Abstract: A fastening mechanism comprising a pin having a shank coupled to the head at a first end of said shank. A metallic pin-lock is provided having a base portion coupled to a resilient pin-engaging portion. The shank has a circumferentially-formed notch at a second end, said notch being adapted to receive the resilient pin-engaging portion. A resilient member is coupled to the base portion of the metallic pin-lock and to a mobile phone housing. A retainer is provided for housing said fastening mechanism inside the mobile phone housing. Upon insertion of the pin into the pin-lock, the pin is adapted to move the resilient pin-engaging portion a predetermined distance until the resilient pin-engaging portion engages the circumferentially-formed notch. The pin-lock is adapted to be removed from the pin via a magnet attracting at least a portion of the pin-lock away from the pin.

Abstract: A pivotally mounted armature assembly is mechanically moved into engagement with an electromagnet assembly bringing the components of a secondary locking system between the assemblies into position to become active if a predetermined force is applied to slide the armature assembly across an energized electromagnet assembly.

Abstract: An electromechanical lock includes a latching assembly secured to a first structure, a catch piece secured to a second structure, and an electromechanical device. The latching assembly includes at least one latch element movable between a capture and release states to mechanically engage and disengage the catch piece, an arming member movable between a first and second positions wherein the latch element is released and captured, and a biasing element to urge the arming member into the first position. When the electromagnetic device is switched “on”, it magnetically engages the arming member with sufficient force to overcome the biasing force whereby movement of the catch piece away from the received state results in the latch element moving into the capture state to prevent separation of the first and second structures; when the electromagnetic device is switched “off”, the first and second structures may be separated.

Abstract: A magnetic closure, comprising a male element and a female element, each of which comprises: a keeper plate, which is suitable to support a pair of magnets and to support in a downward region means for fixing the male element or the female element; a dome for covering the keeper plate that supports the magnets, the covering dome being provided with a slot that allows the passage of an engagement pin in the male element, the engagement pin being adapted to engage the slot of the covering dome of the female element; its particularity consisting in that the magnets are supported by the keeper plate so that they are spaced apart.

Abstract: A gate for fence enclosures includes a pair of spaced vertical frame members with a pair of horizontal frame members extending between and into a top and bottom end of the vertical frame members. Mesh screen is tensioned between the vertical and horizontal frame members. A pair of support members is used for each of vertical frame member with mounting plates connecting the top and bottom of each pair of support members. Hinges connect the gate to the support members and facilitate closing and opening. A latching device enables the gate to be secured to the support members.

Abstract: The invention generally pertains to a portable computer having a base and a lid. More particularly, the invention pertains to an improved locking system for securing the base relative to the lid. One aspect of the invention relates to a latch that is placed in a recess when the lid is opened so as to eliminate unsightly and harmful protrusions. Another aspect of the invention relates to a latch that is automatically extracted from the recess when the lid is closed so as to secure the lid to the base. For example, a magnetic actuator may be used to automatically extract the latch when the lid is closed. Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a button for releasing the secured latch so as to allow the lid to be opened.

Abstract: A magnetic glass door holder includes a position device fixed on a mobile door and a fix device fixed on a stationary door, and a sucking device respectively provided hidden in the position device and the fix device. Then the two sucking devices suck each other to keep the mobile door from receiving shocks to secure it in an opened or closed position. The magnetic glass door holder can be applied to a frameless tempered glass door consisting of a stationary one and a mobile door combined in an angle such as 90°, 135° or 180°.

Abstract: An actuator including a device for providing a magnetic field including a magnetic field generator, the actuator further including an output element being moveable between a first position where it blocks or breaks an associated mechanical transmission path and a second position where it unblocks or forms part of an associated mechanical transmission path, the output element being moveable as a result of changes in its local magnetic field as generated by the magnetic field generator, at least a part of the device being moveable to change said local magnetic field to effect movement of the output element.

Abstract: Magnetic clasps for securing the opposed ends of chains and other jewelry. Each clasp includes an arrangement for securing separable bodies by means of magnets that have been poled to present opposed surfaces of opposite magnetic polarities. In a first embodiment, disk-like magnets are received in channels of mating elongated body members of like configuration. End flanges of the elongated body members, in addition to the disk-like magnets, provide axial resistance to separation while the resultant magnetic force prevents separation in the transverse direction. In a second embodiment, disk-like magnets of divided polarities are seated at ends of mating bodies. A pin-and-slot locking mechanism is formed in the two bodies and the magnets are oriented relative thereto so that resultant repulsive magnetic forces force the two magnets into mating alignment when in the longitudinal slot for maximum magnetic holding force.

Abstract: An article surveillance includes a pair of components that are detachably connected together having a releasably grasping device engaging with an article intended to be protected. The device is coupled between the two components with a selected one of the components having an elongated prong insertably received within the other component and is held thereto by a ball clutch mechanism. The mechanism includes a tapered housing with an internal tapered wall surface enclosing a plug member having at least two balls carried in opposing grooves. The tapered housing and the plug member include a coaxial passageway for insertably receiving the elongated prong from the first component. The plug member is resiliently biased to a first position by an expansion spring causing the balls to bear against the tapered inner wall of the housing, restricting the passageway.

Abstract: An electromagnetic device for restraining hinged door leaves in a closed position within a door frame as well as for opening hinged door leaves which are restrained in the closed position. The electromagnetic device has an electrically active part located in the door frame, and a closing counterpiece located in the hinged door leaf where upon the production of an electromagnetic field at the electrically active part a slidable counterpole piece portion of the closing counterpiece slides toward the electrically active part such that a portion of the counterpole piece engages in a free space within the door leaf thus restraining the door leaf in a closed position within the door frame.

Abstract: Door-lock hardware is constructed of corrosion-resistant material such as stainless steel. Such a material lacks magnetic properties to permit use in association with magnetic switches coupled to signal alarm and security systems. However, according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, a door latch of stainless steel or other non-magnetic material includes a ferrous-coated tongue portion to maintain compatibility with such monitors and alarms while providing a higher level of rust- and corrosion-resistance.

Abstract: There is a lock release apparatus for providing delayed passage past a movable barrier such as an exit door which is held to a closed position by a lock. The apparatus includes a beam transmitter, a beam receiver, a timer for releasing the lock after a predetermined delay, a trigger associated with the timer and a beam reflector affixed to an operating bar on the movable barrier. In use of the apparatus when the barrier is closed and locked the transmitter directs a beam onto the reflector at an orientation such that reflection is detected by the beam receiver when the operating bar is undisturbed. Subsequent movement of the operating bar to open the barrier terminates or shifts the reflection away from the receiver to trigger the timer to release the lock after the predetermined delay.

Abstract: An electromagnetic door lock system, allowing emergency exiting of a building, including an armature mount allowing considerable outward movement of the door with respect to the door frame on which the electromagnet is mounted, whereby outward movement of the door initiates a time delay door release, and gives an increased reassurance that the door will open in an emergency, and allows for improved tamper resistance and reduced false alarms, as the distance the door opens out of the door frame in response to actuation of a panic bar from within is greater than that of conventional systems. A tamper resistant door position sensor includes redundant magnetic reed switches for sensing the position of the door and can include an additional reed switch for detecting when an external magnet is placed near the sensor in an attempt to tamper with the system.

Abstract: A magnetic catch assembly for securely holding a door or cover on a machine in a closed position. The assembly comprises a unitary, injection molded, plastic member at least one portion of the member being magnetized to form the magnetic catch and at least one portion of the molded unitary member forming a mounting bracket adapted to securely mount the magnetic catch assembly to the machine.

Abstract: A jewelry element includes a magnetic arrangement for ready substitution of multiple decorative elements. The element, which may be incorporated into a number of common jewelry pieces including a cuff link, earring, a stud for a tuxedo shirt, a ring or an pendant, includes a frame having a recessed central portion for receiving a decorative element. A pair of magnets is press-fit within a circular slot at the bottom of the recess and another magnet is adhesively-fixed to the bottom of the decorative element. An aperture in the bottom of the recessed portion of the frame provides access for a stylus for selectively dislodging the decorative element.

Abstract: A storage unit for use in an office environment. The storage unit includes a structural frame having two opposing side panels, at least one laterally extending panel extending between and interconnecting the side panels to define an interior space. The frame includes a perimeter defining an access opening that provides access to the interior space. The storage unit includes a flexible cover having opposing side edges, a front edge, and a rear edge. The flexible cover is attached to the structural frame proximate said rear edge of said flexible cover. The flexible cover extends freely from the attachment to the frame. The flexible cover has an engagement feature which is selectively engageable with the frame at first and second locations on the frame. Engagement of the cover with the frame at the first location places the flexible cover in a closed position with the opposing side edges of the flexible cover extending proximate the perimeter defining the access opening.

Abstract: A magnetic door stop/latch contains a first magnet mounted on or within a door and a second magnet mounted on or within a structure opposing the door, such as a wall, door jamb, door frame or baseboard. When the door is moving towards the opposing structure, the magnetic door stop may used to prevent the door from slamming into the opposing structure by virtue of the repulsive forces of the magnets. The magnetic door stop/latch may be switched from repulsive configuration to an attractive configuration that holds the door in position.

Abstract: A magnetic fixing unit having a first and second sub-assembly with cooperative structure for increased strength of assembly and prevention of mutual shifting between the first and the second assemblies. The magnetic fixing unit further includes a guide structure on one of the first and second assemblies to effect cooperative locking engagement with an engaging member on the other of the assemblies.

Abstract: A magnetic lock assembly is disclosed, the assembly including a locking component which has a lock housing and magnetic lock member, the magnetic lock member being housed in the lock housing and a striker component which has a striker plate which is magnetically attracted to the magnetic lock in a locking direction by a magnetic force produced by the magnetic lock member, in use. The assembly is characterized therein that the striker plate and the magnetic lock member are movable relative to each other in the locking direction, the striker plate and the magnetic lock member include complementary latching formations and the striker component and the locking component have cooperating displacing mechanism for displacing the striker plate and the magnetic lock member relative to each other in the locking direction upon movement of the striker plate and the magnetic lock member relative to each other in a transverse direction. The invention extends to a door including a magnetic lock assembly.

Abstract: A normal position detecting mechanism for detecting a position of a functional component in a heating apparatus includes a drive member mounted on the functional component, a drive unit assembly mounted on the heating apparatus, and a switch for generating a detection signal. The driven unit assembly includes a switch actuating member, a bracket for supporting the switch actuating member, and a biasing member arranged between the mounting bracket and the switch. The biasing member applies a bias force for driving the switch actuating member against the direction for generating the detection signal. The drive member is positioned facing the switch actuating member when the functional component is in its normal position so that the drive member provides a force to move the switch against the biasing force to generate a detection signal.

Abstract: A lock device for a portable computer includes a mounting wall to be mounted on an upper housing of the computer, and parallel first and second flanges, each formed with a latch hole. An actuating unit has first and second actuating portions, and is normally disposed in a non-actuating position, in which the actuating portions are respectively displaced from the latch holes. A latch member is mounted on a lower housing of the computer, and is normally retracted into the lower housing. The latch member is movable to project from the lower housing and engage one of the latch holes due to magnetic attraction of a magnet of the actuating unit when the upper housing covers the lower housing. The actuating unit is operable for moving the actuating portions so as to push the latch member and disengage the same from the corresponding latch hole.

Abstract: A two-point locking system for providing controlled access through a doorway is described comprising a controlled deadlatch assembly and a magnetic lock assembly. The controlled deadlatch assembly comprises (i) a deadlatch for selectively latching and unlatching a door, (ii) an input control device for selectively controlling the deadlatch, and (iii) a first wireless transmitter for transmitting a magnetic lock control signal. The magnetic lock assembly comprises (i) a metal housing unit, (ii) an armature plate, (iii) an electromagnetic element coupled to the housing unit and aligned to magnetically engage with the armature plate when selectively electrically energized, and (iv) a wireless receiver capable of receiving the magnetic lock control signal from the wireless transmitter.

Abstract: A jewelry closure created when a first jewelry clasp and a second jewelry clasp are aligned such that the central plane of the first jewelry clasp and the central plane of the second jewelry clasp are angularly offset with respect to each other. The central planes are offset to a degree such that each jewelry clasp can be rotated in a manner that a hole in an eyelet from one engagement region fits over a post from a second engagement region and a magnet in one jewelry clasp can magnetically engage with a magnet in the second jewelry clasp.

Abstract: A magnetic tack for fastening items to a metal magnetic surface. The magnetic tack includes a knob connected to a body consisting of a plate, a magnet and a non-magnetic cover.

Abstract: A bolt assembly for interengaging two relatively movable elements. The assembly comprises a first component (1) which is connected to one element, and a second component (11) which is connected to the other element. The first component (1) includes a bolt (4) displaceable between engaged and disengaged positions, and the second component (11) comprises means for engaging the bolt to interengage the elements to which the components (1, 11) are connected when the first component is in a predetermined position relative to the second component and the bolt (4) is in the engaged position. The first component (1) comprises a magnetically (3) releasable latch mechanism arranged to latch the bolt (4) in the disengaged position, and the second component (11) comprises at least one source of magnetic flux (12) arranged to release the latch when the first component (1) is in the predetermined position relative to the second component (11).

Abstract: A door security device operative to secure the door in a fully closed and partially opened state is disclosed. A vertically oriented housing mounted close to the handle side on the inside surface of the door contains a coaxial brace bar, the bottom end of which extends out of the housing, but does not reach the floor. A second vertically oriented brace bar is slideably mounted onto horizontal rods, which are affixed proximate to the bottom of the vertical brace bar. To lock the door, the bottom end of the slideable brace bar is inserted into one of two different floor plugs, the first of which is positioned adjacent to the location of the closed door (bracing the door in a fully closed position) and the second of which is positioned slightly interior to the first (bracing the door in a manner that allows it to be partially opened). If no security is desired, the entire device may be lifted in the housing, rotated into planar contact with the door, and locked in an inactive position.

Abstract: The invention generally pertains to a portable computer having a base and a lid. More particularly, the invention pertains to an improved locking system for securing the base relative to the lid. One aspect of the invention relates to a latch that is placed in a recess when the lid is opened so as to eliminate unsightly and harmful protrusions. Another aspect of the invention relates to a latch that is automatically extracted from the recess when the lid is closed so as to secure the lid to the base. For example, a magnetic actuator may be used to automatically extract the latch when the lid is closed. Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a button for releasing the secured latch so as to allow the lid to be opened.

Abstract: A latch arrangement including a latch, a release mechanism a manually actuable element and a control means, the latch being operable to releasably retain a striker in use, the release mechanism being capable of being moved by the manually actuable element from a rest position through an unlocked position to a release position wherein it unlatches the latch, the control means having a locked condition at which actuation of the manually actuable element does not cause unlatching of the latch and an unlocked condition at which during an initial movement of the manually actuable element, the release mechanism achieves the unlocked position and during subsequent movement of the manually actuable element, the release mechanism achieves the unlatch position.

Abstract: A locking magnetic fastener includes manually separable male and female assemblies, the female assembly having an interior chamber accessible through an aperture and containing a magnet, and the male assembly having a projecting member containing ferromagnetic material that is inserted through the aperture into the chamber to be held by the magnet. To assist in holding the assemblies together, the female assembly includes a slide lock member over the aperture that can be slid to one side to admit the projecting member, but which returns to hold the projecting member in place until released by a manual lock release.

Abstract: An electromagnetic door lock includes an electromagnet secured to a frame and having one or more projections, and a housing secured to a door panel for slidably receiving an armature plate. The armature plate includes one or more orifices for receiving the projections of the electromagnet and for preventing a shearing movement between the electromagnet and the armature plate when the armature plate is attracted toward the electromagnet. A guiding mechanism may be used for guiding the projection of the electromagnet to be aligned with the orifice of the armature plate.

Abstract: The folding door for an office cubicle provides an inexpensive, universally applicable mechanism for selectively opening and closing the entryway of an office cubicle. The folding door comprises an accordion-style folding door panel (1) fabricated from a sheet of lightweight, semi-rigid material with a plurality of specifically aligned magnetic fasteners (30) attached to both surfaces. The folding door panel (1) is pivotally attached to a partition jamb (14) adjacent the entryway by a vertical hinge (8) attached along one panel edge (6). The opposite panel edge (13) includes a dual latching handle member (18) which is used to selectively secure the door when unfolded in the closed entryway position and to retain the door out of the entryway when folded in the open entryway position.

Abstract: A door holder and stop which utilizes an elongated arm and track to retain the door in a closed position. The arm, through the use of a plate, is attached to a door frame. Pivotally and slidably connected to the arm is the track, having a return end and a closure end. The track is fixably attached to a door. At one end, the track has a locking mechanism for retaining the door in a closed position.

Abstract: A door latch assembly for preventing unwanted entry into a hotel room, apartment, dwelling, or the like. In certain embodiments, the door latch assembly includes an approximately L-shaped member which is selectively pivoted between locking and non-locking positions. In certain embodiments, the latch may not be readily utilized to prop open a door, as a closing door will cause the latch to move from a locking position to a non-locking position during door closure.

Abstract: A door handle assembly for a motor vehicle which acts to preclude inadvertent unlatching of the door in response to a side impact. The door handle assembly includes a housing and a handle member mounted for pivotal movement on the housing between latched and unlatched positions. An electromagnetic device is mounted on the housing and acts upon energization in response to receipt of an impact signal to preclude movement of the handle to its unlatched position. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic device comprises a solenoid having a plunger which lockingly coacts with detent structure on an arm of the handle in response to a sensed impact. In a second embodiment, the electromagnetic device comprises an electromagnet having a core which coacts upon energization with an armature carried by an arm of the handle to create a magnetic flux force field to preclude handle movement.

Abstract: A magnetic lock device includes a first element and a second element that are capable of being detachably coupled together by attracting each other magnetically under the magnetic interaction of permanent magnets, wherein each of the first and second elements includes an annular permanent magnet having a center bore through it, a ferromagnetic disk-like plate disposed to make contact with the permanent magnet, and a ferromagnetic projecting member extending from the disk-like plate and through the center bore of the permanent magnet. All of the component parts for the first and second elements are covered with any suitable synthetic resin film, sheet or the like and shielded from the outside, so that any foreign matter such as dust, particularly ferromagnetic particles like iron, cannot enter the gap or space that is present between the outer peripheral wall of the projecting member and the inner peripheral wall of the center bore through the annular permanent magnet.

Abstract: A magnetic fastener includes manually separable male and female assemblies, the female assembly including a movable lock member freely slidably positioned thereon and a lock release button movably mounted thereto. The fastener also includes a male assembly including a magnetic member, the male assembly being engageable with the lock release button. The movable lock member has an opening formed therein within which a portion of the male assembly is positionable such that, in a locked position, the movable member is shiftable to a position in proximity with the magnetic member and, upon engagement of the release button with the male assembly, the movable member is shiftable to a position spaced from the magnetic member. A method of fastening the fastener is also described. The location of the magnetic member and movable metal lock member are capable of being switched such that the magnetic member is slidable in a direction towards the metal lock member which is fixed in position within the male assembly.