Abstract: The invention relates to a rear protection mechanism with a magnetic opening system, intended for objects used to hold elements, such as, for example, briefcases, backpacks or suitcases, said mechanism acting as an anti-theft system for rear, side and/or lower pockets on said objects. The rear mechanism with a magnetic opening system (positioned against the user's body) consists of flaps with non-visible magnets located inside said flaps, which, upon coming into contact with other magnets located on the rear surface of the object, generate an attraction that secures the flaps, such as to prevent third parties from gaining access to pockets on the outside of the briefcase, backpack or suitcase. The invention also relates to a system of self-adjusting straps that allow the weight or load contained in the element-holding object.

Abstract: A removeable, magnetic closure system for openings in clothing articles, in particular pockets, incorporating two fasteners that are held in place on opposite sides of the openings in clothing articles through intra-fastener magnetic attraction. Independent self-closure occurs through an inter-fastener magnetic attraction. Insertion of an object at the position of the openings in the clothing articles, in particular a pocket, increases the intra-fastener distance and reduces the intra-fastener attraction. When the object is removed, the openings in the clothing articles, in particular a pocket, are independently closed when the inter-fastener magnetic attraction is reestablished. Each fastener is removed from the openings in the clothing articles by 90-degree rotation of the intra-fastener geometry. The removable, magnetic closure system can be installed and removed indefinitely on different clothing articles.

Abstract: A display system comprises a display board comprising opposed front and back surfaces; at least one elongated channel formed in the front surface; wherein each elongated channel is recessed with respect to the front surface of the display board. The elongated channel comprises a plurality of substantially parallel elongated channels vertically spaced from one another; a metal strip disposed within each elongated channel. The metal strip has a front surface recessed with respect to the front surface of the display board. The metal strip is configured to display at least one display item having a magnetic element. The magnetic element shares at least one dimension with the width of a respective metal strip. The cover layer covers the front surface of the display board and the metal strip disposed in each channel. The cover layer follows contours of the front surface of the metal strip disposed in each channel.

Abstract: A shielding card holder system for providing a versatile protector and holder which shields wireless transmissions from a card such as a smartcard. The shielding card holder system generally includes a card protector adapted to shield wireless transmissions from a card such as a smartcard. A card holder is removably attached to the card protector, the card holder being adapted to removably receive cards of varying thicknesses. A protector magnet on the card protector is adapted to magnetically engage with a holder magnet on the card holder or the card holder itself to removably attach the card holder to the card protector. A securing member may be utilized to secure the card protector against an article of clothing, with the securing member including a securing magnet adapted to magnetically engage with the protector magnet through the clothing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for affixing an object to a surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a magnet formed with an opening at its center. The magnet is attached to the surface by inserting a screw into the opening. A spacer and a flat washer are attached to the screw, with the spacer being positioned between the flat washer and the magnet. After the screw is affixed to the surface, a metal object can be magnetically attached to the screw and magnet to secure the object to the surface. A backer plate is also contemplated for securing non-magnetic objects to the screw and magnet. Multiple backer plates can be affixed to objects to support a greater amount of weight if required.

Abstract: The perimeter of a hollow-core nonmagnetic frame is magnetized with magnetic inserts. Display panels of corresponding shape and size are provided with a ferromagnetic material along their perimeter so that the display panels can be magnetically retained in position on the frame by magnetically coupling to the magnetic inserts through the nonmagnetic frame. In this manner, aesthetically pleasing seamless multi-panel displays can be created in various shapes and sizes.

Abstract: Magnetic blocks have images disposed thereon. Specifically, a block made from a rigid material includes an image over at least a portion of a first surface and a magnet on at least a portion of a second surface of the block. The block is disposed within a frame or board having a metallic and/or magnetic surface thereon and/or is provided on a metallic and/or magnetized surface. A plurality of blocks having images thereon are disposed together in a tiled arrangement, either in the frame, board or otherwise on the metallic and/or magnetic surface. Moreover, a system comprises the magnetic blocks having images thereon and a frame, board and/or metallic and/or magnetic surface. Methods of making and using the same are further provided.

Abstract: A perforating apparatus having an orientation correction device that corrects skewing and aligns the front edge by striking the front edge of the paper, a perforation device having a punch to conduct perforation processing on the paper; and a lateral registration adjustment device that can adjust, in a direction at a right angle to the direction of movement of the aforementioned paper, the position of the perforation device punch in relation to the paper with orientation corrected using an orientation constraint device prior to perforating by the perforation device. The perforating apparatus may also include a structure in which said perforation device can be inserted into and detached from a non-moving support unit having the drive source of a lateral registration adjustment device, and when mounted, the type of perforation device can be recognized.

Abstract: The practical application of incorporating magnetic receptive printing media coupled with the use of an underlying specifically referenced magnet allows the multi layering of magnetic media while maintaining the reference of position on said surface. This is achieved by aligning the polarity lines to the benefit of the intended design while fabricating the first layer to receive the second or subsequent layers to interact with the intended design.

Abstract: The invention provides a simple, yet flexible mechanism for affixing items to a magnetic board such that they are accurately aligned to the board and to one another. Such mechanism allows positioning and repositioning of the items as desired by the user, including stacked configurations. Contact between the items and the board is aesthetically pleasing, and provides a bearing surface that allows for repositioning of items using a sliding motion. Further, aligning the items is convenient for the user and does not distract from the primary task at hand.

Abstract: Magnetic blocks have images disposed thereon. Specifically, a block made from a rigid material includes an image over at least a portion of a first surface and a magnet on at least a portion of a second surface of the block. The block is disposed within a frame or board having a metallic and/or magnetic surface thereon and/or is provided on a metallic and/or magnetized surface. A plurality of blocks having images thereon are disposed together in a tiled arrangement, either in the frame, board or otherwise on the metallic and/or magnetic surface. Moreover, a system comprises the magnetic blocks having images thereon and a frame, board and/or metallic and/or magnetic surface. Methods of making and using the same are further provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods involve a system to electrostatically mount a display system with a number of visible indicators that define regions and magnetically mount a number of tokens that correspond to the defined regions. In an illustrative example, the display system may include a flexible vinyl carrier of between 0.004 and 0.010 inches which may be sufficient thickness to facilitate removal of air bubbles but sufficiently thin to support magnetic tokens on a wide variety of target surfaces. One surface of the carrier may provide a retention force generated by electrostatic forces between the first surface and a target surface. In an example implementation, the target surface may be the exterior of a residential appliance. An opposite surface of the carrier may include visible indicia, for example, of a map.

Abstract: A magnet-based frame mounting system comprises a frame plate that is magnetically attractive and a wall plate that is magnetically attractive. The frame plate has a first surface that mechanically mounts within a rear surface of a frame. Correspondingly, the wall plate has a first surface that mechanically mounts directly to a wall. When the frame plate is mounted to a corresponding frame, the wall plate is mounted to a corresponding wall, and the frame plate is magnetically coupled to the frame plate, the frame plate is concealed by the frame, the wall plate is concealed by the frame and the frame is repositionable in any direction parallel to the wall plate, without repositioning the wall plate, such that the frame stays at a set location based upon the magnetic coupling between the frame plate and the wall plate.

Abstract: A display attachment apparatus comprising a clamp assembly and a mounting assembly. The clamp assembly has a first clamp arm, a second clamp arm and a hinge assembly hingedly coupling the first clamp arm to the second clamp arm. Each clamp arm has a plurality of magnets which engage either corresponding magnets or other ferromagnetic members on an opposing clamp arm, when the clamp arm is in an engaging, or closed configuration.

Abstract: In a disk device, a case includes a base frame and a top panel, which are made of thin metal plates. In the top panel, a corrugated section is formed to increase its rigidity. The corrugated section has peaks and valleys that are alternately arranged. The peaks and valleys extend in a direction orthogonal to a disk loading direction to the vicinity of both side ends of the top panel.

Abstract: A method and an article for arranging and storing a page or presentation that is in progress comprising the steps of placing at least one page on a magnetic substrate, wherein the magnetic substrate is sized to receive the at least one page; arranging at least one page-element onto the at least one page; and placing at least one magnet onto the at least one page-element to hold the at least one element in place. An additional aspect of the embodiment comprises the step of covering the at least one page that is in progress. Yet another aspect of the embodiment comprises the step of storing the magnetic substrate with the at least one page and at least one page-element until the at least one page is completed at a later time.

Abstract: Reconfigurable lighting fixtures, household apparatuses and household fixtures include fixed components and a plurality of removable and interchangeable decorative adornments. The adornments each include at least one magnet that magnetically couples the adornment to a portion of the fixture or apparatus. Some or all of the set of interchangeable adornments may be interchanged to provide the fixtures or apparatus with a different appearance. The adornments may be of different shapes, sizes, and colors and they may be coupled to various non-fixed locations. The adornments may include multiple pieces coupled together and to the magnet using wire, string, chain or metal links. The fixtures or apparatus may be easily disassembled and reassembled by removing and replacing the adornments for cleaning or to change the appearance thereof. The fixture/apparatus may be a chandelier, candle holder, sconce, lamp, bobeche, tract lighting, ceiling fan, curtain rod, lampshade and the like.

Abstract: Provided is an accessory for a aesthetically modifying the decklid of a vehicle. The accessory generally comprises of flexible laminated sheet or strip including a magnetic material which permits the accessory to be reversibly adhered to the decklid of the vehicle.

Abstract: An article to be worn, such as a badge, displays indicia such as identification and advertising. The article includes a housing, a first indicia member positioned on the first indicia portion of the housing and a second indicia member positioned on the second indicia portion of the housing. The first and second indicia portions are discrete from one another and can receive interchangeable indicia members. The invention further includes a method of identifying a wearer of the article, such as a sales clerk or food service preparer, and advertising a product or service, all with the same badge.

Abstract: A bulletin board having a map printed on an outer fabric layer, that is bonded to a tack-receptive layer, such as cork, which is bonded to a rigid backing layer such as foam. The sandwiched layers can be trimmed to fit within a metal and/or wood frame. The bonding of the layers can be by pressure activated liquid adhesive. The bonding between the layers can be done by a heat activated adhesive.

Abstract: A display system comprising a base comprising a magnetic surface and a graphic sheet comprising a substrate having a front surface and a rear surface, wherein a treatment is provided on the front surface and the rear surface. The treatment provided on the front surface comprises a graphic image and a film. The treatment provided on the rear surface comprises a magnetically receptive material comprising an ultra-violet curable compound. The magnetic surface of the base is configured to releasably attach through magnetic attraction to the magnetically receptive material of the graphic sheet.

Abstract: A message board assembly including a support layer, a top layer, and a magnetic attachment layer. The top layer is coupled to a top surface of the support layer and may include a dry erase surface. The magnetic attachment layer is coupled to a bottom surface of the support layer and extends substantially across the entirety of the bottom surface.

Abstract: An article to be worn, such as a badge, displays indicia such as identification and advertising. The article includes a housing, a first indicia member positioned on the first indicia portion of the housing and a second indicia member positioned on the second indicia portion of the housing. The first and second indicia portions are discrete from one another and can receive interchangeable indicia members. The invention further includes a method of identifying a wearer of the article, such as a sales clerk or food service preparer, and advertising a product or service, all with the same badge.

Abstract: A decorative magnet having lens with a generally rounded upper surface, a generally flat lower surface, and a peripheral flange. An image is adhered to the bottom surface of the lens. The lens is mounted in a base having a central recess and a flange that interlockingly engages the peripheral flange of the lens. A small, strong magnet is positioned in the recess. The bottom wall of the base modulates the magnetic field of the magnet, providing a modulated magnetic attachment force.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating a list includes a planar base member and a plurality of magnetic items that are detachable apart from the base member. The desired magnetic items form the items to be included on the list and they are selected from amongst the plurality of magnetic items and are placed proximate the base member. The base member and the desired magnetic items are used as a portable list or, alternatively, a piece of paper is placed over the magnetic items and a force is applied to the surface of the paper, for example rubbing it with the side of a pencil, which affects the paper to transfer a legible representation of the magnetic items to the paper. The paper is then used as the portable list.

Abstract: A magnet receptive medium comprises a sheet having a first surface, a second surface, and an interior between the first surface and the second surface. At least one pathway between at least one of the surfaces and through the interior is formed. Magnetic particles of a predetermined size sufficient to pass through the pathways exist in such pathways. A binding agent may bind the particles to the interior.

Abstract: A magnetic drawing apparatus including image forming means, image erasing means, motion generating means, movement control means and a main housing, wherein: the image forming means include a plurality of magnetic cells which collectively define an image forming surface, the magnetic cell contains a viscous fluid and magnetic powder; the image erasing means include a magnetic image eraser which is adjacent to the image forming means, the magnetic image eraser is connected to the motion generating means and is movable relative to the image forming means; and the movement control means include means for actuating the motion generating means and means for selecting the direction of movement of the magnetic image eraser with respect to the image forming means.

Abstract: A decorative magnet having lens with a generally rounded upper surface, a generally flat lower surface, and a peripheral flange. An image is adhered to the bottom surface of the lens. The lens is mounted in a base having a central recess and a flange that interlockingly engages the peripheral flange of the lens. A small, strong magnet is positioned in the recess. The bottom wall of the base modulates the magnetic field of the magnet, providing a modulated magnetic attachment force.

Abstract: A decorative display system having a foam mat with a magnetic backing is provided. The display system includes a resilient foam material that is bonded to a rubberized magnetic sheet. The display system is flexible and readily accepts adhesives and paints used to create personalized designs by a home user. A method of manufacturing a foam mat with a magnetic backing is also provided.

Abstract: A display system for displaying display members such as numbers, letter or other indicia, e.g., for use in signage for displaying the price of gasoline on the premises of a service station. The display system of the invention utilizes magnets to facilitate easy substitution of display elements. The display system has a support surface supporting at least one securing member, which is preferably a V-shaped member having an upwardly facing recess. A magnet is provided proximate the securing member. A display member is provided with at least one secured member, e.g., an inverted isosceles triangle having a downwardly facing apex for complementary engagement with said upwardly facing recess of the securing member. A metallic mass is located proximate to the secured member for magnetic engagement with the magnet proximate the securing member. An extendable arm is preferably provided for manipulating the display members when the display members are mounted high off of the ground.

Abstract: The present invention is a magnetic piece having outwardly facing first and second sides, each side with a different image disposed thereon. In a first embodiment, the magnetic piece has an image on first and second sides, wherein each image comprises a different expression of an object, with the object having at least one differing characteristic in each image. In a second embodiment of the present invention, a thick magnetic piece has a thickening layer between two magnetic layers. The magnetic piece is comprised of a single layer of magnetic material sandwiched between two layers of a printing medium. Alternatively, the magnetic piece is comprised of a thickening layer sandwiched between two magnetic layers, with a layer of printing medium annexed to the exterior surface of each magnetic layer. Each magnetic layer may be comprised of magnetic striping bands.

Abstract: A lightweight, magnetic sign assembly containing a magnetic sign. The magnetic sign contains a flexible substrate. Magnetic ink is bonded to either the top or bottom surface of the substrate, and ink is deposited over the top surface of the flexible substrate. Graphic images are presented by the top ink layer. The sign is lightweight, weighing less than about 6 ounces per square foot.

Abstract: Electronic labeling system includes a rail for supporting labels and at least one electronic display label, the rail having two facing wings with each of the wings having in its medial region a longitudinal groove, the electronic label having on one of its two opposite edges a longitudinal rib adapted to be inserted in the groove of one of the rail wings and on the other of the opposite edges at least one retractable pin adapted to snap into the groove of the other rail wing, and at least one recess in which is disposed a ferromagnetic core carrying the pin which is urged to project from the corresponding edge of the label, the core being adapted to be displaced in the recess by magnetic attraction to retract the pin and free the label.

Abstract: In a magnetically writable and erasable writing device for practice in writing characters, the writing device includes a case member provided with an opening in a top surface of the case member wherein a frame section surrounding the opening is formed on the top surface of the case member. A writing sheet includes a microcapsule magnetic sheet and is disposed on the case member so as to expose a top face of the writing sheet from the opening of the case member. A magnetic member for writing on the writing sheet and an erasing member which is positioned under the writing sheet and which has magnetism is included in the case member. The magnetic member put on the top face of the writing sheet enables writing and moving the erasing member along a back face of the writing sheet enables the written contents to be erased. The frame section of the top surface of the case member indicates a character model.

Abstract: An illuminated address display comprises a generally rectangular light housing defining an interior space and an open front. A light source coupled to a power source is positioned within the interior space of the light housing so as to project light forwardly therefrom through the open front. A pair of spaced apart metallic members extend longitudinally between side panels of the light housing and are positioned adjacent top and bottom panels thereof. The address display further includes a plurality of character plates, each plate having a cutout in the shape of an alphanumeric character or artistic design. Each plate further includes a pair of spaced apart magnetic elements for removably adhering to respective metallic members, whereby an address may be formed and displayed as light from the light source passes through the cutouts of selectively positioned character plates.

Abstract: A sales display device is formed as a thin, flat, magnetically inert panel disposed in an upright disposition. The panel has embedded therewithin a plurality of ferrous articles located at uniform intervals across the display surface of the display panel and concealed from view. Preferably, a positioning sheet is employed with positioning openings defined therethrough. The positioning sheet is located directly against the front surface of the display panel. Magnetic articles, such as magnetic ball marker attracting patches, golf divot tools bearing magnets, golf ball markers having magnets therein, and other small objects containing one or more magnets can be displayed on the display device merely by bringing the magnetic articles into contact with the display board at the positioning openings defined therein.

Abstract: A magnetic display comprises a message sheet made of a magnetic sheet material having first and second opposite faces. The message sheet has a message section and a frame section each having first and second opposite faces. The first face of the message section has a plurality of discrete regions. Each discrete region has a printed message therein. The frame section is separable from the message section and includes a frame member. The frame member comprises a peripheral region having an outer edge and an inner edge. The inner edge defines a window through the frame section. The frame member has first and second opposite faces. The frame member and the message section are magnetically attracted to one another in a manner so that the frame member magnetically bonds to the message section when the second face of the frame member is placed against the first face of the message section.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a kit for creating messages 18 for road signs 14. Included is a road sign blank 20 having a plurality of ferrous-like strips 22 mounted thereon, wherein the strips are sized to receive properly sized magnetic letters 24 which will form the words 36 of the message on the sign. A template 26 is provided having perpendicular alignment projections 28 thereon wherein the projections 28 are selectively placed in order to properly position the template 26 in relation to the sign 20 so that the magnetic letters 24 can be properly placed on the sign 20 by placing the letters 24 in cooperation with a plurality of numbers 30 and tic marks 32 selectively visibly placed on the template 26.

Abstract: A patient care and medical alert system for a patient care facility is disclosed which includes a message board adapted and configured to be mounted on a wall associated with a room of the patient care facility. The message board has a front surface defining a permanent message area and a temporary message area. The permanent message area contains indicia identifying the room. A set of message bearing members are provided and each contains distinct indicia relevant to the care of a patient located with the room adjacent the message board. The message bearing members each include structure for effecting the removable attachment thereof to the front surface of the message board within the temporary message area.

Abstract: A decorative ornament for a hood of an automobile includes a weather resistant first layer and a second layer adhesively bonded to said first weather resistant layer. The first weather resistant layer may have a design printed or placed on by other technique including by ink or photography. The second layer has magnetic properties which connects the second layer flatly and firmly to the hood of the car to decorate the car.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for pairing players in a golf tournament including a board with a display side having a plurality of groups bearing a predetermined number of slots. A plurality of magnetic name tag elements including a display space for receiving indicia associated with player to be paired are placed over selectively determined player slots providing a visual indication of occupied and unoccupied player slots. Changes in pairings that occur are responded to by moving corresponding name tag elements to different player slots.

Abstract: A menu board system comprising a support structure, made of magnetically attractable material, and various strips indicating, for instance, products sold and magnetic elements indicating prices at which products are sold. Once all the elements and strips are in place on the support structure, the front surface of the menu board seems flat and continuous as all pieces are cut to fit perfectly in an edge-to-edge pattern. The price elements are easily removed by simply pressing an element's bottom portion allowing the top portion to lift off the support structure. The ease of removal is caused by a magnet fixed only to the top portion of the back surface of the price element. The bottom edge of the magnet acts as a fulcrum point and the back surface of the element left uncovered is simply pushed into the support structure, permitting the top portion of the element to be grasped.

Abstract: A magnetic modifiable sign system comprised of a plastic substrate, a layer of magnetic ink, a layer of ultraviolet curable white ink, a layer of ultraviolet curable colored ink, and a multiplicity of flexible magnetic sheets which are removably and magnetically attached to the layer of magnetic ink through the layer of ultraviolet curable white ink. The distance between the top surface of the layer of magnetic ink and the top surface of the layer of ultraviolet curable colored ink is less than about 0.006 inches.

Abstract: A display arrangement for sheet-type materials including a fastening system having a malleable metal hook set which supports an adhesive/magnetic sandwich for suspending a metal backing plate that magnetically retains an image affixed to a display sheet, wherein display sheets are applied onto conventional shutters of doors and windows by a metallic hanger strip having a bent end hook set for bending into engagement with the lower edges of a louver, an adhesive layer, a magnetic sheet adhered to the adhesive surface on both front and rear of the metallic sheet, a second metal sheet which attaches magnetically to the magnetic sheet; and a display sheet having a magnetic backing layer which attaches to the galvanized metal sheet.

Abstract: A modifiable sign system comprised of a metal-containing substrate, a first plastic sheet attached to the top side of the substrate, and at least two flexible, magnetic sheets removably attached to the first plastic sheet. The first plastic sheet preferably has a thickness which is no greater than about 70 percent of the thickness of the two magnetic sheets.

Abstract: A changeable magnetic sign kit including; interlocking pieces, upon which are imprinted alphanumeric characters, which can be reconstructed into different messages, and which vary in width to accomodate the variety of widths of characters within a font style, the width dimension of each character piece having a specific mathematical relationship with the width dimension of another; similar interlocking framepieces which connect with the alphanumeric imprinted pieces to connect them with a straight edged perimeter, and connector pieces which interlock with either the framepieces or the character pieces to join one parallelogram comprised of these two type pieces to another parallelogram comprised of these two type pieces.

Abstract: A magnetic calendar (20), which may be of the perpetual type, includes a non-ferromagnetic body portion (22) which is preferably rectangular and preferably substantially planar, having a front surface (24) and back surface (26) for abutting a metal surface (38). The front surface (24) of the body portion (22) is divided into a plurality of segments (28) forming a grid-like section (30). The segments (28) may display artwork (58) such as a small pictorial (66), a portion of a large pictorial (64), or a phrase (60). The magnetic pieces (32) adhere to the front surface (24) of the non-ferromagnetic body portion (22) and may include a feature (33) such as indicia (36), an occasion (35), or a holiday (37) affixed thereon. The magnetic pieces (32) may cover at least a portion of the artwork (58).

Abstract: A signboard comprises a backboard having a frame which contains a sign member disposed contiguous with the frame so as to fill the area within the frame. The sign member has a rear surface releasably attached to the backboard, for example by means of a magnetic strip, said rear surface also having a recess. The configuration is such that pressure applied to a region of the front surface of the sign member over the area of the recess causes said sign member to lift along its opposite edge sufficiently to facilitate its removal. Alternatively, a plurality of sign members may be provided, disposed contiguous with each other and with the frame, at least one of which sign members is capable of being lifted by applied pressure.

Abstract: A safety apparatus and method for indicating the presence of a translucent medium comprising a magnetic structure having a removably attachable visible element portion that, when positioned on a translucent medium such as a patio door, screen, window or the like, warns of the presence of the translucent medium so that a person does not inadvertently attempt to walk through the translucent medium thereby risking serious injury or bodily harm.

Abstract: This invention modifies nearly any form of apparel, including baseball-style hats, by incorporating a portion of magnetic material into the article of apparel which allows for releasable attachment of a plurality of magnetic-based display panels.