US20080134473A1 - Magnetic retaining device - Google Patents

Magnetic retaining device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20080134473A1
US20080134473A1 US11/637,309 US63730906A US2008134473A1 US 20080134473 A1 US20080134473 A1 US 20080134473A1 US 63730906 A US63730906 A US 63730906A US 2008134473 A1 US2008134473 A1 US 2008134473A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
retaining device
attached
magnet
chain
elongate member
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US11/637,309
Inventor
Yuriy Uryasov
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US11/637,309 priority Critical patent/US20080134473A1/en
Priority to US11/699,187 priority patent/US20080134474A1/en
Publication of US20080134473A1 publication Critical patent/US20080134473A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
    • A45F5/00—Holders or carriers for hand articles; Holders or carriers for use while travelling or camping
    • A45F5/02—Fastening articles to the garment
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
    • B43K—IMPLEMENTS FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
    • B43K23/00—Holders or connectors for writing implements; Means for protecting the writing-points
    • B43K23/001—Supporting means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
    • B43K—IMPLEMENTS FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
    • B43K25/00—Attaching writing implements to wearing apparel or objects involving constructional changes of the implements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
    • A45F2200/00—Details not otherwise provided for in A45F
    • A45F2200/05—Holder or carrier for specific articles
    • A45F2200/0566—Tubular, rod-shaped articles, e.g. batons
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/13—Article holder attachable to apparel or body
    • Y10T24/1397—Article held by flexible connector [e.g., chain]
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/32—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc. having magnetic fastener

Definitions

  • the present invention pertains to a magnetic retaining device, and particularly, to a device for holding a writing instrument for easy access.
  • a long standing problem encountered by most people at one time or another is having a writing instrument readily available when needed. This is frequently a problem when someone is not at a location where a writing instrument is normally readily available, for example, at a desk.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 6,450,718 discloses a golf bag pencil holder in which a pencil is attached to one end of a flexible cord and the other end of the flexible cord is attached to a snap hook which engages with a ring mounted on a golf bag.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 6,886,793 discloses a suction cup assembly with a magnetic tether. This assembly has a suction cup with an integral tether on the opposite end of which a magnet is attached for holding metallic objects.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 6,499,899 discloses a carpenter's pencil retracting device. This device has a tube that holds a pencil. The tube is attached to a ring which in turn is attached to a retractable wire that can be pulled from and retracted into a housing
  • US Patent Application Publication US2001/0051068 discloses a hanging pen and cord.
  • a pen cap with a cord attached at one end and a magnet arranged inside the cap.
  • a pen is held in the cap by magnetic force.
  • US Patent Application Publication US2003/0015500 discloses a combination magnetic pen holder and cap.
  • the holder has a magnetic side which allows attachment to a metal surface and also has a cylindrical aperture in which the pen can be inserted.
  • US Patent Application Publication US2006/0196900 discloses a magnetic retaining system having a lanyard that is worn around the neck of the user and on which a magnet is suspended. The magnet then can hold any ferrous element.
  • U.S. Design Pat. 254,856 discloses a pen with a chain in which a chain is attached to one end of the pen so that one end of the pen can be worn around the neck of a user.
  • U.S. Design Pat. 344,288 also discloses a chain worn around the neck and at the end of which is suspended a magnet. A writing utensil with a magnet mounted at its upper end can be held by the magnet on the chain.
  • one aspect of the present invention resides in a magnetic retaining device having a helically wound cord or lanyard.
  • the coils of the helical lanyard can be resiliently expanded so that a writing instrument, such as a pencil or pen, can be partially inserted and grasped by the coils at one end of the lanyard.
  • the other end of the lanyard which is not attached to the writing instrument, has a magnet affixed thereto.
  • a chain is attached between the magnet and the end of the helical cord.
  • the chain can be, for example, a ball chain that is conventionally used for key chains.
  • the magnet allows the writing instrument to be held on a ferrous surface wherever the writing instrument might be needed. For use, all that need be done by the user is tug on the pencil to release the magnet from the ferrous surface to allow use of the pencil by the individual.
  • an attachment member is provided to which the magnet can be attached.
  • the attachment member is intended for use in areas where a ferrous surface is not readily available, for example clothing, wood or plastic.
  • the attachment member can, for example, be a metallic clip that can be clipped to clothing or various other objects, or it can be a metal piece mounted by an adhesive such as double sided tape or a hook and loop fastener, to a surface such as the dashboard of a car. Once this ferrous surface is present it is possible to attach the magnet together with the lanyard and writing instrument for convenient use as needed.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the retaining device 1 of the present invention.
  • the retaining device 1 includes a cord 2 with a helically coiled section which has resilient coils that can be enlarged to insert a writing instrument 3 . The coils naturally retract to securely hold the writing instrument 3 in place.
  • the free end of the cord 2 is attached to a first end of a ball chain 4 .
  • a magnet 5 is attached to the second end of the ball chain 4 .
  • any other type of cord can be used which would provide a similar function.
  • a link chain, a nylon string or an elastic member can be used.
  • the cord 2 can be made of any suitable material but preferably is a resilient material such as nylon or plastic. In this way the cord can be coiled near one end for holding the writing instrument and can be uncoiled at the other end to which the magnet is attached.
  • the coiled portion of the cord 2 allows the retaining device to be used to hold a wide variety of different items, other than writing instruments.
  • the coiled portion of the cord can easily adapt to hold eyeglasses, keys, etc.
  • the inventive retaining device can also include an attachment member 6 .
  • the attachment member is either made of a ferrous metal or has at least a portion that is made of a ferrous metal so that the magnet 5 can be attached thereto.
  • the attachment member is a metal clip.
  • the attachment member 6 allows the retaining device to be used on non-metallic materials such as fabric, wood or plastic.
  • the clip 6 can be attached to an article of clothing so that the magnet can be attached to the clip so that the writing instrument is always readily available to the user.
  • the attachment member can also be a thin metal plate or bar that has an adhesive or a hook and loop fastener on one side to allow the metal plate or bar to be attached to a non-metalic surface such as an automobile dashboard.
  • the metal bar can of course be mounted in a housing of some type.

Landscapes

  • Supports Or Holders For Household Use (AREA)

Abstract

A magnetic retaining device having an elongate member with helical coils at a first end thereof. The helical coils are resiliently expandable so as to hold objects therein. A magnet is attached to a second end of the elongate member to allow the retaining device to be temporarily held on a magnetic surface.

Description

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention pertains to a magnetic retaining device, and particularly, to a device for holding a writing instrument for easy access. A long standing problem encountered by most people at one time or another is having a writing instrument readily available when needed. This is frequently a problem when someone is not at a location where a writing instrument is normally readily available, for example, at a desk.
  • A number of devices have been developed in the past and some of these will be discussed below.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 6,450,718 discloses a golf bag pencil holder in which a pencil is attached to one end of a flexible cord and the other end of the flexible cord is attached to a snap hook which engages with a ring mounted on a golf bag.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 6,886,793 discloses a suction cup assembly with a magnetic tether. This assembly has a suction cup with an integral tether on the opposite end of which a magnet is attached for holding metallic objects.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 6,499,899 discloses a carpenter's pencil retracting device. This device has a tube that holds a pencil. The tube is attached to a ring which in turn is attached to a retractable wire that can be pulled from and retracted into a housing
  • US Patent Application Publication US2001/0051068 discloses a hanging pen and cord. In this assembly a pen cap with a cord attached at one end and a magnet arranged inside the cap. A pen is held in the cap by magnetic force.
  • US Patent Application Publication US2003/0015500 discloses a combination magnetic pen holder and cap. The holder has a magnetic side which allows attachment to a metal surface and also has a cylindrical aperture in which the pen can be inserted.
  • US Patent Application Publication US2006/0196900 discloses a magnetic retaining system having a lanyard that is worn around the neck of the user and on which a magnet is suspended. The magnet then can hold any ferrous element.
  • U.S. Design Pat. 254,856 discloses a pen with a chain in which a chain is attached to one end of the pen so that one end of the pen can be worn around the neck of a user.
  • U.S. Design Pat. 344,288 also discloses a chain worn around the neck and at the end of which is suspended a magnet. A writing utensil with a magnet mounted at its upper end can be held by the magnet on the chain.
  • The problem with this prior art is that it does not provide much flexibility in where and how the device can be used.
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a retaining device for a writing instrument which allows the device to be used in a variety of different locations so that the writing instrument is readily available when needed.
  • Pursuant to this object, and others which will become apparent hereafter, one aspect of the present invention resides in a magnetic retaining device having a helically wound cord or lanyard. The coils of the helical lanyard can be resiliently expanded so that a writing instrument, such as a pencil or pen, can be partially inserted and grasped by the coils at one end of the lanyard. The other end of the lanyard, which is not attached to the writing instrument, has a magnet affixed thereto.
  • In another embodiment of the invention a chain is attached between the magnet and the end of the helical cord. The chain can be, for example, a ball chain that is conventionally used for key chains.
  • The magnet allows the writing instrument to be held on a ferrous surface wherever the writing instrument might be needed. For use, all that need be done by the user is tug on the pencil to release the magnet from the ferrous surface to allow use of the pencil by the individual.
  • In another embodiment of the invention, an attachment member is provided to which the magnet can be attached. The attachment member is intended for use in areas where a ferrous surface is not readily available, for example clothing, wood or plastic. The attachment member can, for example, be a metallic clip that can be clipped to clothing or various other objects, or it can be a metal piece mounted by an adhesive such as double sided tape or a hook and loop fastener, to a surface such as the dashboard of a car. Once this ferrous surface is present it is possible to attach the magnet together with the lanyard and writing instrument for convenient use as needed.
  • Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention that refers to the accompanying drawings.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of the invention.
    •  DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the retaining device 1 of the present invention. In this embodiment, the retaining device 1 includes a cord 2 with a helically coiled section which has resilient coils that can be enlarged to insert a writing instrument 3. The coils naturally retract to securely hold the writing instrument 3 in place. The free end of the cord 2 is attached to a first end of a ball chain 4. A magnet 5 is attached to the second end of the ball chain 4.
  • It is understood that instead of the ball chain 4, any other type of cord can be used which would provide a similar function. For example, a link chain, a nylon string or an elastic member can be used. Additionally, instead of the ball chain 4, it is possible to simply connect the magnet 5 to the free end of the cord 2.
  • The cord 2 can be made of any suitable material but preferably is a resilient material such as nylon or plastic. In this way the cord can be coiled near one end for holding the writing instrument and can be uncoiled at the other end to which the magnet is attached.
  • The coiled portion of the cord 2 allows the retaining device to be used to hold a wide variety of different items, other than writing instruments. For example, the coiled portion of the cord can easily adapt to hold eyeglasses, keys, etc.
  • The inventive retaining device can also include an attachment member 6. The attachment member is either made of a ferrous metal or has at least a portion that is made of a ferrous metal so that the magnet 5 can be attached thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment member is a metal clip. The attachment member 6 allows the retaining device to be used on non-metallic materials such as fabric, wood or plastic. For example, the clip 6 can be attached to an article of clothing so that the magnet can be attached to the clip so that the writing instrument is always readily available to the user. The attachment member can also be a thin metal plate or bar that has an adhesive or a hook and loop fastener on one side to allow the metal plate or bar to be attached to a non-metalic surface such as an automobile dashboard. For asthetic purposes, the metal bar can of course be mounted in a housing of some type.
  • Although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is preferred, therefore, that the present invention be limited but by the specific disclosure herein, but only by the appended claims.

Claims (12)

1. A magnetic retaining device, comprising:
an elongate member having helical coils at a first end of the elongated member, the coils of the member are resiliently expandable; and
a magnet attached to a second end of the elongate member.
2. The retaining device according to claim 1, and further comprising a chain attached between the second end of the elongate member and the magnet.
3. The retaining device according to claim 2, wherein the chain is a ball chain.
4. The retaining device according to claim 2, wherein the chain is a link chain.
5. The retaining device according to claim 1, wherein the elongate member is made of plastic.
6. The retaining device according to claim 1, wherein the coils are provided along less than half the length of the elongate member.
7. The retaining device according to claim 1, where the coils are provided along more than half the length of the elongate member.
8. The retaining device according to claim 1, and further comprising an attachment member having a ferrous part to which the magnet is attached, the attachment member being configured to be attachable to a non-ferrous surface or member so that the retaining device is usable on such surface and member.
9. The retaining device according to claim 8, wherein the attachment member is a metal clip.
10. The retaining device according to claim 8, wherein the attachment member is a ferrous metal piece.
11. The retaining device according to claim 10, and further comprising double-sided tape attached to the metal piece.
12. The retaining device according to claim 10, and further comprising a hook and loop fastener attached to the metal piece.
US11/637,309 2006-12-12 2006-12-12 Magnetic retaining device Abandoned US20080134473A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/637,309 US20080134473A1 (en) 2006-12-12 2006-12-12 Magnetic retaining device
US11/699,187 US20080134474A1 (en) 2006-12-12 2007-01-29 Magnetic retaining device

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/637,309 US20080134473A1 (en) 2006-12-12 2006-12-12 Magnetic retaining device

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/699,187 Continuation-In-Part US20080134474A1 (en) 2006-12-12 2007-01-29 Magnetic retaining device

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20080134473A1 true US20080134473A1 (en) 2008-06-12

Family

ID=39496266

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/637,309 Abandoned US20080134473A1 (en) 2006-12-12 2006-12-12 Magnetic retaining device

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US20080134473A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20070262226A1 (en) * 2006-05-15 2007-11-15 Forgay Andrew C Organizer
KR102026030B1 (en) * 2018-07-27 2019-09-26 한기원 Mark Holder with the plate for blocking the view

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US572632A (en) * 1896-12-08 Rincil-holder
US769951A (en) * 1904-03-28 1904-09-13 John A Lindberg Pencil-holder.
US1708915A (en) * 1927-04-01 1929-04-09 Frank C Deli Pencil
US2297806A (en) * 1941-04-14 1942-10-06 Paul J Smith Magnetic holder for pencils or the like
US2644212A (en) * 1951-03-05 1953-07-07 Albert A Markowitz Magnetic holder for pencils
US3760462A (en) * 1972-01-25 1973-09-25 C Osborne Pocket clip for pencils or the like formed from a wire coil
US5515580A (en) * 1994-06-27 1996-05-14 Kurly Tie Company Curly cord automatic binding tie
US6048124A (en) * 1997-11-28 2000-04-11 Leadworks International Inc. Writing implement clip and writing implement equipped with the writing implement clip
US20080134474A1 (en) * 2006-12-12 2008-06-12 Yuriy Uryasov Magnetic retaining device

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US572632A (en) * 1896-12-08 Rincil-holder
US769951A (en) * 1904-03-28 1904-09-13 John A Lindberg Pencil-holder.
US1708915A (en) * 1927-04-01 1929-04-09 Frank C Deli Pencil
US2297806A (en) * 1941-04-14 1942-10-06 Paul J Smith Magnetic holder for pencils or the like
US2644212A (en) * 1951-03-05 1953-07-07 Albert A Markowitz Magnetic holder for pencils
US3760462A (en) * 1972-01-25 1973-09-25 C Osborne Pocket clip for pencils or the like formed from a wire coil
US5515580A (en) * 1994-06-27 1996-05-14 Kurly Tie Company Curly cord automatic binding tie
US6048124A (en) * 1997-11-28 2000-04-11 Leadworks International Inc. Writing implement clip and writing implement equipped with the writing implement clip
US20080134474A1 (en) * 2006-12-12 2008-06-12 Yuriy Uryasov Magnetic retaining device

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20070262226A1 (en) * 2006-05-15 2007-11-15 Forgay Andrew C Organizer
KR102026030B1 (en) * 2018-07-27 2019-09-26 한기원 Mark Holder with the plate for blocking the view

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20080134474A1 (en) Magnetic retaining device
US6499899B2 (en) Carpenter's pencil retracting device
US6419175B1 (en) Retractor having a swivel attachment component
US6360928B1 (en) Universal holder device
US5682981A (en) Article holding device
US6293601B1 (en) Telescoping hook device
US8235262B1 (en) Magnetic implement holder
US20060282993A1 (en) Attachable magnetic clip and system
US5815894A (en) System for handling long items
US20030019893A1 (en) Device and method for holding a handheld object
US7270289B2 (en) Writing instrument holder
US20100219217A1 (en) Magnetic holder
US20040026556A1 (en) Retractable pencil/pen/stylus holder
JP2005524458A (en) Tubular automatic retractor
US7018123B1 (en) Big clip pen
US20060045606A1 (en) Carabiner writing instrument
US20060196900A1 (en) Magnetic retaining system for tool, utensil, fastener or eyeglasses
US20110038659A1 (en) Adjustable length pen holder
US10421311B2 (en) Writing instrument holder for hats
US20060233591A1 (en) Writing Instrument With Magnetic Clip
US20090272775A1 (en) Implement holder
US5673829A (en) Carrier apparatus for containers and small objects
US10086640B2 (en) Retractable holder for writing, pointing instruments
US8640310B2 (en) Disengageable clip and associated article
US20080134473A1 (en) Magnetic retaining device

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION