Magnet Patents (Class 206/818)
  • Patent number: 6295894
    Abstract: A beverage package with incorporated bottle cap opener including a container adapted for holding a plurality of bottles with twist-off caps therein. A removable bottle opener is removably coupled with respect to the container. The bottle opener includes a magnetic layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Richard Craig
  • Patent number: 6276523
    Abstract: A flexible book-like storage receptacle for a compact disc and the printed material that typically accompanies such compact discs. The storage receptacle includes a number of clear, pliable panels movable between an open position for easy access to the contents, and a closed position for storage. The storage receptacle includes layered sidewalls designed as pockets for receiving printed material, as well as for providing support to the compact disc. In addition, the receptacle includes one of a number of different retention post structures to securely hold the compact disc in place. Variations for the retention post include a compressible core, a compressible rectangle, a molded cradle, and strategically placed compressible stoppers. Attached to the perimeter of each of the panels of the receptacle is a flexible magnetic seal that serves to maintain the package in a closed position until it is intentionally forced apart to access the stored items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventor: Jacaranda A. Sanders
  • Patent number: 6237767
    Abstract: A tool box has a base casing and an upper cover engaging with the base casing. The base casing has a plurality of grooves. The upper cover has a tank-shaped seat receiving a dish, two through holes communicating with the tank-shaped seat, a plurality of protruded bars, two lamp sockets receiving two lamps, two oblong recesses receiving two switch devices, and two oblong holes receiving two cell sockets. A dish is inserted in the tank-shaped seat. The dish has a periphery flange engaging with the protruded bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: Tze-Ming Lee
  • Patent number: 6164448
    Abstract: A magazine for the fixation of small components such as those used in micro system technology and light engineering. The magazine includes a magazine base carrier with holders for the small components. The magazine has recipients to form the holders, each recipient being situated at defined and known locations and containing releasable fixing units, each of which is provided with securing structure for securing a small component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Schmutz, Guenter Ernst, Udo Berg, Klaus-Peter Kaemper, Klaus Renner, Ulrich Rothmaier, Juergen Rudischhauser, Ralf Grimme, Dirk Schlenker, Achim Stock, Wolfgang Schaefer, Klaus Irion
  • Patent number: 6145905
    Abstract: A cup holder includes a paddle-shaped structure having handles extending from opposed ends. The top surface of the paddle includes one or more ports for accommodating a magnet. Cups including a magnetic element are removably seated in the corresponding ports on the paddle surface, and two or more individuals can simultaneously drink from separate cups carried by the paddle by tilting the paddle by the opposed handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Thomas A. Carpenito
  • Patent number: 6116412
    Abstract: Disclosed is a storage pouch article that is used to store eyeglasses in a secure and protective manner. The storage pouch is generally rectangular in shape with a pouch sewn into its mid-section, designed to accept a pair of eyeglasses, and has weighted sections at each end. The weighted sections serve to anchor the pouch on a support surface in order to reduce the chances for knocking them down or sliding therefrom under their own weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: Anne E. Rogers
  • Patent number: 6112899
    Abstract: A lunch box system that includes an insulated compartment for storing and preserving food for consumption at a later time that includes a lid including a mechanism for retaining the food containers in place against forces such as wind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventor: Florence S. Zeringue
  • Patent number: 6098794
    Abstract: A container is provided therein with a hollow tubular body which is provided at the bottom end thereof with an end piece having a first magnet. An ornament is movably disposed in the hollow tubular body and is provided in the underside of the bottom thereof with a second magnet for bringing about a repulsion effect in conjunction with the first magnet. The ornament is caused by the repulsion effect to trip up and down in a reciprocating manner in the hollow tubular body at such time when the container is moved up and down. The ornament is also caused by the repulsion effect and the inertia effect of the ornament to suspend in the hollow tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: Jenn-Shiun Lin
  • Patent number: 6076696
    Abstract: This invention comprises a removable reusable cover for an electric panel, said cover composed of light weight at least 3-ply corrugated material which is adhered to said electric panel by means of electrically non-conducting magnetic strips on rear edges of said cover to prevent exposure of the interior of said electric panel, with a front side of the cover providing a surface to contain printed warnings and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Temp Covers, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph A. Neuman
  • Patent number: 6070718
    Abstract: A insulated container system for facilitating storage of items with minimal temperature change over time. The insulated container system includes a container of insulated material having a removable lid stabilized by magnets, a table top stabilized by magnets, and a compartmented removable insulating insert generally conforming to an interior shape of the container. The compartments of the insert are designed for retaining hot or cold packs within the main compartment. Additional side compartments and a storage drawer are provided. The table top is foldable for storage between brackets on the main compartment. It is most preferred that the container include a flared bottom portion for preventing tippage of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: David A. Drabwell
  • Patent number: 6065632
    Abstract: A container for beverages has a magnetic base which stabilizes the container when placed on metallic surfaces. The container is of double-wall construction, with concentric outer and inner wall sections, the wall sections being joined at their top portions. The diameter of each cylindrical (or tapered) section is such that an insulating space remains between outer and inner walls when assembled. Similarly, a space exists between the floor portions of each section; a magnet is disposed within the space between the floor sections and is held in position by a post extending from the outer floor section through an orifice in the magnet's center; alternatively the magnet is attached to an interior surface of the outer floor section. The magnetic field extends through the plastic material of the lower section, clamping the container a metal surfaces on which the container rests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Inventor: Gary S. Moore, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6006906
    Abstract: An apparatus for storing and organizing tools comprising, a generally J-shaped channel (12) having first and second sides (22, 26) and an opening (20), a first magnet (14) disposed within the opening (20), a second magnet (15) disposed along the first side (22) opposite the opening (20) and a magnetically conductive plate (16) positioned on the first magnet (14) disposed within the opening (20), is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Inventor: Stanley D. Winnard
  • Patent number: 5909809
    Abstract: An elastic band holder is comprised of a generally rectangular-shaped or generally cylindrical-shaped body member having one or more concave slotted portions encompassing the body. The slotted portions can be disposed in either parallel or perpendicular orientation to one another. All corners and edges of the device are rounded in order to prevent elastic band shearing. One or more receptacles are located on the body to receive and hold additional objects such as pens, pencils, rulers, paper clips and the like. Mushroom-shaped and apple-core-shaped embodiments are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Merit, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry A. Franklin
  • Patent number: 5904246
    Abstract: A reusable plastic package for securely holding and displaying a rectangular article such as a compact disc includes a housing having large and small compartments formed on opposite ends for selectively storing an article in the larger of the compartments. The large compartment has an access opening for inserting and removing the article into and out of the compartment. The small compartment functions as a lock compartment whereby a lock plate is slidably mounted thereon and selectively movable across a portion of the access opening of the larger storage compartment for releasably securing the article in the larger storage compartment. Magnetically releasable locking levers are formed within the lock compartment and interengage with mating projections formed on the lock plate when the lock plate is in a selected locked position for securing the article within the package due to a portion of the lock plate blocking the access opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Alpha Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: James T. Weisburn, Matthew P. Williams, Nicholas M. Sedon, Dennis D. Belden, Jr., James A. McGill
  • Patent number: 5868498
    Abstract: A magnetic pocket card, including: a planar blank having a first planar surface and a second planar surface, the planar blank having a fold line thereacross, the fold line dividing the planar blank into a pocket back portion and a pocket front portion, the planar blank being folded along the fold line, the pocket front portion being secured to the pocket back portion at at least one preselected location on the first planar surface thereby forming a pocket between the pocket back portion and the pocket front portion; and, a thin, flexible, magnetic sheet material having magnetic materials therein, the magnetic sheet material being capable of magnetically holding the magnetic pocket card to a magnetic substance, the magnetic sheet material being secured to the second planar surface on the pocket back portion. The pocket can receive a menu, coupons, phone listing, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Crane Productions, Inc.
    Inventor: John J. Martin
  • Patent number: 5868251
    Abstract: A storage case is disclosed for storing screwdriver tips. It includes a circular body and a rotary disk. The circular body is provided with a plurality of storage slots arranged circularly for keeping a plurality of screwdriver tips. The rotary disk is fastened pivotally with the circular body such that the circular body is superimposed by the rotary disk. The rotary disk is provided with a tip retrieving hole corresponding in location to the storage slots of the circular body. The tip retrieving hole is provided at one end thereof with an arcuate block having a bevel through hole for receiving a magnetic block capable of attracting one of the plurality of screwdriver tips, when the tip retrieving hole of the rotary disk is located over a predetermined storage slot of the circular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Inventor: Wan-Chang Lin
  • Patent number: 5829622
    Abstract: This invention comprises a removable reusable cover for an electric panel, said cover composed of light weight 3-ply corrugated material which adheres to said electric panel by means of electrically nonconducting magnetic strips on rear edges of said cover to prevent exposure of the interior of said electric panel, with a front side of the cover providing a surface to contain printed warnings and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Temp Covers, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph A. Neuman
  • Patent number: 5813557
    Abstract: The vessel includes a fluid container or conduit. First and second magnets are situated on opposite sides of the vessel wall and are encircled by a metallic band or collar. The vessel may have an open mouth defined by a rim. In one embodiment, magnets are suspended by hangers form a rim of a cup. The cup and magnets are received in an exterior container with a removable lid. Other embodiments include oxygen tanks, oxygen tubes and containers for intravenous liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventor: Ben Oratz
  • Patent number: 5804068
    Abstract: A fluid treatment device having a fluid containment housing with a first containment region and a second containment region. The first and second containment regions are connected in fluid flow communication with one another by a generally narrow, elongate transfer channel that permits fluid to flow therethrough from one containment region to another while the fluid defines a natural vortex. Moreover, a generally powerful, polarized magnet is disposed about the transfer channel in order to deliver a concentrated, polarized magnetic charge into the transfer channel, thereby acting on the fluid flowing in the natural vortex through the transfer channel and polarizing it until the fluid molecules thereof are gradually rearranged from a normal agglomerated state into a more linear, organized and substantially more permeable state that will increase a body's ability to absorb and assimilate the fluid and obtain benefits therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: William C. Reed
  • Patent number: 5788073
    Abstract: A shopping organizer for organizing a shopping trip to a grocery store. A shopping organizer a first rectangular panel and a second rectangular panel. The first panel includes an inner layer formed from a flexible flat rubberized magnet material. The second panel can include an inner layer constructed of a substantial paperboard or cardboard. The first panel also includes, on the inside surface, an envelope frame, preferably formed from transparent plastic or the like, for the removable insertion of a preprinted envelope. The organizer includes a plurality of envelopes sized and configured to seat in the envelope frames. The envelopes include a preprinted exterior surface that is printed with a check-off list of popular grocery items. When inserted in the envelope frame, the list is exposed for marking by the user. The list of items can be customized to conform to the aisle arrangement of a particular grocery store.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: Kaye Suryk
  • Patent number: 5743394
    Abstract: The magnetic socket holder according to the present invention includes a plurality magnets and associated posts which are adapted to receive sockets of varying sizes. The invention provides ready access to each socket and allows easy one handed removal and replacement of sockets. The magnetic socket holder includes a base having a series of recesses and magnets disposed in each of the recesses. Each of the magnets is provided with an associated post which is adapted to be receive within a socket. The posts and the magnets are preferably mounted to the base by a rivet. The magnets create a magnetic field which is sufficient to retain the sockets on the posts. While the combination of all the magnets provides a magnetic field which is sufficient to retain the socket holder and attached sockets on a support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Southern Mag-Clip, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Martin
  • Patent number: 5735455
    Abstract: An open top container for attachment to an upright metallic surface having a one-piece body and magnetic tape on the back panel, interlocking flaps forming the bottom panel, and an adhesive coated tab securing the body in assembled relation. The blank for forming the one-piece body also is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Inventor: John E. Raniere, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5725096
    Abstract: A magnetic tool management system with a magnetically attracting material having a number of spaced apart apertures of a size and shape for accommodating at least one surface of a tool. The magnetically attracting member optionally has indicia disposed thereon describing a tool corresponding to at least one of the apertures. The apertures are generally organized in a substantially planar array. The array includes substantially circular apertures which hold sockets in a variant. Optionally, an overlay is applied to the magnetically attracting member. The overlay has optional indicia thereon describing a tool corresponding to at least one of the respective apertures. The tool management system further includes a plurality of sockets disposed within the substantially circular apertures, and is used in a tool box having at least one accessible compartment. The tool box has tools, or portions thereof, such as sockets disposed in the apertures of the tool management system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Inventor: Stanley Winnard
  • Patent number: 5720381
    Abstract: The storage cache is utilized to contain, in an interior cavity, flat items such as keys, flat stamps, coins and other small flat items. The storage cache is a multiple layer, flat pack, composite unit. At least two of these layers are flexible magnetic material. One of these magnetic layers has a cut-out cavity sized to contain the flat item. In one embodiment, the storage cache includes a top and bottom layer of flexible plastic material which is translucent. The translucent plastic enables the user to see into the cavity in order to determine whether the storage cache carries the key, stamp and/or coin. Other embodiments include a view passage rather than a translucent plastic covering layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Inventor: Gabriel J. Betancourt
  • Patent number: 5704480
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an easy-to-use and effective magnetically resealable moisture-proof pouch containing moisture-curable orthopedic splinting/casting product in bulk form or in individually packaged rolls. The preferred pouch incorporates a frame disposed about an opening into the pouch which provides a mounting place for a moisture-proof magnetic seal. Also disclosed are containers for the preferred pouches which are adapted for use with the magnetic sealing system according to the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Matthew T. Scholz, Patricia A. Eull, Jason L. Edgar, Gerald E. Drake, Barry J. Novak, Dennis C. Bartizal, Anthony J. Campagna
  • Patent number: 5699910
    Abstract: A mechanic's tray for holding parts while servicing machinery. The tray has a floor and four walls. A pair of independently pivotal magnet assemblies are held to the walls of the tray which permits the mechanic to affix the tray to an uneven surface. Preferably the magnets each have a cushioning sheet held against the back of the magnet which cushioning sheets may be folded over so that they cover the face of the magnet to protect any painted surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Inventor: Danny Kubat
  • Patent number: 5669516
    Abstract: A holder for supporting magnetic cylindrical tools of varying diameter such as wrench sockets, drill bits, etc. in order. A member having a series of recesses having shapes corresponding to the tools to be held is backed by an elongated magnet. In one embodiment, the member is a non-magnetic material and the magnet is made up of a plurality of transverse magnetic regions, having alternately north and south pole regions on the surface toward the recesses, with the lines between adjacent north and south regions aligned with the centerline of the recesses and a narrow non-magnetized region separating each pair of adjacent magnetic regions. The magnet may be in the form of individual magnet pairs spaced along a magnetic metal sheet with the interface between each magnet pair aligned with a recess. A magnet layer may be provided on the back of the metal sheet so that the assembly may be mounted on a magnetic metal surface. Other variations in magnet and recess structure are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Inventor: Billy Lee Horn
  • Patent number: 5660276
    Abstract: A magnetic tool organizer has a top body member having a plurality of spaced apart body member apertures of a size and shape for accommodating at least one surface of a tool. The apertures am organized in a planar array according to an outline of at least one surface of a tool. The magnetic organizer has a bottom body member, and a magnetic segment having a plurality of spaced apart apertures complimentary to at least part of the top body member apertures. The magnetic segment is interposed between the top body member and the bottom body member. A method of manufacturing a tool display includes the steps of self-assembling a magnetically attracting tool retaining apparatus to a plurality of magnetically attractable tools by automatically positioning tools in apertures disposed on the tool retaining apparatus with a strong magnetic force emanating from the tool retaining apparatus as a result of the arrangement of the components of the tool retaining apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventor: Stanley D. Winnard
  • Patent number: 5621368
    Abstract: A container attachable spray tube holder for securing a spray tube relative to an aerosol container. The inventive device includes a tube receiver for receiving a spray robe commonly provided with an aerosol container. A mounting assembly is secured to the tube receiver for mounting the receiver to a side of an aerosol container such that the spray tube can be easily stored in adjacency relative to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Ken E. Galloway
  • Patent number: 5617952
    Abstract: A suture needle protector for holding needles during surgical operations includes a cover attached to a base by a hinge to allow selective opening and closing of the cover with respect to the base. The suture needle is held within the protector temporarily, such as during tying off of a suture knot. A flexible elastic strap may be attached to the base to allow the protector to be mounted on the finger of the surgeon where the protector is conveniently available at a known location. A magnetic plate may be mounted within the base to help draw a surgical needle to the base and hold it in place when the cover is open. The cover is releasably held to the base by mating hook and lip structures on the cover and base to provide a snap connection. When the surgeon wishes to open the cover, pulling the cover from the base disengages the snap connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Inventor: Donald H. Kranendonk
  • Patent number: 5598923
    Abstract: A storage and display device comprises a magnetically attached storage unit which holds and displays personal protection supplies for use with, for example, a mobile X-ray machine. The storage and display apparatus includes two square opaque vinyl sheets, heat sealed to enclose a rigid, supporting cardboard insert; four fixed, symmetrical, translucent, pleated vinyl pockets; a protective, translucent, vinyl overlay with hook-and-loop (Velcro.RTM.) closures; and magnetic or hook-and-loop (Velcro.RTM.) mounting strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Inventor: Susan S. Owens
  • Patent number: 5560480
    Abstract: A socket holder for a set of wrench sockets can be magnetically attached to any metal surface while firmly securing the sockets therein. The socket holder has individual sleeves, each capable of receiving a socket, and a radial contracting member secured to each sleeve within the holder for the purpose of gripping the socket as it is placed within the sleeve. In one embodiment of the invention, the radial contracting member is in the form of a resilient gasket attached to the inner walls of each sleeve. In another embodiment of the invention, the radial contracting member is a foam pad secured between the outer shell and a spacer plate, wherein the foam pad has pre-cut holes to align with the socket holder sleeves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Inventor: Robert P. Singleton
  • Patent number: 5544747
    Abstract: A holder for supporting magnetic cylindrical tools of varying diameter such as wrench sockets, drill bits, etc. in order. A member having a series of recesses having shapes corresponding to the tools to be held is backed by an elongated magnet. In one embodiment, the .member is a non-magnetic material and the magnet is made up of a plurality of transverse magnetic regions, having alternately north and south pole regions on the surface toward the recesses, with the lines between adjacent north and south regions aligned with the centerline of the recesses and a narrow non-magnetized region separating each pair of adjacent magnetic regions. In a second embodiment, the member is formed from a magnetic a U-shaped sheet with the recesses formed in opposed sidewalls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Inventor: Billy L. Horn
  • Patent number: 5542562
    Abstract: The vessel includes a fluid container or conduit. First and second magnets are situated on opposite sides of the vessel wall and are encircled by a metallic band or collar. The vessel may have an open mouth defined by a rim. In one embodiment, magnets are suspended by hangers form a rim of a cup. The cup and magnets are received in an exterior container with a removable lid. Other embodiments include oxygen tanks, oxygen tubes and containers for intravenous liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventor: Ben Oratz
  • Patent number: 5538132
    Abstract: A compact, low-cost laminar disposable package and manufacture therefor, for use in surgical procedures. Such packages are used by medical personnel as convenient magnetic receptacles and use stations to receive medical sharps at point of use and, upon closure, the packages guard against chance loss of needles and other sharps while also guarding against injuries incidental to the disposal of surgical-medical sharps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Tri-State Hospital Supply Corp.
    Inventors: Donald J. Propp, Jerry H. Roberts
  • Patent number: 5535882
    Abstract: A handy tool case including a case body, which has a plurality of hexagonal chambers at the top side for keeping tool bits, a clip at the back side for hanging on the user's belt, two springy hooks at the bottom side for keeping a tool handle outside the case body, and a platform at the front side, a cover pivoted to the case body and turned between the close position covered over the tool bits in the hexagonal chambers and the open position supported on the platform, and a plurality of magnetic plates fitted into respective recessed portions inside the cover for keeping metal accessories by magnetic attraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Inventor: Lai-Ho Liu
  • Patent number: 5533621
    Abstract: A container for housing a cylindrical roll of wound material and for facilitating the dispensing of an individual sheet from the roll includes a main body that has a bottom, a front wall, a rear wall, opposing end walls and an open top. The front wall, rear wall, end walls and the bottom define an open space for receiving a cylindrical roll of wound material therein. A lid with an elongated slot formed therethrough is hingedly connected to the rear wall and is adapted to cover the top of the main body. A cover is included that is adapted to cover the lid and the top of the container. The cover is sized to partially frictionally engage the outer surfaces of the front, rear and end walls. The container preferably includes fasteners for securing the bottom of the same to a support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Inventor: Edward Schoal, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5526927
    Abstract: An improved tackle box for storing and transporting lures, particularly crank bait and stick bait, comprising a case having a magnetically attractive panel disposed therein. Removable hook receptacles are secured to the lures and have magnets disposed thereon for suspending the lures from the magnetically attractive panel. In the preferred embodiment, the case includes a pair of hinged lids covering opposed open sides, with each side and each lid having a magnetically attractive panel disposed therein. Additional containers for storing other items of tackle may also be magnetically secured to the panels. A plurality of lures may be selected by the user and temporarily secured to the exterior of the case for convenient access while fishing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Inventor: Billy M. McLemore
  • Patent number: 5500631
    Abstract: A magnetic socket holder includes a molded plastic tray with a center bar having laminated keeper plates and bar magnets positioned therein to define pole pieces which permit the forming of magnetic circuits that when closed enhance the holding action of sockets in the tray, as well as holding action of the tray on a magnetizable surface. An integrally molded handle is provided for carrying the tray and sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: Lisle Corporation
    Inventor: Joel A. Negus
  • Patent number: 5456359
    Abstract: A holder for supporting magnetic cylindrical tools of varying diameter such as wrench sockets, drill bits, etc. in order. A member having a series of recesses having shapes corresponding to the tools to be held is backed by an elongated magnet. In one embodiment, the member is a non-magnetic material and the magnet is made up of a plurality of transverse magnetic regions, having alternately north and south poles on the surface toward the recesses, with the pole lines between adjacent north and south regions aligned with the centerline of the recesses. Preferably, a narrow non-magnetized region separates each pair of adjacent north and south pole regions. In a second embodiment, the member is formed from a magnetic a U-shaped sheet with the recesses formed in opposed sidewalls. The magnet is held between the sidewalls below the recesses and has two longitudinally arranged north and south poses at the surface toward the recesses, with the pole line running longitudinally along the center of the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Inventor: Billy L. Horn
  • Patent number: 5441251
    Abstract: Herein disclosed is a sheet article containing cassette which has a holding function to contain a sheet article, even if the cassette is in a vertical position with its ejection slot down, or to eject the sheet article without fail. Also disclosed is a sheet article containing system which has a holding function to contain a sheet article, even if it is in a vertical position with its ejection slot down, or to eject the sheet article. These functions can be achieved by holding means for holding the sheet article frictionally, by a slide member for pushing the sheet article, by magnetically attracting means disposed at the sheet article and the cassette, and by magnetically attracting means disposed on the sheet article and the apparatus using the same. That is, by the present invention, the sheet article can be ejected and containing in the cassette even if the cassette is loaded in any position, particularly in vertical position with its ejection slot down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasunori Ohta
  • Patent number: 5423781
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the volume of a fluid using a load cell transducer in which the container holding the fluid, such as a cardiotomy reservoir, is firmly but detachably engaged to an adapter for a load cell transducer. Further, this invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting the presence and alignment of the container on a load cell so as to allow accurate measurement of the volume of a fluid contained within the container. The apparatus generally includes a magnetic ring on a bottom-facing surface of the container, a metallic ring on an upward-facing surface of the mounting adapter for the load cell and a sensor capable of detecting a magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: The UAB Research Foundation
    Inventors: David A. Alexander, Martin J. McCutcheon
  • Patent number: 5405004
    Abstract: A tool tray for storing tools and small parts. The tray has a multiple number of compartments and a magnet that is attached to the tray to facilitate supporting the tray on a metal surface such as in a motor vehicle engine compartment. The magnet is supported in a ferromagnetic metal shield that is secured to the tray by a single connector such as a rivet. A circular compartment overlies the magnet so that small metal items such as nuts and bolts and the like are attracted to the magnet and tend to stay within the circular compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Inventors: Gary W. Vest, Gary D. Saunders
  • Patent number: 5396999
    Abstract: A lunch box container including a bottom wall and a hingedly mounted top wall includes ferrous metallic floors directed into the bottom and top walls recessed relative to the bottom and top walls respectively to receive and secure ferromagnetic inserts to permit configurational changes to the lunch box structure to enhance continued use by individuals. A modification of the invention includes illumination frameworks arranged to direct illumination onto inserts within the frameworks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventor: Barbara R. Sandheinrich
  • Patent number: 5388439
    Abstract: A magnetic key fob formed as an enclosure member, opening at one end, providing for the insertion of a permanent magnet therein, and having a fastener that connects approximately at the midpoint of the opening into the enclosure member, for permanently retaining the magnet within the fob, and for also securing a key ring to the fob, which key ring may hold a plurality of keys or other weighted items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Mocap Incorporated
    Inventor: Joseph T. Miller
  • Patent number: 5377820
    Abstract: A magnetic display assembly includes a plurality of magnetic display cards and a metallic display panel for receiving the display cards thereon. The display cards preferably include a face portion, upper and lower arm portions which extend rearwardly from the upper and lower edges of the face portion, a flange portion extending upwardly from the upper arm portion, and a magnetic strip on the rearwardly facing surface of the flange. The face portion includes suitable openings for receiving a jewelry article, such as a pair of earrings, therethrough. The display panel comprises a flat metallic surface which is operative for attracting a magnet. The display cards are positioned against the display panel whereupon they are magnetically retained thereon. The arm portions cause the face portion of the display card to be maintained in spaced relation from the display panel when the card is received thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Inventor: Pamela Christman
  • Patent number: 5368203
    Abstract: A spice container assembly includes a removable closure body for a spice container that is detachably secured to a stationary tubular holder. The spice container in turn, is held by the closure body via a magnet, to facilitate one-handed removal of a unit comprising the spice container and the closure body from the holder. The spice container is retained in or on the closure body by a magnetic force which is used to seal the spice container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Leifheit AG
    Inventors: Rainer Friedrich, Rolf G. Schulein
  • Patent number: 5367278
    Abstract: A magnet holding structure comprising a magnet holder for holding a permanent magnet and a mounting frame formed integrally with a container such as a plastic basket for holding the magnet holder, the mounting frame including at least one pair of projecting walls having an engaging pawl on each of opposed inner surfaces thereof and the magnet holder having engaging projections corresponding to the engaging pawls, the interval of the engaging projections being slightly larger than the interval of the engaging pawls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yoshikawakun Kogyosho
    Inventor: Toshimichi Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 5366070
    Abstract: An article holding kit for detachably securing articles such as writing and drawing utensils as well as an eyeglasses case, including a thin ferrous metal plate having fastening material such as Velcro adhesively attached thereto. The articles to be detachably secured to the holder are themselves equipped with narrow strips of fastening material such that they may be easily secured and removed regardless of their type or dimension. The entire article holder may be itself detachably secured to any flat surface such as a ring binder cover or a desktop that is equipped with thin adhesive magnet strips included with the kit. Once several surfaces are so equipped, the entire article holder may be easily transferred from surface to surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Inventor: Samantha E. Wolov
  • Patent number: 5361555
    Abstract: A device for patching chemical tanks or tank cars comprised of a housing, at least a pair of electromagnets, and a seal which is secured to a pressure system which is secured to the housing, wherein the pressure system permits the seal to be extended from the housing against the surface of a tank or tank car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Inventor: Jack Walker