Having Magnetic Fastener Patents (Class 24/303)
  • Patent number: 9889972
    Abstract: A bottle crown engagement system includes a cap structure sized and shaped to releasably receive a bottle crown. The bottle crown engagement system also includes a magnetically attractable clamping member configured to magnetically interact with the cap structure to releasably affix the cap structure to an attachment surface between the cap structure and the magnetically attractable clamping member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Kam Tech, LLC
    Inventor: Chris Sugai
  • Patent number: 9878653
    Abstract: A tie down strap system for securing a vehicle to a platform of a transport medium comprises a first strap member, a second strap member, a connecting means having a first slot and a second slot and an attachment means at the second strap member. A front end of the first strap member is connected to a clamp member of the transport medium using a first securing means. A rear end of the first strap member is passed through the first slot to suspend therefrom and a first end of the second strap member is looped through the second slot and a second securing means and sewn thereon and a second end of the second strap member extends and suspends from the second securing means. When the vehicle is loaded on the platform, the first and second strap members secure the vehicle firmly to the platform of the transport medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Inventor: Kevin Roe
  • Patent number: 9851511
    Abstract: The present invention provides a spring bias that is particularly suited for use to preload a low profile ferrule of an optical connector. In accordance with the present invention, an axial preload is applied to a connector ferrule by a spring structure provided external of the connector. In one embodiment, spring structure is provided outside a plurality of optical fiber connectors, which provides axial preload of multiple ferrules. Each ferrule could be of the type that supports a plurality of optical fibers of a fiber cable. In one embodiment, the spring bias is effected by a planar flexure external of the connector. The ferrule is coupled to the planar flexure with its longitudinal axis through the center of the planar flexure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: NANOPRECISION PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Shuhe Li, Gregory L. Klotz, Michael K. Barnoski, Robert Ryan Vallance
  • Patent number: 9834958
    Abstract: A padlock having a key intended to unlock another lock. The other lock can be a padlock or some other locking structure. The key is inserted into a bore made in the body of the padlock, intended for one end of the shackle. To fit the key into the bore, its blade section is pivotable relative the shank of the key, and the blade section is adapted, in a first position of the blade section, to be at least partially received into the bore. The shank of the key can be received into the bore as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: ABLOY OY
    Inventors: Jouni Tirkkonen, Pauli Havukainen
  • Patent number: 9834937
    Abstract: An anti-skid mat including a skid-resistant material exhibiting flexible properties and having a generally planar configuration with a length, width and thickness. A plurality of hinges or flex lines design into the material and which enable the material to conform to any irregular surface associated with the metal roof. The mat underside can include any or both of magnetic attracting or conformal adhering undersides such that placement of the material upon a sloping magnetic attracting or non-attracting roof securely supports the weight of a user standing on the mat without slippage relative to the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Steel Grip Samm, Inc.
    Inventor: Neil A. Warner
  • Patent number: 9827584
    Abstract: A masking fixture for coating dishware includes a support base having a first ferromagnetic member and a contoured support surface configured for engagement with a lower contour of the dishware. A mask base includes a second ferromagnetic member. The second ferromagnetic member is magnetically attracted to the first ferromagnetic member. The mask base includes a mask guide. A mask includes a masking surface configured for engagement with the upper contour. The mask is moveably coupled to the mask guide for movement between an engaged position in which the masking surface is engageable with the upper contour and a disengaged position. The mask can be moved to the disengaged position to facilitate removal of the mask base from the dishware after a coating operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: WKI Holding Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John Gephart, Richard Lugen
  • Patent number: 9820520
    Abstract: A fastening system that either attaches to existing buttons or attaches directly to an article of clothing are presented. The fastening system has a first portion that attaches to a button hole or a first part of the article and a second portion that attaches to a button or second part of the article. The first portion and second portion detachably attach to each other by a twist-lock, magnetic mechanism, or some other attachment mechanism. Alternatively, the fastening system can be built directly into an article without augmenting an existing button and button-hole fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Inventor: Robert Edward Bolen
  • Patent number: 9810252
    Abstract: To provide a lower member fixing device that eliminates the need for a fixation tool and reduces the time and effort for fixation, and a fluid control device provided with the lower member fixing device. A through hole of a lower member is formed by a large-diameter section opened in an upper surface and a small-diameter section continued from the lower part of the large-diameter section and opened in a lower surface. A fixation member includes a shaft section inserted into the small-diameter section of the through hole, a head inserted into the large-diameter section of the through hole, and a magnet section provided at a lower end of the shaft section. The support member is made of a magnetic substance and a recess into which the magnet section of the fixation member is fitted is formed in the upper surface of the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: FUJIKIN INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Kenji Aikawa, Takahiro Matsuda
  • Patent number: 9795193
    Abstract: To provide a fastening tool that can solve problems that are raised upon locking the opening portion of clothing, baggage or the like, and can also positively lock the portion to be locked at a desired position without the necessity of any processing jobs, such as caulking, sewing and the like, so as to be freely detachably locked. The fastening tool is provided with at least a pair of fastening members a and b which have detachably attaching portions that are freely detachably attached to each other, and each of the fastening members a and b has a substrate with a piercing needle formed on one of the surfaces, a bottom plate that is penetrated by the piercing needle, a pierce catch made of a cap-shaped member to cover the tip of the penetrated piercing needle, and detachably attaching portions that are freely detachably engaged with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: UOAK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tomoko Fujita
  • Patent number: 9799436
    Abstract: A magnetic attraction-fixing assembly and a rotating support structure for a portable device are provided. The magnetic attraction-fixing assembly includes two magnetic units, the two magnetic units stacked with and attracting each other; wherein each of the magnetic units respectively comprises a circular magnetic component and at least one annular magnetic component around the circular magnetic component, a magnetic pole of the circular plane of the circular magnetic component is an unlike pole to a magnetic pole of an annular plane of the annular magnetic component that is adjacent to the circular magnetic component. The rotating support structure comprises two magnetic units and a body. Magnetic attractions in both radial and axial directions are enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Bing-Zhang Lee
  • Patent number: 9785188
    Abstract: A portable information handling system (IHS), including a housing having a main housing portion, a lid housing portion, and a hinge assembly rotatably coupling the main housing portion and the lid housing portion to rotate the lid housing portion through a plurality of angular positions relative to the main housing portion is disclosed. The plurality of positions include a closed position and a tablet position. The portable IHS further includes a lid magnet assembly in the lid housing portion including a point on the lid magnet assembly closest to the hinge assembly in the tablet position at a first position on a y-axis; and a main magnet assembly in the main housing portion including a point on the main magnet assembly closest to the hinge assembly in the tablet position at a second position on a y-axis, wherein the second position is approximately the same as the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Mark Schwager, Julian Spencer, Shu Hao Lu
  • Patent number: 9760126
    Abstract: A mobile terminal includes a first case, a second case relatively rotating with respect to the first case, coupling portions respectively coupled to ends of the first and second cases, to relatively rotate the first and second cases, and a display including a first portion formed on the first case, the first portion having at least one portion fixed to the first case, and a second portion integrally formed with the first portion, the second portion being disposed on the second case. The coupling portion includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, respectively having one end portions fixed to the ends of the first and second cases to integrally rotate with the first and second cases, and rotating portions respectively coupled to the other end portions of the first and second connecting portions, to rotate the first and second connecting portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Choonghwan Shin, Seongchan Byun, Sanghoon Song, Insu Song
  • Patent number: 9717293
    Abstract: A magnetic fastener is provided that permits existing garment buttons to be retrofitted for use by persons having diminished motor abilities. The magnetic button system comprises a button cover received over an existing button and having a magnet housed therein. The magnet is attracted to a magnetic or ferromagnetic element on a button hole engagement member received in a button hole of an existing garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: Michelle P. Lim
  • Patent number: 9715960
    Abstract: A mechanism for fixing together first and second parts and comprising first and second guides provided respectively in or attached to the first and second parts. The mechanism further comprises first and second magnetic components coupled respectively to the first and second guides such that the first magnetic component is rotatable with the first guide and the first part, and the second magnetic component cannot rotate relative to the second guide, the magnetic components being moveable axially and rotationally with respect to each other and having magnetic poles oriented such that rotation of said first magnetic component causes relative axial movement of the magnetic components between a locking position in which one of the magnetic components straddles the two guides and an unlocking position in which it does not straddle the two guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: INELXIA LIMITED
    Inventor: Patrick Andre Chaizy
  • Patent number: 9706829
    Abstract: A portable docking device includes a mounting device that is configured to be attached to a user. The mounting device includes a user attachment mechanism that has a docking area and first ferromagnetic material attached to the docking area. A portable device holder is configured to receive and hold securely a portable device. The portable device holder includes second ferromagnetic material positioned on the portable device holder so as to allow the portable device holder to be securely attached to the mounting device by a magnetic field generated by at least one of the first ferromagnetic material and the second ferromagnetic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: Rocky Gabriel Tilney
  • Patent number: 9697807
    Abstract: An instant access guitar system allowing easy access to cavities in the body portion of the electric guitar. The cavities are covered by plates, a pick guard, flexible laminates or other suitable cover materials. The covers are held in place by (1) cut-outs in the guitar body and (2) magnets that magnetically attach to magnetic material mounted in the guitar body. The appearance of the guitar may be changed by changing the pick guard and the decorative laminate on the headstock. The sound of the guitar may be changed by having unique pickups and wiring releases pre-built in multiple configurations on multiple pick guards as modules to change in and out of the guitar at will with no tools or solder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Peter J. Brown, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9693776
    Abstract: A wound closure device using magnets to draw skin together. When two skin adhering magnets are placed on opposite sides of a wound in a polar opposite configuration, the magnets attract each other, thus drawing the skin underneath the magnets together and reapproximating wound edges. The device includes a removable sheet having an elongated partition member that separates the first magnet from the second magnet. When the removable sheet and elongated partition member are removed from the magnets, the removal allows the magnets to draw in close together to reapproximate wound edges. To prevent slippage of the magnets, the inner edges of each magnet may have complementary notches and protrusions that align with each other, thereby preventing longitudinal movement of the magnets along their inner edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Moustafa Moustafa
  • Patent number: 9691533
    Abstract: A magnetic circuit, provided with a short magnet and short magnet that are arranged in an array, and a yoke and a yoke provided so as to sandwich the short magnet and short magnet. The short magnet and short magnet, are arranged, that have a space between them that is a predetermined gap or less in the arrangement direction of the array respectively. In addition, the short magnet and short magnet are arranged so that one magnetic pole is located on the side toward one of the pair of yokes and, and the other magnetic pole is located on the side toward the other yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Masaaki Okada, Tomokazu Ogomi, Hiroyuki Asano, Takeshi Kishimoto, Kenji Shimohata
  • Patent number: 9687625
    Abstract: A nasal tube fastener for securing a nasal tube to a person's clothing so as to reduce the opportunity for the tube to be entangled with other objects or to get in the way of the wearer of the tube, such fastener comprising a pair of engageable magnetic fasteners of opposite polarity to each other, the magnetic portions preferably connected to each end of a strap engagement portion connected to each magnetic fastener and extending transverse thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: Moniqua Smith-Reynolds
  • Patent number: 9668551
    Abstract: A clasp system for attaching two elements, comprising first and second parts (A, B) each having a body (10, 11) for attachment to a respective one of the elements. The first and second parts having a fastening means comprising first and second fastening portions (1, 6), the first part including the first fastening portion and the second part including the second fastening portion. The first fastening portion and the second fastening portion are respectively configured for clipping engagement to fasten the first and second parts together. The unfastening comprises a relative twist movement of the first and second parts to unclip the first and second fastening portions. The first and second parts further comprise magnetic material (2, 3, 4, 5) arranged to pull the first and second parts together into the clipping engagement when the first and second parts are relatively oriented in a predetermined manner and spaced less than a predetermined maximum distance apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Inventor: Jose Antonio Sanchez-Valenzuela
  • Patent number: 9668560
    Abstract: Magnetic interlocking closure device made of two main components different one another and frontally-interpenetrating, one “male” and the other “female”, in which shapes with complex outlines, such as those of a logo or of the customizable initials of a name, give shape to the “male” and, by subtraction, to the “female”, which allows to reversibly hold together two overlapping openable surfaces of materials such as fabric, leather, leather-imitation, cardboard, wood, other materials such as metallic, organic, minerals, ceramics, glass, composites, or a combination of them, which, by way of example, but not as a limitation, may be those of bags, handbags or of other containers such as purses, boxes, sheaths, cases, protective cases, or of pieces of apparel such as jackets, coats, raincoats, trousers, skirts, belts, necklaces, bracelets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Inventors: Ruggero Lenci, Giancarlo Lenci
  • Patent number: 9666470
    Abstract: The invention relates to a retaining system for handling substrate stacks, including a retaining surface for retaining a first substrate, and one or more recesses provided relative to the retaining surface, for retaining first magnetic bodies for securing the first substrate relative to a second substrate that is aligned with the first substrate. Second magnetic bodies are applied on a holding side of the second substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: EV GROUP E. THALLNER GMBH
    Inventors: Erich Thallner, Friedrich Paul Lindner
  • Patent number: 9663064
    Abstract: A seat belt lock with a Hall sensor for detection of a locking state of a seat belt lock having a metal seat belt lock frame arranged in a housing. The seat belt lock frame has an upper part and a lower part, connected to a define slit-like channel. A spring-loaded locking device for an inserted seat belt latch is mounted on the seat belt lock frame. A spring-loaded ejector for the inserted seat belt latch is arranged in the channel. The Hall sensor interacts with a permanent-magnetic component, whose distance relative to the Hall sensor is changeable based on translatory movement of the ejector in the case of actuation of the locking mechanism. The Hall sensor is arranged on or in the seat belt lock frame and is covered by a metal shielding element, which extends essentially parallel to the seat belt lock frame and forms a flow concentrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: POLYCONTACT AG
    Inventors: Viktor Batenkow, Silvano Bürgler, Carsten Käbisch, Josua Lanter
  • Patent number: 9611679
    Abstract: A retention arrangement for releasably securing a closure against a fixed body is provided. The retention arrangement includes a housing defining a mouth configured to receive a striker and defining a longitudinal axis, and at least one retention element configured to selectively retain the striker within the mouth, and movable between an open position and a closed position. The retention element is resiliently biased towards the closed position. The retention element is configured to open upon displacement due to the striker along the longitudinal axis in a first direction, and to close upon complete insertion of the striker within the mouth. The retention element is configured for rotation about at least two non-parallel axes so as to direct the striker towards the mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Weston Body Hardware Limited
    Inventors: Martin Wollacott, Gary Crosby
  • Patent number: 9603401
    Abstract: Example embodiments of the systems and methods of magnetic clasping disclosed herein include a a self-aligning interlocking magnetic clasp. When the two halves are placed within close proximity of each other, the magnetic attraction of the magnets within the clasps orient the parts, and the mechanical features of a key, a keyway and a sliding face align. These features hold the two clasps together with the opposed sliding faces coincident and the keys and keyways interlocked, forming a bead shape, for example, with a hole through the middle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventors: Terrell A. Pruitt, Bobbi Jo Shingleton
  • Patent number: 9605696
    Abstract: Magnetic retainers for detachably holding and suspending items such as cell phones from a user or support comprise a hanger and a holder that are magnetically coupled together. The holder is removably attached to an item such as a cell phone, and the hanger is removably suspended from the phone user. The hanger selectively, detachably couples to the harness with vertically aligned permanent magnets. The hanger may comprise a loop, clip, or lanyard that is worn or held by the user or attached to a static support. The holder is retrofitted to cell phone structure with a flexible, anti-slip sticky-tape connection that is removably, adhesively secured between parts of the cell phone body, its interior, or its case, being sandwiched and restrained between abutting parts. Magnets are permanently attached to remote ends or portions of the hanger and holder through either a shrink wrap connection or a snap fitting arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: David Glen May
  • Patent number: 9593497
    Abstract: An anti-skid mat utilized in the field of metal roofing and including a skid-resistant material exhibiting flexible properties and having a generally planar configuration with a length, width and thickness. A plurality of hinges or flex lines design into the material and which enable the material to conform to any irregular surface associated with the metal roof. Said material having a magnetic attracting underside such that placement of the material upon the metal roof securely supports the weight of a user standing on the mat without slippage relative to the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Steel Grip Samm, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Leslie Tulpa, Neil A. Warner
  • Patent number: 9585445
    Abstract: A clasp for securing a first strap with a second strap includes a first clasp portion having a first frame member and a first set of magnets movable from a first to a second position, the first clasp portion adapted to be attached with the first strap; and a second clasp portion adapted to selectively connect with the first clasp portion, the second frame clasp portion having second frame member and a second set of magnets positioned in a fixed location within the second clasp portion, the second set of magnets positioned adjacent the first set of magnets when the second clasp portion is connected with the first clasp portion, the second clasp portion adapted to be attached with the second strap. When the first and second set of magnets create an attractive magnetic force therebetween in the first position and a repulsive magnetic force therebetween in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Amy Qian, Bartley K. Andre
  • Patent number: 9572386
    Abstract: One embodiment of a flat, round magnet (1) inserted into a non-magnetic metal “cup” (2) and enclosed entirely within a square, thin laminate covering (3). The flat, round magnet (1) is inserted such that one flat surface of the magnet is exposed and the opposite flat surface of the magnet is set against the inner surface of the non-magnetic metal cup (2). The non-magnetic metal cup (2) serves to block or reduce the magnetic force of the surface of the flat, round magnet (1) set against the inner surface of the cup. Such magnet, cup and laminate assemblies with exposed magnet surfaces of opposing polarities can be sewn or stitched on opposing sides of garment or clothing openings and used close or fasten the garment or clothing utilizing magnetic force. Other embodiments are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Magnificent Baby L.L.C.
    Inventors: Lawrence Scheer, Lauren Feuer
  • Patent number: 9572407
    Abstract: A jewelry clasp having a male connector, a female connector, a locking sleeve, chain connectors and locking cylinders. The chain connectors are connected to outer end surfaces of the male connector and the female connector. The locking cylinders are sleeved onto outer ends of the male connector and the female connector. Positioning locking devices which allow the chain connectors, the male connector and the female connector to be connected together are provided between the locking cylinders and the chain connectors. The female connector is sleeved into one end of the locking sleeve, and a locking device is provided between the female connector and the locking sleeve. The male connector is sleeved into another end of the locking sleeve; an inner end of the male connector is coupled with an inner end of the female connector; another locking device is provided between the male connector and the locking sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Pak Hei Ng
  • Patent number: 9572415
    Abstract: An article of functional jewelry includes a magnetically responsive substrate with front and back surfaces, a bend dividing the substrate into first and second substantially planar regions, and a holding device. A magnet holds the article in position by sandwiching a piece of fabric between the magnet and the substrate. The holding device may include an aperture penetrating the first region forming a loop that supports an object such as a pair of eyeglasses or a scarf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Kathleen S. Durocher
  • Patent number: 9569625
    Abstract: Systems and techniques are disclosed for detecting whether a wearable computing device is worn by a user or not. The detection can be made based on whether the device is secured to a user or based on a sensor. A device worn by a user may be operated in a private mode such that the user wearing the device is provided information that is useful while wearing the device. For example, the user may receive message notifications, news updates, telephone call information, or the like. A wearable computing device maybe operated in a public mode while not being worn by a user. While in the public mode, the device may provide non user specific information such as a current time, media items, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventors: Christopher James DiBona, Daniel Lawrence Morrill, Daniel Berlin
  • Patent number: 9532629
    Abstract: A connector with two magnets with like poles facing towards each other. A first magnet of the two magnets is fixedly attached to a support base and female receptacle situated above the same pole of the first magnet. The second magnet is fixedly attached to a male flange adapted for passage through the female receptacle. The male flange and second magnet are further fixedly attached to a length of material which is longer than the female receptacle, such that the male flange remains within the female receptacle in an assembled condition due to a magnetic force pushing each magnet away from the other. Another embodiment includes a method of use, including lining up the male flange into the female receptacle for locking and pushing down and slightly transversely on the male flange to unlock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventor: Harald Eisenberger
  • Patent number: 9499108
    Abstract: A magnetic fastener clip includes a cup having at least one injection hole, an overmold attached to the cup and a magnet is attached to the overmold. The overmold has: a cup cover attached to an outside portion of the cup, and an inner ring attached to an inside portion of the cup. The inner ring is attached to the cup cover via the at least one injection hole. The magnet operably attaches into the inner ring. According to one embodiment, the cup cover and the inner ring are injection molded over at least one part of the cup. An optional coupler for attachment to a body panel is attached to the cup cover and is operative to flex. The magnetic fastener clip adapts to different surface curvatures and thicknesses. The magnetic fastener clip is operative for blind attachment into a structure, such as a vehicle chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: TERMAX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel James Dickinson, Michael Walter Smith, John Clasen, Michael Tirrell
  • Patent number: 9500025
    Abstract: A breakaway cord connector or releasably connecting cords associated with a window covering that includes a plurality of housing members that each have a curved vertical sidewall, a top wall extending from the curved vertical sidewall, a base extending from the curved vertical sidewall, a protrusion extending from the curved vertical sidewall between the top wall and the base and magnets fixed to the protrusion. The housing members are configured to be releasably connectable to each other by the connecting elements to prevent an individual that may become tangled in cords associated from suffocating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventor: Jacob Genzel
  • Patent number: 9437969
    Abstract: A connection mechanism between two components may use one or more metallic pins that are magnetically extended when the components are engaged, the pins extending into one or more slots. The components are attached in place by the pins extended into the slots during attachment. The connection mechanism may include one or more magnets mounted on either or both components. The magnets may be arranged to attract the components when the components are in the locking orientation and to repel the components when the components are in an unlocked position. The connection mechanism may include electrical connections between the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Otter Products, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin W. Witter, John P. Fitzgerald, Jonathan Shea Robinson, Adam D. Center, Larry Holmes
  • Patent number: 9427036
    Abstract: An adjustable fashion belt has elongated outer and inner layers of material secured in adjacent alignment to each other. A strip of ferromagnetic material extends between substantially the length of the layers. Magnets are secured at the ends of the layers. The wearing circumference of the belt can be varied, according to the waist size of the user, and secured in position by encircling the wearer and then by placing the magnets on selected locations on the outer surface of the belt, where they are attracted to the ferromagnetic metal strip. One or more belt ornament components are provided, each having a magnetic section an ornament section. The magnet section of the belt ornament component is positioned on the outer surface of the belt and is removeably attracted to the belt by the ferromagnetic metal strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Inventor: Lia Key
  • Patent number: 9414722
    Abstract: A ballast system is provided for stabilizing a six-panel rectangular paperboard box containing a stack of inter-folded tissue sheets and having a opening in a top panel thereof for removal of individual tissue sheets. The ballast system includes at least two laminar backing plates fabricated from ferromagnetic material, the backing plates being positionable on an interior surface of said paperboard box, and at least two permanent magnets positionable on an exterior surface of said paperboard box, each permanent magnet securing itself and one backing plate to the paperboard box, with one of the six panels sandwiched therebetween. The box, the backing plates and the permanent magnets have a combined mass sufficient to prevent the box from being lifted from a surface on which it is resting when a tissue is pulled from the box through the opening as the number of folded tissues in the box approaches zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventor: Donald Robert Matthews
  • Patent number: 9408992
    Abstract: A nasal tube fastener for securing a nasal tube to a person's clothing so as to reduce the opportunity for the tube to be entangled with other objects or to get in the way of the wearer of the tube, such fastener comprising a pair of engageable magnetic fasteners of opposite polarity to each other, the magnetic portions preferably connected to each end of a strap engagement portion connected to each magnetic fastener and extending transverse thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Inventor: Moniqua Smith-Reynolds
  • Patent number: 9392848
    Abstract: A magnetic adornment assembly for improving aesthetic appeal of an item, such as a personal or commercial item, consists of top and bottom members which can be reversibly magnetically coupled to one another. The personal or commercial item is placed between concentrically aligned top and bottom members such that magnetic attraction between the members is established, thereby securing the magnetic adornment assembly to the personal or commercial item. A decoration layer is provided on an outer viewable surface of the personal or commercial item and may be ornamental or informational.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Magnum Opus, Inc.
    Inventor: Kimberly Marie LeBlanc
  • Patent number: 9392829
    Abstract: A device for magnetic clasping for a clothing accessory includes at least one permanently magnetized assembly arranged at one end of one surface of the accessory, while a plurality of ferromagnetic elements and/or permanently magnetized assemblies are arranged longitudinally on the other surface at the opposite end thereof. The magnetized assemblies of one surface are suitable for attracting a magnetized assembly of the other surface. The magnetized assemblies and/or ferromagnetic elements of each surface are arranged such that, by placing the ends of the surfaces vertically adjacent to one another, a plurality of adjustment positions of the surfaces are obtained relative to the position of the magnetized assemblies and ferromagnetic elements, representing a plurality of possible tightness levels. Each magnetized assembly of one surface engages with a magnetized assembly or a ferromagnetic element of the other surface in each one of the adjustment positions to close any magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Inventor: Gerarld Manuello
  • Patent number: 9387912
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system that provides a cohesive, harmonized look to aircraft galleys and other aircraft areas. The system allows airlines to easily change the decorative front fascia of galley (and other) airline components, even while the components are installed on the aircraft. The replacement is accomplished without the use of tools or extensive manual effort by providing replaceable and interchangeable panels for use on aircraft or other passenger transport vehicles or vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Driessen Aircraft Interior Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas M. Lee
  • Patent number: 9377815
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a first body, a second body, a pivot shaft, a pivot holder and restraining mechanisms. The first body includes a first connecting side, a groove disposed at the first connecting side and a first attracting component disposed in the groove. The second body includes a second connecting side where the pivot shaft is disposed at. The pivot holder connects the pivot shaft to rotate relative to the second body via the pivot shaft. The restraining mechanisms are disposed at the pivot holder. Each restraining mechanism includes a hollow protrusion and a second attracting component movably disposed in the hollow protrusions respectively. The first body is adapted to be engaged with the hollow protrusions via the groove. The second attracting components move away from the pivot holder and are attracted to the first attracting component, such that the first body is engaged with the pivot holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Acer Incorporated
    Inventors: Hung-Chi Chen, Pin-Chueh Lin, Wu-Chen Lee
  • Patent number: 9364056
    Abstract: A pendant formed of separable segments along a substantially diagonal line in which the segments have a mechanical interlock formed of a member physically attached to the rear portion of one of the segments and having a tab which fits into a recess formed in the rear of the second of said tabs such as the segments may not be physically separated in the horizontal direction one from the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: HB Concepts, LLC
    Inventors: Petra Azar, Camile Hannoush
  • Patent number: 9315321
    Abstract: A support system includes a support, a root magnet, an object, and a cover magnet. The root magnet is fixedly attached to the support. The cover magnet is fixedly attached to the object. The root magnet and the cover magnet are configured to be magnetically attracted to one another such that the object is magnetically attached to the support when the root magnet and the cover magnet are aligned with one another in an attachment arrangement. The root magnet and the cover magnet are configured to magnetically repel one another such that the object is detached from the support when the root magnet and the cover magnet are unaligned with one another in a detachment arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Nilesh D. Mankame, Albert H. Butlin, Jr., Roland Menassa
  • Patent number: 9307808
    Abstract: A buckle assembly has male and female portions with magnets embedded in each portion. The male portion has a locking leg with a pawl at its end that seats within a corresponding locking groove having an insertion portion and a locking portion having a flange on the female portion when the male and female portions are placed together. When the male part is placed adjacent the female part, the magnets attract each other to force the locking leg through the insertion portion of the locking groove. The magnets are disposed laterally offset from each other when the locking leg extends through the insertion portion, so that the magnets to pull the male and female portions in opposing lateral directions to force the locking leg into the locking portion of the groove, causing the locking pawl to engage the flange and lock the male portion to the female portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Duraflex Hong Kong Limited
    Inventor: Edgar Lill
  • Patent number: 9307806
    Abstract: A button fastening apparatus is provided. The button fastening apparatus includes at least a first and second assemblies and a method for converting button-style fasteners to push-pull detachable fasteners, enabling individuals with limited manual dexterity to wear the button-up clothes they desire. The first assembly may be dimensioned and adapted to attach a magnetic portion thereof to any button-style fastener. The second assembly may form a cover portion interconnected to a ferromagnetic portion through a button placket, so that the first and second assemblies may be easily removably secured via a push-pull detachable fastener system, which subsumes the button-style fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Inventors: Lee Fisher Dorman, Louis Bruce Hornstein
  • Patent number: 9273819
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adjustable mounting apparatus comprising: a base, a first and second magnet each pivotally connected to the bottom of the base and rotatable about a predefined axis. The first and second magnets are positioned at opposing ends of the base and parallel to each other. The present invention is also directed to a method of stabilizing an adjustable mounting apparatus comprising: placing the mount onto a surface; rotating a first and second electric magnet at angles along predefined axes; engaging a clamping lever to place each magnet into desired positions on the surface; electrifying the first and second electric magnets to attach them to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: ACQUIP, INC
    Inventor: Alan Pinchevski
  • Patent number: 9259916
    Abstract: A printhead includes a jetting module that forms drops, a catcher, and a deflection mechanism that deflects some of the drops toward the catcher. A moveable sealing mechanism has a first position in contact with the catcher and a second position removed from the catcher that permits drops to travel past the catcher. The moveable sealing mechanism includes a first portion that is fixed to the printhead and translates the sealing mechanism relative to the catcher, and a second portion that is removably fixed to the first portion and cooperates with the catcher to form a seal when the sealing mechanism is in the first position. A removal tool for use with the printhead includes a shaft, a magnet affixed to the shaft, and a spacer affixed to the shaft. The spacer includes a valley that is aligned with the at least one magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael J. Piatt, Charles D. Rike
  • Patent number: 9254046
    Abstract: A device for securing bed sheets that includes: a top plate, where the top plate includes an opening at each end of the top plate; a bottom plate, where the bottom plate includes an opening at each end of the top plate; at least two straps, where the straps extend through the openings in the top plate and bottom plate and provide a means to secure the top plate and bottom plate to a corner of a mattress; a plurality of magnets within the top plate; and a securing plate. Preferably, a buckle may be provided for each strap, where the buckle provides a means to tighten each respective strap. In one particular embodiment, the plurality of magnets includes three evenly spaced magnets. Further, the top plate may include three snap components with openings to allow the insert of the plurality of magnets. Preferably, the plurality of magnets includes rare earth neodymium magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventor: Jon Arenstein