SUSPENDING DEVICE

Abstract

The present invention to disclose a magnetic hanger reversibly and effectively fixable to a surface with a thin plane X-Y The plane's main axis X comprising a first edge X1 and an opposite second edge X2. The hanger characterized by having one or more non-flexible stiffening ribs provided substantially in parallel to the plane's main axis Y, having a width Wx<<(X2−X1), such that the hanger provided with flexibility along the main axis X, whilst being non-flexible in other directions, ensuring that peeling of the hanger from the surface is restricted to a direction parallel to the main axis X, starting from X1 or X2.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-In-Part of International Patent Application No. PCT/IL11/00652, filed on Aug. 10, 2011, now pending, and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/344,512, filed on Aug. 12, 2010, now expired, both of which applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a suspending device and, more specifically, to a magnetic suspending device provided with a temporarily attachable flexible member.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Flexible permanent magnetic materials are often supplied in the form of sheets or rolls and have been commercially available for many years. These materials are typically prepared by mixing a powdered ferrite material with a suitable polymeric or plastic binder into a uniform mixture. The polymeric materials are often elastomers, and the process is therefore typically accomplished through the use of sheet extrusion or calendering. The mixture is converted into strip or sheet form, providing a permanent stable product that is usually somewhat flexible, and that can readily be handled and made into elements of any desired shape by cutting and/or stamping.

The magnetic material is permanently magnetized so that the resulting elements can act individually as permanent magnets, the magnetic field being of sufficient strength that they will adhere to a magnetically attracted surface, such as the surface of an iron or steel sheet, even through a sheet of paper or thin cardboard. Many magnetic materials and the resultant sheet materials are typically inherently dark in color and it is therefore usual to attach these magnets to a printable substrate such as paper or plastic by gluing. It is therefore to the paper or plastic that the decorative pattern and/or other information may be printed. A popular application of such materials is thin, flat magnets having on their outer surface a decorative pattern and/or promotional information, including advertisements in direct mailings, newspaper inserts, and so forth, box toppers, coupons, business cards, calendars, greeting cards, postcards, and so forth.

It should be emphasized that a minimal force F_m of attractive interaction between the magnetizable plate and the magnetic member is defined by the following expression:

$F_m>\frac{F_g}{k_{\mathrm{fr}}},$

where F_g is a force applied to the magnetic member by the hanged object due to gravity; k_fr is a coefficient of friction between the magnetizable plate and the magnetic member.

JP2005218487 ('487) discloses a magnetic hook provided with higher handleability which enables the simple removal thereof attracted on the wall surface. The magnetic hook has a magnet mounting body with a magnet mounted thereon, a hook mounting body which is mounted on the magnet mounting body so as to be turned on a pivot while having a hook mounted thereon and a wall pad which is provided on the hook mounting body positioned above the pivot so as to approach the wall surface when attracted thereon. When the hook is raised ahead, the wall pad is pressed onto the wall surface by a prescribed moment force under the principle of leverage on the pivot, eventually causing a force to separate the magnet mounting body from the wall surface. This enables the simple removal of the magnetic hook magnetically attracted onto the wall surface simply from the wall surface.

'487 prescribes to apply a force to the magnet and separate it from the wall surface. If the magnetic hook is designed for hanging the heavy-weight object, the aforesaid force required for magnet separation can reach largeness so that magnet separation becomes difficult and troublesome. Thus, it is a long-felt and unmet need to provide a magnetic hook which is adapted for hanging heavy-weight objects and easy separation from the wall surface in the meantime.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is one object of the present invention to disclose a magnetic hanger (110) reversibly and effectively fixable to a surface (120), with a thin plane X-Y; said plane's main axis X comprising a first edge X₁ and an opposite second edge X₂; said hanger (110) characterized by having one or more non-flexible stiffening ribs (130) provided substantially in parallel to said plane's main axis Y, having a width W_x<<(X₂−X₁), such that said hanger (110) is provided with flexibility along said main axis X, whilst being non-flexible in other directions, ensuring that peeling of said hanger (110) from said surface (120) is restricted to a direction parallel to said main axis X starting from X₁ or X₂.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the magnetic hanger (110) as defined above, wherein at least one of the following holds true:

• • a) said ribs (130) are formed by longitudinal folds (190) of said thin plane, said folds (190) raised above said surface (120) to facilitate said peeling of said hanger (110) from said surface (120);
  • b) said magnetic hanger (110) is provided with at least one replaceable hanging element (140) selected from a group consisting of: a hanger, a peg, a hook, a pintle, a dowel, a graffe and any combination thereof;
  • c) said magnetic hanger (110) adapted to carry an object's load;
  • d) the ratio between the force required for said peeling along said direction parallel to said main axis X and said other directions is approximately between 1:1 and 1:1000;
  • e) the force required for said peeling along said main axis X is less than about 60 N;
  • f) said magnetic hanger (110) is made of a flexible plastic provided with magnetic particles nested or embedded therein;
  • g) the shape of the contact surface of said magnetic hanger (110) is selected from the group consisting of cylinder-like, sphere-like, cone-like, planar surfaces and any combination thereof;
  • h) said magnetic hanger (110) is oblong shaped so that said magnetic hanger (110) has a direction of preferred flexibility along vertical long and short sides, and a diagonal of said magnetic hanger (110);
  • i) said magnetic hanger (110) is of a polygon shape; and
  • j) said magnetic hanger (110) is provided with at least one mortise (180) configured to fixate at least one replaceable hanging element (140).

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the magnetic hanger (110) as defined above, wherein said surface (120) is made of magnetizable material such as: metallic, paramagnetic and ferromagnetic.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the magnetic hanger (110) as defined above, wherein said surface (120) has a laminar structure comprising at least one layer made of material selected from the group consisting of a magnetizable material, a non-magnetic material, a magnetic coating, a magnetic paint and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the magnetic hanger (110) as defined above, wherein said surface (120) is mechanically fixable to a surface of interest (150).

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the magnetic hanger (110) as defined above, wherein at least one of the following holds true:

• • a) said surface (120) is underlain by a mesh (170); said mesh (170) is spanned between said surface of interest (150) and said surface (120); and
  • b) said surface of interest (150) is substantially vertical.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the magnetic hanger (110) as defined above, wherein said at least one edge of said magnetic hanger (110) is provided with a pull flap (160) configured to assist in pulling for said peeling of said magnetic hanger (110) from said surface (120); said at least one pull flap (160) is either magnetic or at least partially non-magnetic.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of temporarily suspending an object to a surface (120), comprising the steps of:

• • a) providing a magnetic hanger (110) reversibly and effectively fixable to said surface (120), with a thin plane X-Y; said plane's main axis X comprising a first edge X₁ and an opposite second edge X₂; said hanger (110) characterized by having one or more non-flexible stiffening ribs (130), substantially parallel to said plane's main axis Y, having a width W_x<<(X₂−X₁); thereby providing said hanger (110) with flexibility along said main axis X, whilst being non-flexible in other directions, ensuring that peeling of said hanger (110) from said surface (120) is restricted to a direction parallel to said main axis X starting from X₁ or X₂;
  • b) temporarily fixating said magnetic hanger (110) to surface (120);
  • c) hanging said object onto said magnetic hanger (110);
  • d) removing said object from said magnetic hanger (110);
  • e) peeling said magnetic hanger (110) from said surface (120) in said direction parallel to said main axis X, starting from X₁ or X₂; and
  • f) repeating said steps (b) to (e) if and when necessary.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined above, wherein at least one of the following holds true:

• • a) further comprising step of forming said ribs (130) by longitudinal folds (190) of said thin plane; said longitude folds (190) raised above said surface (120) facilitating said peeling of said hanger (110) from said surface (120);
  • b) further comprising step of providing said magnetic hanger (110) with at least one replaceable hanging element (140) selected from a group consisting of: a hanger, a peg, a hook, a pintle, a dowel, a graffe and any combination thereof;
  • c) further comprising step of carrying an object's load, by said magnetic hanger (110);
  • d) the ratio between the force required for said peeling along said main axis X and said other directions is approximately between 1:1 and 1:1000;
  • e) the force required for said peeling along said direction parallel to said main axis X is less than about 60 N;
  • f) further comprising step of providing said magnetic hanger (110) with flexible plastic comprising magnetic particles nested or embedded therein;
  • g) the shape of the contact surface of said magnetic hanger (110) is selected from the group consisting of cylinder-like, sphere-like, cone-like, planar surfaces and any combination thereof;
  • h) further comprising step of providing said magnetic hanger (110) with oblong shape, thereby said magnetic hanger (110) has a direction of preferred flexibility along vertical long and short sides, and a diagonal of said magnetic hanger (110);
  • i) further comprising step of providing said magnetic hanger (110) with a polygon shape; and
  • j) further comprising step of providing said magnetic hanger (110) with at least one mortise (180) configured for fixating at least one replaceable hanging element (140).

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined above, wherein said surface (120) is made of magnetizable material such as: metallic, paramagnetic and ferromagnetic.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined above, further comprising step of said surface (120) with laminar structure comprising at least one layer made of material selected from the group consisting of a magnetizable material, a non-magnetic material, a magnetic coating, a magnetic paint and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined above, further comprising step of mechanically fixating said surface (120) to a surface of interest (150).

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined above, wherein at least one of the following holds true:

• • a) said surface (120) is underlain by a mesh (170); said mesh (170) is spanned between said surface of interest (150) and said surface (120); and
  • b) said surface of interest (150) is substantially vertical.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined above, further comprising step of providing said at least one edge of said magnetic hanger (110) with a pull flap (160) configured for assisting in pulling for said peeling of said magnetic hanger (110) from said surface (120); said at least one pull flap (160) is either magnetic or at least partially non-magnetic.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose a magnetic hanger (110) reversibly and effectively fixable to a surface (120), with a thin plane X-Y; said plane's main axis X comprising a first edge X₁ and an opposite second edge X₂; said plane's main axis Y comprising a first edge Y₁ and an opposite second edge Y₂;

• • said hanger (110) characterized by comprising two or more non-flexible stiffening ribs (130) provided along—and perpendicular to—a predetermined path (220);
  • said ribs (130) having a width W_r substantially smaller than said plane's dimensions W_r<<(X₂−X₁), W_r<<(Y₂−Y₁);
  • such that said hanger (110) is provided with flexibility along said path (220), whilst being non-flexible in directions other than along said path (220), ensuring that peeling of said hanger (110) from said surface (120) is restricted to a direction parallel to said path (220), starting from at least one edge of said path (220).

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the magnetic hanger (110) as defined above, wherein at least one of the following holds true:

• • a) said ribs (130) are formed by longitudinal folds (190) of said thin plane, said folds (190) raised above said surface (120) to facilitate said peeling of said hanger (110) from said surface (120);
  • b) said magnetic hanger (110) is provided with at least one replaceable hanging element (140) selected from a group consisting of: a hanger, a peg, a hook, a pintle, a dowel, a graffe and any combination thereof;
  • c) said magnetic hanger (110) adapted to carry an object's load;
  • d) the ratio between the force required for said peeling along said direction parallel to said main axis X and said other directions is approximately between 1:1 and 1:1000;
  • e) the force required for said peeling along said main axis X is less than about 60 N;
  • f) said magnetic hanger (110) is made of a flexible plastic provided with magnetic particles nested or embedded therein;
  • g) the shape of the contact surface of said magnetic hanger (110) is selected from the group consisting of cylinder-like, sphere-like, cone-like, planar surfaces and any combination thereof;
  • h) said magnetic hanger (110) is oblong shaped so that said magnetic hanger (110) has a direction of preferred flexibility along vertical long and short sides, and a diagonal of said magnetic hanger (110);
  • i) said magnetic hanger (110) is of a polygon shape; and
  • j) said magnetic hanger (110) is provided with at least one mortise (180) configured to fixate at least one replaceable hanging element (140).

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the magnetic hanger (110) as defined above, wherein said surface (120) is made of magnetizable material such as: metallic, paramagnetic and ferromagnetic.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the magnetic hanger (110) as defined above, wherein at least one of the following holds true:

• • a) said surface (120) has a laminar structure comprising at least one layer made of material selected from the group consisting of a magnetizable material, a non-magnetic material, a magnetic coating, a magnetic paint and any combination thereof; and
  • b) said surface (120) is mechanically fixable to a surface of interest (150).

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the magnetic hanger (110) as defined above, wherein said at least one edge of said magnetic hanger (110) is provided with a pull flap (160) configured to assist in pulling for said peeling of said magnetic hanger (110) from said surface (120); said at least one pull flap (160) is either magnetic or at least partially non-magnetic.

It is hence one object of the invention to disclose a device 100 for temporarily attaching an object of interest by means of magnetically fixating the aforesaid object to a surface of interest 10. The aforesaid device comprises (a) a magnetizable member made of a magnetizable metal mechanically fixatable to said surface and (b) a magnetic member made of a magnet sheet material adapted for temporarily attaching to said magnetizable member due to an attractive force exerted by the magnetic member to said magnetizable member. The magnetic member carries an element configured for hanging the object of interest.

It is a core purpose of the invention to provide the said magnetic member at least partially is substantially flexible so as to facilitate easy detachment of said magnetic member from said magnetizable member. The magnetic member is configurable into a first position characterized by flexible peelability from the magnetizable member in at least one direction and a second position characterized by stable attachment of the magnetic member to the magnetizable member such that a ratio between the detachment force in the first position and the detachment force in the second position is between approximately 1:1 and approximately 1:1000.

Another object of this disclosure is to disclose the abovementioned invention, wherein a detachment force of said magnetic member from the magnetizable member such that the detachment force is less than about 60 N.

attached magnetizable member is underlain by a mesh. The mesh is between the surface and the magnetizable member.

A further object of this disclosure is to disclose the abovementioned invention, wherein the magnetic member is made of a flexible plastic provided with magnetic particles nested or embedded therein.

A further object of this disclosure is to disclose the abovementioned invention, wherein contact area between said magnetized and magnetic members is conformable to the shape of a contact surface of the magnetizable member.

A further object of this disclosure is to disclose the abovementioned invention, wherein a shape of said contact surface is selected from the group consisting of cylindrical-like, spherical-like, conical-like, textured surfaces, relief surfaces, planar surfaces and any combination thereof.

A further object of this disclosure is to disclose the abovementioned invention, wherein the magnetizable member has a laminar structure is made of a plate comprising at least one layer made of material selected from the group consisting of a magnetizable material, a non-magnetic material, a magnetic coating, a magnetic paint and any combination thereof.

A further object of this disclosure is to disclose the abovementioned invention, wherein the surface is substantially vertical.

A further object of this disclosure is to disclose the abovementioned invention, wherein a contact area between said magnetized and magnetic members which is flat.

A further object of this disclosure is to disclose the abovementioned invention, wherein the magnetizable member made of a tin-plate.

A further object of the invention is to disclose the hanging element configured in a form selected from the group consisting of a hanger, a peg, a hook, a pintle, a dowel, an agraffe and any combination thereof.

A further object of this disclosure is to disclose the abovementioned invention, wherein the device is provided with a set of substitutable hanging elements.

A further object of this disclosure is to disclose the abovementioned invention, wherein the magnetic member is oblong shaped so that said magnetic has a direction of preferred flexibility along a vertical long and short sides and diagonal of said magnetic member.

A further object of the invention is to disclose a method of suspending of temporarily suspending an object of interest by means of magnetically fixating the aforesaid object to a surface of interest. The aforesaid method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a device for temporarily suspending an object of interest by means of magnetically fixating the aforesaid object to a surface of interest; said device comprising (i) a magnetizable member made of a magnetizable metal mechanically fixatable to said surface and (ii) a magnetic member made of a magnet sheet material adapted for temporarily attaching to said magnetizable member due to an attractive force exerted by said magnet member to said magnetizable member; said member carries an element configured for hanging the object of interest; said magnetic member is at least partially substantially flexible such that said magnetic member is adapted for bending so as to facilitate easy detachment of said magnetic member from said magnetizable member further wherein said magnetic member is configurable into a first position characterized by flexible peelability from said magnetizable member in at least one direction and a second position characterized by stable attachment of said magnetic member to said magnetizable member;

(b) mechanically fixating said magnetizable member to said surface; (c) temporarily attaching said magnetic member to said magnetizable member due to said attractive force exerted by said magnet member to said magnetizable member; (d) hanging said object of interest onto said hanging element; (e) residing said object of interest on said hanging element; (f) getting said object of interest of said element; (g) disengaging said magnetic member from said magnetizable member; and (h) repeating said steps (c) to (g) if and when necessary. The step of disengaging said magnetic member further comprises at least partially bending said magnetic such that a ratio between said detachment force in said first position and said detachment force in said second position is between approximately 1:1 and approximately 1:1000.

A further object of the invention is to disclose the magnetic member is made of an flexible plastic provided with magnetic particles nested or embedded therein.

A further object of the invention is to disclose the step of attaching said magnetic member to said magnetizable member performed between flat surfaces thereof.

A further object of the invention is to disclose a magnetic device for disengageably fixatable on a magnetizable object. The aforesaid device comprises (a) a housing; (b) a magnetic sheet accommodated within said housing and configured for attaching to said object of interest. The disclosed device further comprises mechanical means adapted to flattening said sheet for magnetically fixating on said magnetizable object and bending for disengaging said sheet therefrom.

A further object of the invention is to disclose a method of magnetically fixating a magnetic device on a magnetized object. The aforesaid method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a magnetic device for disengageably fixating on a magnetizable object; said device comprises (i) a housing; (ii) a magnetic sheet accommodated within said housing and configured for attaching to said object of interest;

(b) placing said device close to said magnetizable object; (c) temporarily fixating said magnetic sheet to said magnetizable object due to said attractive force exerted by said magnet sheet to said magnetizable object; (d) hanging said object of interest onto said housing; (e) residing said object of interest on said housing; (f) getting said object of interest of said housing;(g) disengaging said magnetic member from said magnetizable member; and (h) repeating said steps (c) to (g) if and when necessary. The steps of fixating and disengaging said magnetic sheet further comprise at least partially flattening and bending thereof, respectively.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be implemented in practice, a plurality of embodiments is adapted to now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

FIG. 1a is a view of a magnetizable surface 120 attached to a surface of interest 150 such as a wall;

FIG. 1b is a view of a magnetic hanger 110;

FIG. 2a is a view of a magnetic hanger 110 fixated on a magnetizable surface 120;

FIG. 2b is a view of a magnetic hanger 110 at a step of disengagement from the magnetizable surface 120;

FIG. 3 is a view of a magnetic hanger 110 further comprising pull-flaps 160;

FIGS. 4a and 4b are isometric and cross-sectional views of a magnetizable surface 120 underlain by a mesh 170; and

FIG. 5 is a view of a magnetic hanger 110 further comprising ribs 130 which are formed by longitudinal folds 190;

FIG. 6 is a view of a magnetic hanger 110 comprising ribs 130 arranged along the X axis.

FIG. 7 is a view of a magnetic hanger 110 comprising ribs 130 arranged along a path parallel to a θ axis.

FIG. 8 is a view of a magnetic hanger 110 comprising ribs 130 arranged along a snake-like path.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description is provided, alongside all chapters of the present invention, so as to enable any person skilled in the art to make use of said invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this invention. Various modifications, however, are adapted to remain apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined specifically to provide a device 100 for temporarily suspending an object of interest by means of magnetically fixating the aforesaid object on—or to—a surface of interest 150.

It should be emphasized that a minimal force F_m of attractive interaction between the magnetizable surface 120 and the magnetic hanger 110 is defined by the following expression:

$F_m>\frac{F_g}{k_{\mathrm{fr}}},$

where:

F_g is a force applied to the magnetic hanger 110 by the hanged object due to gravity; k_fr is a coefficient of friction between the magnetizable surface 120 and the magnetic hanger 110.

A force of magnetic attraction between two substantially flat bodies where one of them is a flat permanent magnet and another is a plate made of a magnetizable material depends on the following parameters:

• • (a) magnetic moment per unit volume of the magnet;
  • (b) magnet volume;
  • (c) magnetization value of the magnetizable material; and
  • (d) contact area between the magnet and magnetizable member.

The force F_m is proportional to each abovementioned parameters.

A conception of a magnet disengageably fixatable on a magnetizable object of interest is a trade-off between a load which can be carried by the magnet and ease of disengagement of the magnet from the magnetizable object.

In accordance with the current invention, magnet disengagement can be significantly facilitated due to gradual separation from each other. The advantage of the proposed technical solution is in opportunity of increase in the load carriable by the fixated magnet.

In accordance with the current invention, a flexible magnet hanger 110 is gradually separatable from the magnetizable surface 120. An edge 115 of the flexible hanger 110 is striped from the magnetizable surface 120 and further other portions of the magnet hanger 110 are separated from the magnetizable surface 120.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1a, presenting a magnetizable surface 120 mechanically fixed to a surface of interest 150, e.g. a room wall. Any surface including a curved surface situated at any angle relative to gravity direction is in the scope of the current invention.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1b, showing a flexible magnetic hanger 110 provided with a hanging element 140 adapted for carrying a load (not shown). The magnetic hanger 110 constitutes a flexible permanent magnet prepared by mixing a powdered ferrite, neodymium or NeFeB material with a suitable polymeric or plastic binder into a uniform mixture. The mixture is converted into sheet form by means of extrusion or calendering.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2a, presenting the flexible magnetic hanger 110 placed on the magnetizable surface 120 mechanically connected to the surface of interest 150, which constitute together a device 100. When placed nearby the magnetizable surface 120, the flexible magnetic hanger 110 is fixated on the magnetizable surface 120 due to the force of magnetic attraction. As stated above, the aforesaid force is proportional to a volume of the magnetic hanger 110 and the contact area. Thus, the carried load can be increased by means of sheet thickening and extension of the contact area.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2b, showing the flexible magnetic hanger 110 at the step of disengaging from the magnetizable surface 120. The edge 115 of the hanger 110 is striped from the surface 120. Further, the hanger 110 is gradually separated from the surface 120. It should be emphasized that novelty of the current invention is in flexibility of the magnetic hanger 110 providing easy gradual disengagement of hanger 110 from the surface 120.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3, presenting an embodiment of the device 100 for temporarily suspending an object of interest. The flexible magnetic hanger 110 further comprises pull flaps 160 which assist in tearing the magnetic hanger 110 off. Non-magnetic flaps 160 are in the scope of the current invention. A plate 185 is provided with mortises 180 adapted for fixating a substitutable, exchangeable or disposable hanging element 140.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 4a and 4b, presenting the magnetizable surface 120 attached to the surface of interest 150. The magnetizable surface 120 is underlain by a mesh 170 which is filled by a filler. FIG. 4b mesh 170 presents a filled mesh 170 which is flush with the surface of interest 150.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5, presenting an embodiment of the device 100 for temporarily suspending an object of interest. The flexible magnetic hanger 110 is provided with pull flaps 160 which assist in tearing the magnetic hanger 110 off. Further the flexible magnetic hanger 110 is provided with rib 130 for additional non-flexibility in a direction along the aforesaid rib 130. The ribs 130 in FIG. 5 are formed by longitudinal folds 190 of the thin plane. The folds 190 are raised above the surface 120 to facilitate the peeling of the hanger 110 from the surface 120.

Reference is now made to FIG. 6 presenting the magnetic hanger 110 configured with a thin plane X-Y The plane's main axis X comprising a first edge X₁ and an opposite second edge X₂. The hanger 110 characterized by having one or more non-flexible stiffening ribs 130 provided substantially in parallel to the plane's main axis Y The ribs 130 having a width W<<(X₂−X₁), such that the hanger 110 is provided with flexibility along the main axis X, whilst being non-flexible in other directions, ensuring that peeling of the hanger 110 from the surface 120 is restricted to a direction parallel to the main axis X, starting from at least one edge X₁ and/or X₂.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 7 and 8 describing another embodiment for the magnetic hanger 110 configured with a thin plane X-Y The plane's main axis X comprising a first edge X₁ and an opposite second edge X₂. The plane's main axis Y comprising a first edge Y₁ and an opposite second edge Y₂.

The hanger 110 characterized by comprising two or more non-flexible stiffening ribs 130 provided along—and perpendicular to—a predetermined path 220. The ribs (130) having a width W_r substantially smaller than the plane's dimensions W_r<<(X₂−X₁), W_r<<(Y₂−Y₁). Such that the hanger 110 is provided with flexibility along the path 220, whilst being non-flexible in directions other than along the path 220, ensuring that peeling of the hanger 110 from the surface 120 is restricted to a direction parallel to the path 220, starting from at least one edge of the path 220.

The ribs in FIG. 7 are described in a Polar coordinate system (r, θ), where the ribs 130 are set along—and perpendicular to—a path 200 parallel to the θ axis.

The ribs in FIG. 8 are described in a Cartesian coordinate system (X, Y), where the ribs 130 are set along—and perpendicular to—a path 200 having a snake-like configuration.

Claims

1. A magnetic hanger (110) reversibly and effectively fixable to a surface (120), with a thin plane X-Y; said plane's main axis X comprising a first edge X1 and an opposite second edge X2; said hanger (110) characterized by having one or more non-flexible stiffening ribs (130) provided substantially in parallel to said plane's main axis Y, having a width Wx<<(X2−X1), such that said hanger (110) is provided with flexibility along said main axis X, whilst being non-flexible in other directions, ensuring that peeling of said hanger (110) from said surface (120) is restricted to a direction parallel to said main axis X, starting from X1 or X2.

2. The magnetic hanger (110) according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the following holds true:

a) said ribs (130) are formed by longitudinal folds (190) of said thin plane, said folds (190) raised above said surface (120) to facilitate said peeling of said hanger (110) from said surface (120);

b) said magnetic hanger (110) is provided with at least one replaceable hanging element (140) selected from a group consisting of: a hanger, a peg, a hook, a pintle, a dowel, a graffe and any combination thereof;

c) said magnetic hanger (110) adapted to carry an object's load;

d) the ratio between the force required for said peeling along said direction parallel to said main axis X and said other directions is approximately between 1:1 and 1:1000;

e) the force required for said peeling along said main axis X is less than about 60 N;

f) said magnetic hanger (110) is made of a flexible plastic provided with magnetic particles nested or embedded therein;

g) the shape of the contact surface of said magnetic hanger (110) is selected from the group consisting of cylinder-like, sphere-like, cone-like, planar surfaces and any combination thereof;

h) said magnetic hanger (110) is oblong shaped so that said magnetic hanger (110) has a direction of preferred flexibility along vertical long and short sides, and a diagonal of said magnetic hanger (110);

i) said magnetic hanger (110) is of a polygon shape; and

j) said magnetic hanger (110) is provided with at least one mortise (180) configured to fixate at least one replaceable hanging element (140).

3. The magnetic hanger (110) according to claim 1, wherein said surface (120) is made of magnetizable material such as: metallic, paramagnetic and ferromagnetic.

4. The magnetic hanger (110) according to claim 3, wherein said surface (120) has a laminar structure comprising at least one layer made of material selected from the group consisting of a magnetizable material, a non-magnetic material, a magnetic coating, a magnetic paint and any combination thereof.

5. The magnetic hanger (110) according to claim 3, wherein said surface (120) is mechanically fixable to a surface of interest (150).

6. The magnetic hanger (110) according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the following holds true:

a) said surface (120) is underlain by a mesh (170); said mesh (170) is spanned between said surface of interest (150) and said surface (120); and

b) said surface of interest (150) is substantially vertical.

7. The magnetic hanger (110) according to claim 1, wherein said at least one edge of said magnetic hanger (110) is provided with a pull flap (160) configured to assist in pulling for said peeling of said magnetic hanger (110) from said surface (120); said at least one pull flap (160) is either magnetic or at least partially non-magnetic.

8. A method of temporarily suspending an object to a surface (120), comprising the steps of:

a) providing a magnetic hanger (110) reversibly and effectively fixable to said surface (120), with a thin plane X-Y; said plane's main axis X comprising a first edge X1 and an opposite second edge X2; said hanger (110) characterized by having one or more non-flexible stiffening ribs (130), substantially parallel to said plane's main axis Y, having a width Wx<<(X2−X1); thereby providing said hanger (110) with flexibility along said main axis X, whilst being non-flexible in other directions, ensuring that peeling of said hanger (110) from said surface (120) is restricted to a direction parallel to said main axis X starting from X1 or X2;

b) temporarily fixating said magnetic hanger (110) to surface (120);

c) hanging said object onto said magnetic hanger (110);

d) removing said object from said magnetic hanger (110);

e) peeling said magnetic hanger (110) from said surface (120) in said direction parallel to said main axis X, starting from X1 or X2; and

f) repeating said steps (b) to (e) if and when necessary.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein at least one of the following holds true:

a) further comprising step of forming said ribs (130) by longitudinal folds (190) of said thin plane; said longitude folds (190) raised above said surface (120) facilitating said peeling of said hanger (110) from said surface (120);

b) further comprising step of providing said magnetic hanger (110) with at least one replaceable hanging element (140) selected from a group consisting of: a hanger, a peg, a hook, a pintle, a dowel, a graffe and any combination thereof;

c) further comprising step of carrying an object's load, by said magnetic hanger (110);

d) the ratio between the force required for said peeling along said main axis X and said other directions is approximately between 1:1 and 1:1000;

e) the force required for said peeling along said direction parallel to said main axis X is less than about 60 N;

f) further comprising step of providing said magnetic hanger (110) with flexible plastic comprising magnetic particles nested or embedded therein;

g) the shape of the contact surface of said magnetic hanger (110) is selected from the group consisting of cylinder-like, sphere-like, cone-like, planar surfaces and any combination thereof;

h) further comprising step of providing said magnetic hanger (110) with oblong shape, thereby said magnetic hanger (110) has a direction of preferred flexibility along vertical long and short sides, and a diagonal of said magnetic hanger (110);

i) further comprising step of providing said magnetic hanger (110) with a polygon shape; and

j) further comprising step of providing said magnetic hanger (110) with at least one mortise (180) configured for fixating at least one replaceable hanging element (140).

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein said surface (120) is made of magnetizable material such as: metallic, paramagnetic and ferromagnetic.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising step of said surface (120) with laminar structure comprising at least one layer made of material selected from the group consisting of a magnetizable material, a non-magnetic material, a magnetic coating, a magnetic paint and any combination thereof.

12. The method according to claim 10, further comprising step of mechanically fixating said surface (120) to a surface of interest (150).

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein at least one of the following holds true:

a) said surface (120) is underlain by a mesh (170); said mesh (170) is spanned between said surface of interest (150) and said surface (120); and

b) said surface of interest (150) is substantially vertical.

14. The method according to claim 10, further comprising step of providing said at least one edge of said magnetic hanger (110) with a pull flap (160) configured for assisting in pulling for said peeling of said magnetic hanger (110) from said surface (120); said at least one pull flap (160) is either magnetic or at least partially non-magnetic.

15. A magnetic hanger (110) reversibly and effectively fixable to a surface (120), with a thin plane X-Y; said plane's main axis X comprising a first edge X1 and an opposite second edge X2; said plane's main axis Y comprising a first edge Y1 and an opposite second edge Y2;

said hanger (110) characterized by comprising two or more non-flexible stiffening ribs (130) provided along—and perpendicular to—a predetermined path (220);

said ribs (130) having a width Wr substantially smaller than said plane's dimensions Wr<<(X2−X1), Wr<<(Y2−Y1);

such that said hanger (110) is provided with flexibility along said path (220), whilst being non-flexible in directions other than along said path (220), ensuring that peeling of said hanger (110) from said surface (120) is restricted to a direction parallel to said path (220), starting from at least one edge of said path (220).

16. The magnetic hanger (110) according to claim 15, wherein at least one of the following holds true:

a) said ribs (130) are formed by longitudinal folds (190) of said thin plane, said folds (190) raised above said surface (120) to facilitate said peeling of said hanger (110) from said surface (120);

b) said magnetic hanger (110) is provided with at least one replaceable hanging element (140) selected from a group consisting of: a hanger, a peg, a hook, a pintle, a dowel, a graffe and any combination thereof;

c) said magnetic hanger (110) adapted to carry an object's load;

d) the ratio between the force required for said peeling along said direction parallel to said main axis X and said other directions is approximately between 1:1 and 1:1000;

e) the force required for said peeling along said main axis X is less than about 60 N;

f) said magnetic hanger (110) is made of a flexible plastic provided with magnetic particles nested or embedded therein;

g) the shape of the contact surface of said magnetic hanger (110) is selected from the group consisting of cylinder-like, sphere-like, cone-like, planar surfaces and any combination thereof;

h) said magnetic hanger (110) is oblong shaped so that said magnetic hanger (110) has a direction of preferred flexibility along vertical long and short sides, and a diagonal of said magnetic hanger (110);

i) said magnetic hanger (110) is of a polygon shape; and

j) said magnetic hanger (110) is provided with at least one mortise (180) configured to fixate at least one replaceable hanging element (140).

17. The magnetic hanger (110) according to claim 15, wherein said surface (120) is made of magnetizable material such as: metallic, paramagnetic and ferromagnetic.

18. The magnetic hanger (110) according to claim 17, wherein at least one of the following holds true:

a) said surface (120) has a laminar structure comprising at least one layer made of material selected from the group consisting of a magnetizable material, a non-magnetic material, a magnetic coating, a magnetic paint and any combination thereof; and

b) said surface (120) is mechanically fixable to a surface of interest (150).

19. The magnetic hanger (110) according to claim 15, wherein said at least one edge of said magnetic hanger (110) is provided with a pull flap (160) configured to assist in pulling for said peeling of said magnetic hanger (110) from said surface (120); said at least one pull flap (160) is either magnetic or at least partially non-magnetic.