GB2026079A - Magnetic connector - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention relates to a magnetic connector consisting of a magnet 1 and an iron piece 5 or 5' to be attracted. The magnet 1 is coated with a thin layer of paint 2. The surface of an iron plate 3 to which the magnet 1 is attached and the piece 5 or 5' are plated with bright metal. The iron piece 5 or 5' is provided with a circular cavity 4 or 4' which fits tightly over the magnet when attracted by the magnet. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Magnetic connector This invention relates to a magnetic connector, such as a magnetic clasp for handbag or purse, a magnetic button, or a magnetic chain connector for a necklace.

A magnetic connector usually comprises a small magnet and a ferromagnetic piece to be attracted by the magnet. As the colour of the magnet is dull grey, it is not pleasant to the eye and not appropriate for artistic articles.

Against this deficiency, a metal case has been prepared to cover the magnet, but it is costly.

According to this invention, the magnet is coated with a thin layer of paint such as enamel, lacquer, or plastic. Such coating not only smoothes the surface of the magnet, but also protects the magnet from moisture as well as reduces the deterioration of the magnetic force. Further, according to this invention, the surface of the cooperative iron piece is preferably plated with bright metal, such as gold, silver, nickel, chromium, or brass for decorative purpose as well as to prevent said iron piece from rusting. Further, said iron piece is provided with a circular cavity which tightly fits over the magnet when attracted so as to prevent the iron piece from slipping.

The invention will be described further, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a magnet coated with a thin layer of paint, partly cut away.

Figure 2 shows a sectional view of the magnet with a carrier and two types of the iron pieces to be attracted to the magnet; Figure 3 shows a necklace including a magnetic chain connector, Figure 4 shows a sectional view of a magnetic connector attached to cloth or leather; and Figure 5 shows the connector of Fig. 4 in perspective, illustrating its construction.

As shown in Fig. 1, a permanent magnetic 1 in the form of a disk is coated with a thin layer of film of paint 2 covering one side and the periphery of the disk. Fig. 2 shows a magnet carrier and two kinds of ferromagnetic (soft iron) elements to be attracted by the magnet 1. The magnet 1 is attached to one side of a ferromagnetic (soft iron) plate 3. One of the ferromagnetic elements consists of an iron plate 5 provided with a circular cavity 4 defined by an annular flange, while the other consists of an iron plate 5' having a raised circular cavity 4' defined by an annular rim.

When attracted, the circular cavity 4 or 4' fits tightly over the magnet so as to keep correct positioning of the element 5 or 5' relative to the plate 3.

Fig. 3 shows a necklace comprising a chain whose ends 11 are firmly connected by means of a magnetic connector similar to that shown in Fig. 2, having a ferromagnetic element 5'.

Figs. 4 and 5 show the mode of attaching a magnet carrier and a cooperative element 5 to respective pieces 9 or 10 of cloth or leather.

In this case, legs 8 and 8A are attached respectively to the backs of the iron plates 3 and 5. After the legs pass through the cloth or leather and back sheets 7 7A, they are bent flat on each back sheet. Thus, a magnetic clasp for handbag or purse, or a magentic "hook" or "button" can easily be constructed.

As this magnetic connector is so simple, children or invalids can handle it with ease.

1 A magnetic connector comprising a permanent magnet coated with a film of paint and a ferromagnetic element having a cavity which fits tightly over the magnet when attracted.

2. A magnetic connector as claimed in claim 1, in which the surfaces of a ferromagnetic carrier to which the magnet is attached and the ferromagnetic element are plated with bright metal.

3. A magnetic connector substantially as described herein with reference to, and as shown, the accompanying drawings.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (3)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Magnetic connector This invention relates to a magnetic connector, such as a magnetic clasp for handbag or purse, a magnetic button, or a magnetic chain connector for a necklace. A magnetic connector usually comprises a small magnet and a ferromagnetic piece to be attracted by the magnet. As the colour of the magnet is dull grey, it is not pleasant to the eye and not appropriate for artistic articles. Against this deficiency, a metal case has been prepared to cover the magnet, but it is costly. According to this invention, the magnet is coated with a thin layer of paint such as enamel, lacquer, or plastic. Such coating not only smoothes the surface of the magnet, but also protects the magnet from moisture as well as reduces the deterioration of the magnetic force. Further, according to this invention, the surface of the cooperative iron piece is preferably plated with bright metal, such as gold, silver, nickel, chromium, or brass for decorative purpose as well as to prevent said iron piece from rusting. Further, said iron piece is provided with a circular cavity which tightly fits over the magnet when attracted so as to prevent the iron piece from slipping. The invention will be described further, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a magnet coated with a thin layer of paint, partly cut away. Figure 2 shows a sectional view of the magnet with a carrier and two types of the iron pieces to be attracted to the magnet; Figure 3 shows a necklace including a magnetic chain connector, Figure 4 shows a sectional view of a magnetic connector attached to cloth or leather; and Figure 5 shows the connector of Fig. 4 in perspective, illustrating its construction. As shown in Fig. 1, a permanent magnetic 1 in the form of a disk is coated with a thin layer of film of paint 2 covering one side and the periphery of the disk. Fig. 2 shows a magnet carrier and two kinds of ferromagnetic (soft iron) elements to be attracted by the magnet 1. The magnet 1 is attached to one side of a ferromagnetic (soft iron) plate 3. One of the ferromagnetic elements consists of an iron plate 5 provided with a circular cavity 4 defined by an annular flange, while the other consists of an iron plate 5' having a raised circular cavity 4' defined by an annular rim. When attracted, the circular cavity 4 or 4' fits tightly over the magnet so as to keep correct positioning of the element 5 or 5' relative to the plate 3. Fig. 3 shows a necklace comprising a chain whose ends 11 are firmly connected by means of a magnetic connector similar to that shown in Fig. 2, having a ferromagnetic element 5'. Figs. 4 and 5 show the mode of attaching a magnet carrier and a cooperative element 5 to respective pieces 9 or 10 of cloth or leather. In this case, legs 8 and 8A are attached respectively to the backs of the iron plates 3 and 5. After the legs pass through the cloth or leather and back sheets 7 7A, they are bent flat on each back sheet. Thus, a magnetic clasp for handbag or purse, or a magentic "hook" or "button" can easily be constructed. As this magnetic connector is so simple, children or invalids can handle it with ease. CLAIMS

1 A magnetic connector comprising a permanent magnet coated with a film of paint and a ferromagnetic element having a cavity which fits tightly over the magnet when attracted.

2. A magnetic connector as claimed in claim 1, in which the surfaces of a ferromagnetic carrier to which the magnet is attached and the ferromagnetic element are plated with bright metal.

3. A magnetic connector substantially as described herein with reference to, and as shown, the accompanying drawings.