GB2583072A

GB2583072A - Magnetic attachment mechanism

Info

Publication number: GB2583072A
Application number: GB1904006.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Huang David
Original assignee: Oppidan Attire Ltd
Current assignee: Oppidan Attire Ltd
Priority date: 2019-03-22
Filing date: 2019-03-22
Publication date: 2020-10-21
Also published as: GB201904006D0

Abstract

A releasable attachment mechanism comprises a first attachment member 9 having a longitudinal opening and a longitudinal second fastening member 8. The second member 8 includes a cavity between proximal and distal ends thereof, which communicates with an aperture in a face 3 at the distal end. The chamber houses a magnet 1 at or towards the distal end. The face 3 prevents the magnet 1 from leaving the cavity in the distal direction. The distal end of the second member 8 fits within the opening and the face 3 at its distal end abuts an inner surface of the orifice of the first member 9 when the mechanism is in an attached configuration. The first fastener 9 comprises a projection 6 arranged to fit through the aperture to allow direct contact between the magnet 1 and the first attachment member 9 in the attached configuration. Also disclosed is another attachment mechanism comprising first and second attachment members, wherein a magnet within a cavity of the second fastener provides an attractive force to secure the fasteners in an attached configuration.

Description

Magnetic Attachment Mechanism FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present application relates to an interchangeable accessory system using a magnetic locking mechanism. The mechanism provides a secure means of holding in place decorative personal accessories subject to higher dynamic forces and strain while permitting one to quickly interchange an accessory in one style for the same accessory in a different style. In particular, the application relates to fashion accessories such as tassels, including, but not exclusive to, tassels for footwear, handbags, luggage and clothing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Connections and clasps using magnets are commonly used in body worn items such as necklaces, bracelets, belts and other jewellery items requiring two loose ends to be connected and secured together. These use cases are suitable for small items undergoing small or minimal movement, but are unsuitable for larger accessories with greater mass and size, undergoing frequent dynamic forces and strain.

Current mechanisms that use magnets to connect two ends or to form a releasable clasp require additional reinforcement clasps to secure the two ends together. For example: US2009133229A1 & DE102008020764A1 use a safety catch or socket, respectively, to secure the connection between the two ends. Other mechanisms such as threaded screw mechanisms and Luer locks are also utilised; however, these are less intuitive, require higher levels of dexterity to operate, significantly increase manufacturing complexity and are prone to disconnection when repetitive rotational forces are exerted.

Other attachments use magnets that directly abut each other. Procedures such as crimping, welding or gluing are used to attach magnets in these cases. Additional assembly steps are labour intensive or require complex, specialist procedures to secure the magnets on each end of the connection. This results in prolonged manufacturing times and increased cost, with minimally improved function, thus diminished returns on investment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the invention are set out in the independent claims and preferable features are set out in the dependent claims.

There is described herein a releasable attachment mechanism for consumer products, the releasable attachment mechanism comprising: a first attachment member comprising a substantially longitudinal opening; a substantially longitudinal second attachment member formed of a non-magnetic material, the second attachment member having a proximal end and a distal end, a cavity between the proximal and distal ends and an aperture in a face at the distal end and in communication with the cavity; and a magnet located within the cavity at or towards the distal end of the second attachment member to secure the first attachment member to the second attachment member in an attached configuration; wherein the face at the distal end provides a physical barrier to prevent the magnet being pulled out of the cavity in the distal direction; wherein the substantially longitudinal opening is shaped for receiving at least the distal end of the second attachment member; and wherein the second attachment member is shaped such that at least the distal end of the second attachment member fits within the substantially longitudinal opening and the face at the distal end of the second attachment member abuts an inner surface of the opening of the first attachment member when the attachment mechanism is in an the attached configuration; and wherein the first attachment member comprises a projection arranged to fit through the aperture in the second attachment member to allow direct contact between the magnet and the first attachment member when the attachment mechanism is in the attached configuration.

Thus the magnet allows the first attachment member to be secured to the second attachment member in an attached configuration. The arrangement of this attachment mechanism is advantageous compared to conventional mechanisms because the direct contact between the first member and the magnet provides a strong magnetic force between the two attachment members when attached, whilst providing a simple means for a user to detach the two members.

The application generally relates to a magnetic attachment locking system that broadly covers interchangeable personal accessories. This system solely relies on the strength of a magnetic bond, allowing easy customisation of fashion items, such as shoes or bags. This arrangement allows larger accessories with greater mass to be held securely, without the need for additional reinforcement clasps, and withstands accidental disconnection when sudden and strong, and/or repetitive forces (e.g. walking, running, dancing) would otherwise break the bond of currently known clasps relying solely on magnets. This new attachment system is hereby provided by simple technical means, improving function and enabling completely new applications.

Magnets exert attractive forces on ferromagnetic objects within their field. Two magnets attracting to each other works well, with diminishing strength the farther away they are from each other. When one magnet acts alone against a magnetic material, the magnetic attraction decreases more rapidly as distance increases compared to attraction between two magnets. Incorporating an aperture and projection to allow direct contact between the magnet and magnetic material, overcomes this problem. This enables a single magnet to be used for the locking mechanism, with no loss of strength and improved function over fixings using two magnets.

This configuration is technically simple to manufacture with modern machining practices, and offers an improved function over available attachments utilising a single magnetic clasp connection. The amelioration in connection strength is due to the shape and configuration of the aperture and projection, which allows direct contact between the magnet and magnetic material, eliminating a material, or otherwise (e.g. air), gap.

The first attachment member having a longitudinal opening may also be referred to as a female part and the second, substantially longitudinal, attachment member may also be referred to as a male part.

Preferably, the second attachment member is formed of a non-magnetic material. The magnetic material of the first attachment member is generally a ferromagnetic material, such as steel or iron. However the magnetic material is not a permanent magnet. Non-magnetic material is generally meant to refer to a material that does not exhibit ferromagnetism, or at least does not exhibit substantial ferromagnetism, in normal use conditions, e.g. room temperature and pressure. In other words, the second attachment member is formed of a material in which it is difficult to induce magnetization. In some cases the non-magnetic material may exhibit paramagnetism, but not ferromagnetism. In other cases, the non-magnetic material is not a paramagnetic or a ferromagnetic material.

Optionally, the non-magnetic material is aluminium.

Preferably, the first attachment member is formed of a magnetic material, particularly a ferromagnetic material. Omitting a magnet from the first attachment member and instead forming it of a magnetic material (e.g. a ferromagnetic material) reduced its overall size, and enables more flexibility in the design as it is no longer required to fit a magnet inside. The inventors have also found that, surprisingly, in this context the bond between the magnetic material and the magnet is stronger and more secure than that between two magnets.

Generally, the first attachment member is formed wholly from a magnetic material. However, in some embodiments, the first attachment member may be formed mainly of a non-magnetic material, with a magnetic part. For example, the projection of the first attachment member can be formed of a magnetic (preferably ferromagnetic) material, permanently fixed to the non-magnetic body of the first attachment member. Thus the aperture of the second attachment member may be arranged to allow direct contact between the magnet and the magnetic material of the first attachment member.

Preferably, the ferromagnetic material is formed of steel, e.g. mild steel or a stainless steel alloy, or nickel, cobalt or iron, or alloys thereof.

Optionally, the magnet within the cavity of the second attachment member is formed of Neodymium, Ferrite, Samarium Cobalt or Alnico.

In some embodiments, the cavity of the second attachment member has an opening that is spaced apart from the aperture, the opening for receiving an end of a flexible attachment cord, such as a cord formed of fabric or leather. In some embodiments the attachment cord could be plastic or metal.

Preferably, the second attachment member further comprises a hole in the wall of the cavity for receiving a screw or nail to secure the attachment cord within the second attachment member. The second attachment member preferably has side walls and end walls around the cavity. The cavity is generally substantially longitudinal, e.g. a cylindrical shape that is greater in length than in diameter. This can provide a stronger fixing than glue or crimping.

In some examples, the attachment mechanism further comprises an attachment cord fixed within the cavity of the second attachment member, preferably in contact with the magnet. Advantageously, the magnet does not require any further means to hold it in place, particularly if the cord is a fairly close fit with the edge of the cavity (e.g. less than 1-2mm gap around the edge of the cord in the cavity).

Optionally, the releasable attachment mechanism further comprises a screw or a nail inserted into the hole in the wall of the cavity and through the attachment cord to fix the attachment cord in the cavity of the second attachment member.

There is also described herein: a releasable attachment mechanism for consumer products, the releasable attachment mechanism comprising: a first attachment member formed of a magnetic material; a second attachment member having a cavity and an aperture in communication with the cavity; and a magnet located within the cavity of the second attachment member for providing an attractive force to secure the first attachment member to the second attachment member in an attached configuration; wherein the aperture of the second attachment member is arranged to allow direct contact between the magnet and the first attachment member when the attachment mechanism is in the attached configuration.

The magnet of the second attachment member is generally a permanent magnet. Preferably, the first attachment member is formed of a magnetic material, particularly a ferromagnetic material. Generally, the first attachment member is formed wholly from a magnetic material. However in some embodiments, the first attachment member may be formed of both non-magnetic and magnetic materials. For example, the main body of the first attachment member can be formed of a non-magnetic material and have a projection of a magnetic (preferably ferromagnetic) material to make contact with the magnet of the second attachment member. Thus the aperture of the second attachment member may be arranged to allow direct contact between the magnet and the magnetic material of the first attachment member.

Preferably, the aperture is in a face of the second attachment member and the face provides a barrier to secure the magnet within the cavity. The face may be at a distal end of the second attachment member, the distal end arranged to abut a surface of the first attachment member. Preferably the aperture makes up only a portion of the face, e.g. not more than 90% by area or not more than 80% by area, so that the area of the face adjacent to or surrounding the aperture provides a physical barrier to prevent the magnet being pulled out of the cavity in the distal direction. Additionally or alternatively, the aperture makes up at least 10% or at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, of the area of the face to provide improved magnetic attraction between the first and second members.

In some embodiments, the first attachment member comprises an opening for receiving at least a part of the second attachment member; and wherein the second attachment member is shaped such that at least a part of the second attachment member fits within the opening (when the attachment mechanism is in an attached configuration).

In other embodiments, the second attachment member comprises an opening for receiving at least a part of the first attachment member; and wherein the first attachment member is shaped such that at least a part of the second attachment member fits within the opening (when the attachment mechanism is in an attached configuration).

The opening for receiving the first or second attachment member is generally longitudinal. Preferably the fit between the received member and the opening is a close fit.

Optionally, the first attachment member comprises a projection arranged to fit into the aperture in the second attachment member (when the attachment mechanism is in the attached configuration) to allow direct contact between the magnet and the magnetic material of the first attachment member.

The first attachment member and projection may be formed of magnetic material.

Advantageously, the projection is sized such that it can extend all the way through the aperture (e.g. to be flush with the inner surface of the cavity walls of the second attachment member). This may allow the magnet to be formed of a regular shape, e.g. cylindrical or cuboid, without any projections, which can improve ease of manufacture. The projection of the first attachment member may be located on the inner surface of the opening of the first attachment member.

In some embodiments, the magnet comprises a projection arranged to fit into the aperture in the second attachment member (when the attachment mechanism is in the attached configuration) to allow direct contact between the magnet and the magnetic material of the first attachment member. In some embodiments, both the first attachment member and the magnet comprise projections, preferably arranged such that the total length of the projections is enough to span the thickness of the walls of the second member.

In preferred embodiments, the opening for receiving at least a part of the first or second attachment member has a longitudinal length of between 8mm and 18mm, preferably at least 10mm and/or not more than 15mm.

In preferred embodiments, the internal width or diameter of the opening for receiving at least a part of the first or second attachment member is between around 3mm and 15mm, preferably between around 4mm and 10mm, for example at least 5mm and/or not more than 8mm.

In some embodiments, the external width or diameter of the thickest of the first and 30 second attachment members is between around 5mm and 20mm, preferably between 6mm and 15mm.

The weight of the attachment mechanism is generally between around 3g and 30g, preferably at least 5g and/or not more than 15g.

The thinnest of the first and second attachment member may have an external width or diameter of between around 4mm and 13mm, preferably at least 5mm and/not more than 5 10mm.

Preferably, the cavity of the second attachment member has a diameter or width of between around 2mm and 8mm, such as at least 3mm and/or not more than 6mm.

In some embodiments, the length of the shortest of the first and second attachment members is between around 6mm and 16mm, such as at least 8mm and/or not more than 12mm.

Preferably, wherein the force required to separate the first attachment member and second attachment member from an attached configuration is between 3N and 30N, preferably at least 5N and/or not more than 20N, more preferably at least 'ION and/or not more than 15N. Put another way, when in an attached configuration, e.g. when the magnet and the magnetic material of the first attachment member are in direct contact, the attractive magnetic force between the two is between 3N and 30N, preferably at least 5N and/or not more than 20N, more preferably at least 10N and/or not more than 15N. Depending on the mass of magnetic material contained in the first attachment member, and the strength of magnet (i.e. pull forces) within the second attachment member, the connection could withstand between 0.7 -1.6 kilograms of pull force (kgf). The connection strength ensures a secure attachment between the components during activities of daily living (e.g. walking, running, dancing), and avoids any accidental detachment. The connection is overcome when the first and second attachment members are pulled apart by hand, allowing separation of the components.

The magnet may be around 50mm3 in volume, e.g. between 10mm3 and 500mm3, preferably between around 20mm3 and 200mm3, more preferably between around 30mm3 and 80mm3. In some embodiments, the magnet is around 0.4g, for example between around 0.1g and 10g, preferably between 0.2g and 3g, more preferably between 0.3g and 1g. In one embodiment, a cylindrical magnet of 5mm diameter and 3mm in length/thickness formed of neodymium is used, which provides a pull force of around 0.8kg.

In some embodiments the attachment members are made using Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining processes, such as CNC lathes and mills. Pieces then undergo various finishing processes depending on the material used. For example: galvanisation, anodisation, polishing, sanding or varnishing. Designs may be based on 3D computer aided design models. Alternative embodiments can be constructed using metalwork casting (for example lost-wax, die, plaster mould or sand casting), injection moulding or 3D printing (metals, plastics and woods).

In one example embodiment, the attachment members are made on 5 axis CNC lathes. The pieces are cut on the lathe according to computer CAD models. The hole for the screw or rivet is drilled on the CNC lathe. The use of the lathe is important for getting identical pieces with accurate tolerances, and offers an easy means for modifying the pieces. In comparison to moulding or casting, this construction method has lower setup costs, and allows changes in shape (e.g. for different applications or aesthetic effects) to be made easily and cheaply. Preferably the whole construction process is automated.

The described attachment means or mechanism may use two connecting loose end male and female parts. In a preferred embodiment, the male and female parts may be in a cylindrical, rod-like shape, having a substantially circular cross-section. Alternative shapes of the cross-section would include oval, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal or other multi-sided shapes.

In some embodiments the male part, which itself is hollow, holds a magnet within its hollow structure and has a proximal and distal end. The magnet is located at the distal end of the hollow male structure, held in place between a lip at the distal end and a permanent cord inserted through the proximal end. The distal end is characterised by a hole, or aperture, exposing the magnet. This allows the female part to be in direct contact with the magnet, improving function, without allowing the suspended magnet to fall out. The proximal end attaches the male part to the fashion item via a material or metallic cord, or otherwise. Attachment between the cord and part may be achieved using screws, glue, welding, crimping or other appropriate fixing mechanisms. This arrangement for holding the magnet is stronger and more reliable than using glue, since a glued attachment may lose its strength with repeated use. The male part is generally formed of a non-magnetic material, preferably a non-magnetic metal, e.g. aluminium, stainless steel alloys, plastics.

The female part is configured to couple with the male part, connecting the loose ends by sliding over and enveloping the male part. The female part is formed of a ferromagnetic material, such as steel. The female part has a projection that penetrates the aforementioned aperture, and allows direct contact with the magnet held within the male part. This configuration is technically simple to manufacture with modern machining practices, and offers an improved function over available attachments utilising a single magnetic clasp connection. The amelioration in connection strength is due to the shape and configuration of the aperture and projection, which allows direct contact between the magnet and magnetic material, eliminating a material, or otherwise (e.g. air), gap.

The concealed nature and configuration of the magnetic attachment allows simple modification to the external surface of the female part. The female part offers a large external surface area. This enables modifications resulting in an aesthetically pleasing or decorative design. Materials, not limited to textiles, leathers, fabrics, woods, plastics, metals, precious metals, jewellery, furs, pompoms or other appropriate materials, may be secured to the visible surface of the female part.

In an alternative embodiment, female parts may also be made in a conjoined way so to offer an even larger modifiable surface area and greater strength to weight ratio, and therefore improved connection strength (see Figure 10).

The end use cases for this attachment mechanism include, but are not limited to: shoes (e.g. shoe tassels, shoe laces), luggage, bags, handbags, belts, coats, hats (e.g. beanies, sun hats, panama hats), caps, jewellery, furniture, curtains. Further use cases that would benefit from the secure attachment mechanisms described herein include, but are not limited to: keyrings, watch straps, belt buckles, bra clasps.

Any system feature as described herein may also be provided as a method feature, and vice versa. As used herein, means plus function features may be expressed alternatively in terms of their corresponding structure.

Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to system aspects, and vice versa. Furthermore, any, some and/or all features in one aspect can be applied to any, some and/or all features in any other aspect, in any appropriate combination.

It should also be appreciated that particular combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspects of the invention can be implemented and/or supplied and/or used independently.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Methods and systems for the interchangeable tassel system are described by way of example only, in relation to the Figures, wherein: Figure 1 shows a longitudinal plane drawing of an assembled male and female part with magnet in situ.

Figure 2 shows a longitudinal plane drawing of a male part with the aperture and lip at the distal end.

Figure 3 shows a longitudinal plane drawing of a female part with the projection within.

Figure 4 shows a male part with the aperture and lip at the distal end, in a cylindrical shape.

Figure 5 shows an interior view of a cylindrical female part, with the projection within.

Figure 6 shows a fully constructed attachment system on a shoe.

Figure 7 shows an example of an end product use case of the attachment mechanism on a belt. The female part is wrapped in material to result in an aesthetically pleasing design. The material wrap conceals the female part, leaving only the proximal ends of each part visible.

Figure 8 shows an example of an end product use case on a handbag. See Summary of Invention' section for further alternative end product use cases.

Figure 9 shows an example of an end product use case, and an alternative embodiment of the female part.

Figure 10 shows an alternative conjoined embodiment of the female part.

Figure 11 shows an alternative female part with a lip, offering greater modifiable surface area.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figures 1-3 show transverse sections of an example interchangeable locking system and corresponding parts.

Referring to Figure 1, a male (8) and female (9) part are connected together. Figure 1 shows a transverse section of the assembled parts (1, 8 & 9), in a in a longitudinal plane.

The female part (9) slides over the male part (8) to secure the system together. A magnet (1) is suspended within a male part (8), and is confined to that space by a lip (3) at the distal end, and a cord (11 -see Figure 6) at the proximal end (4a). The hollow space (4 -see Figure 2) serves to hold the cord that fastens the male part (8) to a fashion item, e.g. shoes.

The male part (8) fastens to the cord using a screw or rivet, or similar mechanism, gaining access through a drilled hole (5). In this way, a magnet (1) is held between a cord and the lip (3) of the male part (8), pushed against the distal end by the cord.

Referring to Figures 2 -5, individual male (8) and female (9) parts are shown separately in transverse sections and as models. A male part (8) is shown with the proximal end (4a -see Figure 1) containing a space (4) for a cord. The distal end of the male part (8) has an aperture (2). The aperture (2) enables direct contact between the magnet (1) and a projection (6) on the female part (9). The aperture (2) and corresponding projection (6) may be round, oval, square, rectangular, pentagonal or any other multi-sided shape, or combination of shapes.

Referring to Figure 1, the attraction between a magnet (1) and the female part (9) secures the two connecting ends together. The direct contact between the magnet (1) within the male part (8) and the projection (6) on the female part (9) improves strength and function of the locking system. In this embodiment, when the system is secured, the female part (9) conceals all but the proximal end (4a) of the male part (8).

Referring to Figure 2, in this embodiment a screw or nail is used to attach the male part (8) to a cord, fastening it to a fashion item, e.g. bag. The screw or nail is inserted through a drilled hole (5). Alternative embodiments, include crimping, gluing, or other suitable alternative methods to attach the cord the male part (8). However, the inventors have found a small screw, such as a grub screw, to be preferred, since it provides improved strength (especially compared to crimping, teethed inserts and glue), which is sufficient to withstand forces cause by repeated engagement and disengagement of the attachment assembly.

Referring to Figure 3, a transverse section of a female part (9) in a longitudinal plane is shown. The projection (6) is seen on the inside surface of the female part (9). When fully constructed the projection (6) will be in direct contact with the magnet (1), and the female part (9) will conceal the attachment mechanism and male part (8).

Referring to Figure 4, a male part (8) is shown in a 3D perspective view. The aperture (2) and lip (3) can be seen at the distal end of the male part (8). The aperture (2) allows the projection (6) in the female part (9) to make direct contact with the magnet (1) held within the male part (8).

Whilst the devices shown here have a male part of a cylindrical shape (generally longitudinal and having a circular cross-section) and female part with a corresponding or complementary shaped aperture or opening for receiving the male part, other arrangements are possible. For example, the male part and corresponding female aperture or opening may have a cross-section of any shape, for example a polygon such as a triangle, square, pentagon, hexagon or diamond. Circular cross-sections may be preferred because it may be easier to insert as there are no vertices/edges on the cross-section to line up. However, polygonal shapes have the advantage that relative rotation or twisting of the male and female parts once attached is restricted. Generally the aperture or opening of the female part is shaped to provide a fairly close fit with the male part, e.g. within 0.3-2mm. Referring to Figure 5, the interior surface of a cylindrical embodiment of the female part (9) is shown. The projection (6) can be seen within, on the floor of the female part (9). The projection (6) would be constructed to fit into the aperture (2) of its corresponding male part (8). The projection's (6) height would be constructed according to the dimensions of the aperture (2) so to be in direct contact with the magnet.

Referring to Figure 6, two fully constructed, or assembled, systems (8 & 9) are attached to a shoe (13). The male part (8) is attached to a cord (11), fastening the system (8 & 9) to the shoe. The locking/fixing mechanism (magnet (1), projection (6) and aperture (2)) are concealed when fully constructed, leaving only the outside surface of the female part (9) visible.

Referring to Figure 7, an example of an end product use case on a belt (14) is shown. The fully constructed system (8 & 9) is attached to a cord (11), attached to the belt (14). The female part (9) is wrapped in a material (12), for example a textile, fabric or leather, to result in an aesthetically pleasing, decorative design. The material (12) wrap conceals the female part (9), leaving only the proximal ends of the constructed system (8 & 9) visible to the wearer and onlookers.

Referring to Figure 8, this shows an example of an end product use case on a handbag (15). The fully constructed system (8 & 9) is attached to a cord (11), attached to the handbag (15). The cord (11) is permanently attached to the male part (8) using an appropriate method such as gluing, crimping, teethed inserts, rivets or a screw. The female part (9) is connected to the male part (8), allowing disconnection by hand. The cord (11) can be constructed of, but is not limited to, leather, rope, metal chains, or other appropriate materials. See 'Summary of Invention' section for further alternative end product use cases.

Referring to Figure 9, this shows an example of an end product use case, and an alternative embodiment of the female part (9a). The alternative female part (9a) has an outer surface of an alternative shape for aesthetic reasons. The surface can then be finished as required (e.g. plated, polished, bejewelled). The alternative female part (9a) has the same interior configuration (e.g. opening for receiving the male part) as all other female parts, containing a projection (6) on the floor. The projection (6) will correspond to the aperture (2) on the male part (8).

Referring to Figure 10, this embodiment of the female part (9b) is constructed and manufactured in a permanently conjoined way, comprising two female parts (such as those shown in Figures 3 and 5) permanently fixed together. Thus the female part (9b) has two openings or apertures for receiving male parts. An end product use case for this example could be on shoes. Two male parts (8) are used to connect to a single female part (9b). This embodiment offers a greater modifiable surface area, and improves the strength of the magnetic connection -leveraging the magnetic attraction of two magnets and greater mass of magnetic material in the female part (9b).

Referring to Figure 11, an alternative embodiment of the female part (9c) with a lip (10), allowing greater modifiable surface area for decorative features is shown. The male (8) and female parts (9) are configured, and interact together in the same way (8 & 9).

The parts male and female parts described above generally range in size from 6 -18mm in length, e.g. the longitudinal length of the male part and the corresponding length of the opening in the female part. For example, the longitudinal length may be at least 5mm and/or not more than 20mm. In preferred embodiments, the longitudinal length is less than 15mm and greater than 8mm. The male and female parts are generally 4 -15mm in diameter/depth/width of the cross-section, or transverse section. Wall thickness of each of the parts can range from 0.5 -3 mm depending on end use requirements, designs and strength of attachment required. For example, wall thickness of at least 0.8mm and/or not more than 2mm may be preferred. Preferably the wall thickness of the distal face of the male part is smaller than around 1.5mm or 1mm to improve the strength of the magnetic attachment.

The above embodiments and examples are to be understood as illustrative examples. Further embodiments, aspects or examples are envisaged. It is to be understood that any feature described in relation to any one embodiment, aspect or example may be used alone, or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, aspects or examples, or any combination of any other of the embodiments, aspects or examples. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A releasable attachment mechanism for consumer products, the releasable attachment mechanism comprising: a first attachment member comprising a substantially longitudinal opening; a substantially longitudinal second attachment member having a proximal end and a distal end, a cavity between the proximal and distal ends and an aperture in a face at the distal end and in communication with the cavity; and a magnet located within the cavity at or towards the distal end of the second attachment member; wherein the face at the distal end provides a physical barrier to prevent the magnet being pulled out of the cavity in the distal direction; wherein the substantially longitudinal opening is shaped for receiving at least the distal end of the second attachment member; and wherein the second attachment member is shaped such that at least the distal end of the second attachment member fits within the substantially longitudinal opening and the face at the distal end of the second attachment member abuts an inner surface of the opening of the first attachment member when the attachment mechanism is in the attached configuration; and wherein the first attachment member comprises a projection arranged to fit through the aperture in the second attachment member to allow direct contact between the magnet and the first attachment member when the attachment mechanism is in the attached configuration.
2. An attachment mechanism according to any preceding claim, wherein the second attachment member is formed of a non-magnetic material.
3. An attachment mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the non-magnetic material is aluminium.
4. An attachment mechanism according to any preceding claim, wherein the first attachment member is formed of a magnetic material, preferably a ferromagnetic material.
5. An attachment mechanism according to claim 4, wherein the ferromagnetic material is formed of steel, e.g. mild steel or a stainless steel alloy, or nickel, cobalt or iron, or alloys thereof.
6. An attachment mechanism according to any preceding claim, wherein the magnet within the cavity of the second attachment member is formed of Neodymium, Ferrite, Samarium Cobalt or Alnico.
7. A releasable attachment mechanism according to any preceding claim, wherein the cavity of the second attachment member has an opening that is spaced apart from the aperture, the opening for receiving an end of a flexible attachment cord, such as a cord formed of fabric or leather.
8. A releasable attachment mechanism according to claim 7, wherein the second attachment member further comprises a hole in the wall of the cavity for receiving a screw or nail to secure the attachment cord within the second attachment member.
9. A releasable attachment mechanism according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising an attachment cord fixed within the cavity of the second attachment member, preferably in contact with the magnet.
10. A releasable attachment mechanism according to claim 9 when dependent on claim 8, further comprising a screw or a nail inserted into the hole in the wall of the cavity and through the attachment cord to fix the attachment cord in the cavity of the second attachment member.
11. A releasable attachment mechanism for consumer products, the releasable attachment mechanism comprising: a first attachment member; a second attachment member having a cavity and an aperture in communication with the cavity; and a magnet located within the cavity of the second attachment member for providing an attractive force to secure the first attachment member to the second attachment member in an attached configuration; wherein the aperture of the second attachment member is arranged to allow direct contact between the magnet and the first attachment member when the attachment mechanism is in the attached configuration.
12. A releasable attachment mechanism according to claim 11, wherein the aperture is in a face of the second attachment member and the face provides a barrier to secure the magnet within the cavity.
13. A releasable attachment mechanism according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the first attachment member comprises an opening for receiving at least a part of the second attachment member; and wherein the second attachment member is shaped such that at least a part of the second attachment member fits within the opening (when the attachment mechanism is in an attached configuration).
14. A releasable attachment mechanism according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the second attachment member comprises an opening for receiving at least a part of the first attachment member; and wherein the first attachment member is shaped such that at least a part of the second attachment member fits within the opening (when the attachment mechanism is in an attached configuration).
15. A releasable attachment mechanism according to any of claims 11 to 14, wherein the first attachment member comprises a projection arranged to fit into the aperture in the second attachment member (when the attachment mechanism is in the attached configuration) to allow direct contact between the magnet and the magnetic material of the first attachment member.
16. A releasable attachment mechanism according to any of claims 11 to 15, wherein the magnet comprises a projection arranged to fit into the aperture in the second attachment member (when the attachment mechanism is in the attached configuration) to allow direct contact between the magnet and the magnetic material of the first attachment member.
17. A releasable attachment mechanism according to any of claims 11 to 16, also having the additional features of any of claims 2 to 10.
18. A releasable attachment mechanism according to any of preceding claim, wherein the opening for receiving at least a part of the first or second attachment member has a longitudinal length of between 8mm and 18mm, preferably at least 10mm and/or not more than 15mm.
19. A releasable attachment mechanism according to any of preceding claim, wherein the internal width or diameter of the opening for receiving at least a part of the first or second attachment member is between around 3mm and 15mm, preferably between around 4mm and 10mm, for example at least 5mm and/or not more than 8mm.
20. A releasable attachment mechanism according to any preceding claim, wherein the external width or diameter of the thickest of the first and second attachment members is between around 5mm and 20mm, preferably between 6mm and 15mm.
21. A releasable attachment mechanism according to any preceding claim, wherein the weight of the attachment mechanism is between around 3g and 30g, preferably at least 5g and/or not more than 15g.
22. A releasable attachment mechanism according to any of preceding claim, wherein the thinnest of the first and second attachment member has an external width or diameter of between around 4mm and 13mm, preferably at least 5mm and/not more than 10mm.
23. A releasable attachment mechanism according to any preceding claim, wherein the cavity of the second attachment member has a diameter or width of between around 2mm and 8mm, such as at least 3mm and/or not more than 6mm.
24. A releasable attachment mechanism according to any preceding claim, wherein the length of the shortest of the first and second attachment members is between around 6mm and 16mm, such as at least 8mm and/or not more than 12mm.
25. A releasable attachment mechanism according to any preceding claim, wherein the force required to separate the first attachment member and second attachment member from an attached configuration is between 3N and 30N, preferably at least 5N and/or not more than 20N, more preferably at least 10N and/or not more than 15N.