Having Magnetic Fastener Patents (Class 24/303)
  • Patent number: 11923134
    Abstract: A flexible magnetic component can include a magnetizable powder including a rare earth element. The flexible magnetic component can also include a polymer binder. The flexible magnetic component can define a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. A first magnetic field adjacent to the first surface can have a field strength at least 3 times greater than a field strength of a second magnetic field adjacent to the second surface, and the flexible magnetic component can elongate greater than 20% before a permanent deformation occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventor: Qigen Ji
  • Patent number: 11915862
    Abstract: A device for attachment to a surface of a ferromagnetic object and for holding an item near the surface, including: a base with a frame and grip portion, the grip portion coupled to the frame at the rear side and having an outer surface for gripping the surface; a magnet-retaining portion pivotally connected to an end of the frame; a magnetic device connected to the magnet-retaining portion and having an outer surface displaced frontwardly from the outer surface of the grip portion; a cover pivotally connected to another end of the frame, the cover including a lifter configured to contact an end of the magnet-retaining portion and cause an end of the magnet-retaining portion to pivot about the frame when the cover is lifted and the lifter is rotated, thereby moving the first end of the magnet-retaining portion and the magnetic device in a rear-to-front direction; and an item-holding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Magnetic Mechanisms L.L.C
    Inventors: Jeffery M. Eliason, Mitchell Porch, Joseph Funk, Braden J. Eliason, Benjamin J. Larsen, David A. Melander, Rebecca E. Wereley
  • Patent number: 11903458
    Abstract: A riveting multi-directional closure includes a female part releasably engagable with a male part. The female part and the male part of the closure may each be riveted to a piece of the garment or article in any orientation without adversely affecting the efficacy of the closure. Embodiments of the closure include a hybrid of plastic and metal components, and a pair of complementary magnets, providing fast, sturdy, and secure attachment to the article, as well as comfort and ease of manipulation to a user. The female part and the male part include a plate with prongs for piercing the article, and a slot ring for receiving the prongs. The closure is attachable to the article by sandwiching the article between the plate and the slot ring and riveting the prongs within the slot ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: DUBROSKY & TRACY PATENT SERVICE CORP.
    Inventors: Gerhard Fildan, Karl Wanzenböck
  • Patent number: 11903455
    Abstract: A female buckling component for a magnetic buckling assembly. A female locking portion comprises at least one resilient arm and at least one engaging head integrally formed with the at least one resilient arm. The at least one resilient arm drives the at least one engaging head to move when the at least one resilient arm is resiliently deformed. The female buckling component also comprises an installation chamber inside a middle portion of the female buckling component, a female magnetic component installed in the installation chamber, and at least one operating component movably disposed on the female buckling component and coupled to the at least one resilient arm of the female locking portion to resiliently deform the at least one resilient arm and thereby move the at least one engaging head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Wonderland Switzerland AG
    Inventor: Manqun Cheng
  • Patent number: 11812844
    Abstract: Connector and retractor systems are disclosed with some embodiments comprising a retractor housing and a line within the retractor housing. The housing also has a hole from which the line extends, and a spring within the retractor housing which urges retraction of the line. A personal article can be attached to the line. A connector is included between the retractor housing and the personal article, with the connector having magnets to cause alignment of the personal article with the retractor housing when the personal article is retracted to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Inventors: John A. Salentine, Kenneth S. Collin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11766621
    Abstract: A magnet holder insert comprising a magnet and magnet holder housing designed with internal wall features capable of keeping the magnet properly positioned in the holder device, and external wall features capable of keeping the magnet holder device securely mounted in the finished part. The internal and external fastening elements of the magnet holder housing are designed in such a way as to promote rapid and secure assembly of both the magnet device and the finished part. The exposed surface of the magnet holder device can be configured with flat or dome shaped exposed contact surfaces, depending on how secure or flexible the magnetic joining feature is intended, capable of attaching to another magnet device or a material susceptible to magnetic attraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Tegu
    Inventors: Christopher Harwood Haughey, Nathaniel Scott Lau
  • Patent number: 11758987
    Abstract: A magnetic buckling assembly includes a male buckling component, a female buckling component, a first locking portion, a second locking portion, an operating component, a first magnetic component, a second magnetic component and a clearance structure. The first magnetic component magnetically attracts the second magnetic component for preventing separation of the male buckling component and the female buckling component or magnetically repulses the second magnetic component for promoting the separation of the male buckling component and the female buckling component when the operating component is operated to disengage the first locking portion from the second locking portion for allowing the separation of the male buckling component and the female buckling component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Wonderland Switzerland AG
    Inventor: Manqun Cheng
  • Patent number: 11758986
    Abstract: The tactile feedback magnetic closure device disclosed herein may include a pair of magnets having distinct tactile components that indicate to a user which magnet should be placed outside of the other for proper alignment of clothing flaps. These tactile components may vary, as desired, but may generally include a protrusion, or arrangement of protrusions, or a depression, or arrangement of depressions, in or attached to the magnets themselves. The tactile feedback magnetic closure device may include any appropriate magnetic, resilient, waterproof, and heat-resistant material and may be attached to, or integrated into, an article of clothing. The device is designed to overcome the shortcomings in the prior art, which specifically include the lack of ability to determine that the magnetic closure is correctly aligned when the user cannot visually confirm its alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Inventors: Ashley Houghtaling Gooch, Jennifer Jones Zimmer
  • Patent number: 11737527
    Abstract: A jewelry clasp is disclosed and includes a first part including a first magnet, a first groove and a first catch and a second part including a second magnet, a second groove and a second catch. The first and second magnets generate an attractive force holding the first part to the second part, the first catch is received in the second groove and the second catch is received in the first groove. A relief disposed on at least one of the first part and the second part at an interface between the first part and the second part is provided to aid in releasing the first part from the second part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Inventors: William Stuart Duncan, Beeman E. Burgoon, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11712090
    Abstract: A magnetic buckle assembly includes first buckle component, a second buckle component for mating with the first buckle component, a switch movably disposed on the second buckle component, an operating component slidably disposed on the second buckle component and for driving the switch to move. The first magnetic component, a first magnetic component disposed on the first buckle component, a second magnetic component disposed on the switch and for magnetically attracting or repelling the first magnetic component, and a latch movably disposed on the second buckle component and for engaging with the first buckle component. The latch moves along with sliding movement of the operating component. The operating component drives the switch to move to change a direction of a magnetic force of the second magnetic component acting on the first magnetic component when the operating component is operated to slide to disengage the latch from the first buckle component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: WONDERLAND SWITZERLAND AG
    Inventor: Manqun Cheng
  • Patent number: 11666123
    Abstract: A magnetic buckle, including a female buckle and a male buckle, the female buckle provided with a first magnetic member; the male buckle provided with a second magnetic member; the second magnetic member and the first magnetic member attract each other, characterized in that, the female buckle is provided with a locking member that can lock the male buckle so that the male buckle and the female buckle are locked and connected together, the locking member is provided with a third magnetic member, and the third magnetic member interacts with the second magnetic member and/or the first magnetic member through magnetic force so that it can actuate the locking member to lock the male buckle when the male buckle is mated with the female buckle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: LIAN YANG PLASTICS (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Qiuzong Li
  • Patent number: 11641912
    Abstract: A closure device includes a first closure part which includes a base body and at least one closure element rotatably arranged on the base body about an axis of rotation. The at least one closure element includes a base body and at least one first locking portion arranged on the base body, and at least one second closure part which includes a base element and at least one second locking portion arranged on the base element. The first closure part and the at least one second closure part can be placed against each other along a placement direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Fidlock GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Fiedler, Lasse Hiller
  • Patent number: 11638415
    Abstract: An improved quick-release connector that may be used with a pet collar. The connector is fabricated entirely of metal and operates using one magnet. The connector is easily modified to break apart under different pull forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: UPSCALE PET PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventor: Douglas Christopher Bartow
  • Patent number: 11636966
    Abstract: A magnetic ornament system includes: a mounting structure with a mounting surface; a magnetic plate, including a plate body, an adhesive material, and a protective member; and a magnetic ornament, including a magnet, a connector member, and an ornament assembly; such that the magnetic plate is positionable on the mounting surface of the mounting structure, such that the magnetic ornament is detachably connectable to the magnetic plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Inventor: Anne Ken-Chu Fitzhugh
  • Patent number: 11590878
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method of using the apparatus and system may generally include a strap or retention device. A first end of a fastener is operatively coupled to the strap that is configured to retain a cargo contactingly adjacent a cargo support surface. A second end of the fastener is operatively coupled to the first end. The second end has a double rod formation. A magnet may be supported in a housing in the second end. The magnet may be held in position within a recess feature of the housing. A support structure 212 may be disposed between the double rod formation to provide additional strength and stability. The support structure may be made of metal, polymer, or other suitable material. The magnet that is configured to support the second end adjacent a side of the cargo support surface, wherein the side does not produce its own magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: ETZKORN ENTERPRISES, LLC
    Inventor: Josh T. Etzkorn
  • Patent number: 11583142
    Abstract: A grill cover is configured to be utilized with a grill having a metallic component, the grill cover includes a cover body, a magnetic fastener, and a secondary fastener. The cover body presents an outer edge disposed along a bottom side and a cover void therein configured to receive the grill therein. The magnetic fastener and the secondary fastener are each secured to the cover body. The magnetic fastener is configured to provide a magnetic force to keep the magnetic fastener selectively secured to the metallic component of the grill so as to keep the cover body in place around the grill therein. The secondary fastener is configured to reduce a cross-sectional area of the cover void so as to prevent the grill cover from being removed from the grill while the secondary fastener is emplaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Modus Light, LLC
    Inventor: Joshua Drew Walker
  • Patent number: 11587706
    Abstract: A novel magnetic fastener is realized that utilizes a pair of multipole magnets rotatable relative to each other, allowing the holding force to be selected for ease of operation, namely closing and opening. Each multipole magnet includes a striped pattern of alternating polarity (north and south poles), with the striped patterns having the same pole spacing or pitch. When the stripes of alternating north and south poles are oriented lengthwise, the stripes of the south poles can judiciously align with the stripes of the north poles from the other magnet, creating a strong magnetic force between them to form a fastener. However, when the striped pattern of alternating north and south poles are oriented substantially orthogonal, the stripes are mutually being alternating attracted and repelled, allowing the magnets to be easily separated to effect opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Inventor: Christopher J. de la Rosa
  • Patent number: 11571033
    Abstract: Provided is a closure device for the releasable connecting of two parts to each other including a first closure part, having a first base body, at least two first engaging sections formed on the first base body, spaced apart from each other along a loading direction and forming between them a gap, and at least one first magnetic section arranged on the first base body, and a second closure part, having a second base body, at least one second engaging section formed on the second base body, and at least one second magnetic section arranged on the second base body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Fidlock GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Fiedler, Breido Botkus, Philip Klein
  • Patent number: 11564322
    Abstract: An electronic device or electronic device assembly may comprise a first portion and a second portion, a first magnet disposed inside the first portion and rotatable about a pivot axis with respect to the first portion, and a second magnet disposed inside the second portion and rotatable about a pivot axis with respect to the second portion. The first and second magnet may be configured to rotate so that the first and second magnets magnetically engage each other when the distance between the first and second magnet is equal to or smaller than a first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC.
    Inventors: Esa Määttä, Niko Eiden, Otto Huittinen, Pasi Kemppinen, Antti Karilainen, Vicente Calvo Alonso
  • Patent number: 11533970
    Abstract: A buckle assembly has a first buckle portion, a second buckle portion and a locking lid. The first and second buckle portions have magnets that attract each other. The locking lid is connected to the first buckle portion and has a sliding element, a spring connected to the siding element, a pivot axle for connecting the locking lid to the first buckle portion, and front and rear attachment elements. The second buckle portion has engagement flanges for engaging the front and rear attachment elements. The first and second buckle portions are connected together by placing the first and second buckle portions together so that the magnets attract each other, sliding the sliding element against a force of the spring until the attachment elements engage the engagement flanges, and then releasing the sliding element to return the spring to a resting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Duraflex Hong Kong Limited
    Inventor: Ming Yen Tseng
  • Patent number: 11517080
    Abstract: The disclosure concerns a freely spliced buckle strap, at least two buckle units and a buckle connection structure; the buckle connection structure includes a clamping protrusion and a clamping groove, and a first transverse convex strip is provided on or closed to the clamping protrusion; the clamping groove is provided with a second transverse convex strip that can be matched, clamped and locked with the first transverse convex strip; two adjacent buckle units are placed in the clamping groove of the other buckle unit, and are reliably connected to form a whole through the match, clamping and locking by the first and second transverse convex strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Inventor: Yang Lei
  • Patent number: 11504600
    Abstract: A back board and a method of holding a skateboard on a person's back are described. A back board can include a magnet infused skateboard or a magnet mounting assembly, attached to a skateboard. A back-mounted magnet infused holster, wherein, wearing the back-mounted magnet infused holster under or over clothing, the first magnet in or on the skateboard is configured so that together with the second magnet in the holster, the skateboard will hold to the back of ones back when placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Inventor: Jonathan Michael Rocha
  • Patent number: 11497283
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a garment locking device appliance. The garment locking device includes a first component including an extension and a base element at one end of the extension. The first component is configured to be secured to a first garment material. The garment locking device includes a second component including a body with a channel formed therein. The channel is dimensioned to accommodate passage of the base element therethrough. The second component is configured to be secured to a second garment material. Passage of the base element of the first component into the channel of the second component detachably couples the first component to the second component, and detachably couples the first garment material to the second garment material. The first and second components include complementary magnetic or ferromagnetic components to assist in detachably coupling the first and second components to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Inventors: Kelsey Kosinski, Jaeah Augustine Yoo
  • Patent number: 11485034
    Abstract: A shaving device comprising a handle, a support member, a blade cartridge retention frame, and a replaceable blade assembly. The support member is disposed about a first end of the handle and includes at least one arm extending outward from a yoke. The blade cartridge retention frame includes a blade cartridge retention frame magnet and is coupled to the at least one arm and configured to pivot about a pivot axis. The replaceable blade assembly includes a blade assembly magnet and a blade assembly body having a face with a razor blade. The blade assembly magnet and the blade cartridge retention frame magnet are configured to create a repulsive magnetic force therebetween to releasably couple the replaceable blade assembly to the blade cartridge retention frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: INSIGNIA IP HOLDING COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Ruairidh Robertson
  • Patent number: 11478050
    Abstract: Disclosed is a closure device for releasably connecting two parts, including a first closure part which includes a first base body, and a second closure part which includes a second base body. The first closure part and the second closure part can be attached to each other such that in a closed position the first base body and the second base body at least partly are at least positively connected with each other to support a load acting between the first closure part and the second closure part along a load direction, and holding of the first and second closure parts against each other in the closed position is magnetically supported. An engagement opening is formed on the first base body as a through opening into which an engagement portion of the second base body protrudes in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Fidlock GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Fiedler, Philip Klein
  • Patent number: 11478347
    Abstract: A sphincter sizing instrument includes a body that defines a lumen and a shaft that longitudinally translates through the lumen relative to the body. The body includes opposing proximal and distal ends. The distal end includes a first magnetic coupling feature and a first mechanical coupling feature. The shaft includes opposing proximal and distal ends and a coupler coupled with the distal end. The coupler includes a second magnetic coupling feature and a second mechanical coupling feature. The second magnetic coupling feature is configured to attract and couple with the first magnetic coupling feature to form a magnetic connection. The second mechanical coupling feature is configured to couple with the first mechanical coupling feature to form a mechanical connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Kevin M. Fiebig, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Michael D. Cronin
  • Patent number: 11470923
    Abstract: A magnetic connector providing a unique magnetic coupling system for quick, one-handed attachment and detachment of a leash to a pet collar or harness is disclosed. The magnetic connector has a cap with an outer armature for leash attachment and an inner female receptacle element for receiving a male insertion element previously attached to a collar. The male insertion element is in the shape of a star polygon having multiple attached magnets. The female receptacle element has a complementary aperture shape for insertion of the star polygon. The cap includes multiple attached magnets of opposite polarity to the star polygon's attached magnets. Upon insertion of the cap onto the star polygon, the cap undergoes rotation caused by the attractive magnetic forces between the star polygon's and the cap's magnets, locking the cap in place until the cap is manually rotated in the opposite direction and lifted off the star polygon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Inventor: Gjergj Nikolla
  • Patent number: 11430032
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for facilitating a transaction between two or more parties. A server computer is used to determine whether a contact information and an identity validation information of a second party are accurate. Whenever the contact information and the identity validation information of the second party are accurate, one or more documents are modified by attaching and identity validation from a first party and the identity validation from the second party to the one or more documents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: COLLABORATIVE AGREEMENTS, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald Fremont Twining, John Christopher Hallard
  • Patent number: 11425831
    Abstract: A foldable electronic device including a foldable housing including: a hinge structure; a first housing structure connected to the hinge structure; and a second housing structure connected to the hinge structure and being foldable with the first housing structure about the hinge structure. The foldable electronic device further including a flexible display disposed to be viewable from outside of the device; a locker & closer configured such that the foldable housing maintains an unfolding status or a folding status; a first damper member disposed in the interior of the first housing structure and including a magnetic substance; and a second damper member disposed in the interior of the second housing structure and including a magnetic substance such that a repulsive force is applied when being adjacent to the first damper member. In addition, electronic devices according to various embodiments can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yundong Kim, Hokyung Kang, Bowoong Seo, Hyunchul Oh, Seokwoo Lee, Hyunsuk Choi
  • Patent number: 11395659
    Abstract: An apparatus is operable to provide an anastomosis coupling two hollow organs, such as a duodenum and ileum. The apparatus includes a first component that is inserted through an enterotomy in a first hollow organ and a second component that is inserted through an enterotomy in a second hollow organ. The first and second components are brought together to o align the enterotomies and compress apposed layers of tissue adjacent to the enterotomies. The compressed tissue eventually necroses and the apparatus may be removed or simply pass through the hollow organ. Each component may include a set of pivoting links and a resilient member that is configured to both bias the links to an expanded configuration and grip the tissue adjacent to the enterotomy. The components may include magnets that secure the positioning of the components relative to each other and provide a compressive force on the apposed tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Bakos, Mark S. Zeiner
  • Patent number: 11375789
    Abstract: An item may be provided with a body that forms an enclosure. The body (12) may have body portions (16, 18) that open and close along a seam (14). An elongated magnetic fastener (36) may run along the seam. The magnetic fastener may have first (38) and second (40) portions on opposing sides of the seam. The first and second portions may include magnets. When the magnetic fastener is operated in a closed state, the magnets in the first and second portions attract each other and pull the first and second portions of the fastener together to close the seam. When the magnetic fastener is operated in an open state, the magnets in the first and second portions repel each other and push the first and second portions of the fastener apart to open the seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas J. Weber
  • Patent number: 11324295
    Abstract: A buckle including: a male buckle member; a female buckle member; locking and unlocking means locked and unlocked by a relative sliding action of the male buckle member and the female buckle member; and a releasing means for unlocking the locking and unlocking means by sliding the male buckle member and the female buckle member in a release direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: WOOJIN PLASTIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ji Sook Paik, Nan Hee Paik, Ji Hye Paik, Ji Won Son
  • Patent number: 11291274
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a pair of magnetic mating buckles including a first buckle (205) and second buckle (210), the first buckle extending beyond the second buckle's outer perimeter forming an extended lip. In an illustrative example, the lip may be manually manipulated to separate the first buckle from the second buckle when the pair of magnetic mating buckles are in a substantially planar magnetic engagement. In some examples, one or more magnets may be fixedly coupled to the first buckle, and/or the second buckle. In some examples, the buckles may be coupled to various webbings. In an engagement example, the first buckle may be inserted through a coupling aperture (215) in the second buckle. The coupling aperture may include one or more corner notches, for example. Various pairs of magnetic mating buckles with overhanging lips may advantageously provide leverage to manually separate the buckles without tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Michael Seman
  • Patent number: 11284701
    Abstract: A tethering device includes a primary housing supporting a retraction mechanism; a secondary housing configured to be connected to a tethered object; a retractable tether extending from the retraction mechanism to the secondary housing to movably couple the secondary housing to the primary housing; a first magnet assembly supported by the primary housing; and a second magnet assembly supported by the secondary housing, wherein the second magnet assembly is configured to engage with the first magnet assembly to bias the secondary housing towards the primary housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Zebra Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Ian R. Jenkins, Leo K. Greeley, Chi-Ming Wang, Huang Chih Huang, Sheng Du, Jason H. Le Goff
  • Patent number: 11278073
    Abstract: A magnetic fastener includes a female component and a male component. The female component includes a base, a hooded portion spaced from the base and formed opposite thereto, and a peripheral wall connecting the base to the hooded portion. A pocket is formed between the base and the hooded portion. The hooded portion includes a slot formed therein. A portion of the female component is magnetically attractive. The male component includes an insertion portion and a shaft extending from the insertion portion. A portion of the male component is formed by a magnet. The male component is configured to be coupled to the female component when the magnet is magnetically coupled to the portion of the female component that is magnetically attractive, the insertion portion is received within the pocket, and the shaft is received within the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: MAGNAHALTER LLC
    Inventor: Sara Marie Yarger
  • Patent number: 11279154
    Abstract: A frame unit includes a first member formed with a cutout portion, and a second member to be fixed to the first member. A first receiving portion and a second receiving portion are formed in the cutout portion, the second member includes a first facing portion facing the first receiving portion, a second facing portion facing the second receiving portion, and a protruding portion protruding toward the first plate portion. When the second member is attached to the first member, the protruding portion enters the cutout portion so that the first facing portion faces the first receiving portion and the second facing portion faces the second receiving portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Masaki Shimomura
  • Patent number: 11278072
    Abstract: A magnetic fastener such as for an article of footwear comprises a male fastener portion and a female fastener portion. The male fastener portion is configured to magnetically fasten to the female fastener portion. The female fastener portion defines a recess with an outer periphery that is asymmetric about a center axis of the recess. The male fastener portion fits into the recess when the male fastener portion is in a first orientation relative to the female fastener portion, and interferes with the female fastener portion when the male fastener portion is urged to rotate about the center axis of the recess away from the first orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Giorgio Anceresi, Eric Y. Lee
  • Patent number: 11272764
    Abstract: A buckle assembly has two buckle portions, each having a base body with a fastening hook and a fastening recess, and a magnet connected to the interior surface. The buckle portions are configured such that placing the interior surface of one buckle portion against the interior surface of the other buckle portion causes the magnets to engage each other and the fastening hook of each buckle portion to enter the fastening recess of the other buckle portion, to lock the two buckle portions together and prevent disengagement under tension in opposing directions parallel to a longitudinal extent of the buckle assembly. There is a fastening tenon connected to the base body and extending into the fastening recess on each of the buckle portions. The fastening hooks engage a respective one of the fastening tenons as the fastening hooks enter the fastening recesses to lock the two buckle portions together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Duraflex Hong Kong Limited
    Inventor: Ming Yen Tseng
  • Patent number: 11246383
    Abstract: New forms of fasteners are disclosed. Some such fasteners include a new form of zipper with magnetic actuation, initiated by bringing one end of a linear array of magnets into closer proximity with another end of a linear array of magnets. Some such fasteners include structural locking, driven by magnetic force. Some such fasteners include elastic subunits incorporated in a common semi-flexible substrate. The techniques set forth are applicable to a wide variety of applications, incorporating many different materials. For example, in some contexts, some fastening techniques allow rapid closing of articles, such as gym bags or sports apparel, with minimum effort, leading to an extraordinary custom-fit to a user's preferences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Inventor: Christopher V. Beckman
  • Patent number: 11227710
    Abstract: A magnetic closure device has two complementary magnetic closure elements. Each of the two complementary magnetic closure elements includes an elongated magnet carrier having a single direction of main extension, and a plurality of permanent magnets supported by the magnet carrier in defined positions along the direction of main extension. Each of the permanent magnets is permanently magnetized either longitudinally or diametrically with regard to the direction of main extension. The permanent magnets following to each other in the direction of main extension are arranged in a closure alignment pattern having a magnetic non-repetition length extending over three or more of the permanent magnets. The magnet carrier is bendable in at least one direction orthogonal to the direction of main extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: MAX-PLANCK-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FOERDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN E.V.
    Inventor: Garrett Hayes Good
  • Patent number: 11207609
    Abstract: A magnetic toy construction block has an interior configured to house a radially magnetized ring magnet, which is rotatably supported within the block by a pair of pedestals extending into the interior of the block from opposite ends thereof. The positions of the poles of the ring magnet are variable relative to the sides of the block in response to the rotation of the ring magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: LAROSE INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence Rosen, Parviz Daftari
  • Patent number: 11191314
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for multifunction clips that can secure useful tools as well as include aromatic compounds that can repel insects, deodorize, or provide a pleasing aroma to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: BIRDIE EVERYTHING LLC
    Inventor: Robyn Dolores James
  • Patent number: 11191324
    Abstract: Disclosed is a toggle lever closure, including a first closure element, a second closure element which is pivotable about a first pivot axis with respect to the first closure element in order to close the toggle lever closure, and a tensioning element which is connected in an articulated manner to the second closure element about a second pivot axis spaced apart from the first pivot axis. At least one magnetic device acts between the first closure element and the second closure element and/or between the first closure element and the tensioning element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Fidlock GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Fiedler
  • Patent number: 11172717
    Abstract: An electrically conductive magnetic snap fastener for releasably coupling a first material to a second material, the fastener including a male fastening element having a stud and stud flange affixable to the first material, and a female fastening element affixable to the second material and including a cover and a magnet disposed within a cavity defined by the cover, and defining a channel into which the stud is insertable, the female fastening element being electrically conductive at least in a portion disposed for electrically conductive contact with the male fastening element when the stud is inserted in the channel, and the cover being a unitary member of electrically conductive metal, wherein the channel is a distally closed and proximally open socket defined by a continuous wall portion of the cover for receiving the stud and preventing passage of liquid through the channel to the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Romed Fasteners, Inc.
    Inventor: Howard J. Reiter
  • Patent number: 11160337
    Abstract: A magnetic jewelry attachment assembly for selectively coupling mechanical clasps at opposite free ends of an article of jewelry, including a pair of clasp-retaining cases magnetically-couplable to each other. Each clasp-retaining case incorporates an elongated clasp-retaining body having a clasp-receiving channel extending into a proximal end of the elongated clasp-retaining body, the clasp-receiving channel extending from a proximal channel end to a distal channel end, the distal channel end terminating within the elongated clasp-retaining body. A clasp securement device is provided mounted within the distal channel end of the elongated clasp body-retaining and configured for releasably-engaging a first mechanical clasp at a first one of the opposite free ends of the article of jewelry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Inventor: Laura A. Plotner
  • Patent number: 11129431
    Abstract: A magnetic mechanical latching attachment for connecting goggles to a helmet includes a goggle attachment portion configured to mechanically and magnetically attach to a helmet attachment portion. The goggle attachment portion and helmet attachment portion include complimentary interlocking features that mechanically lock the portions together when attached and magnetic features that assist engagement of the complimentary interlocking features in a locked position. A related method of coupling goggles to a helmet, as well as a helmet-goggle attachment system, is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott S. Whitesell, Timothy E. Piver
  • Patent number: 11131024
    Abstract: A method for using a fixture system and a fixture system for holding workpieces or parts to be treated by a plasma assisted vacuum process, the fixture system including magnetic means which generate a magnetic field with a magnetic force which is high enough for holding the workpiece or part. The magnetic means of the fixture system are designed and arranged in such a manner that magnetic field lines of the generated magnetic field are largely confined to the space including the fixture system and the body of the workpiece or part, so that a generation of unintended plasma inhomogeneities caused by the magnetic field lines is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: OERLIKON SURFACE SOLUTIONS AG, PFÄFFIKON
    Inventors: Dong-Ju Kim, Christian Keplinger, Armin Vester, Jurgen Becker
  • Patent number: 11116264
    Abstract: This invention features magnetic, laundry tolerant, no-sew button adapters that convert traditional shirt buttons into magnetic closures to help people with dexterity limitations. The adapters simply attach to any shirt to help make getting dressed easier and a restore a crucial activity of daily living. Users can simply push the lapels of a shirt together to engage magnetic force, activating the buttons to snap into place. The shirt can be opened easily by pulling the lapels apart to undress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Inventor: Gina Rae Adams
  • Patent number: 11116265
    Abstract: An electrically conductive magnetic snap fastener for releasably coupling a first material to a second material, the fastener including a male fastening element having a stud and stud flange affixable to the first material, and a female fastening element affixable to the second material and including a cover and a magnet disposed within a cavity defined by the cover, and defining a channel into which the stud is insertable, the female fastening element being electrically conductive at least in a portion disposed for electrically conductive contact with the male fastening element when the stud is inserted in the channel, and the cover being a unitary member of electrically conductive metal, wherein the channel is a distally closed and proximally open socket defined by a continuous wall portion of the cover for receiving the stud and preventing passage of liquid through the channel to the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Romed Fasteners, Inc.
    Inventor: Howard J. Reiter
  • Patent number: 11103347
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems used to deliver a prosthetic heart valve to a deficient valve. In one embodiment, for instance, a support member is positioned to at least partially surround the native chordae tendineae and/or leaflets of a valve. The support member can comprise a flexible, distensible material to reduce abrasion and other mechanical damage to surrounding structures. A locking member may be used to couple both ends of the support member, forming a support ring. The support member may have two magnetic end portions which can be magnetically coupled to form a support ring. An expandable prosthetic heart valve can be delivered into the native heart valve and expanded within the support band, thereby causing one or more of the native chordae tendineae and/or leaflets of the native heart valve to be frictionally secured between the support ring and the expanded prosthetic heart valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald J. Hosmer, Erin M. Spinner