Abstract: A hand-actuated magnetic coupling or closing device, consisting of elements that are integrally connected either to the objects that are to be coupled or applied to the objects. The coupling device comprises the following characteristics: Elements are coupled together by means of a coupling element; the coupling element can be displaced in two degrees of freedom; in the first degree of freedom, the coupling element can be displaced about the play between a coupling position and a decoupling position; in the second degree of freedom, the coupling element can be moved in a sliding manner by means of an input actuation. A magnetic element is arranged and a magnetic system is arranged in the coupling element. In the second degree of freedom and by means of the input actuation, the coupling element is displaced from the coupling position, in which the coupling element is attracted into the decoupling position, in which the coupling element is repelled and displaced about the play in the first degree of freedom.

Abstract: A flexible attachment means for use with a searchlight or other device is disclosed. The flexible attachment means allows a user to attach a housing to an uneven metallic surface, such as a car hood, boat prow or other locations. The flexible attachment means has an attachment base fixed to the bottom of a housing for the searchlight. The attachment base has attachment locations that flexibly attach to a flexible base gasket having a plurality of magnets to hold the flexible attachment means to a metallic surface.

Abstract: A supporting device for a portable object comprises an anchor having an anchoring end and a supporting end. The anchoring end is configured to be attachable to a grill, for example the grill of an automotive air conditioner. The supporting end is configured to carry two support implements. The first support implement operates by magnetic attraction and the second operates mechanically. The magnetic support implement is adapted to support a portable object if the object comprises magnetic material, and the mechanical support implement is adapted to support a portable object if the object does not comprise magnetic material.

Abstract: A magnet-holder for attaching an object to a glass pane has two parts of a holder which can be placed on mutually opposed boundary faces of said glass pane and are biased towards one another by a magnetic-force apparatus. In addition, that part of the holder which is disposed on the inner side of the glass pane has a contact plate whose side that faces towards the glass pane carries a plurality of elastic holding cups which can cling to the pane.

Abstract: An integrated magnetic device and a magnetic board thereof are disclosed, which attract portable electronic devices located on the board. The magnetic board includes a body, a magnetic element and a power transmission unit on the body, and a power unit. The magnetic elements of the magnetic board and the portable electronic device attract each other so that the electronic device may be located on the board. The power transmission units of the magnetic board may connect with the portable electronic device, for charging the electronic device's battery. The magnetic board further comprises a signal transmission unit for transmitting the portable electronic device's signals to an output device. The integrated magnetic device further comprises a magnetic holder for carrying the portable electronic device and being magnetically attached to the board. Multiple magnetic boards may connect with each other to enlarge the area for magnetically attaching more portable electronic devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a one-piece multipole plate for a magnetic clamping apparatus, a process for making such plate and a magnetic apparatus having such plate, wherein the magnetic apparatus has a plurality of pole pieces and said plurality of pole pieces extend from said plate and are formed of one piece with said plate.

Abstract: A magnetic fastener clip includes a base and an umbrella positioned on the base. A boss is attached to the umbrella and extends outwardly from the umbrella and away from the base. The magnetic fastener has a hole with a diameter to receive the boss. The boss is welded to hold the magnetic fastener against the umbrella. An optional carrier is attached to the base to provide additional height for suitable applications. The umbrella is positioned on the base or is attached to the carrier and positioned opposite the base. The boss is attached to the magnetic fastener such that the umbrella flexes to permit the magnetic fastener to pivot about the boss. 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 i.e. roof.

Abstract: A storage rack for supporting a server chassis in a storage cabinet. The storage rack includes vertical supports and outer rails attached to the vertical supports. The storage rack includes first and second middle rails supported by the first and second outer rails such that the middle rails may slide upon the outer rails. First and second inner rails slidably engage with the first and second outer rails and are typically attached the sides of the chassis. The storage rack further includes first and second magnetic guide assemblies that are each attached to an exposed end of one of the first and second inner rails. Each of the magnetic guide assemblies includes first and second magnetic alignment elements extending outward an alignment distance from the exposed end of the corresponding one of the inner rails such that magnetic forces assist both in initial alignment and in engagement.

Abstract: Kit for mounting a flat TV (1), comprising at least one foot (2) providing a vertical support and a horizontal connector (3) to be mounted on a wall, a stand (4) or the like and on the backside (1a) of the TV (1) for providing support in a horizontal direction. The invention further relates to a method for mounting a flat TV (1), using an abovementioned kit, wherein the method comprises: fixing a television part (3 a) to the backside (1a) of the flat TV (1) and fixing a mount part (3b) to a wall, a stand (4) or the like; connecting at least one foot (2) to a bottom of the flat TV (1); positioning the flat TV (1) by connecting the television part (3 a) to the mount part (3b) to provide a support in a horizontal direction; positioning of the at least one foot (2) on a surface providing vertical support.

Abstract: A holding device for fastening a laser instrument, in particular to a magnetic construction, a pipe, a wall rail and/or ceiling rail, and/or a wall, is disclosed. The holding device includes a basic frame, a receptacle device connected to the basic frame to accommodate the laser instrument and a fastening apparatus connected to the basic frame with a first fastening device. The first fastening device is configured to be rotatable around an axis of rotation relative to the basic frame from a first position into a second position.

Abstract: A holding device for fastening a laser instrument, in particular to a magnetic construction, a pipe, a wall rail or ceiling rail, and/or a wall, is disclosed. The holding device includes a basic frame, a receptacle device connected to the basic frame to accommodate the laser instrument, a first fastening device connected to the basic frame and a second fastening device connected to the basic frame. At least the first or second fastening device is configured to be adjustable in a vertical direction relative to the basic frame.

Abstract: A system, method and bracket for installing banners, including an improved bracket useful for mounting banners to a supporting structure is provided. The bracket is configured with a magnetic feature for facilitating installation of the bracket to a metallic support structure, and may receive banner mounting hardware, such as, for example, banner mounting arms and fastening members, and may be positioned and held on the structure to allow mounting straps to be installed in order to securely mount the bracket to the structure, and complete installation.

Abstract: A column suction-holding head capable of inserting columns into all the holes of a mounting jig collectively at once. The body of the column suction-holding head has elongate holes at the same positions as those of electrodes installed on a ceramic substrate of a ceramic column grid array, and suction holes are provided at the bottoms of the elongate holes. The column suction-holding head is superimposed on an alignment jig having columns aligned therein, and suction is applied from the suction holes. Consequently, the columns in the alignment jig are sucked into the elongate holes of the column suction-holding head.

Abstract: A laser stand for supporting a laser leveling device during construction involving metal studs and leg tracks provides a planar shelf including a first end and a second end, at least one first leg depending from the first end, at least one second leg depending from the second end, and a magnet enclosure mounted to the second leg and including at least one magnet for supporting the leveling device while attached to the metal stud. The shelf is configured for pivotably accommodating the leveling device and the stand is configured for supporting the leveling device when placed over the leg track on a substrate or attached to the metal stud.

Abstract: A system and method of releasably mounting a device, usually to a ceiling, is disclosed. The system has a ceiling mounted unit (200) and a device mounted unit (250), releasably joined preferably by an magnetic coupling (202) which engages a floating plate (252) allowing for positive coupling even if the units are misaligned. A safety latch (256) with a locking/latching claw (260) and ejection/disengagement prong (266) provide positive locking and a method of separating the units despite strong adhesion forces.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the magnetic-based, releasable and position adjustable attachment of an article to a support. The device is well suited for use with cameras, spotting scopes, navigational devices, distance finders, sensors, lights and other devices, but is not limited to use with these fields. The apparatus and method may include releasable mechanical mounting and/or reinforcement of the magnetic-based mounting. Anti-rotation of a mounted ancillary article is also disclosed, as is adjustable positioning.

Abstract: An exemplary magnetic clamp holder used for a mechanical arm, includes a housing (21), a magnetic structure (22), and two positioning pins (25). The housing includes an attaching portion (211), and a joining portion (213) fixed to the attaching portion, the attaching portion and the joining portion cooperatively defining a receiving cavity (218). The positioning pins are disposed on the attaching portion of the housing. The magnetic structure is received in the receiving cavity. The magnetic structure includes a permanent magnetic module (223), an electro-magnetic module (225), and a magnetic shield plate (227) disposed between the permanent magnetic module and the electro-magnetic module. The electro-magnetic module is able to create a magnetic field for neutralizing a magnetic field created by the permanent magnetic module.

Abstract: An exercise device, comprising an upper body unit including at least one load member having at least one elastic/resilient element and a pair of gripping portions for manual grasping by the user, wherein an applied force exerted onto the gripping portions transitions the element from an initial state to an elastically deformed state, and wherein a reduction in the applied force resiliently reforms the element back toward the initial state. In one embodiment, a lower body unit is also provided including a support base defining a support surface, a plurality of light sources configured to generate discrete lighted regions on the support surface, and a controller configured to activate and deactivate the discrete lighted regions.

Abstract: A display device includes a panel that is mountable to a vertical wall, and a leaf assembly comprised of a stack of like shaped leaves that are bundled together and connected to the panel, and a plurality of magnets that enable the leaves to be magnetically held in one or the other side of the panel but be manipulated by a user with one hand, in a flipping manner, thereby freeing the user's other hand to perform tasks related to use of the display device. The panel includes a slot through which rearward end portions of the leaves are passed and bundled by compression plates, thus leaving the connection arrangement hidden from view and aesthetically pleasing. In an arrangement, a frame is provided about the panel to guide and support, at least in part, the lower edges of the leaf assembly.

Abstract: A beverage container holder is disclosed which includes a magnet within the sleeve of a beverage container holder. The beverage container holder, along with any beverage container placed in the beverage container holder, may be mounted on any mounting surface having an associated ferrous material. The beverage container holder is held in place due to the force of the magnetic interaction between the magnet and the mounting surface.

Abstract: A display support system for supporting product for retail display from an appliance defining a magnetically attractable display surface, a door surface, and a magnetically attractable upper surface and comprising a door arranged to allow access to an interior of the appliance through the door surface. The display support system comprises an accessory, a structure comprising a front portion and a rear portion, and a magnetic portion. The accessory is adapted to support the product for retail display. The front portion is adapted to support the accessory such that the accessory extends from the display surface of the appliance. The rear portion rigidly is connected to the front portion and extends along and engages the upper surface of the appliance to bear downward loads on the front portion. The magnetic portion magnetically secures the structure relative to the appliance and inhibits movement of the front portion away from the display surface.

Abstract: A system and method of releasably mounting a device, usually to a ceiling, is disclosed. The system has a ceiling mounted unit (200) and a device mounted unit (250), releasably joined preferably by an magnetic coupling (202) which engages a floating plate (252) allowing for positive coupling even if the units are misaligned. A safety latch (256) with a locking/latching claw (260) and ejection/disengagement prong (266) provide positive locking and a method of separating the units despite strong adhesion forces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacture of a bracket (1) to be magnetically attached to a load supporting metallic surface (20), the bracket having a frame with a plurality of magnet fixing locations (6, 7). The method comprises the steps of:— a) mounting a planar magnet (4, 5) to each of said magnet fixing locations using a flowable settable bonding material; b) magnetically attaching a planar metallic sheet to said planar magnets; c) pressing the frame and metallic sheet together to apply a pressure to the bonding material prior to setting whereby all the magnets are accurately aligned on a common plane defined by the metallic sheet; and d) allowing the bonding material to set to fix each magnet to a said magnet fixing location.

Abstract: An aquarium pump including a first unit comprising a magnet in an encasement disposed against the outside panel of an aquarium or other tank, and a second, submersible unit comprising a magnet in an encasement and a motor, an impeller, and buoyant material contained within a chamber disposed against the inside panel of an aquarium or other tank and opposing the first unit. The magnet included on the second, submersible unit includes a plurality of recesses into which are inserted synthetically coated ball bearings that are allowed rotate freely, with a portion of the ball bearings extending outside the magnet thus allowing the ball bearings to make contact with the aquarium or tank wall and allowing the second, submersible unit to be maneuvered into place without the necessity of violating the aquatic environment. The buoyant material allows the second, submersible unit to remain fixed in place solely utilizing magnetic attraction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetic attachment element for use in connection with a pegboard having a plurality of pegboard orifices extending through a pegboard body. The magnetic element includes an attachment element body with at least one magnet in operational communication therewith for generating a magnetic force therefrom. The magnetic attachment element also includes at least one connector portion in operational communication with the attachment element in the element body for attaching the attachment element body to the pegboard by engaging the one or more connector portions to one or more of the pegboard orifices. Methods of manufacturing the magnetic attachment element are also disclosed.

Abstract: A display assembly for automatically orienting a display item includes a base and a mounting member for mounting thereon the display item. The mounting member is removably mounted on the base to allow handling of the display item when removed and when mounted automatically moves from an unaligned orientation to an aligned display orientation. One alignment mechanism is magnetically operable and preferably includes first and second magnets respectively mounted on the base and mounting member wherein north and south poles of the first magnet align respectively with south and north poles of the second magnet to align the mounting member in the display orientation. Another alignment mechanism includes at least one camming surface for facilitating alignment of the mounting member and preferably camming surfaces respectively on the base and the mounting member which engage one another to facilitate to alignment.

Abstract: A jersey display device permits a jersey to be displayed on an upright supporting surface, for example a wall, in two different orientations in which the two opposing sides of the jersey are displayed respectively. The device comprises: a panel having a contour which is suitably shaped so as to be arranged for supporting the jersey thereon, a first coupling member supported on the panel to be concealed by the jersey, and a second coupling member arranged to be supported on the wall mount. The first and second coupling members are magnetically attracted to one another so as to be arranged to support the panel with the jersey supported thereon on the wall.

Abstract: A torch guide device for cutting target material is presented, the torch guide device including a torch cradle assembly coupled to a rail assembly. The torch cradle assembly is configured for holding a torch to align a torch tip of the torch to the target material. The torch cradle assembly is movable along the rail assembly for cutting the target material along a cutting path. The connector member couples the torch cradle assembly to the rail assembly. The connector member comprises a pivot for pivoting the torch cradle assembly relative to the rail assembly. The torch cradle assembly, in a first position, pivots about the pivot to engage at least a portion of the rail assembly to establish an orientation of the torch tip relative to the target material.

Abstract: A supporting device to a display apparatus to prevent a wire from separating from a wire hanger. The supporting device to fix the display apparatus to a wall includes a wire part coupled to the display apparatus, a wire hanger mounted to the wall, the wire hanger to hang the wire part on the wall, and a separation protector provided at the wire hanger, the separation protector serving to prevent the wire part from separating from the wire hanger.

Abstract: A linkage and a supporter are attached to a back of the housing via a magnetic element of an electronic device with a magnetic supporter. The supporter is drawn to a supporting position via the linkage to support the electronic device body and provide various angles for the user to easily operate the electronic device in several modes. Moreover, since the linkage and the supporter are attached via the magnetic element, when the electronic device body is overloaded, for example, a user applies overlarge force to operate a touch panel, the magnetic element is detached from the electronic device body to prevent the linkage and the supporter from being damaged or permanently destroyed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide fastening devices adapted to couple to rigid members and which may further include attachment features for coupling items to the rigid member.

Abstract: The present invention includes a flexible device incorporating a magnet, and the method of manufacturing the device, wherein said device is used for holding an exercise towel against the metallic surfaces of fitness machines to promote the hygienic use of fitness towels. The device comprises an elongate strap having opposed and first and second end portions. An opening is provided in the first end portion for receiving a towel and a magnet is embedded within the second end portion for attaching the metallic surface of fitness machine.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a portable electronic device and magnetic fixation board therefor. The magnetic fixation board is disposed on a surface of a wall or a casing of an electrical product. The portable electronic device has at least one first magnetic element and the magnetic fixation board has at least one second magnetic element. The second and the first magnetic elements magnetically attract each other and the portable electronic device is attached to the magnetic fixation board. Based on the attraction interaction between the first magnetic element of the portable electronic device and the second magnetic element of the magnetic fixation board, when the portable electronic device is standing idle, users can directly locate the portable electronic device on the magnetic fixation board in the attraction mode and arrange the portable electronic device conveniently, thereby improving the impressions of using electrical products.

Abstract: Provided is, among other things, an attachment apparatus that includes an attachment base, a magnet attached to a first side of the attachment base and a clip structure extending from a second side of the attachment base, the second side being opposite the first side. The clip structure, in turn, includes first and second arms which can be resiliently spread apart in order to receive an item and then released in order to close around the item.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cloth rail and in particular to a cloth rail that can be attached to a wall without use of tools. It includes a carrier part adapted to carry a cloth, such as a dishcloth. It further comprises at least one pair of magnets of which a first magnet is connected to the carrier part and a second magnet is separate and adapted to attract the first magnet. The cloth rail typically further comprises at least one connecting part forming a connection between the first magnet(s) and the carrier part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (100) for securing an object on a holder, provided with fixation means including a platen (110) attached on one of the walls of the object to be secured, preferably the rear wall, and tightening means (120) for tightening the fixation means on the holder, the tightening means (120) being capable of pivoting relative to the platen (110) about an axis (N) so that they can be folded back against the platen (110) or raised perpendicularly to said platen (110), wherein locking means are provided for locking the tightening means (120) in the operational position perpendicular to the platen (110).

Abstract: A magnetic shoe-drying apparatus is to improve shoe drying in a conventional laundry dryer. The apparatus is comprised of a magnet plat and at least one strap. The straps are to fasten a wet shoe onto the magnetic plate and the magnetic plate serves as a way to stick the shoe to the drum, inside a laundry, so that the shoe will not tumble when the dryer is in operation. Several pieces of the apparatus can be placed in the dryer and hence several wet shoes can be dried simultaneously. Wet clothes can also be dried together with wet shoes using this apparatus.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a portable shopping aid used to mount a shopping list, coupons, or other documents. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the aid is configured to sacrifice a writing surface in favor of portability, by providing a small body that may be easily inserted into a pocket or handbag. The body includes a clamp for mounting the aid onto a push bar of a shopping cart, for hands free viewing during shopping, as well as a document clip mechanism that clips documents by their ends closest to the push bar. In order to provide structural rigidity to retained documents, and notwithstanding the absence of a writing surface or clipboard, the clip mechanism is configured to crease documents. The shopping aid also includes feet for standing the aid upright, on a flat surface, and means for mounting the aid magnetically on a refrigerator wall, in all cases such that retained documents are presented in a convenient reading orientation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to apparatus and method for supporting and transferring large area substrate in a vacuum condition. One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus comprising one or more end effectors having a plurality of end effector pads disposed thereon without mechanically joining to the one or more end effectors. In one embodiment, a plurality of end effector pad assemblies are coupled to one or more end effectors by magnetic force.

Abstract: A magnetic mounting apparatus for mounting objects having a first support member comprising a receptacle for receiving an accessory item to be mounted and a first magnet, and a second support member comprising a second magnet with an unlike polarity that creates an attractive force between the support members. The second and first magnets are configured so that placement of the second support member near the first support member causes the support members to secure each other in place on a surface via friction through their magnetic force and hold an object in place with the surface sandwiched in between the first and second support members.

Abstract: An emergency signaling apparatus includes a portable base member, a telescopically adjustable and rectilinear pole, a plurality of brackets, and a flag directly coupled to the brackets and adaptable between compressed and expanded positions when the brackets are displaced along a longitudinal length of the pole. A mechanism is included for simultaneously articulating and linearly displacing the pole about at least two mutually exclusive axes respectively in such a manner that the flag is automatically returned to an equilibrium position defined along a vertically oriented plane after being biased about the at least two mutually exclusive axes.

Abstract: A holding device for a shower device has a holder for the shower device that may be attached to and displaced along a hollow rod, the holder surrounding the rod in a collar-like manner. A displaceable carriage having a certain frictional effect and comprising two magnets is disposed in the rod. The holder has two magnets for attachment on the rod such that, in the holding position, the magnets of the carriage interact with the magnets of the holder under a magnetic attractive force so as to prevent the holder from sliding downward because a clamping or frictional effect results from the attractive force of the magnets.

Abstract: A magnetic mounting system comprises a plurality of magnets and a base. The base includes a plurality of spaced apart mounting apertures. A suspension assembly pivotally secures each magnet of the plurality of magnets to the base. The plurality of mounting apertures of the base allow for varying magnetic arrangements of the plurality of magnets thereby allowing the magnet mounting system to be mounted onto flat surfaces, curved surfaces and/or other shaped surfaces.

Abstract: A magnetic mounting assembly includes a plate carried within the housing. The plate has a central opening and multiple apertures offset from the central opening with a permanent magnet carried within each of the apertures. A cover is compression fit with the housing for securing each magnet between inside surfaces of the cover and the housing, and within the aperture. A central opening is formed with the housing, the cover, and the plate for receiving a fastener when fastening the assembly to an object.

Abstract: An assembly for securing an article with a support member affixed or integral thereto to a mounting surface. The assembly includes first and second members having means for detachably coupling together the first and second members through magnetic field interaction therebetween. The first member includes means for detachably coupling to the support member of the article. The second member includes means for securing to the mounting surface, and a hook portion that receives the support member of the article. During use, the first member is coupled to the support member of the article, and the second member is secured to the mounting surface at a desired position. The first and second members are guided and coupled together by magnetic field interaction therebetween. The support member is then decoupled from the first member and moved such that it engages and is supported by the hook portion of the second member.

Abstract: A magnetic organizer is provided that includes cooperative magnetic members, one generally planar member and one support assembly having a magnetic member, and including one or more horizontally-extending protuberances on the generally planar member. The protuberances create a non-vertical surface that at least some portion of the support assemblies may catch upon, thereby preventing downward sliding.

Abstract: A magnetic organizer is provided that includes cooperative magnetic members, one generally planar member and one support assembly having a magnetic member, and including one or more horizontally-extending protuberances on the generally planar member. The protuberance is a double taper ridge and the support assembly includes a clamp assembly structured to engaged the double taper ridge in a clamping manner.

Abstract: A method for a panel having a magnetic mounting that utilizes a plurality of magnets in a magnet structure that allows high magnetic force when the panel is installed and the magnet structure is aligned while permitting removal using relatively light force applied to misalign the magnet structure to allow removal. In one embodiment, the magnet structure can provide precision positioning of the panel to a position on the order of the width of a single component magnet of the magnet structure. In another embodiment, the magnet structure may be misaligned for removal by a rotation of the magnet structure. In a further embodiment, the misalignment may be achieved by a lateral shift of the magnet structure. The invention may be adapted to a wide variety of panels including but not limited to doors, window coverings, storm coverings, seasonal covering panels, baby gates, white boards, and green house panels.

Abstract: A panel having a magnetic mounting that utilizes a plurality of magnets in a magnet structure that allows high magnetic force when the panel is installed and the magnet structure is aligned while permitting removal using relatively light force applied to misalign the magnet structure to allow removal. In one embodiment, the magnet structure can provide precision positioning of the panel to a position on the order of the width of a single component magnet of the magnet structure. In another embodiment, the magnet structure may be misaligned for removal by a rotation of the magnet structure. In a further embodiment, the misalignment may be achieved by a lateral shift of the magnet structure. The invention may be adapted to a wide variety of panels including but not limited to doors, window coverings, storm coverings, seasonal covering panels, baby gates, white boards, and green house panels.

Abstract: A panel system for a panel or sets of panels having a magnetic mounting that utilizes a plurality of magnets in a magnet structure that provides a magnetic attachment alignment configuration and a release configuration. In one embodiment, magnet structures are configured so that a panel will mount correctly favoring a given support structure and will not achieve attachment strength and may even reject other support structures of similar dimensions. The magnet structures may be based on sets of codes having low cross correlation or the same code positioned to avoid attachment magnetic attraction. Alternatively, sets of magnet structures of reversed polarity may be placed in accordance with a set of codes having a low cross correlation. The magnet structures may be used to favor selective placement of a panel in one of several possible mounting locations or in one of several possible mounting orientations.