GB2489807A

GB2489807A - A magnetic fastener with magnet cushioning means

Info

Publication number: GB2489807A
Application number: GB201205966A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael John Loveridge
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-04-09
Filing date: 2012-04-03
Publication date: 2012-10-10
Anticipated expiration: 2032-04-03
Also published as: GB201205966D0; GB2489807B

Abstract

A magnetic fastener 2 comprises two magnets 6, 10 which are arranged in use such that opposite poles face one another with cushioning means located between them. The cushioning means may be an air gap 18 created by the use of cushioning material 12 located to act as a stop buffer during the engagement of the fastener members 4, 8. The fastener may be a snap-fit, plug and socket mechanical connection arrangement. The cushioning means could be located on either of the fastener members. The cushioning means may involve resilient rubber material and/or coil or leaf spring arrangements. The cushioning means may be formed in various shapes, such as disc or ring formations, which are arranged to prevent impact damage to the magnets during engagement. The fastener members may include various mounting means such as screws, rivets or nuts and bolts. The fastener may be used in a hanger device for a flag or a sign.

Description

A MAGNETIC FASTENER

This invention relates to a fastener and, more especially, this invention r&ates to a magnetic fastener.

Magnetic fasteners are well known and they comprise a first part having a first magnet and a second part having a second magnet. The first and second magnets face each other such that their unlike poles are adjacent, whereby the first and second parts fasten together by magnetism.

Often the first and second parts are required to be connected together in a strong manner! and this means that the first and second magnets must be strong magnets able to provide the required strong magnetic force. in this case, the first and second magnets may fasten together with a snapping action which causes impact forces to occur as the first and second parts fasten together. These impact forces then cause damage to the first and(or the second Parts, especially when the magnetic fastener is such that the first * and second parts are repeatedly required to be separated and fastened.

It is an aim of the present invention to obviate or reduce the above * S.... * S

mentioned problem. S...

Accordingy, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention there is provided a magnetic fastener comprising a first part having a first S...

magnet, and a second part having a second magnet, the magnetic fastener being such that the first and second magnets face each other such that their unlike poles are adjacent whereby the first and second parts fasten together by magnetism, and the magnetic fastener being characterised by cushioning means which cushions impact forces which occur in the magnetic fastener consequent upon the first and second parts fastening together under the action of the first and second magnets, whereby the first and second parts are able repeatedly to be separated and fastened without becoming damaged.

The magnetic fastener of the present invention is thus advantageous in that it is robust in use, with the first and second parts being able to be repeatedly separated and fastened without becoming damaged.

The magnetic fastener may be one in which the cushioning means is located between a first surface on the first part, and a second surface on the second part, the first and second surfaces being such that they would contact each other in the absence of the cushioning means when the first and second parts are fastened together.

The magnetic fastener may be one in which the cushioning means is located such that it causes a gap to exist between the first and second magnets.

The magnetic fastener may be one in which the first part has a recess, * and in which the second part locates in the recess. Other types of magnetic 1: ° fastener may however be employed.

When the magnetic fastener is one in which the first part has a recess �tSS *..: and the second part locates in the recess, then the cushioning means may be *�s located on the second part. If desired however the cushioning means may be located on the first part. The cushioning means may be located on a face portion of the second part. The cushioning means may be located on other portions of the second part.

Preferably, the cushioning means is a rubber cushioning means. Other types of cushioning means may be employed so that, for example, the cushioning means may be made of a plastics material, or the cushioning means may be a spring, for example a coil spring or a leaf spring.

The cushioning means may be a disc cushioning means. Other shapes for the cushioning means may be employed so that, for example, the cushioning means may be of various solid or apertured shapes, for example a ring shape.

The magnetic fastener may be one in which the first part includes first mounting means for mounting the first part to a first object, and in which the second part includes second mounting means for mounting a second object on the second part. In this case, the second mounting means is preferably a hanger device, whereby the second object hangs from the hanger device.

Other types of first and second mounting means may be employed.

The magnetic fastener may be one in which the first and/or second C' parts are made by injection moulding from a plastics material. Alternatively, the first and/or the second parts may be made from a metal such for example as aluminium, and formed, for example as a turned part. The first and/or the second parts may be in the shape of cylinders. Shapes other than cylinders "a may be employed. a a,.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a section through a first magnetic fastener of the present invention; Figure 2 is a bottom view of the magnet fastener as shown in Figure 1 and turned through 900; Figure 3 shows a first part of the magnetic fastener; Figure 4 shows a second part of the magnetic fastener; Figure 5 is a top view of the second part of the magnetic fastener as shown in Figure 4; Figure 6 is an exploded view of the first part of the magnetic fastener as shown in Figure 3; Figure 7 is an exploded view of the second part of the magnetic fastener as shown in Figure 4; Figure 8 shows a second magnetic fastener of the present invention; Figure 9 shows an alternative first part of a magnetic fastener of the present invention; Figure 10 shows a further alternative first part of a magnetic fastener of the present invention; Figure 11 shows part of a hanger device; * .. S.5 * Figure 12 shows part of an alternative hanger device; *555 Figure 13 is a side view of a magnetic hanger device; Figure 14 is a side view of a locating pole for use with the hanger S...

devices shown in Figures 11, 12 or 13; Figure 15 is a cross section of the head of the locating pole shown in Figure 14; Figure 16 is a cross section through a first part of a magnetic fastener of the present invention; Figure 17 is a side view of the first part shown in Figure 16, and reduced in size; Figure 18 is an end view of part of a magnetic fastener; Figure 19 is a top view of the part of the magnetic fastener shown in Figure 18; Figure 20 is a side view of the part of the magnetic fastener as shown in Figure 18; Figure 21 is an end view of part of a magnetic fastener; Figure 22 is a top view of the part of the magnetic fastener as shown in Figure 21; Figure 23 is a side view of a first part of a magnetic fastener; Figure 24 is a front view of the first part of the magnetic fastener shown in Figure 23; Figure 25 is a side view of a magnetic fastener; Figure 26 is a top view of a magnetic hanger part of the magnetic fastener as shown in Figure 25; * .*...

* Figure 27 shows an extruded length of a channel member fixed to a S'S.

sealing surface, and with four magnetic fasteners of the present invention, the magnetic fasteners supporting two signs; *5Su * * * Figure 28 is an end view of the channel shown in Figure 27; *** Figure 29 is a cross section of a first part of the magnetic fastener as shown in Figure 27; Figure 30 shows a second part of the magnetic fastener as shown in Figure 27; Figure 31 is a cross section of a canopy that may secured to the top of a flag pole; Figure 32 is a cross section through an arm that supports a first part of a magnetic fastener; Figure 33 is a cross section through a threaded insert in the top part of a flag pole, the canopy shown in Figure 31 being such that it fits to the flag pole; Figure 34 shows a second part of a magnetic fastener and for use with the first part shown in Figure 32; Figure 35 is a cross sectional side view of a first part of a magnetic fastener; Figure 36 is a cross sectional side view of an intermediate part of a magnetic fastener employing the first part shown in Figure 35; and Figure 37 is a cross section through a second part of a magnetic fastener, the second part of the magnetic fastener shown in Figure 37 being for use with the first part shown in Figure 35 and the intermediate part shown * 00e*s 0 in Figure 36. 000.

Referring to Figures 1 -7 of the drawings, there is shown a magnetic fastener 2 comprising a first part 4 having a first magnet 6, and a second part 8 having a second magnet 10. The magnetic fastener 2 is such that the first *Oe and second magnets 6, 10 face each other such that their unlike poles are adjacent, whereby the first and second parts 4, B fastener together by magnetism.

The magnetic fastener 2 is characterised by cushioning means 12 which cushions impact forces which occur in the magnetic fastener 2 consequent upon the first and second parts 4, 8 fastening together under the action of the first and second magnets 6, 10. The first and second parts 4, 8 are thus able repeatedly to be separated and fastened without becoming damaged.

The cushioning means 12 is located between a first surface 14 on the first part 4, and a second surface 16 on the second part 8. As can be appreciated from Figure 1, the first and second surfaces 14, 16 are such that they would contact each other in the absence of the cushioning means 12 when the first and second parts 4, 8 are fastened together. Thus impact forces that would otherwise occur by this contact of the first and second parts 4, 8 are cushioned by the cushioning means 12.

As can also best be appreciated from Figure 1, the cushioning means 12 is located such that it causes a gap 18 to exist between the first and second magnets 6, 10. The first and second magnets 6, 10 are thus prevented from contacting each other. This in turn stops damage to adjacent faces of the first and second magnets 6, 10 as might otherwise occur due to repeated contact and release as might occur during the life of the magnetic fastener. Also, if the facing surfaces of the first and second magnets 6, 10 were repeatedly to contact each other as wou(d occur without the gap 18, substantial impact forces may be generated throughout the entire magnetic fastener, with the result that other parts of the magnetic fastener could fail.

The provision of the gap 18 is effective to prevent this.

The magnetic fastener 2 is one in which the first part 4 has a recess 20. The second part 8 locates in the recess 20 as shown in Figure 1.

The cushioning means 12 is located on the second part 8. More specifically, the cushioning means 12 is located on a face portion 22 of the second part 8. The cushioning means 12 is a rubber cushioning means 12.

More specifically, the cushioning means 12 is a rubber disc cushioning means 12.

As shown in Figure 1, the first part 4 includes first mounting means 24 for mounting the first part 4 to a first object 26. The first mounting means 24 is a nut 28 and a bolt 30. The first object 26 is a tube. The first object 26 has aligned apertures 32, 34 which allow the bolt 30 to pass through the first object 26 and to receive the nut 28.

The second part 8 includes second mounting means 36 for mounting a second object (not shown) in the second part 8. The second mounting means 36 is a hanger device, whereby the second object hangs from the hanger device. The second mounting means 36 includes hooks 38, 40 and the second object may hang from one or both of these hooks 38, 40. The second object may be any suitable and appropriate object including advertising signs, articles for sale, or festive objects such for example as balloons.

Figure 6 illustrates how the first part 4 comprises a housing 42 which houses the first magnet 6 in the recess 20. The housing 42 has a concave portion 44 which receives the first object 26 in the form of the illustrated tube.

Figure 6 also illustrates how the first magnet 6 has an aperture 46 for receiving a shank 48 of the bolt 30. The first magnet 6 has a counter-sunk portion 50 for receiving a head 52 of the bolt 30. The head 52 is provided with a groove 54 for receiving a screwdriver (not shown) in case it is desired to rotate the bolt 30 relative to the nut 28, or to hold the bolt 30 fixed with respect to the nut 28. The nut 28 locates on a screw threaded portion 56 of the bolt 30.

Figure 7 illustrates how the second part 8 has a magnet 10 with an aperture 58 for receiving a shank 60 of a connecting rivet 62. The shank 60 passes through an aperture 64 in the second part 8, an aperture 66 in the cushioning means 12, and then through the aperture 58 in the second magnet 10. The end 68 of the shank 60 and the rivet 62 can then be peened over in the counter-sunk portion 70 of the second magnet 10 to retain together the illustrated components of the second part 8.

Referring now to Figure 8, there is shown a second magnetic fastener 72 of the present invention. Similar parts as in Figures 1 -7 have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding. In the second magnetic fastener 72, it will be seen that the first part 4 has a shorter housing 42 and therefore a shorter bolt 32. In the second magnetic 4.

fastener 72, it will be seen that one side of the housing 42 of the first part 4 is connected to first mounting means 74. The first mounting means 74 S.' comprises a curved portion 76 defining a concave part for receiving the tube

S * S.

* 26. The first mounting means 74 also comprises a clamp device 78 for clamping the first mounting means 74 around the pipe 26. The clamp device 78 comprises a metal band 80 having teeth 82. A free end 84 of the metal band 80 passes through a tightening member 86. Rotation of a captive screw 88 in a body part 90 of the tightening member 86 causes the metal band 80 to be wound through the tightening member 86 until the metal band 80 tightly clamps against the first object 26 in the form of the pipe.

Figure 8 also shows how a locating pole 92 can be employed to introduce the second part 8 to the recess 20 of the first part 4. More specifically, the locating pole 92 has a pair of pins 94 extending one from either side of a portion 96 of the locating pole 92. The pins 94 pass through gaps 98 in the second mounting means 36. The locating pole 92 is then rotated through 900 whereupon the pins 94 locate securely in a chamber 100 to form a bayonet-type connection. The locating pole 92 enables the second part 8 to be introduced into the recess 20 with a person standing on a floor but with the first part 4 being at a height. The chamber 20 is a chamfered edge 102 to facilitate the location of the second magnet 10 in the recess 20.

Figure 9 shows an arrangement in which a second part 4 is able to be connected to the member 104 using a screw 106.

Figure 10 shows how the first part 4 can be connected to a wall 108 using the basic construction shown in Figure 8 but with the first mounting means 74 shown in Figure 8 replaced by first mounting means 110. The first mounting means 110 comprises a bracket 112 which is connected to the wall 108 bya screw 114.

Referring now to Figures 11 -15, there is shown in Figure 11 part of a hanger device 116 having a T-shaped slot 118 with three positions 120, 122, 124 as shown. These three positions are for outwardly projecting pins 126 of a head of a locating pole 128 as shown in Figures 14 and 15. The locating pole 128 may be twisted to the left such that the pins 126 are located with the head twisted to the left as at position 120, the head twisted to the right as at position 122, or the head inserted and removed as at position 124.

When a hanger device is released onto a surface, the head 130 of the locating pole 128 is ejected from the hanger device 166 by downward force due to the weight of the locating pole 128 itself and/or a pull exerted by an operator. If the pins 126 are not correctly aligned at position 122, the head is twisted left or right whilst maintaining a downward force, until the pins 128 are correctly aligned at the position 122 and the head 130 is ejected.

Some judgement must be exercised by the operator because, if the operator pulls too hard when the pins 126 are not in the remove position 124, then the operator may unintentionally remove the hanger device from the surface to which the hanger device is attached.

Figure 12 show an improved hanger device 132 which has an L-shaped slot 134. The hanger device 132 is such that it has just two positions 136, 138 for the head 130 of the locating pole 128. The position 136 is with the head 130 twisted to allow removal of the hanger device 132. The position 138 is where the hanger device 132 has been twisted to the right and to allow removal of the head 130 from the hanger device 132. Thus the two leftlright p. *s positions 136, 138 are able immediately to be physically defined and recognised by an operator during an application process.

Figure 13 shows a second part 140 of a magnetic hanger device with a two-position L-shaped slot 134. The second part 140 has a magnet 142 for co-operating with a magnet in a first part (not shown) of a magnetic fastener of the present invention.

Where wire hooks or wire forms are used with the magnetic fastener, then these hooks or forms should be made of a non-magnetic material that does not attract or deflect the magnetic head 130 of the locating pole 128 or other application tool. As shown in Figure 15, the head 130 has an integral magnet. The magnet enables the head 130 to self-align with a magnetic hanger device such for example as the hanger device 116, this being due to the magnetic attraction generated from the underside of the hanger device 116. The magnetic head 130 may be difficult to use in the T-shaped slot 118 shown in the hanger device 116 of Figure 11, because the downward force created from the weight of the locating pole 26 may itself be cancelled out by the magnetic attraction between the magnetic head 130 and the magnetic hanger device 116. Therefore an operator may be solely dependent on guessing the right amount of force to apply at the right time when the operator * ** S * thinks that the side pins 126 are in the correct position to be pulled away, to **S.

*..: release the hanger device.

Referring now to Figures 16 -20, Figure 16 shows in cross section a S...

second part 144 of a magnetic fastener. The second part 144 comprises a * housing 146 which houses a magnetic 148. The magnet 148 and the housing 146 are fixed in a recessed position 150 within a tube 152 by a nut 154 and a bolt 156. Figure 17 shows the arrangement shown in Figure 16 in side view and in reduced size.

Figure 18 shows an end view of a first part 158 of a magnetic fastener having a magnet housing 160 that is slid onto a tube 162. The housing 160 is able to swing to either side under magnetic attraction generated when (a) the magnetic hanger device (not shown) is being fixed at an angle, or (b) when a magnetic hanger device is being removed at an angle by using the locating pole 128 or other application tool that has a magnetic head 130 or other magnetic head.

Figure 19 is a top view of the arrangement shown in Figure 18. Figure 19 shows a method of fixing the housing 160 in position on the tube 162 and without restricting the side swing. More specifically, as shown in Figure 19, there is a slot 164 which allows the housing 160 to swing to either side. A self-tapping screw 166 screws into the tube 162. This arrangement can be further appreciated from Figure 20 which is a side view of the first part 158 as shown in Figure 18. 0 C

* Referring now to Figures 21 and 22, there is shown in Figure 21 an * SC S.C * end view of a first part 168 of a magnetic fastener. The first part 168 S...

sos comprises a housing 170 for a magnetic (not shown). The housing 170 is able to be clipped over an existing rail in the form of a tube 180. The first part 168 can then be tightened to the tube 180 using a nut 182, a bolt 184 and a S..

spacer 186 which locates between upstanding parts 188, 190 as shown. This arrangement can also be appreciated from Figure 22 which is a top view of the arrangement as shown in Figure 21, but with the spacer 186 omitted. The spacer 186 is able to be employed to prevent a tight fit of the first part 168 to the tube 182, thereby allowing the housing 170 to be freely moved along the tube 180 and to swing to either side. When the spacer 186 is omitted, then the nut and bolt 182, 184 can be tightened up such that the housing 170 is not able to move with respect to the tube 180.

Referring now to Figures 23-26, Figure 23 is a side view of a first part of a magnetic fastener. The first part 192 has a housing 194 for a magnet (not shown). The housing 194 is fixed to a bracket 196. The bracket 196 is able to be fixed to a member 198 by a bolt 200. The member 198 extends outwardly from the vertical surface 202. The bolt 200 enables the housing 194 to be able to swing out and engage a magnetic hanger device or a locating pole that has a magnetic head, and which is being offered up at an angle to the magnet in the magnet housing 194.

Figure 24 is a front view of the first part 192 as shown in Figure 23. As can be seen from Figure 24, the bolt 200 has a nut 204. As can also be seen, there are two of the brackets 196, and these brackets 196 extend one on S. S S' either side of the member 198. The bracket 198 has left and right portions 0S**S* * 206, 208 which are screwed to the vertical surface 202 by screws 210.

Figure 25 is a side view of a second part 212 of a magnetic fastener.

The second part is in the form of a magnetic hanger device having a concave 0*S* magnet 214 which is attached to a round metal rail in the form of a tube 216. I.. *

In order to prevent the magnet 214 impacting with the tube 216, there is provided a slight air gap 218 as shown. The magnet 214 is located in a housing 220. The housing 220 may be made of a plastics material. The I5 housing 220 has shoulders 222, 224 which engage with the tube 216 and create the air gap 218 as shown. The housing 220 has a pair of hooks 226, 228 for receiving appropriate hanging objects such for example as banners, signs or decorations.

Figure 26 is a top view of the arrangement shown in Figure 25. A splayed over rivet 230 can be seen in a counter-sunk hole 232 of the magnet 214. The rivet 230 holds the magnet 232 to the housing 220.

Referring now to Figures 27 -30, Figure 27 shows an extruded length of a channel member 234 fixed to a ceiling surface 236. Attached to the channel member 234 are four magnetic fasteners 238 of the present invention. Two magnetic fasteners 238 hold one sign 240. Two magnetic fasteners 238 hold another sign 242. The magnetic fasteners 238 are such that they have housings that are secured to the channel member 234 and are able to slide along the channel member 234. This sliding is best appreciated from Figure 28 which is an end view of the channel member 234 and illustrates how the channel member 234 has a pair of side lugs 244 246 which define a mouth 248 along which the magnetic fasteners 238 can slide, * and through which the magnetic fasteners 238 can hang.

Figure 29 is a cross section through a housing 250 of the type that may form the first part of the magnetic fasteners 238 shown in Figure 7. The housing 250 houses a magnet 252. The magnet 252 is located in the housing * St

S

250 by a rivet 254. The rivet 254 has a head 256 which locates in a recess 258 in the housing 250. The rivet 254 has a splayed head 260 as shown. The splayed head 260 is in a recess 262 in the magnet 250.

As shown in Figure 29, the housing 250 has a pair of slots 264, 266.

The slots 264, 266 receive the side lugs 244, 246 respectively, and thus allow the housing 250 to slide along the channel member 234.

Figure 30 is an enlarged front view of a second part 268 of the magnetic fastener 238 shown in Figure 27. The second part 268 comprises a magnet 270 and cushioning means in the form of a rubber ring 272. Also provided are a pair of hooks 274, 276 which themselves receive a bifurcated hook device 278. The hook device 278 has a connecting member 280 which passes through a hole 282 in the sign 240 and thus provides the means by which the hook device 278 is connected to the sign 240. The sign 242 may be similarly connected. The connecting member 280 may be a cable tie, a split ring, or any other suitable and appropriate bonnecting member.

Referring now to Figures 31 -34, Figure 31 is a cross sectional view of a canopy that is able to be secured to the top 286 of a flag pole 288 as shown in Figure 33. More specifically, the canopy 284 has a aperture 290 which receives a threaded part 292 of a bolt 294. The b&t 294 is shown with a pair

S

ofwashers296.

* *** *5 * The bolt 294 passes through the aperture 298 in an arm 300 shown in Figure 32. The arm 300 supports a first part 302 of a magnetic fastener of the present invention. The first part 302 comprises a housing 304 containing a **** magnet (not shown). The housing 302 is attached to the arm 300 by a nut 306 ***

S

and a bolt 308.

When the bolt 294 has passed through the apertures 290 and 298, it is then able to locate in a threaded bore 310 in an upstanding portion 312 on the top 286 of the flag pole 288.

A second part 314 of the magnetic fastener is shown in Figure 34. The second part 314 includes a magnet 316 which extends into the housing 304 and faces the magnet in the housing 304, with unlike poles of the two magnets being adjacent each other. The second part 314 is an attachment formation 318 which includes a bracket 320 and a connecting member 322.

The connecting member 322 passes through an aperture in a flag 326. The second part 314 has a receiving formation 328 including a slot 330 for receiving the head of a locating pole such for example as the head of the locating pole 128.

The connecting member 322 may be a split ring or a cable tie. The flag 326 is such that its bottom part may be attached to the flag pole 288, for example by a loose fitting weighted collar (not shown) that is looped around and fastened to the flag pole 288. The hanger device formed by the second part 314 may then be raised and lowered using a locating pole (not shown), *no.

* and thereby connected to the first part 302 of the magnetic fastener which will *eS* be located at the top of the flag pole 288.

Referring now to Figures 35 -37, Figure 35 shows a cross sectional "S.

side view of a first part 332 of a magnetic fastener of the present invention. 0*S

The first part 332 comprises a housing 334 which houses a magnet 336. The magnet 336 is secured to the housing 334 by a bolt 338, a nut 340 and a washer 342. A rubber washer 344 is employed as shown on the upper end of the housing 334.

The bolt 338 has a head 346 which locates in a counter-sunk recess 348 in the magnet 336.

The bolt 338 has a toggle 350. The toggle 350 can be inserted into a pre-drilled hole in a ceiling, whereby the first part 332 is able to be fitted to the ceiling. The rubber washer 344 forms an anti-slip means which is able to locate against the surface of the ceiling.

Figure 36 is a cross sectional side view of a washer 352 with side holes 354 for receiving ends 356 of a wire hanger 358. The wire hanger 258 is able to swing from side to side and provide an attachment point for suitable objects. The washer 352 fits over a male thread 360 on a second part 362 of the magnetic fastener, as can be appreciated from Figure 37.

Figure 37 is a cross sectional side view of the second part 362 which formed a hanger device. The male thread 360 is in a stub portion 364. A magnet 366 is located in a recess 368 in the stub portion 364. The magnet 366 is located in position by a rivet 370 having a head 372 at one end and a * ** * *0 * splayed end 374 at its other end. **00

*.: The second part 362 has a slot 376 for receiving the head of a locating device such as the locating pole 128. The locating device is thus able to 000I locate in the slot 376 and the locating device then enables the second part 0 362 to be passed through an aperture 378 in the washer 352 and screwed into a screw threaded bore 380 in the housing 334, whereupon the magnets 336, 366 will be adjacent each other with unlike poles facing each other.

It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Individual components shown in the drawings are not limited to use in their drawings and they may be used in other drawings and in all aspects of the invention. S. S * S * * *S

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Claims

CLAIMS1. A magnetic fastener comprising a first part having a first magnet, and a second part having a second magnet, the magnetic fastener being such that the first and second magnets face each other such that their unlike poles are adjacent whereby the first and second parts fasten together by magnetism, and the magnetic fastener being characterised by cushioning means which cushions impact forces which occur in the magnetic fastener consequent upon the first and second parts fastening together under the action of the first and second magnets, whereby the first and second parts are able repeatedly to be separated and fastened without becoming damaged.
2. A magnetic fastener according to claim I in which the cushioning means is located between a first surface on the first part, and a second surface on the second part, the first and second surfaces being such that they would contact each other in the absence of the cushioning means when the first and second parts are fastened together. n s..
3. A magnetic fastener according to claim I or claim 2 in which theScushioning means is located such that it causes a gap to exist between the first and second magnets. * S.S
4. A magnetic fastener according to any one of the preceding claims in which the first part has a recess, and in which the second part locates in the recess.
5. A magnetic fastener according to claim 4 in which the cushioning means is located on the second part.
6. A magnetic fastener according to claim 5 in which the cushioning means is located on a face portion of the second part.
7. A magnet fastener according to any one of the preceding claims in which the cushioning means is a rubber cushioning means.
8. A magnetic fastener according to any one of the preceding claims in which the cushioning means is a disc cushioning means.
9. A magnetic fastener according to any one of the preceding claims in * .o..* which the first part includes first mounting means for mounting the first part to a first object, and in which the second part includes second mounting means for mounting a second object on the second part. 0*SS I...S S..
10. A magnetic fastener according to claim 9 in which the second mounting means is a hanger device whereby the second object hangs from the hanger device.
11. A magnetic fastener substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. *. S * I I * *Ceec cee * S * cc. C...S I.. *S 4..S