DESCRIPTION

Field of invention

The present invention relates to a magnetic and interlocking closure device, comprising two components each other interpenetrating, "male-female", which allows to reversibly couple-uncouple two overlapping surfaces of any kind of material generally used for the production of bags and the like, said closure device incorporating in its interlocking mechanism the shape of a distinctive logo such as a trademark, which is perfectly visible and recognizable when the device is uncoupled, i.e open, and when is coupled, i.e. closed.

The field of interest includes all those cases where it is necessary to emphasize a complex shape such as a logo and, at the same time, to hold together two overlapping openable surfaces. In the device, the logo gives shape to the "male" component and, by subtraction, to the "female" component resulting in an interacting system, composed of two main elements, a "male" and a "female", different one another and complementary to each other. The logo is clearly visible when the device is open - in both the "male" and the "female" - as well as when the device is closed.

The field of application of the device includes the closure of bags or other containers such as box files, purses, boxes, sheaths, cases, protective cases, or of pieces of apparel such as jackets, coats, raincoats, trousers, skirts, belts, necklaces, bracelets. The materials of the two overlapping surfaces the device holds in adherence may be fabric, leather, leather- imitation, cardboard, wood, metallic, organic, minerals, ceramics, glass, composites, or a combination of them.

The device achieves the complete incorporation of any logo in a magnetic interlocking closure device, as shown in the attached figures. In those figures, by way of example and not as a limitation, the logo is composed of alphabetic stylized characters, among the possible combinations of numbers, symbols, cryptograms, drawings .

STATE OF THE ART

The functioning of interlocking closures, of magnetic closures, and of closures based on a combination of those two systems, is well known in the art.

The patent application in Italy for the invention 0001325146 titled "Chiusura magnetic con interaggancio mutuo, per borse, zaini, capi di abbigliamento e simili", filed also in the US with the title "Magnetic closure with mutual interlocking system for bags, rucksacks, items of clothing" (US2004016089) , describes a closure device composed of two identical components that stares at simplifying the production to that of a single component instead of two, without providing a closure mechanism with an explicit morphology such as the one of a "male-female" logo, so that there is no "male-female" distinction between them. Such two components attract each other and fit together without specific roles, being equal.

The patent document US20020000024A1 describes various alternatives of a closure device formed by two components, one having a magnet and a tooth, the other having a second magnet and a slot corresponding to the said tooth, not generating a closure mechanism with an explicit and complex morphology like the one of a "male-female" logo.

The patent application for the invention US20020112323A1 describes a closure device formed by two similar components, one having a fin with a magnet and a small pin in the exposed face, the other having a fin with a magnet and a small hole corresponding to the said pivot in the face behind, not generating a closure mechanism with an explicit and complex morphology like the one of a "male-female" logo.

The patent application for the invention

US20030131452A1 describes a closure device formed by two main complex components, one containing a slot and two rectangular magnets not visible from the outside, the other having a "male" component corresponding to the said slot and two rectangular magnets, not visible on the outside. These components do not provide a closure mechanism with an explicit and complex morphology like the one of a "male-female" logo.

The patent application US8196268B1 ^describes a closure device formed by two similar components, one having a cylindrical pin inclined 45°, the other a cylindrical bore also inclined 45 ° that receives the first, being both components coated with fabric on the visible faces. Also in this case those components of the patent do not provide a closure mechanism with an explicit and complex morphology like the one of a "male-female" logo.

AIM OF INVENTION

State of the art analysis shows that there is a lack of a closure device formed by two parts different one another reversibly joined by means of "male-female" interlock and of magnetism, where the interpenetrating elements are able to convey a message as that of a logo through their complex outline, which is visible both when the device is open and closed. Such goal is believed to be highly desirable.

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description that follows referring to the attached figures, where the device makes use in the interlocking, by way of example and not as a limitation, of stylized alphabetic characters, chosen among the possible shapes.

From the attached figures, it is possible to deduce the basic principles of the device: a magnetic interlocking closure device where the "male-female" components - different from each other and axially interpenetrating - have a shape with complex outline such as that of a logo, which constrains the non-axial translation and the rotation of one component relative to the other, and such to allow only one closing angle with respect to the insertion axis. The same basic principles may give rise to shapes and sizes of the device that may be very different from those shown in the attached figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1. is a three-dimensional exploded front view of the device;

Fig. 2 shows, still in a three-dimensional exploded view, the backside of the device;

Fig. 3 is an axonometric-section view of the device; Fig. 4 is the left side elevation of the device;

Fig. 5 is the front view of the "female" component;

Fig. 6 is the rear elevation of the "female" component; Fig. 7 shows the front of the "female" component in a three-dimensional exploded view;

Fig. 8 shows the backside of the "female" component in a three-dimensional exploded view;

Fig. 9 shows the backside of the "female" component in a three-dimensional joint view;

Fig. 10 shows the closure device installed on a opened bag;

Fig. 11 shows the closure device installed on a closed bag .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the abovementioned figures, the magnetic interlocking closure device achieves the reversible adhesion of two surfaces of materials such as fabric, leather, leather-imitation, cardboard, wood, metallic, organic, mineral, ceramic, glass, or composite materials, or of a combination of them. Such reversible adhesion is achieved through the combined action of one or more magnets installed in one or more blind seats in the device, and of the interlock between its two main components: "male" 1 and "female" 2, as described below.

The "male" 1 has a shape with a complex outline, such as that of any logo, in relief, with a shape that allows it to penetrate axially into the inserting seat of the "female" 2. The "female" 2 presents the outline in negative of the "male" 1, to which a tolerance is added which is necessary to minimize the contact between the outlines of the two components. In the insertion and extraction phases, the sliding of the "male" component is bounded by the inner edge 11 of the "female" component 2. The geometry of the "male-female" joint is such to constrain the non-axial translation and the rotation of one component relative to the other, and such to allow only one closing angle with respect to the insertion axis. The "male" 1 is fixed, by way of example and not as a limitation, to one of the two surfaces being closed by said device by fastening means 7, 4.

The "male" component 1 has, by way of example and not as a limitation, an embossment that allows it to protrude in relief, in closed status (Fig. 3) , from the outer surface of the "female" component 2, so as to be clearly visible and at the same time allow an easy opening of the device by pressing with a finger the part in relief.

The "female" 2 is fixed to the other one of the two surfaces being closed by said device. By way of example and not as a limitation said fixing is realized through a counter-plate 3 connected to the "female" 2 using fastening means 6. Such counter-plate 3 is empty in its central part 8 to allow the "male" 1 penetration.

Between the "female" 2 and said counter-plate 3, except in those points where the seats 10 of the fastening means 6 are located, which by way of example and not as a limitation also serve as spacers 10 to hold at a desired distance 12 the "female" component 2 and the counter-plate 3, a slot 12 is formed that has a suitable thickness to clamp one of the two overlapping surfaces being closed by said device.

By way of example and not as a limitation, the clamping of such surface is facilitated and stabilized by a lapel 13 toward the internal side located on the external edge of the "female" component 2.

Moreover, by way of example and not as a limitation, an internal border 11 of the "female" component 2 frames the counter-plate seat 3 and bounds the axial translation seat of the "male" component 1.

The "male" 1 and "female" 2 are fixed to the surfaces being closed by the device in an overlapping position, in order to allow an easy interlock. Such interlock is guided and stabilized by the magnetic force exerted by one or more magnets 9. By way of example and not as a limitation, the magnets are housed in blind seats 5 located in the "male" 1 and "female" 2 components in positions aligned one another, to exert an axial magnetic force. In the "male" 1, said blind seats can be located on its rear surface, in order not to be visible when the device is open (Figs. 2 and 3). The Magnets may vary in number, shape and size, and they may also coincide with the "male" and/or "female" components themselves, or parts thereof. The magnetic force may vary depending on the specific applications.

The opening of the device takes place by axially sliding the "male" component 1 through the "female" component 1, until the separation of the two parts is obtained, previously kept together by the combined action of the interlock and of the magnetic force.

The outline of the "male-female" interlock may have different shapes. By way of example and not as a limitation, such outline may form a name, an acronym, a brand, a logo, a single letter, the initials of a name, a cryptogram, a symbol, a drawing.

The outer edge of the "female" component 2 may have any shape, such as, by way of example and not as a limitation, a rectangle, a square, a circle, a triangle, a polygon, an oval, or a fantasy shape.

The size of the device may vary depending on the application and on the required visibility of the represented figure. Being the closure force dependent on the attractive force of the magnets, the size of the device may also depend on the space needed for their sockets. The materials used to build the device can be metallic, organic, mineral, ceramic, glass, composite, or a combination of those.

LEGEND OF NUMBERS

1 - "male" component;

2 - "female" component;

3 - counter-plate of the "female" component;

4 - slotted plate fixing the "male" component to the support;

5 - blind seat for magnet;

6 - fastening means fixing the counter-plate to the plate of the "female" component;

7 - prong fixing the "male" component to the support;

8 - empty central portion of the counter-plate of the "female" component;

9 - magnet;

10 - fastening means seat, and also spacer for the counter-plate of the "female" component;

11 - inner edge of the "female" component;

12 - slot of the "female" component clamping the support;

13 - border in relief of the "female" component that stabilizes the clamping of the support.