User Wearable Line Holder

Abstract

A fishing line holder that can be either removably or permanently attached to a piece of clothing, such as a shirt is described. In one preferred use, the holder, which includes a slit, permits a fisherman wearing a piece of clothing having the holder attached thereto to temporarily store a monofilament fishing line in the slit while he/she is making changes to his/her fishing rig.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and incorporates fully by reference to U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/374,145 entitled TO ENABLE A PERSON TO SECURE MONOFILAMENT, TIPPET, LEADER, FISHING LINE TO ONESELF OR SOMETHING and filed on Aug. 16, 2010.

BACKGROUND

Fishing is an extremely popular recreational activity in the United States due in no small part to the ability of persons of all ages to participate. Over the last ten years or so, fly fishing has exploded in popularity. Fly fishing usually, although not always, involves floating an artificial fly on the surface of a body of water as opposed to allowing the bait to sink a depth beneath a water's surface. Accordingly, tackle having a high density, such as swivels and sinkers, are avoided as they tend to cause the line and bait to sink. Further, swivels and the like tend to create a visual distraction for a fish that can hinder the fisherman's ability through the presentation and working of a fly to convince the fish that the fly is real and worthy of consumption. Accordingly, various sections of fishing line are typically knotted or tied together.

A typical fly fishing rod setup includes three different types of fishing line: the main line, which comprises a relatively thick and heavy floating or sinking line; a monofilament leader, which is often tapered along its length; and a monofilament tippet. The main line provides the heft and stiffness necessary for a fly fisherman to whip the line back and forth during casting. The leader, typically about 9 feet or so in length provides for transition and separation between the stiff thick main line and the usually svelte fly. The leader is thicker where it connects with the main line and thinnest at its distal end. The stiffer and thicker portion helps facilitate better casting; whereas, the thinner more flexible portion permits the fly to move in the water with a more natural appearance. A tippet of 12-24″ is typically tied to the distal and thin end of the leader and is usually relatively thin. Tippet is largely sacrificial allowing a fisherman to quickly cut the line to remove one fly and replace it with another. When the tippet becomes too short or a heavier weight tippet is required for larger fish, the fisherman need only cut off a small portion of the more costly tapered leader to remove the tippet.

Trout and other types of fish caught by fly fishing can be fickle. One day they may be interested in one type of fly; whereas, on another day they may be interested in another type of fly altogether. Determining what fly to use on a particular day under particular conditions is often an exercise in trial and error. Changing out a fly comprises cutting the tippet near the fly; holding the thin nearly invisible monofilament tippet while storing the removed fly and retrieving a replacement fly; and finally tying the replacement fly to the tippet. Often during the process of storing the one fly and retrieving the other, the fisherman loses his hold on the tippet. Because of its lightweight, the tippet line may be blown away from the fisherman even with only a light breeze, or it may be pulled away pulled by the river's current. Finding the wayward tippet can be a challenging task given its near invisibility. An errant leader or tippet can make the simple task of changing a fly a frustrating and more time consuming experience.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a filament line holder according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the filament line holder of FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the filament line holder of FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded isometric view of the filament line holder of FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a filament line holder with a monofilament line received therein according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 6a-d illustrates four different variations of a filament line holder wherein each holder includes a different means for attaching the holder to a piece of clothing or other article according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a filament line holder according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a back view of the filament line holder of FIG. 7 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the filament line holder of FIG. 7 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an exploded isometric view of the filament line holder of FIG. 7 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a filament line holder of FIG. 7 with a monofilament line received therein according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention comprise a line holder that can be either removably or permanently attached to a piece of clothing, such as a shirt. It is further appreciated that the holder can be attached to items other than clothing that are typically used while fishing including but not limited to chairs, boats, tackle bag/boxes and floatation devices. In one preferred use, the embodiments permit a fisherman wearing a piece of clothing having the holder attached thereto to temporarily store a monofilament fishing line in the holder while he/she is making changes to his/her fishing rig. The holder relieves the fisherman from holding and keeping of track a fishing line proximate its distal end while performing tasks such as changing flies or other bait and tackle.

Other embodiments of the present invention comprise methodology of changing bait on a fishing rig utilizing an embodiment of the holder. Simply, a fisherman removes the old bait, such as an artificial fly, from the fishing line. Either before or after removing the old bait he/she places the line into the holder securing it in place. The new bait is then retrieved, such as from a fly box, and affixed to the end of the line. Finally, the fisherman removes the line from the holder typically after the new bait has been secured in place.

Terminology

The terms and phrases as indicated in quotation marks (“ ”) in this section are intended to have the meaning ascribed to them in this Terminology section applied to them throughout this document, including in the claims, unless clearly indicated otherwise in context. Further, as applicable, the stated definitions are to apply, regardless of the word or phrase's case, tense or any singular or plural variations of the defined word or phrase.

The term “or” as used in this specification and the appended claims is not meant to be exclusive rather the term is inclusive meaning “either or both”.

References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “a preferred embodiment”, “an alternative embodiment”, “a variation”, “one variation”, and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least an embodiment of the invention. The appearances of phrases like “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, or “in a variation” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all meant to refer to the same embodiment or variation.

The term “integrate” or “integrated” as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to a blending, uniting, or incorporation of the identified elements, components or objects into a unified whole.

Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not limited to, left, right, nadir, apex, top, bottom, vertical, horizontal, back, front and lateral are relative to each other and are dependent on the specific orientation of an applicable element or article, and are used accordingly to aid in the description of the various embodiments and are not necessarily intended to be construed as limiting.

As applicable, the terms “about” or “generally” as used herein unless otherwise indicated means a margin of +−20%. Also, as applicable, the term “substantially” as used herein unless otherwise indicated means a margin of +−10%. It is to be appreciated that not all uses of the above terms are quantifiable such that the referenced ranges can be applied and as such where the indicated margins are not readily applicable, the foregoing terms have meanings attributable to them as would be understood by someone of ordinary skill in the art given the benefit of this disclosure.

The term “line” used in this specification and the appended claims refers to thin fiber, thread or yarn. Fishing lines including leaders and tippets, are “lines” for purposes of this document. “Monofilament” is a “line” comprising a single functionally continuous strand or fiber.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, “magnetic” refers to one of: (i) a magnet comprised of any suitable material including but not limited to rare earth magnets; and (ii) a ferritic material.

As used herein, the term “fabric” refers to any substantially flexible sheet material. Fabric can comprise woven or unwoven fibers with or without additional coatings applied thereto.

A Line Holder According to One Embodiment

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate one embodiment of a filament line holder 10. The holder comprises: (i) a resilient elastomeric button 12 having a slit 18 & 20 formed therein; (ii) a first magnet 14 fixidly coupled to the button; and (iii) a second or rear magnet 16 adapted to work in conjunction with the first magnet to removably attach the holder to a piece of clothing or other article. FIG. 12 is an illustration showing the holder 10 secured to a shirt 104 of a fisherman 106 with a piece of fishing line 101 from a fishing pole 102 received in the slit.

The button is typically comprised of a resilient elastomeric polymeric material, such as but not limited to poly vinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). The preferred elastomer is soft enough to deform and at least partially conform to a line when the line is placed in the slit 18, yet hard enough to provide a sufficient resistive force to prevent the filament from sliding out of the slit by its own weight or when a de-minimis force is applied to the line. Preferably, the button material has a Shore A hardness of between about 40-90, and more preferably between 50-70, although depending on the specific configuration of the alternative holders the specific physical properties of the elastomer can vary.

The size of the button 12 can vary but in at least one variation the button has a diameter of about 2 cm and a thickness of about 1 cm. Ideally, the size of the resulting holder in any dimension is 4 cm or less to minimize its obtrusiveness. The size and weight of the holder should also be such that it is large enough to facilitate easy and quick access when needed but is not distracting when not in use.

A slit 18 is typically provided across the middle of the button 12. In the case of the illustrated embodiment, the slit extends across the button passing through the center point thereof. The slit is typically no greater than 0.1 mm in width and most typically the side surfaces of the slit abut each other. The slit extends from a top surface of the button downwardly towards its bottom surface. In some variations, the slit bisects the button essentially creating two separate and distinct pieces. However, in other variations, including the illustrated embodiment, the slit terminates above the bottom surface of the button (typically 1-3 mm above the bottom surface in the illustrated embodiment).

As shown and best seen in FIG. 2, the slit also comprises a beveled portion 20 at its intersection with the button's top surface. In the illustrated embodiment the bevel has a width at the intersection with the top surface of about 2-4 mm and tapers down to the width of the slit at a depth of about 1-3 mm, although the actual dimensions can vary depending on the particular configuration of the holder. As can be appreciated, the beveled top opening 20 helps a fisherman more quickly and more easily guide the line into the slit 18.

The button 12 can be formed by any suitable process such as injection molding or drop molding. Typically, although not necessarily, the beveled portion 20 of the slit is formed in situ during the molding process, but the slit 18 is cut into the button in a subsequent forming operation. In yet other variations the button can be formed of two (or possibly more) separate pieces with the surfaces that form the slit facing and abutting each other.

Whether the button 12 is a one piece unit or comprises two pieces, the button is secured to a first magnet 14. In addition to providing for magnetic attraction, the first magnet also serves as a substantially rigid base to provide structural support for the elastomeric button. While the size and type of magnet can vary, high power rare earth magnets are typically desirable. A more powerful magnet can assert a suitable attractive force relative to the rear magnet 16 through thicker clothing and minimize the risk of a premature or unintentional release of the holder from the fisherman's clothing or fishing accessory. As illustrated, the diameter of the first magnet is the same as or approximate the diameter of the button 12. The thickness of the first magnet can vary often depending on the desired magnetic strength of the magnet and the desired resulting strength of the first and rear magnet combination, but in one embodiment similar to the illustrated embodiment the first magnet is about 2 mm thick.

The button 12 can be secured to the first magnet 14 using any suitable means including but not limited to adhesive bonding and mechanical fastening. In at least one variation, the button can be molded over and at least partially around the magnet. As can be appreciated, where the button comprises two pieces, the pieces are secured to the first magnet so that the slit is formed.

The rear magnet 16 is configured to work synergistically with the first magnet 14. As shown it has a diameter similar to the diameter of the first magnet 14. The rear magnet can comprise any suitable material but most typically comprises a high power rare earth magnet. The rear magnet can have a thickness similar to the first magnet or it may vary therefrom. In at least one variation, the rear magnet is about 3 mm thick.

In use, the rear magnet 16 is held against the backside of a shirt (or other piece of clothing) while the remainder of the holder is placed in an adjacent location on the front side of the shirt. As the magnets are brought together the magnetic attraction removably secures the holder on the shirt. The fisherman can then selectively place fishing line in the slit 18 to secure the line as desired.

The surface of the button 12 can be used to imprint a logo 34 or other indicia thereon. In some variations the logo is molded in situ with the formation of the button. In other variations, the logo can be subsequently printed thereon, such as through the process of pad printing. As can be appreciated, the holder can be manufactured for a relatively low cost and as such can be used as a promotional giveaway (or tchotchke). For instance, a fishing pole manufacturer may commission the manufacture of a number of holders emblazoned with its logo to be given away at a convention. Use of the giveaways in the field, help promote awareness of the brand and presumably result in increased sales of fishing poles.

Numerous variations and other embodiments of the holder 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 are contemplated. For instance, either of the first and rear magnets 14 & 16 can be replaced with a piece of ferritic steel. In alternative embodiments, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 6a-d, the magnets can be replaced with other permanent and removable means for securing the holder to a piece of clothing or other fishing accessory.

FIG. 6a is an illustration of an embodiment that includes a circular plate substrate 22 on which the button 12 is mounted. A pin 24 extends from the rear of the substrate and a pin back 26 is provided to cover the pointed end of the pin. In use the pin is pushed through a shirt and the back is placed over the pin's pointed end on the back side of the shirt to secure the holder in place. As can be appreciated, other types of pin configurations can be employed to secure the button to a piece of clothing as are well known in the art.

FIG. 6b is an illustration of an embodiment that comprises a button 12 to which a piece of loop fabric 28 is secured. A corresponding piece of loop material 30 of any suitable shape and size is typically sewn or adhesively attached to an area on a shirt or other piece of clothing. In use, a fisherman presses the holder up against the swatch of loop material affixed to the applicable piece of clothing to attach it.

FIG. 6c is an illustration of an embodiment comprising the button 12 to which a relatively thin plastic flange 32 is either secured thereon or formed in situ during the button's molding. The flange provides a surface through which the holder can be fixedly sewn to a piece of clothing at a desired location. In a variation, the increased surface area of the flange can facilitate the adhesive bonding of the button to a piece of clothing. This embodiment can be used by a manufacturer of clothing or fishing accessories to provide a line holder as an added feature on the piece of clothing or accessory.

FIG. 6d is an illustration of an embodiment comprising a button 12 to which a spring loaded clip 34 is secured. To use this embodiment, the fisherman would simply clip the holder to an edge of a piece of clothing. Other means of attaching a button including a slit or any other configuration of a line holder are contemplated as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art given the benefit of this disclosure. Simply, any number of means to secure a line holder either removably or permanently are suitable for variations and other embodiments.

A Filament Line Holder According to Another Embodiment

FIGS. 7-11 illustrate another embodiment of a filament line holder 50. This embodiment of the holder comprises: (i) U-shaped clip 52; (ii) elastomeric inserts 54a&b fit within the clip forming a slit 56 suitable for holding a filament line; (iii) a first magnet 62 fixedly coupled to a back side of the clip; and (iv) a second or rear magnet 60 adapted to work in conjunction with the first magnet to removably attach the holder to a piece of clothing or other article. FIG. 11 is an illustration showing the holder 50 with a piece of fishing line 101 received in the slit.

The U-shaped clip 52 is typically fabricated from plastic or metal to form substantially rigid front and rear sides 53a&b that resiliently flex at their respective intersections with a bottom side 53c. In at least one variation, the clip is about 2.5 cm wide, 2.5 cm in height and about 1 cm thick in overall dimensions with the thickness of the respective sides being about 1-5 mm thick depending on the material from which the clip is comprised. Clips of larger and smaller sizes are contemplated.

The U-shaped clip 52 defines a space between the front and rear sides 53a&b that is bounded on the bottom by the bottom side 53c. Within this space, one or more elastomeric inserts/pads 54a&b are received that effectively fill at least a substantial portion of the space. The pads can be adhesively bonded within the clip, held in frictionally and/or by a compressive biasing force applied by the respective front and rear sides.

Two separate and distinct pads 54a&b are illustrated in FIG. 10, for instance, but variations are contemplated wherein a single pad is used that has a slit formed or cut in it. Generally, the pads are comprised of a polymeric material similar to that of the button 12 of the previously described embodiment although the pads, which are constrained and supported by the clip, can be softer than the button. Preferably, the pad material has a Shore A hardness of between about 30-90, and more preferably between 40-70, although depending on the specific configuration of the alternative holders the specific physical properties of the pad material can vary.

The pads 54a&b are fabricated by any suitable means including injection or drop molding, such as the button 12 of the previous embodiment. In at least one contemplated variation, the clip can be placed in a mold and a pad can be injected in the space and possibly also over-molding the exterior surfaces of the clip. In such a variation, the slit 56 could be cut in a subsequent operation. Additionally, given the plate-like dimensions of the pads, they can also be cut or stamped from sheet stock.

Along a top edge of each pad 54a&b a bevel 58 is provided. When assembled the bevels on each pad are orientated to face each other and act to help guide a filament line into the a slit 56 formed by the opposing but abutting faces of the respective pads. The resiliency of both the rubber and the clip sides as they flex at their respective intersection with the bottom side provide a holding force for any filament line received within the slit.

A first magnet 62 is mounted to the outside surface of the backside as best seen in FIGS. 8 & 9. As with the previously described embodiment, the magnet typically comprises the rare earth variety although other types can be specified. The magnet is secured to the clip 52 in any suitable fashion including adhesive bonding. In at least one variation the U-shaped clip itself comprises a ferrous material and a first magnet is not provided. A second or rear magnet 60 is provided to couple magnetically with the first in a manner similar to the magnets described in the previous embodiment. The rear magnet is also typically of the rare-earth variety. The size and shape of the magnets can vary depending on the desired holding power and the size of the associated clip.

In a related variation, the clip is comprised of steel and is accordingly magnetized when the first magnet 62 is mounted thereon. Because of this, the front side of the clip can be used to magnetically hold lightweight items that contain steel, such as an artificial fly having a steel hook. It is to be further appreciated that in some variations of the button holder embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1-5 artificial flies will adhere to the outside surface of the first magnet 14 around the perimeter of the button 12. This added functionality permits a user to (i) place a new fly on the holder while he/she removes an old fly and/or (ii) place the old fly on the holder while he/she ties the new fly to the tippet. Once the desired change is completed the fisherman can properly store the old fly as desired in his/her tackle box or other artificial fly receptacle.

The outside surface of the clip 52 provides surface area that can be used to imprint a logo 59 or other desirable indicia therein. The logo or indicia can be utilized in a manner similar to that described above in relation to the button holder embodiment.

As discussed with the button holder embodiment 10 above, variations and alternative embodiments of the u-clip holder are contemplated as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art given the benefit of this disclosure. For instance, the u-clip holder can be attached to clothing or accessories in much the same manner as described in relation to FIGS. 6a-d for variations of the button holder.

A Method of Using a Filament Line Holder According to Another Embodiment

One use of the holder is to secure monofilament fishing line as a fisherman is changing bait or tackle associated with his fishing rod. More specifically, embodiments can be used by fly fishermen when changing from one artificial fly to another.

As a first step, the fisherman secures a holder to his/her clothing or fishing accessory. In some instances, the holder may be permanently adhered to a piece of clothing, such as a shirt or waders. Removable holders can be secured in any number of manners depending on the configuration of the particular holder. For instance, with a hook fabric backed holder the fisherman will simply press the holder onto a swatch of loop fabric that is contained on the associated clothing or fishing accessory. For holders having the described magnets, the fisherman will typically place the rear magnet on the backside of a fabric section of the desired piece of clothing and place the rest of the holder first magnet down on the adjacent front side of the fabric. The magnetic attraction of the opposing magnets firmly holds the holder in place. As shown in FIG. 12 a typical location to place the holder on the fisherman's shirt is proximate the fisherman's chest.

Prior to performing various tasks associated with fishing that involve a fishing line, which often comprises nearly invisible monofilament line, the fisherman places the line into the beveled slit opening and pulls is downwardly into the slit thereby securing this section of the line in place. When used with fly fishing line, such as a tippet line, the section of line secured in the holder is typically located about 1-3 feet or so from the end of the line. Accordingly, the fisherman can easily find the end of the line as necessary by following the line from the secured section to the end.

If the fisherman is changing bait, such as a fly, he simply removes the old bait by any suitable means and disposes of it. If the old bait is a fly, he may place the fly in his tackle box or fly holder or he may temporarily place the fly on the holder wherein the magnets will hold it in place while he finishes changing the bait. Once the old bait has been removed, the fisherman can secure the new bait to the end of the line. The fisherman may have retrieved the new bait, such as a new fly, prior to removing the old bait (and perhaps placed the new fly against the side of the holder) or he may retrieve the new bait from its storage location after the old bait has been removed. As can be appreciated the exact sequence in which the various steps of changing bait are accomplished can vary depending on the particular fisherman and his/her personal proclivities.

Once the new bait has been secured to the end of the line, the fisherman can remove the line from the holder with a tug and begin or resume fishing.

Other Variations and Embodiments

The various preferred embodiments and variations thereof illustrated in the accompanying figures and/or described above are merely exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be appreciated that numerous variations to the invention have been contemplated as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A holder for a piece of fishing line, the holder comprising:

one or more pieces comprising an elastomeric material, the one or more pieces defining a slit, the slit configured to removably receive the piece of fishing line therein;

a substantially rigid support structure coupled to the one or more pieces of elastomeric material; and

an attachment mechanism, the attachment mechanism configured to facilitate the holder to be secured to a piece of fabric.

2. The holder of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism is configured to removably secure the holder to the piece of fabric.

3. The holder of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism is configured to fixedly secure the holder to the piece of fabric.

4. The holder of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises at least two magnetic connectors and wherein the support structure is comprised of one of the at least two connectors.

5. The holder of claim 4, wherein the at least two connectors are substantially planar.

6. The holder of claim 4, wherein at least one of the at least two connectors comprise a rare earth magnet.

7. The holder of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises one of: (i) a pin secured to the support structure and a pin back; (ii) a piece of one of hook material or loop material attached to the support structure and another piece of the other of hook material and loop material; (iii) a clip secured to the support structure; and (iv) a thin flange configured to facilitate bonding or sewing of the holder to the piece of fabric.

8. The holder of claim 1, wherein the structural support comprises a substantially rigid planar disk.

9. The holder of claim 1, wherein the structural support comprises a generally u-shaped clip.

10. The holder of claim 9, wherein the u-shaped clip is comprised of an at least semi-rigid polymeric material.

11. The holder of claim 9, wherein the one or more pieces comprising an elastomeric material comprises two substantially planar pieces, the planar pieces being received in the u-shaped clip with abutting first and second surfaces defining the slit, each planar piece including a bevel proximate a top edge of the planar piece.

12. The holder of claim 9, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises at least two magnetic connectors with one of the connectors being fixedly secured to the u-shaped clip.

13. The holder of claim 1, wherein the one or more pieces of elastomeric material has a Shore A hardness of between 40 and 90.

14. The holder of claim 8, wherein the one or more elastomeric pieces comprises a cylindrical button affixed to the planar disk and the slit extends across a top surface of the button through a center point thereof, the slit being beveled at its intersection with the top surface.

15. The holder of claim 14, wherein the attachment mechanism includes at least two magnetic connectors and wherein the planar disk is comprised of one of the at least two connectors.

16. A method of making the holder of claim 1, the method comprising: fabricating one or more elastomeric pieces that define the slit; providing the substantially rigid support structure; affixing the one or more elastomeric pieces to the support structure; and providing the attachment mechanism; securing the attachment mechanism to the support structure.

17. A method of using the holder of claim 1, the method comprising: putting on a piece of clothing; removably securing the holder to the piece of clothing; fishing using a fishing rod having fishing line and bait attached to a distal end of the fishing line; and changing the bait by (i) placing the fishing line in the slit generally near its distal end, (ii) replacing the bait with new bait, and (iii) removing the fishing line from the slit.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the bait comprises an artificial fly.

19. A holder for a piece of fishing line, the holder comprising:

one or more pieces comprising an elastomeric material, the one or more pieces defining a slit, the slit including a beveled top edge and being configured to removably receive the piece of fishing line therein;

a substantially rigid u-shaped clip, the clip having a front side, a back side and a bottom side with the front and back sides intersecting with the bottom side along opposing edges of the bottom side, the one or more pieces of elastomeric material at least substantially being received in the support structure;

a first magnetic plate attached to the back side; and

a second magnetic plate configured to magnetically couple to the first magnetic plate.

20. A holder for a piece of fishing line, the holder comprising:

an elastomeric cylindrical button having a slit extending across a top surface of the button and into the button, the slit being beveled at an intersection with the top surface;

a first planar magnetic disk, a bottom surface of the button being affixed to the first magnetic disk; and

a second planar magnetic disk configured to magnetically couple to the first magnetic disk.