(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2003/0005558 A1
`
`Wong
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Jan. 9, 2003
`
`US 20030005558A1
`
`(54) MAGNETIC STRAP FASTENER
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`(76)
`
`Inventor: Sheung Chung Wong, Kowloon (HK)
`
`Jul. 9, 2001
`
`(HK) ....................................... 011047280
`
`Publication Classification
`
`Correspondence Address;
`BURNS DOANE SWECKER & MATHIS L L P
`POST OFFICE BOX 1404
`
`Int. Cl.7 .............................. A44B 11/25; A41F 1/00
`(51)
`(52) US. Cl.
`................................................................ 24/303
`
`ALEXANDRIA, VA 22313-1404 (US)
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`09/964 531
`’
`Sep. 23, 2001
`
`Related US. Application Data
`
`(63) Continuation-in-part of application No. 09/920,015,
`filed on Aug. 2, 2001.
`
`A strap fastener comprising a pair of engageable magnetic
`fasteners of opposite polarity to each other engageable or a
`common axis, a strap engagement portion connected to each
`magnetic fastener and extending transverse to said common
`axis of engagement of said magnetic fasteners; and at least
`one protrusion to reside against a perimeter of an opposed
`magnetic fastener to resist movement of one magnetic
`fastener with respect to the other transverse to said common
`axis on which they engage.
`
`
`
`APPLE 1008
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`APPLE 1008
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 9, 2003 Sheet 1 0f 5
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`Patent Application Publication
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`US 2003/0005558 A1
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 9, 2003 Sheet 4 0f 5
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`US 2003/0005558 A1
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 9, 2003 Sheet 5 0f 5
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`US 2003/0005558 A1
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`US 2003/0005558 A1
`
`Jan. 9, 2003
`
`MAGNETIC STRAP FASTENER
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0001] The present invention relates generally to buckles
`and belt or strap fasteners and, more particularly, to mag-
`netic fasteners such as magnetic buckles and magnetic strap
`fasteners. More specifically, although not solely limiting
`thereto,
`the present invention also relates to fasteners or
`buckles for use in or with a brassiere or the like.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002] Unlike conventional fastener assemblies such as an
`array of buttons in which a button is fastened and released
`by inserting it
`into or removing it from a button hole,
`magnetic buttons and fasteners are fastened or secured by
`mutual magnetic attraction between a complementary pair of
`magnetic fasteners or buttons having complementary or
`opposite magnetic properties. This unique property of mag-
`netic fasteners means that they can be automatically fastened
`when a detachable pair is in the proximity of each other. At
`the same time, coupled magnetic buttons can be separated
`simply by pulling the fasteners or buttons apart and move
`them away from each other. Also, unlike conventional
`fasteners such as button assemblies which have to be fas-
`
`tened and released sequentially, an array of magnetic buttons
`can be simultaneously fastened or released.
`
`[0003] The above distinctive characteristics find magnetic
`fasteners particularly useful in circumstances in which the
`fasteners are required to be done and undone with a single
`hand and within a short time. For example, magnetic fas-
`teners are useful in costumes for artists or performers who
`need to change frequently on stage. They are also useful for
`workers who wear work clothes and vests which may be
`caught by machinery or moving objects. Clothes or work
`vests with magnetic buttons provide easy escape to save the
`wearer from being caught and hurt when the clothes or vests
`are engaged accidentally.
`
`typical magnetic buttons
`[0004] As mentioned above,
`include a pair of complementary parts which are releasably
`attachable to each other by magnetic attraction. Each of the
`detachable parts usually includes a magnetic member in slab
`or tablet form having a top and a bottom magnetic coupling
`surfaces with the opposite magnetic poles formed on them.
`The magnetic coupling surfaces are usually interconnected
`by a continuous peripheral edge which is usually quite thin
`for aesthetic and styling consideration. The magnetic slabs
`or tablets are usually cylindrical in shape with substantially
`identical top and bottom surfaces.
`
`are generally
`tablets
`[0005] The magnetic slabs or
`enclosed in a magnetic permeable housing which are made,
`for example, of rubber, Nylon, fabrics, plastics (such as ABS
`or PVC) or synthetic resin. The housing makes decoration to
`the magnetic fasteners possible by providing a cover of
`aesthetic design to the magnetic member which usually has
`a monotonous and dull metallic appearance as well as
`providing weathering shield to the magnetic material to slow
`down or retard undesirable rusting.
`In this regard,
`the
`enclosure is preferably water- or air-tight so that even if the
`magnet member is oxidized, the enclosure still provides a
`cosmetic cover to hide the rusted surfaces from the outside,
`thereby making magnetic buttons suitable for applications in
`which product presentation and appearance are important.
`
`To further enhance the convenience and usefulness
`[0006]
`of magnetic fasteners, magnetic fasteners are always made
`with complementary magnetic members having identical
`shapes and dimensions. As a result of the substantially
`identical dimensions of the complementary magnetic cou-
`pling surfaces on the detachable parts, the parts will come
`into substantially automatic alignment once they come into
`contact and no external help is therefore required in general
`for the initial contact and the subsequent engagement.
`
`In view of the many advantages offered by mag-
`[0007]
`netic buckles, it will be expected that magnetic belt or strap
`fasteners or buckles should be much more widely used, for
`example and especially, in applications where the buckles
`are hard to reach or locate or in applications where the
`buckles are normally concealed underneath other surfaces
`during use. One example of such applications is in lingeries
`or brassieres where the buckles are usually located at the
`back or at locations which are not conveniently accessible.
`Another example is for braces in which some of the fasteners
`are to be fastened to the back of trousers. In these applica-
`tions, the appearance of the fasteners is usually important as
`their selection is sometimes considered to be representative
`or reflective of the taste of the user. Hitherto, magnetic
`buckles are not as widely used as expected in such appli-
`cations. One main reason for this is probably because
`conventional magnetic fasteners buckles are very complex,
`of a bulky build and are expensive, heavy and unsightly and
`sometimes difficult to use. Another reason is the fear of
`
`accidental disengagement. More importantly, since mag-
`netic buttons are characterised by engagement by mutual
`magnetic attraction of the coupling surfaces having opposite
`or complementary magnetic polarities and since magnetic
`coupling forces are usually strongest in the direction which
`is substantially normal or perpendicular to the coupling
`surfaces, the mutual lateral attraction is relatively weak and
`lateral dislocation of the buttons may occur relatively easily
`by lateral pulling of the buttons which may cause inadvert-
`ent or accidental disengagement of the fasteners when a
`lateral tension is applied. While it may be possible to retard
`undesirable lateral movement by providing matted or fric-
`tional coupling surfaces, this would usually decrease the
`ease of self alignment between the coupling surfaces and are
`therefore is not an attractive option.
`
`[0008] For example, European Patent Application No.
`EP923887 discloses a magnetic closure with mutual inter-
`lock for bags, knapsacks and items of clothing. This device
`combines a magnetic closure with a snap-acting closure that
`contains a pair of male and female parts. In the preferred
`embodiment,
`the male element forms a projection that
`contains a catch for insertion into a slot of the female
`
`element for interlocking purposes to prevent natural slip-
`page. Pressing action of the male element allows a user to
`unlock and separate the two parts. Such a design would
`effectively require two actions for unlocking of the closure:
`the pulling apart of the magnet, and the opening of the male
`and female elements.
`
`it will be desirable if magnetic buckles
`[0009] Hence,
`having at least some of the afore-mentioned shortcomings
`overcome or alleviated can be provided so that light, reliable
`and simple strap fasteners can be provided. Preferably such
`strap fasteners should have a low-profile structure which
`allows decoration to be conveniently and easily added to the
`buckles to make them more aesthetically pleasing—an
`
`7
`
`

`

`US 2003/0005558 A1
`
`Jan. 9, 2003
`
`important aspect if magnetic buckles are to be widely used
`in lingerie, fashions or apparel. In addition, a low-profile
`structure usually alleviates the risks of damages to the
`covering or adjacent soft materials. Naturally, it is highly
`desirable if such fasteners can be snap-fitted and easily
`disengageable as and when desired by the user.
`
`[0010] Throughout this specification, the terms fasteners,
`buckles and buttons are used interchangeably for brevity and
`succinctness to the extent that is appropriate for the context.
`
`OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
`
`It is therefore an object of the present invention to
`[0011]
`provide a magnetic strap fastener or buckle which is light, of
`a simple structure and inexpensive. In addition, the strap
`fastener or buckle should have a low-profile build so that it
`can be easily and conveniently concealed under clothes or
`other surfaces for aesthetic consideration so that such fas-
`
`teners can be generally used in the manufacture of under-
`clothings such as brassieres and lingeries. Preferably,
`in
`addition to the afore-mentioned requirements, the buckles
`should be reasonably reliable so that the risks of accidental
`disengagement of the buckles or strap fasteners are minimal.
`As a minimum, it is the object of the present invention to
`provide the public with a choice of a new form of magnetic
`fasteners as described herein.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention,
`there is provided a magnetic buckle or strap fastener includ-
`ing a housing and a pair of magnetic member, said magnetic
`member includes a first surface of a first magnetic polarity
`and an opposing second surface of a second and opposite
`magnetic polarity defining a magnetic axis therebetween, the
`housing includes a receptacle for receiving said magnetic
`member so that at least a portion of said magnetic member
`will be substantially exposed; and a strap receiving means
`extending away from said peripheral wall in a direction
`preferably substantially perpendicular to the magnetic axis.
`
`[0013] According to a further aspect, the present invention
`provides a fastener including a housing and a magnetic
`member. The magnetic member includes a first surface and
`an opposing second surface corresponding to a first mag-
`netic pole and a second magnetic pole respectively, with the
`first and second magnetic poles defining a magnetic axis
`therebetween. The housing contains a receptacle for receiv-
`ing the magnetic member, a strap receiving means extending
`from the receptacle, and a stopping mechanism for prevent-
`ing lateral slippage when the fastener
`is
`functionally
`engaged with another matching fastener. The stopping
`mechanism is preferably provided in the housing and
`adapted to engage the matching fastener containing a match-
`ing housing and a matching magnetic member. The stopping
`mechanism is designed in the housing such that it is capable
`of being disengaged in a single action to pull the fastener and
`matching fastener apart along a direction substantially par-
`allel to the magnetic axis.
`
`[0014] Preferably, the strap receiving means is substan-
`tially equi-distant from both polar surfaces of said magnetic
`member.
`
`portion, said base portion is adjacent one surface of said
`magnetic member and said wall is adapted to surround the
`peripheral wall of said magnetic member.
`
`[0016] Preferably the wall discontinues at about the junc-
`tion between said strap receiving means and said base
`portion.
`
`[0017] Preferably, the holder includes a wall surrounding
`the peripheral wall of said magnetic member, said wall
`includes an elevated portion protruding beyond the exposed
`magnetic surface.
`
`[0018] Preferably, the elevated portion is adapted so that
`when said strap fastener is magnetically coupled with a
`counter-part strap fastener of the same design, said elevated
`portion will not push against the strap receiving means of the
`counter-part fastener while forming a barrier member to stop
`relative lateral movement along the directions of the strap
`receiving means.
`
`[0019] According to another aspect of the present inven-
`tion, there is provided a strap fastener or a buckle including
`a housing and a magnetic member, said magnetic member
`includes a first and a second magnetic polar surfaces respec-
`tively of a first and a second magnetic polarities which
`together define a magnetic axis, said housing includes a
`receptacle for receiving said magnetic member and a strap
`receiving means, said strap receiving means is formed on
`said receptacle and is transverse to said magnetic axis.
`
`[0020] Preferably, the strap fastener further including a
`projection which is disposed on the edge of said receptacle
`at a position which is substantially opposite to said strap
`receiving means and which extends beyond the magnetic
`polar surface which is adapted for coupling with a counter-
`part magnetic coupling surface.
`
`[0021] According to yet another aspect of the present
`invention,
`there is provided a buckle or strap fastener
`comprising a pair of engageable magnetic fasteners of
`opposite polarity to each other engageable or a common axis
`and a strap engagement portion connected to each magnetic
`fastener and extending transverse to said common axis of
`engagement of said magnetic fasteners. Preferably, said
`fastener includes at least one protrusion to reside against a
`perimeter of an opposed magnetic fastener to resist lateral
`movement of one magnetic fastener with respect to the other
`and transverse to said common axis on which they engage.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0022] Preferred embodiments of the present invention
`will now be explained by way of examples and with refer-
`ence to the accompanying drawings in which:
`
`[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates the cross-sectional of a magnetic
`member and a housing to be described in the first embodi-
`ment of the present invention
`
`[0024]
`FIG. 1.
`
`FIG. 2 shows the top plan view of the housing of
`
`[0025] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing generally the housing
`and indicating a protruding portion extending from the
`peripheral wall of the holder to alleviate undesirable relative
`lateral slippage of a buckle pair, and
`
`[0015] Preferably, the holder includes a base portion and
`a wall extending upwardly from the perimeter of said base
`
`[0026] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view illustrating a pair
`of the buckles engaged together.
`
`8
`
`

`

`US 2003/0005558 A1
`
`Jan. 9, 2003
`
`[0027] FIG. 5A is an exploded cross sectional view of a
`pair of fasteners according to another embodiment of the
`present invention.
`
`[0028] FIG. 5B is a cross sectional view of a fastener
`according to the present invention.
`
`[0029] FIG. 5C is a top plan view of the same fastener as
`in FIG. 5B.
`
`[0030] FIG. 5D is a cross sectional side view of a pair of
`fasteners functionally engaged according to the same
`embodiment of the present invention.
`
`[0031] FIG. SE is a top plan view of the same pair of
`fasteners according to FIG. 5D.
`
`[0032] FIG. 6A is an exploded cross sectional side view
`of a fastener according to yet another embodiment of the
`present invention.
`
`[0033] FIG. 6B is the cross sectional side view of the
`same fastener as in FIG. 6A.
`
`[0034] FIG. 6C is the top plan view of the same fastener
`as FIG. 6A.
`
`[0035] FIG. 6D is the cross sectional side view of a pair
`of fasteners functionally engaged according to the same
`embodiment as in FIG. 6A.
`
`[0036] FIG. 6E is a top plan view of the same pair of
`fasteners as in FIG. 6D.
`
`[0037] FIG. 7A is an exploded cross sectional side view
`of a magnet set according to a further embodiment of the
`present invention.
`
`[0038] FIG. 7B is the cross sectional side view of the
`same magnet set as in FIG. 7A.
`
`[0039] FIG. 7C is the top view of the same magnet set as
`shown in FIG. 7A.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`[0040] Referring firstly to FIGS. 1 to 3, there are shown a
`magnetic member (10) and a housing (20) which, when
`assembled together, form a first preferred embodiment of the
`present invention of a magnetic buckle. The magnetic mem-
`ber (10) is the source of the magnetic coupling force for
`engaging with a counterpart magnetic buckle. Preferably,
`this magnetic member includes a permanent magnet in the
`form of a magnetic slab made of a strong magnetic substance
`or alloy in order to provide a large magnetic force-to-volume
`ratio essential for a compact buckle design. With the current
`magnetic technology, a pair of complementary magnetic
`slabs having a diameter of 1 cm and a thickness of about 1
`mm and with an appropriate design as mentioned herein can
`produce a magnetic coupling force of up to 20-30 N.
`
`In the present preferred example, the magnetic slab
`[0041]
`is substantially circular or cylindrical with a diameter of
`about 12 mm and a thickness of less than 1 mm. To provide
`a maximum magnetic coupling area, the two opposite mag-
`netic poles are preferably disposed on the two opposing
`planes (11, 12) of the magnetic slab so that the North pole
`is on one of the planar surfaces while the South pole is on
`the other with a perimeter wall (12A) therebetween. To
`increase the magnetic flux intensity on the coupling surface,
`
`the magnet member is preferable embedded within a casing
`made of a magnetic material, such as an iron, steel or other
`ferromagnetic casing, with one of the magnetic coupling
`surface exposed. With such an embedment of a strong
`magnet on a ferro-magnetic casing, the magnetic strength of
`the exposed coupling surface is considerably strengthened
`by concentration. Of course, magnetic members of other
`shapes and thickness can equally be used without loss of
`generality. For example, the magnetic member can be made
`into a rectangular, polygonal, trapezoidal or even irregular or
`non-geometric cross-section. In addition, a ring- or toroidal
`shaped magnetic member can also be utilized.
`
`[0042] The housing includes a holder portion (21) or
`receptacle for receiving the magnetic member and a strap
`receiving portion (25) for anchoring a flexible end of a strap
`for releasable engagement with a counter-part magnetic
`buckle. The magnetic member holder portion includes a base
`portion (22) which preferably conforms closely to the base
`dimensions of the magnetic member and an upstanding
`fencing wall (23) which extends upwardly along the perim-
`eter of the base portion. The combined structure of the base
`portion together and the peripheral fencing wall provides a
`cavity casing within which the magnetic member is received
`with the magnetic coupling surface (11) exposed and unob-
`structed. The cavity casing, which includes the base portion
`(22) and the upwardly extending parametric peripheral wall
`(23), is preferably made of a magnetic material, for example,
`a ferro-magnetic substance such as chromium or Nickel
`plated steel. The magnetic member can be glued to the cavity
`housing or retained by other means, including mechanical
`retention or embedment. When the magnetic member is
`enclosed by a magnetic material and with an exposed
`surface,
`the magnetic strength of the exposed magnetic
`surface will be reinforced and maximized, and the magnetic
`coupling forces, when coupled with the opposite magnetic
`surface (10) of a similarly designed counterpart magnetic
`buckle, will be greatly enhanced when compared to mag-
`netic members not so encased. With such a design, a more
`compact buckle with a strong magnetic strength can be
`provided.
`
`[0043] The strap receiving portion (25) includes a means
`(24) for receiving or otherwise connecting to the flexible end
`of a flexible strap. To enhance secured retention of the strap,
`the receiving portion may include a serrated slot or notch.
`
`[0044] The strap receiving portion (25) includes a means
`(24) for receiving the flexible end of a flexible strap in order
`to form a strap with a buckled end. To improve better
`retention of the strap end, the receiving portion may include
`a serrated slot or notch. In order to provide a low-profile
`buckle design, the strap receiving portion is relatively thin
`with a thickness which is preferably equal to or less than that
`of the peripheral wall of magnetic member. In addition, the
`strap receiving portion is preferably formed by placing it
`adjacent to the peripheral edge joining the magnetic polar
`surfaces rather than extending from either polar surfaces so
`that an over-all low-profile structure can be obtained.
`
`the strap receiving
`In the present embodiment,
`[0045]
`portion contains a rigid bridging portion which extends
`away from the cavity casing in a lateral or radial manner. In
`this arrangement, the strap receiving portion is substantially
`equi-distant from both polar surfaces and is joined to the
`cavity casing by the rigid bridging portion (27). The bridg-
`
`9
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`

`

`US 2003/0005558 A1
`
`Jan. 9, 2003
`
`ing portion (27) preferably includes a ribbon-shaped plate
`member with its wide surfaces substantially parallel to the
`magnetic coupling surfaces (11, 12). Of course, instead of
`ribbon shaped member, a thin shaft member may be used to
`join the strap receiving portion and the cavity casing. In any
`event, the portion of the housing which extends away from
`the cavity casing should be of a slim design so that an overall
`low-profile design can be achieved. For example and as
`shown in the Figures, a substantial portion of that extension
`is preferably flat and the whole portion should be kept within
`the height of the peripheral wall of the magnetic member
`(10). Alternatively,
`the strap-receiving means may be
`formed proximate and adjacent to the peripheral wall joining
`the polar surfaces (11, 12) so that it is substantially equi-
`distant from both polar surfaces (11, 12). Forming the
`strap-receiving means sidewise of the polar surfaces will
`always provide a desirable low-profile structure.
`
`[0046] Referring now to FIG. 4 in which there are shown
`a pair of complementary counterpart magnetic buckles in
`magnetic engagement,
`it can be seen that
`the magnetic
`coupling surfaces of the counterpart buckles A and B with
`magnetic coupling surfaces (11) of the opposite magnetic
`polarities are in physical contact. It should be noted that
`while it is preferable that both of the complementary buckles
`are of the same structural design as mentioned herein, a
`buckle of a different design but of a complementary nature
`can be used as a counterpart buckle or fastener.
`
`[0047] As can be seen from this Figure, the laterally or
`radially extending strap receiving portions help to reduce the
`overall thickness of the engaged buckle pair, making the
`assembly particularly suitable for use in circumstances, for
`example in lingerie and brassiere applications, where a thin
`assembly is desirable.
`
`in order to alleviate the risks of
`[0048] Furthermore,
`undesirable or accidental disengagement of the magnetically
`coupled buckle pairs, the portion of the peripheral wall at the
`end of the cavity casing directly opposing the strap receiving
`portion is made with a small projection or with an elevated
`teeth (26) resembling portion. The protruding portion (26) of
`the buckle is formed on the cavity wall (23) and extends
`beyond the surface of its magnetic coupling surface (11).
`This projection (26) will become a barrier member to the
`magnetic member (10) of the counterpart buckle by extend-
`ing also beyond the magnetic coupling surface (11) of the
`counterpart buckle. With the elevated portion engaging with
`the edge of the magnetic member of the corresponding
`counterpart buckle, undesirable lateral slippage in both the
`left and right directions, i.e., directions along both strap
`receiving portions can be greatly alleviated. When the
`buckles are to be uncoupled, a user only needs to slightly lift
`one of the buckles, for example, by pivoting against the
`counterpart buckle and then separating the buckles. To
`ensure sufficient space for accommodating the protruding
`member (26) without having to press against the bridging
`portion, a slight indentation corresponding to the location of
`the protruding portion is preferably provided so that the
`teeth (26) can rest above and away from the bridging
`portion. This slight indentation may also be accompanied by
`a discontinuation of the perimetric wall at the corresponding
`position to allow engagement of the teeth member. As shown
`in the Figures, the indentation is formed at the intersection
`or junction between the bridging portion and the cavity
`housing.
`
`10
`
`the housing is
`In the present specific example,
`[0049]
`integrally formed of a magnetic material so that one of the
`magnetic surfaces is in contact with the base portion while
`the peripheral wall of the magnetic member is enclosed
`within the cavity housing, leaving the magnetic coupling
`surface exposed. Where a ring- or toroidal-shaped magnet
`member is used, the cavity housing may have a hollow base
`portion. To provide a decoration or an aesthetic design, the
`buckle may be enclosed within a thin magnetic permeable
`enclosure made, for example of, PVC, synthetic resins,
`rubber, Nylon or the like material. Furthermore, while the
`permanent magnet (10) is held by a holder portion which is
`made preferably of
`a magnetic material
`in order
`to
`strengthen and concentrate the magnetic force on the
`exposed polar surface of the permanent magnet, it should be
`appreciated that
`the present
`invention can be made by
`having a magnetic enclosed within a housing which does not
`have the effect of concentrating the magnetic strength on a
`particular polar surface as long as there is provided a strap
`receiving means transverse or side-wise to the magnetic axis
`of the permanent magnet.
`
`In another embodiment of the present invention as
`[0050]
`shown in FIGS. 5A to SE, a strap fastener (50) contains a
`housing (52) and a magnetic member (56) similar to the one
`described in the previous embodiment
`including strap
`receiving portion (54) and receptacle (52c). Receptacle
`(52c) contains a base portion (52a) and side wall (52b). In
`this embodiment, the base portion (52a) is circular in shape
`with one side (54a) extending outwards to connect with the
`strap receiving portion (54). A magnet (56) of the same
`dimension as the base portion (52a) is provided for attach-
`ment into the receptacle (526). In this embodiment, another
`strap fastener (60) having a housing portion (62) with a strap
`receiving portion (64) is provided to engage the first fastener
`(50) for proper functioning of this pair of fasteners. The base
`portion (62a) of the second fastener (60) is larger in diameter
`compared to the base portion (52a) of the first fastener (50).
`Another magnet (66) larger in diameter than the first magnet
`(56) is provided for attachment into the receptacle area (626)
`of the larger fastener (60). The perimeter wall (62b) of the
`larger fastener (60) is higher than the height of the attached
`magnet (66) as shown in FIG. 5B. As in the smaller fastener,
`the base portion (62a) of the larger fastener (60) is connected
`to the strap receiving portion (64) via an extended side
`(64a).
`
`is
`(50)
`fastener
`the smaller
`[0051] During operation,
`attached to the larger fastener (60) as shown in FIG. 5D. As
`the side wall (62b) of larger fastener (60) is higher than the
`magnet (66) attached, the smaller strap fastener (50) will
`engage larger fastener (60)
`in a manner such that
`the
`extended portion of the side wall (62b) will act as a stopping
`mechanism to prevent lateral movement between smaller
`fastener (50) and larger fastener (60). To disengage the two
`fasteners, a twisting force or pulling force in a direction
`substantially parallel to the magnetic axis (70) may be used
`in a single action. No further action is required to disengage
`the stopping mechanism.
`
`[0052] As can be seen by the previous discussion, the
`phrase “substantially parallel to the magnetic axis” is meant
`for ease of understanding and includes a twisting action to
`pull a pair of magnetic fasteners apart.
`
`In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 6A to 6E,
`[0053]
`the strap fastener (82) according to another embodiment of
`
`10
`
`

`

`US 2003/0005558 A1
`
`Jan. 9, 2003
`
`the present invention has a housing containing a receptacle
`(80) and a strap fastening portion (84) similar to the previous
`embodiments. The main difference in this embodiment is
`
`that the peripheral wall (82b) that is attached to the circular
`base portion (82a) of the receptacle (80) of the strap fastener
`(82) is bevelled with a tall end (82a) and a short end (826).
`The tall and short ends are preferably on opposite sides of
`the circularly shaped base portion (82a) with the short side
`(82e) adjacent the strap fastening portion (84). The magnet
`(86) has a thickness that is shorter than the tall end (82a) of
`the peripheral wall, but approximately the same height as the
`short end (826) as shown in FIG. 6B. As in the other
`embodiments, a connecting area (84a) connects the strap
`fastening portion (84) to the receptacle (82). The connecting
`portion (84a) is extending outwards from the base portion as
`shown in FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C.
`
`[0054] During fastening engagement, as shown in FIG.
`6D,
`two bevelled fasteners with facing magnetic poles
`attracting each other according to the present embodiment
`may be engaged in facing directions with the tall end of the
`wall (82d) coupled to the short end (826) of the wall. In the
`preferred embodiment, the tall end (82a) is tall enough to
`extend within the extended portion (84a). It is clear from the
`description above that lateral movements parallel to the strap
`fastener portion and perpendicular to the magnetic axis (89)
`is restricted as the engagement of the tall end with the short
`end together with the bracing action of the strap fastening
`portion acts as the stopping mechanism in the present
`embodiment. The advantage of this embodiment
`is that
`lateral rotational movement between the two engaged fas-
`teners is minimized due to the restrictions engaged by the
`two bevelled walls when they are functionally engaged.
`
`in the above description is
`[0055] While the magnet
`described as being disc-shaped, it is clear that any magnetic
`element that can function within the receptacle and contains
`the features as claimed in the following claims would fall
`within the scope of the present
`invention. As shown in
`FIGS. 7A to 7E,
`the magnet according to the present
`invention may also be of a ring shape as shown by reference
`numeral 80 of FIG. 7C. A base plate (82), preferably with
`a raised internal circular portion (82b), is preferably pro-
`vided for attachment onto the magnetic ring (80). The entire
`magnetic element (including plate (82) and ring (80)) can
`then be used like a magnet for attachment to the receptacle
`in the fastening. For example, the magnet shown in refer-
`ence numerals 86, 56 and 66 may actually consist of a
`magnetic ring and a metallic disk as shown in FIG. 7B. The
`advantage of such a magnetic set is that expensive magnetic
`material may be reduced due to the hole in the centre of the
`ring. This, however, does not substantially reduce the mag-
`netism of the magnet set because the base plate may be made
`of a ferro-magnetic substance such as chromium or of
`Nickel plated steel that can concentrate the magnet along
`magnetic axis (88) and in the direction unshielded by the
`base plate. The base plate is the side of the magnetic set that
`is attached to and adjacent the base portion of the previous-
`described fasteners while the magnetic ring is exposed for
`interaction with another magnetic attached to a matching
`fastener.
`
`[0056] While the present invention has been explained by
`reference to the preferred embodiments above, it should be
`appreciated that the embodiments are provided for illustra-
`tion and