US 11,432,606 B1 · Locking magnetic fasteners

Abstract

Embodiments disclosed herein relate to magnetic fasteners capable of transitioning between a locked state and an unlocked state. In some embodiments, the magnetic fastener includes a first fastening portion and a second fastening portion configured to interface with one another. The first fastening portion may include a first pin with a channel configured to receive a second pin disposed on the second fastening portion. The channel may include a recess and the second pin may include a projection complementary to the recess such that the projection may be disposed within the recess when the respective central axes of the first and second fastening portions are offset. Thus, a portion of the recess may abut the projection when the respective central axes of the first and second fastening portions are offset, thus locking the first and second fastening portions relative to one another. Conversely, when the respective central axes of the first and second fastening portions are aligned, the projection may not be disposed within the recess, and accordingly, the first and second fastening portions may be capable of being unfastened from one another.

Claims21

Dependent claims

A magnetic fastener for releasably coupling a first material to a second material, the fastener comprising:

a first fastening portion configured to be fixed to the first material, the first fastening portion including a first pin having a channel, wherein at least a portion of the first pin is formed from a ferromagnetic material;
a second fastening portion configured to be fixed to the second material, the second fastening portion including an annular opening configured to receive the first pin and a second pin disposed within the annular opening shaped to fit within the channel of the first pin, wherein the second fastening portion includes a magnetic ring disposed within a body of the second fastening portion;
wherein the channel includes a recess and the second pin includes a projection associated with the recess such that when a central axis of the channel is aligned with a central axis of the second pin, the second pin is insertable and removable from the channel;
wherein when the central axis of the channel is offset from the central axis of the second pin, the second pin is prevented from being inserted and removed from the channel;
and
wherein the first and second fastening portions are configured to magnetically couple the first and second materials.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Locking magnetic fasteners

Life of this patent

Locking magnetic fasteners

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims21