Abstract: A slidable, magnetically biased shower curtain clip that is slidable along a bottom edge of a shower curtain without having to detach the clip from the shower curtain. The shower curtain clip includes first and second clip assemblies hingedly connected together. Each clip assembly includes a molded plastic clip member and two rows of spherical magnetic balls, snap inserted and roliably entrapped within ball holding structures molded into the clip member.

Abstract: An improved doorstop comprising a block member. A structure is for securing in a removable manner the block member against a leaf of a hinge on a doorjamb, so as to stop a door from closing completely into the doorjamb and preventing fingers of a hand of a person getting caught and damaged between an edge of the door and the doorjamb.

Abstract: A hinge is described for use along each side of a refrigerator or on furniture to permit safe opening of the door or lid from either side. The hinge is uncomplicated in design, and is comprised of only a few component parts. Each hinge includes a hinge rod forming a swivel axis for the door, said rod held in an axle take-up receiver. At least one and preferably two interlocks are located at or near the top and bottom of each hinge rod. The interlocks comprise a hinge pick-up axially aligned with the swivel axis of the hinge and a hinge element which becomes mechanically coupled to the pick-up when the door is opened in the other direction. Details of the embodiments of the hinge are disclosed. Preferably, magnetic means are used to keep the hinge rod engaged with the swivel axis and to form the airtight seal between the door and the cabinet.

Abstract: An apparatus for fitting a decorative door to an existing washing machine or other domestic electrical appliance, when it is desired, to match the appliance to the decorative theme/color scheme of a kitchen. The assembly includes an "L" shaped extruded aluminum plate which can be secured to a domestic appliance by means of rubber faced magnets. Hinges on the plate are adapted to receive a door to cover the appliance and match the same to the kitchen's decoration thus creating an "integrated" appliance.

Abstract: A foldable caster, particularly suited for use with a swimming pool reel support, is foldable approximately 270.degree. between an operative position and a stowed position and is magnetically or otherwise secured in at least the storage position.

Abstract: A smoke shield assembly for an over-the-range oven includes a magnetically hinged deflecting shield movable between stored and in use positions. The assembly includes a metal base secured to a forwardly positioned bottom metal member of the over-the-range oven by four magnets. Two of the magnets securing the base to the oven also form a magnetic hinge that secures the deflecting shield to the base. The two other magnets securing the base to the oven further maintain the deflecting shield in the stored position. The deflecting shield is metal having a generally U-shaped pivot end magnetically secured to the base. The pivot end may have an unhemmed pivot edge or a hemmed pivot edge to ease pivoting between the stored and in use positions.

Abstract: A releasable hold-open device for a spring-impelled, regulated door closer has a door motion follower adapted to be releasably held in a door-open position. An actuator is arranged to retain or release the follower under control of a permanent magnet that can be overcome by an electromagnet.

Abstract: Magnetic door hardware for closing swinging doors. Two magnets are axially aligned with the door post, and the magnetic fields of the magnets are aligned so as to produce a radial torque when the door is swung open. One magnet is attached to the door post, and the other magnet is attached to the door frame so that the radial torque produced by the magnets causes the door to rotate to the closed position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a catch or lock mechanism used between a refuse or garbage can and the lid therefor. A substantially U-shaped bracket has the inner curve between its legs slidingly engaged with the undersurface of the lid bead carried by the lower edge of the lid. This may be by a threaded screw engaging with one leg of the U-shaped bracket and extending between the legs thereof to thereby form a sleeve sliding engaging the lid bead. Also, the U-shaped bracket may be movably carried by the U-shaped bracket or the can lid by the use of magnetic means. The U-shaped bracket preferably has a longer inner leg which is urged by spring or magnetic means into engagement under the bead at the top of the refuse can. The other leg of the U-shaped bracket is shorter and preferably terminates in an outwardly and horizontally extending portion for finger engagement thereof for releasing the lid from the can.

Abstract: A vibration dampening member for a sewing machine cabinet having metallic hinges for supporting a work surface in a raised position. The hinges are fastened so that they contact a resilient compound exhibiting magnetic properties which attracts the hinges to prevent the transmission of vibration between adjoining surfaces.

Abstract: A hinged toilet seat and cover assembly has at least two magnetic latches positioned to control the movement of the seat and cover. A first magnetic latch positioned between the hinge and cover serves to hold the cover in a vertical position once the cover has been raised to such position. A second magnetic latch positioned between the cover and seat at a point spaced from the hinge serves to hold the cover and seat in contact with each other once they are brought into such contact.