening region defining a
first plurality of apertures disposed across said central opening
for permitting said first component to be secured to said first
section of material; and a second component defining a second
plurality of apertures for permitting said second component to be
secured to said second section of material, said second component
comprising at least one of a magnet and a ferromagnetic material to
magnetically couple said second component to said first component
for coupling the second section of material to the first section of
material; wherein said fastening region of said body portion is
formed of a polymeric material.
22. An article as set forth in claim 21 wherein said body portion
is entirely formed of a polymeric material with said body portion
and said fastening region being formed simultaneously.
23. An article as set forth in claim 21 wherein said body portion
has a first section formed of a metallic material partially
surrounding said ring magnet.
24. An article as set forth in claim 23 wherein said body portion
has a second section formed of a polymeric material with said
fastening region being defined within said second section.
25. An article as set forth in claim 24 wherein said first section
include a pocket for receiving said ring magnet and a series of
tabs with said tabs engaging said second section to retain said
ring magnet within said pocket.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The subject patent application claims priority to and all
the benefits of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/788,062,
filed on Mar. 15, 2013, which is herein incorporated by reference
in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The subject invention relates to fasteners that function by
utilizing magnetism.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Numerous magnetic fasteners are well know in the prior art.
Although the magnetic fasteners appear to be effective, a person
with only gross motor skills would have difficulty operating the
magnetic fasteners. Persons who lack fine motor skills often have
difficulty with daily task that most people take for granted.
Putting on and removing clothing is often extremely difficult for
those with only gross motor coordination. Operating a normal
button-to-button-hole assembly, without assistance from another
person, is sometimes impossible for these individuals. Accordingly,
there remains an opportunity for a magnetic fastener that is easily
operable by a person lacking fine motor skills.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES
[0006] The present invention overcomes the disadvantages in the
related art in an article including a first section of material
having a first surface and a second section of material having a
second surface. The article further includes a magnetic button
assembly. The magnetic button assembly includes a first component
coupled to the first section of material adjacent the first
surface. The first component has a ring magnet that defines a
central opening and a body portion coupled to the ring magnet. The
body portion has a fastening region that defines a first plurality
of apertures disposed across the central opening. The article also
includes a second component coupled to the second section of
material adjacent the second surface. The second component defines
a second plurality of apertures and comprises at least one of a
magnet and a ferromagnetic material to magnetically couple the
second component to the first component thereby coupling the second
section of material to the first section of material. A first
thread is disposed through the first plurality of apertures of the
fastening region to secure the first component to the first section
of material. A second thread is disposed through the second
plurality of apertures to secure the second component to the second
section of material. The fastening region of the body portion is
formed of a polymeric material to minimize frictional wear of the
first thread to prevent separation of the first component from the
first section of material.
[0007] The present invention is also a magnetic button assembly for
coupling a first section of material to a second section of
material. The magnetic button assembly includes a first component.
The first component has a ring magnet that defines a central
opening, and a body portion coupled to the ring magnet. The body
portion has a fastening region that defines a first plurality of
apertures disposed across the central opening for permitting the
first component to be secured to the first section of material. The
magnetic button assembly also includes a second component. The
second component defines a second plurality of apertures for
permitting the second component to be secured to the second section
of material. The second component includes at least one of a magnet
and a ferromagnetic material to magnetically couple the second
component to the first component for coupling the second section of
material to the first section of material. The fastening region of
the body portion is formed of a polymeric material.
[0008] In this way, the article is easy to operate and is
especially useful for persons who lack fine motor coordination.
Furthermore, when the article is used on apparel, a handle can be
embodied as a button to provide increased aesthetic value.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Other advantages of the present invention will be readily
appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to
the following detailed description when considered in connection
with the accompanying drawings.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a person operating an
article in accordance with the subject invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the article used on a sleeve
of a piece of clothing.
[0012] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment
of the article.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of
the article before a first component and a second component are
coupled together.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of
the article after the first component and the second component are
coupled together.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a fragmented perspective view of the first
component of the first embodiment of the article.
[0016] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a second
embodiment of the article.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of
the article before a first component and a second component are
coupled together.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of
the article after the first component and the second component are
coupled together.
[0019] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the first
component of the second embodiment of the article.
[0020] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a third
embodiment of the article.
[0021] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the third embodiment of
the article before a first component and a second component are
coupled together.
[0022] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the third embodiment of
the article after the first component and the second component are
coupled together.
[0023] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the first
component of the third embodiment of the article.
[0024] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the second
component of the third embodiment of the article.
[0025] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of
the article after a first component and a second component are
coupled together.
[0026] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of a
second component of the article.
[0027] FIG. 18 is an end-view illustrating an alternative sleeve
arrangement for supporting the article.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] With reference to the Figures, wherein like numerals
indicate like parts throughout the several views, an article is
shown at 10 in FIGS. 1 and 2. The article 10 may include a handle
12 to make the article 10 easily operable by a person P with only
gross motor skills. The article 10 has the outward appearance of a
standard button-to-buttonhole assembly. A buttonhole stitch 14 may
be added to give the article the complete appearance of a standard
button-to-buttonhole assembly. Wearing a garment that looks
"normal" helps increase the feeling of self-worth of the person P
having only gross motor skills. It should be appreciated that the
use of the article 10 is not limited to clothing. Alternatively,
the article 10 can also be used with handbags, purses, wallets, or
any other suitable device. Those skilled in the art will recognize
many other implementation of the article 10.
[0029] The article 10 includes a first section of material 16 and a
second section of material 18. Referring to FIGS. 3-5, the first
section of material 16 has a first surface 30, and the second
section of material 18 has a second surface 32. The first section
of material 16 and the second section of material 18 may be formed
of a textile material. The textile material may be further defined
as leather, cotton, silk, linen, wool, hemp, jute, or any other
like material.
[0030] As stated above, the article 10 includes a handle 12. The
handle 12 couples to the first section of material 16, and the
handle 12 is disposed on the first section of material 16 opposite
the first surface 30. The handle 12 may be further defined as a
button. The button has the shape and appearance of a standard four
hole button, and is easily coupled to the first section of material
16 by an industrial sewing machine.
[0031] The article 10 also includes a magnetic button assembly.
Referring to FIGS. 3-6, a first embodiment of the magnetic button
assembly includes a first component 34 coupled to the first section
of material 16. The first component 34 is coupled to the first
section of material 16 adjacent the first surface 30. The first
component 34 has a ring magnet 36 and the ring magnet 36 defines a
central opening 39.
[0032] The ring magnet 36 may be further defined as a permanent
magnet. The permanent magnet may be formed of any number of
suitable materials such as ceramic, ferrite, alnico, cobalt, rare
earth, neodymium, and any other type of permanent magnet. Depending
on the type of permanent magnet utilized, the ring magnet 38
without a coating may be subjected to rust when washed or exposed
to other sources of moisture. As such, the ring magnet may include
a first coating 40 to prevent corrosion (see FIG. 6). Preferably,
the first coating 40 is a fluoropolymer resin, such as Teflon.RTM.
manufactured by E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company of Wilmington,
Del. Those having an ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that
Teflon.RTM. has excellent resistance to both corrosion and high
temperatures, making it very suitable to withstand a standard
machine washing and drying cycle. Furthermore, those having an
ordinary skill in the art will realize that other coatings, such
as, but not limited to, nickel, will also produce acceptable
corrosion resistance. It is to be appreciated that the ring magnet
38 could be used without a coating without departing from the scope
of the present invention.
[0033] The first component 34 may also include a deflection element
50 coupled to the ring magnet 36 to direct a magnetic field
emanating from the ring magnet 36. In the embodiment shown in FIGS.
3-6, the deflection element 50 is a metal plate. The metal plate is
further defined as a thin metal plate disposed adjacent the ring
magnet 36, and coupled thereto, for directing the magnetic field
emanating from the ring magnet 36. In one embodiment, the
deflection element 50 abuts the ring magnet 36. In another
embodiment, the deflection element 50 is glued to the ring magnet
36. As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the deflection element 50 is
placed behind the ring magnet 36 to direct the magnetic field
emanating from the ring magnet 36 away from the first section of
material 16. It is to be appreciated that a coating may be coupled
to the ring magnet and the coating may also act as the deflection
element to direct the magnetic field emanating from the ring magnet
36. The coating may be similar to those discussed above, or any
alternative.
[0034] The first component 34 also includes a body portion 42
coupled to the ring magnet 36, and the body portion includes a
fastening region 44. As best shown in FIG. 6, the body portion 42
is entirely formed of a polymeric material, and the body portion 42
and the fastening region 44 are preferably formed simultaneously.
The polymeric material may be further defined as thermoset
polymeric material, a thermoplastic polymeric material, or any
other suitable polymer or plastic material. It is to be appreciated
that the body portion 42 may not be entirely formed of a polymeric
material and may be formed separately from the fastening region
44.
[0035] The body portion 42 encapsulates the ring magnet 36. The
body portion 42 couples to the ring magnet 36 and the metal plate
50 to encapsulate the ring magnet 36 and the metal plate 50. The
body portion 42 may encapsulate the ring magnet 36 and the metal
plate 50, such that the body portion 42 completely surrounds the
ring magnet 36 and the metal plate 50. Alternatively, the body
portion 42 may encapsulate the ring magnet 36 and metal plate 50,
such that the body portion 42 only surrounds a portion of the ring
magnet 36 and metal plate 50.
[0036] The fastening region 44 defines a first plurality of
apertures 46 disposed across the central opening 38. The first
plurality of apertures 46 may be further defined as four apertures
radially spaced with respect to the fastening region 44. It is to
be appreciated that the first plurality of apertures 46 may also
include any number of apertures spaced in any suitable
configuration. The fastening region 44 of the body portion 42 may
include a depression 48 where the first plurality of apertures 46
are disposed through the depression 48.
[0037] The article 10 also includes a first thread 64. The first
thread 64 is disposed through the first plurality of apertures 46
of the fastening region 44 to secure the first component 34 to the
first section of material 16. The first thread 64 may also secure
the handle 12 to the first section of material 16. The fastening
region 44 of the first component 34 is formed of a polymeric
material to minimize frictional wear of the first thread 64 and to
prevent separation of the first component 34 from the first section
of material 16.
[0038] The magnetic button assembly also includes a second
component 52 coupled to the second section of material 18 adjacent
the second surface 32. The second component 52 defines a second
plurality of apertures 54 radially spaced about a center of the
second component 52. The second plurality of apertures 54 may be
further defined as four apertures. It is to be appreciated that the
second plurality of apertures 54 may include any number of
apertures spaced in any suitable configuration.
[0039] The article 10 also includes a second thread 64. The second
thread 64 is disposed through the second plurality of apertures 54
to secure the second component 52 to the first section of material
18.
[0040] The second component 52 is at least one of a magnet and a
ferromagnetic material, and is used to magnetically couple the
second component 52 to the first component 34 and thereby coupling
the second section of material 18 to the first section of material
16. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-6, the second component 52
is formed of a ferromagnetic material that includes Iron, Nickel,
Cobalt, or any other similar material. It is to be appreciated that
the second component 52 could be formed of any suitable metal that
has magnetically attractive properties. The magnet and the
ferromagnetic material creates an attraction between the first
component 34 and the second component 52 by magnetically attracting
the ring magnet 36 of the first component 34.
[0041] The second component 52 may include a second coating 56 to
prevent corrosion of the second component 52. The second coating 56
helps to protect the second component 52 from rust and/or wear when
the second component 52 is subjected to being washed or exposed to
other sources of moisture. The second coating 56 is preferably like
the first coating 40 and is a fluoropolymer resin, such as
Teflon.RTM. manufactured by E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company of
Wilmington, Del. As discussed above, Teflon.RTM. has excellent
resistance to both corrosion and high temperatures and is able to
withstand a standard machine washing and drying cycle. Those
skilled in the art will realize that other coatings, such as, but
not limited to, nickel, will also produce acceptable corrosion
resistance.
[0042] The second component 52 also includes a first depression 56
for receiving the first component 34, where the first depression 58
aligns the first component 34 with the second component 52. In one
embodiment, and as best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first
depression 58 includes a floor 60 and a second depression 62 is
formed in the floor 60. However, those skilled in the art will
appreciate that the second component 52 could be designed without
the second depression 62 without departing from the scope of the
present invention. The second depression 62 creates a space for
receiving the first thread 64 when the first component 34 and
second component 52 magnetically couple to each other. The space
prevents the first thread 64 from contacting the second component
52 when the first component 34 and the second component 52
magnetically couple to each other. By preventing the first thread
64 from contacting the second component 52, the second component 52
will not wear on the first thread 64.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 7-10, another embodiment of the article
10 is shown wherein reference numerals increased by one-hundred
represent like or similar elements. As best shown in FIG. 10, a
first component 134 includes a body portion 167 having a first
section 68. The first section 68 is formed of a metallic material
and partially surrounds the ring magnet 36. The first section 68
may also partially surround the ring magnet 36 and the deflection
element 50. As discussed above, the deflection element 50 is a
metal plate coupled to the ring magnet 36 but could instead be a
coating on the ring magnet 36. In one embodiment, the deflection
element 50 abuts the ring magnet 36. In another embodiment, the
deflection element 50 is glued to the ring magnet 36. As best shown
in FIGS. 8-10, the deflection element 50 is placed behind the ring
magnet 36 to direct the magnetic field emanating from the ring
magnet 36 away from the first section of material 16. The first
section 68 includes a pocket 70 for receiving the ring magnet 36.
As shown in the Figures, the pocket 70 may also receive the
deflection element 50. The first section 68 further includes a
series of tabs 72 disposed about the pocket 70 for retaining the
ring magnet 36 and the deflection element 50 within the pocket
70.
[0044] The body portion 167 also includes a second section 74
formed of a polymeric material, and the second section 74 defines a
fastening region 144. As discussed above, the fastening region 144
of the second section 74 is formed of a polymeric material to
minimize frictional wear of the first thread 64 and to prevent
separation of the first component 134 from the first section of
material 16. The second section 74 may be further defined as a
polymeric button defining the first plurality of apertures 46. In
the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7-9, the first component 134, the
ring magnet 36, the deflection element 50, and the second section
70 may be disposed in the pocket 70 of the first section 68 with
the series of tabs 72 engaging the second section 74 to retain the
ring magnet 36, the deflection element 50 and the second section
74.
[0045] A second component 152 is at least one of a magnet and a
ferromagnetic material, and is used to magnetically couple the
second component 152 to the first component 134 and thereby
coupling the second section of material 18 to the first section of
material 16. The second component 152 also includes a first
depression 56 for receiving the first component 34, where the first
depression 158 aligns the first component 34 with the second
component 52.
[0046] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7-10, the second component
152 is formed of a ferromagnetic material that includes Iron,
Nickel, Cobalt, or any other similar material. It is to be
appreciated that the second component 152 could be formed of any
suitable metal. The magnet and the ferromagnetic material creates
an attraction between the first component 134 and the second
component 152 by magnetically attracting the ring magnet 36 of the
first component 134.
[0047] The second component 152 may include a second coating 56 to
prevent corrosion of the second component 152. The second coating
56 helps to protect the second component 152 from rust and/or wear
when the second component 152 is subjected to being washed or
exposed to other sources of moisture. The second coating 56 is
preferably like the first coating 40 and is a fluoropolymer resin,
such as Teflon.RTM. manufactured by E.I. DuPont de Nemours and
Company of Wilmington, Del. As discussed above, Teflon.RTM. has
excellent resistance to both corrosion and high temperatures and is
able to withstand a standard machine washing and drying cycle.
Those skilled in the art will realize that other coatings, such as,
but not limited to, nickel, will also produce acceptable corrosion
resistance.
[0048] Referring to FIGS. 11-15, yet another embodiment of the
article 10 is shown wherein reference numerals increased by
two-hundred represent like or similar elements. The article 10
includes a first component 234 having a body portion 267. As best
shown in FIG. 14, the body portion 267 includes a first section
268. The first section 268 is formed of a metallic material and
partially surrounds the ring magnet 36. As discussed above, the
ring magnet 36 may include a coating to prevent corrosion. The
first section 268 includes a pocket 270 for receiving the ring
magnet 36. The first section 268 further includes a series of tabs
272 disposed about the pocket 270 for retaining the ring magnet 36
within the pocket 270.
[0049] The body portion 267 also includes a second section 274
formed of a polymeric material, and the second section 274 defines
the fastening region 244. As discussed above, the fastening region
244 of the second section 274 is formed of a polymeric material to
minimize frictional wear of the first thread 64 and to prevent
separation of the first component 234 from the first section of
material 16. The second section 274 may be further defined as a
polymeric button defining the first plurality of apertures 246. In
one embodiment of the first component 234, the ring magnet 36 and
the second section 270 may be disposed in the pocket 270 of the
first section 268, where the series of tabs 272 engage the second
section 274 to retain the ring magnet 36 and the second section
274.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 15, a second component 276 is shown.
Similar to the first component 234, the second component 276
includes a body portion 269 having a first section 278. The first
section 278 is sized to receive the first component 234. The first
section 278 is formed of a metallic material and partially
surrounds a ring magnet 80. As discussed above, the ring magnet 80
may include a coating 40 to prevent corrosion. The first section
278 includes a pocket 82 for receiving the ring magnet 80. It
should be appreciated the ring magnet 82 may be sized larger then
the ring magnet 36 of the first component 34 of the first
embodiment as shown in FIGS. 3-6. The first section 278 further
includes a series of tabs 84 disposed about the pocket 82 for
retaining the ring magnet 80 within the pocket 82.
[0051] The body portion 269 also includes a second section 86
formed of a polymeric material, and the second section 86 defines a
fastening region 88. The fastening region 88 of the second section
86 is formed of a polymeric material to minimize frictional wear of
the second thread 64 and to prevent separation of the first
component 234 from the second section of material 18. The second
section 86 may be further defined as a polymeric button defining a
third plurality of apertures 90. The ring magnet 80, and the second
section 86, may be disposed in the pocket 82 of the first section
278, of the second component 276 with the series of tabs 84
engaging the second section 86 so as to retain the ring magnet 80
and the second section 86.
[0052] The second component 276 is configured to receive the first
component 234. The second component 276 includes an opening 92
where the second component 276 receives the first component 234.
The ring magnet 36 of the first component 234 and the ring magnet
80 of the second component 276 magnetically couple to each other to
secure the first component 334 with the second component 276.
[0053] As best shown in FIG. 13, the first component 234 has an
exterior wall 94 and the second component 276 has an interior wall
96. In the current embodiment, the exterior wall 94 of the first
portion 234 and the interior wall 96 of the second portion 276
align concentrically when the second portion 276 receives the first
portion 234. Alternatively, and as best shown in FIG. 16, the
exterior wall 94 and the interior wall 96 may have a tapered
profile (see FIG. 16), such that when the second portion 276
receives the first portion 234 the exterior wall 94 and the
interior wall align concentrically.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 17, wherein reference numerals increased
by three-hundred represent like or similar elements from previously
discussed embodiments. A second component 352 may include a ring
magnet 35. The second component 352 may also include a deflection
element 50 to direct a magnetic field emanating from the ring
magnet 35. The second component 352 includes a body portion 367
that may be at least partially formed of a polymeric material that
encapsulates the ring magnet 35 and the deflection element 50. A
previously discussed, the polymeric material may be further defined
as thermoset polymeric material, a thermoplastic polymeric
material, or any other suitable polymer or plastic material.
Alternatively, the body portion 367 is completely formed of a
polymeric material that encapsulates the ring magnet 35 and
deflection plate 50.
[0055] The second component 352 further includes a first depression
358 that includes a floor 360 and a second depression 362 is formed
in the floor 360. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate
that the second component 352 could be designed without a second
depression 362 without departing from the scope of the present
invention. The second component 352 also includes a third plurality
of apertures 346. The third plurality of apertures 346 may be
further defined as four apertures radially spaced with respect to
the second depression 362. It is to be appreciated that the third
plurality of apertures 46 may also include any number of apertures
spaced in any suitable configuration. It is to be appreciated that
any second component, described above, may be used in combination
with any of the first components, described above, to magnetically
couple the first section of material 16 with the second section of
material 18.
[0056] Referring to FIG. 18, the article may include a third
section of material 98. The third section of material 98 is secured
to the first section of material 16 and extends from the first
section of material 16. However, it is to be appreciated that the
third section of material 98 could also extend from the second
section of material 18, or could extend from any suitable location.
In the one embodiment, the first component 34 is coupled to the
third section of material 98. However, it is to be appreciated that
the handle 12, or second component 52 could be coupled to the third
section of material 98. It is to be appreciated that each of the
handle 12, first component 34, or second component 52, may be
placed in any combination with the first section of material 16,
the second section of material 18, and the third section of
material 98.
[0057] In this way, the article 10 is easy to operate and is
especially useful for persons who lack fine motor coordination.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate how the article enable
easy alignment of the first component 34 and the second component
52 for a person who lacks fine motor coordination. Furthermore,
when the article 10 is used on apparel, a handle 12 is embodied as
a button to provide increased aesthetic value.
[0058] The invention has been described in an illustrative manner,
and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used
is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than
of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present
invention are possible in light of the above teachings, and the
invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described.
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