Systems and methods for connecting devices with magnetically aligned lips and ridges

Abstract

The key chain comprises a hollow cylinder which can be divided into two parts, one side part of the hollow cylinder which can be divided into two parts forms a first side part, and the other side part forms a second side part. The key chain also includes a first holder having a first semi-cylindrical body and located inside the first side portion of the bisectable hollow cylinder such that when interconnected, a first outer radius of the first holder and a first inner radius of the second side portion coextend. The key chain also includes a second holder having a second semi-cylindrical body and located inside the second side portion of the bisectable hollow cylinder such that when interconnected, a second outer radius of the second holder co-extends with a second inner radius of the first side portion. The key chain also includes a first magnetic material and a second magnetic material.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Typically, a user may have several sets of keys. In various situations, it may be desirable to quickly attach and detach several sets of keys from each other. For users, detachment speed is important, but secure attachment is also important. It may be difficult to take into account both fast detachment and secure detachment at the same time. Summary of the invention

[0002] In one embodiment, the key chain includes a hollow cylinder that can be divided into two, one side of the hollow cylinder that can be divided into two forms a first side, and the other side forms a second side. The key chain also includes a first retainer, the first retainer has a first semi-cylindrical body, the first retainer is located inside the first side of the hollow cylinder that can be divided into two, so that when connected to each other, the first outer radius of the first retainer is co-extended with the first inner radius of the second side (at the same radius). The key chain also includes a second retainer, the second retainer has a second semi-cylindrical body, the second retainer is located inside the second side of the hollow cylinder that can be divided into two, so that when connected to each other, the second outer radius of the second retainer is co-extended with the second inner radius of the first side (at the same radius). The key chain also includes a first magnetic material and a second magnetic material, the first magnetic material is located in the first retainer, the second magnetic material is located in the second retainer, and the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material are oriented so that when the first side and the second side are close to form a complete cylinder, the first retainer is guided to the second retainer by the magnetism between the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material. Alternatively, the first length of the first retainer is less than the second length of the bisectable hollow cylinder. In an alternative embodiment, the first retainer is located at the first end of the first side portion, and the second end of the first side portion includes a first lip, and the first lip is oriented to abut against the first protrusion of the second retainer when the first side portion is engaged with the second side portion. Alternatively, the third length of the second retainer is less than the fourth length of the bisectable hollow cylinder, and the second retainer is located at the third end of the second side portion, and the fourth end of the second side portion includes a lip, and the lip is oriented to abut against the protrusion of the second retainer when the first side portion is engaged with the second side portion. In another alternative embodiment, the key chain also includes a key ring attached to the first retainer. Alternatively, the combination of the first side portion and the first retainer is the same as the combination of the second side portion and the second retainer.

[0003] In another embodiment of a connection device with an automatic alignment function, the connection device includes a first side portion and a second side portion, the first side portion having a first complementary receiver for a first end of the second side portion. The connection device also includes a first magnetic material and a second magnetic material, the first magnetic material is located on the first side portion, and the second magnetic material is located on the second side portion, and the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material are oriented so that when the first side portion and the second side portion are close, the first end of the second side portion is guided into the first complementary receiver by magnetism. The first complementary receiver includes a first lip, and the second side portion includes a first protrusion for receiving the first lip, and when the first end of the second side portion is guided into the first complementary receiver, the first lip engages with the first protrusion, and the engagement of the first protrusion with the first lip prevents the first side portion from separating from the second side portion in at least the first direction. Alternatively, the second side portion has a second complementary receiving piece for the second end of the first side portion; the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material are oriented so that when the first side portion and the second side portion are close, the second end of the first side portion is guided into the second complementary receiving piece by magnetism, the second complementary receiving piece includes a second lip edge, and the second side portion includes a second protrusion for receiving the second lip edge, so that when the second end of the first side portion is guided into the second complementary receiving piece, the second lip edge engages with the second protrusion, and the engagement of the second protrusion with the second lip edge prevents the first side portion and the second side portion from separating in at least the second direction.

[0004] In an alternative embodiment, the first side portion is identical to the second side portion. In another alternative embodiment, the first end and the second end are cylindrical, such that the first portion of the second end is a first semi-cylinder, the first complementary receiver is shaped to cover and match the first semi-cylinder, the second portion of the first end is a second semi-cylinder, and the second complementary receiver is shaped to cover and match the second semi-cylinder. Alternatively, the first complementary receiver extends over the first end and the second complementary receiver extends over the second end, such that when the first side portion is engaged with the second side portion, the end of the first end and the end of the second end contact. In another alternative embodiment, at least one of the first side portion and the second side portion includes a tab for assisting in separating the first side portion and the second side portion. Alternatively, at least one of the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material is a permanent magnet. Alternatively, at least one of the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material is a magnetizable material, rather than a permanent magnet. Alternatively, the first side portion includes a key ring. In another alternative embodiment, the key ring is rotatably mounted to the first side portion. Alternatively, the second protuberance is adjacent the key ring such that when the second lip engages the second protuberance, the two form an engaged pair to prevent separation of the first side portion from the second side portion when the key ring is pulled.

[0005] In one embodiment, a method of connecting the ends of a key chain includes providing a key chain. The key chain includes: a hollow cylinder that can be divided into two, one side of the hollow cylinder that can be divided into two forms a first side, and the other side forms a second side; a first retainer, the first retainer has a first cylindrical body, the first retainer is located inside the first side of the hollow cylinder that can be divided into two, and when connected to each other, the first outer radius of the first retainer extends together with the first inner radius of the second side; a second retainer, the second retainer has a second cylindrical body, the second retainer is located inside the second side of the hollow cylinder that can be divided into two, so that the second outer radius of the second retainer extends together with the second inner radius of the second side; and a first magnetic material and a second magnetic material, the first magnetic material is located in the first retainer, and the second magnetic material is located in the second retainer. The method includes moving the first magnetic material to a position close to the second magnetic material. The method includes connecting the first side and the second side. The method includes forming a complete cylinder, wherein the first retainer is guided to the second retainer by magnetism between the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material. Alternatively, the key chain further comprises a key ring attached to the first retainer, and the method further comprises attaching the key to the key ring.In an alternative embodiment, the combination of the first side portion and the first retainer is the same as the combination of the second side portion and the second retainer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 One embodiment for a connection device having a magnetically alignable lip and ridge is shown;

[0007] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 Another view of the connecting device;

[0008] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 Another view of the connecting device;

[0009] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 An exploded view of a side portion of a connecting device;

[0010] Figure 5 Shows Figure 1 An embodiment of a retaining member portion of a connecting device;

[0011] Figure 6 Shows Figure 1 A perspective view of a connecting device;

[0012] Figure 7 Shows Figure 1 A left side view of the connecting device;

[0013] Figure 8 Shows Figure 1 A right side view of the connecting device;

[0014] Fig. 9 Shows Figure 1 A front view of a connecting device;

[0015] Fig.10 Shows Figure 1 A rear view of the connecting device;

[0016] Fig.11 Shows Figure 1 A top view of a connecting device;

[0017] Fig.12 Shows Figure 1 Bottom view of the connecting device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Certain terms used herein are for convenience only and should not be considered as limiting embodiments of systems and methods for connecting devices (CDMA) with magnetically alignable lips and ridges. In many embodiments, the CDMA includes a body that can be split into two sections. The term "split into two" does not necessarily mean split in half (forming two equal sides), but can also be split in half. In addition, the body that can be split into two sections can be cut, or can be formed into two halves separately. Each section (side) of the body that can be split into two sections has a gap portion and an internal retainer portion. The gap portion is shaped to receive the internal retainer portion so that the body that can be split into two sections can be re-formed. Magnetic material is accommodated in each internal retainer portion. The magnetic material in each section is aligned with the magnetic material in another section via magnetic attraction, so that the body that can be split into two sections is aligned to be re-formed. In addition, in some configurations, the end of the gap portion on each section can have a lip, which is assembled on the end of the retainer portion, thereby further connecting the various sections in a detachable but secure manner. In addition, in some configurations, the inner retainer part is located at one end of each section. The inner retainer part includes a key chain connector at one end, which includes a key ring. The key chain connector can be rotated and is rotatably connected to the inner retainer. Since the key chain connector is located at both ends, the lip assembled on the retainer is oriented to prevent movement in the main lateral movement direction of the key ring. In some configurations, the body that can be divided into two is a geometric shell with two ends open. The shape of the geometric shell can be cylindrical, prismatic or other shapes. The prismatic has an internal periphery. The inner retainer (each) is located in a section so that when the two sections are combined together, the inner retainer is assembled in another section. The inner retainer is shaped so that its outer perimeter matches the inner perimeter of another section to ensure safe assembly. In many configurations, the end of the geometric shell of the corresponding section of the body opposite to the inner retainer is open and includes a lip. Thus, when the first section is aligned with the opposing section (essentially a flipped version of the first section), the lip engages the inner retainer of the opposing section to prevent easy separation. Magnetic material (one or more of which may be magnets) is located in the inner retainer and aligned in the center of the device to hold the sides together. Additionally, in some configurations, the sides may have tabs for separation. These tabs may be located along the cut that divides the two sections in half. In many configurations, the two sections of the bisectable body are identical and can be flipped so that they can be aligned and joined together. In many configurations, the device is a key chain. In many alternatives, the device can be any other item whose functionality is improved by a magnetic interconnection system.Examples include, but are not limited to, connectors for toys, connectors for flashlights, connectors for pens or pencils, connectors for medical devices, connectors for tools, connectors for quickly interchangeable tool heads, etc.

[0019] Figure 1 An embodiment of a CDMA 100 is shown. The CDMA 100 includes a first side portion 110 and a second side portion 120. As shown, the first side portion 110 and the second side portion 120 are mirror images. Each side portion 110, 120 includes a magnet (e.g., Figure 4 135). Each side portion includes a swivel connector 130 that is inserted into the retainer 135. The swivel connector 130 is attached to a key ring 140 for attaching a key to the end. The swivel connector 130 can rotate within the retainer 135. Alternatively, the device may not have a swivel connector, but instead have a simple one connector. The swivel connector has some advantages because the swivel nature tends to reduce the possibility of accidental disconnection between the various side portions when the key ring is leveraged relative to a surface. This is because the swivel nature will cause the key ring to rotate out of such a lever position. The side portions 110, 120 are essentially halves of a cylinder with open ends that can be split into two. Each retainer 135 is a half cylinder with an outer radius equal to the inner radius of each side portion 110, 120 that can be fitted into each side portion 110, 120. Alternatively, the design can also be a single molded piece, rather than separate retainers and side portions. Although the design shown is cylindrical, square or octagonal or other shaped designs could also be used. A circular design is generally the best design because many of the magnets used also have a circular shape. However, any bisectable shape could be used. The voids 125 (also called receivers) are shaped to complement the retaining members on the opposite side so that each void 125 can receive a corresponding retaining member 135 and reform into a bisectable cylinder. In addition, the lip 150 can be seen. The lip 150 fits over the exposed top portion (ridge) of the corresponding retaining member and prevents the sides 110, 120 from separating. Due to the arrangement of the device, the connection between the lip and the ridge prevents separation in the direction in which separation is most likely to occur. From Figure 2 and Figure 3This can be seen in the diagram showing the interconnection of the devices. In operation, when the sides are brought together, the retaining members will automatically align with each other due to the magnetic attraction between the retaining members caused by the contained magnetic material. This is optimal in the case of two magnets, as the poles will align in a north-south manner, where one magnet is mounted on one side so that the south pole faces inwardly, and the other magnet is mounted on the other side so that the north pole faces inwardly. When the sides are indicated to be identical, it is meant that the structures of the sides are identical except that the magnets are in opposite directions. Due to the position of the key ring, the separation force is most likely to be strongest when it is co-linear with the key ring 140, rather than being strongest at the bisection points lateral to the two bisecting halves of the cylinder. When the cylinder is re-formed / connected, there are almost no leverage points. In order to facilitate the user to achieve separation of the cylinders, small leverage points, namely tabs 145, 155, are provided so that separation of the cylinders can only be achieved by intentional manipulation of these tabs. Although in the illustrated embodiment, the CDMA is described based on a key chain, in alternative embodiments, the CDMA may be deployed with a differently shaped loop at the end, or deployed with a different attachment, such as a lanyard or rope, instead of a key ring. The ends of the CDMA may be configured to include any type of device or ends surrounding a central CDMA. Figure 2 and Figure 3 A view showing interconnected devices.

[0020] Figure 4 An exploded view of one side 120 of the CDMA 100 is shown. As shown in the exploded view, the magnet 410 fits into the groove 420. Similarly, the end 430 of the rotating connector 130 can be captured in the groove 440. As shown, the end of the retainer can have a snap-fit ​​arrangement 450 to interface with the side 120. The groove and snap-fit ​​arrangement 450 are purely exemplary, and a variety of different arrangements or methods can also be used to hold the magnet and rotating end in place.

[0021] Figure 5 A view of one of the symmetrical sides is shown. In this view the holder can be seen, which is used for the end 430 of the rotating connector 130 and has a bracket 530 for the magnet 410. The bracket 530 also provides a snap-fit ​​component for the snap-fit ​​device 450. Importantly, the lip 510 is clearly visible. The lip 510 is connected to the flipped version of the holder 135 and sits on a ridge of the holder.

[0022] The CDMA can be arranged in various different ways. In many embodiments, the embodiment includes a shape that can be divided into two along its length, so that two halves are formed. Each half has two parts, one part is hollow, so that a gap or a receiving part area is formed, and the other part holds the magnet and is shaped to fit into the gap / receiving part area (retainer). This constitutes a connector so that the shape divided into two with a gap and a retainer can be matched to the same other half and held together by magnetism. In addition, although two magnets are used in many embodiments, in alternative embodiments, one magnet may not be a magnet, but only a material attracted by another magnet. Generally speaking, the magnetic material includes a magnet or a material attracted by a magnet. In addition, in many configurations, a tab for separation is also included. Finally, the lip on the end is assembled to the protrusion of the retainer, providing greater separation resistance. During use, the shape of the magnet and such a device will lead to automatic alignment, which greatly facilitates secure connection. In addition, although the device is described based on a key chain, the device can also be used in other scenarios. In some embodiments, the sides of the device can be connected to each other, and then one of the sides can be separated and connected to a third side that is the same or different from the previously connected sides. For example, a base can be provided with a holder configured as one half of a CDMA. The second half can have a tool head. The third half can have another tool head that can be interchangeable.

[0023] Although specific embodiments have been described in detail in the above detailed description, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and substitutions may be made to these details based on the overall teachings of the present disclosure and its broad inventive concepts. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the specific examples and embodiments disclosed herein, but is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope defined by the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A key chain, comprising: A hollow cylinder that can be divided into two, one side portion of the hollow cylinder that can be divided into two forms a first side portion, and the other side portion forms a second side portion; a first retaining member having a first semi-cylindrical body, the first retaining member being located inside a first side portion of the bisectable hollow cylinder such that a first outer radius of the first retaining member is coextensive with a first inner radius of the second side portion when connected to each other; a second retaining member having a second semi-cylindrical body, the second retaining member being located inside the second side portion of the bisectable hollow cylinder such that, when connected to each other, a second outer radius of the second retaining member is coextensive with a second inner radius of the first side portion; A first magnetic material and a second magnetic material, the first magnetic material is located in the first retaining member, the second magnetic material is located in the second retaining member, and the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material are oriented so that when the first side and the second side are close to form a complete cylinder, the first retaining member is guided to the second retaining member by the magnetism between the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material.

2. The key chain according to claim 1, wherein: The first length of the first retaining member is smaller than the second length of the divisible hollow cylinder.

3. The key chain according to claim 2, wherein: The first retainer is located at a first end of the first side portion, and the second end of the first side portion includes a first lip oriented to rest against a first protuberance of the second retainer when the first and second side portions are engaged.

4. The key chain according to claim 3, wherein: The third length of the second retaining member is less than the fourth length of the divisible hollow cylinder, and the second retaining member is located at the third end of the second side portion, and the fourth end of the second side portion includes a lip edge, which is oriented to abut against the protrusion of the second retaining member when the first side portion and the second side portion are engaged.

5. The key chain according to claim 4, further comprising: A key ring is attached to the first retaining member.

6. The key chain according to claim 1, wherein: The combination of the first side portion and the first retaining member is the same as the combination of the second side portion and the second retaining member.

7. A connection device with an automatic alignment function, the connection device comprising: a first side portion and a second side portion, the first side portion having a first complementary receiver for a first end of the second side portion; a first magnetic material and a second magnetic material, the first magnetic material being located in the first side portion and the second magnetic material being located in the second side portion, the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material being oriented such that when the first side portion and the second side portion are brought into proximity, a first end of the second side portion is magnetically guided into a first complementary receiver; The first complementary receiving piece includes a first lip edge, and the second side portion includes a first protrusion for receiving the lip edge, so that when the first end of the second side portion is guided into the first complementary receiving piece, the lip edge engages with the protrusion, and the engagement of the protrusion with the lip edge prevents the first side portion from being separated from the second side portion in at least a first direction.

8. The connection device according to claim 7, wherein: The second side has a second complementary receiver for a second end of the first side; the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material are oriented so that when the first side and the second side are approached, the second end of the first side is magnetically guided into the second complementary receiver; The second complementary receiving piece includes a second lip edge, and the second side portion includes a second protrusion for receiving the first lip edge, so that when the second end of the first side portion is guided into the second complementary receiving piece, the second lip edge engages with the second protrusion, and the engagement of the second protrusion with the second lip edge prevents the first side portion from separating from the second side portion in at least the second direction.

9. The connection device according to claim 7, wherein: The first side portion is identical to the second side portion.

10. The connection device according to claim 8, wherein: The first end and the second end are cylindrical, so that the first portion of the second end is a first semi-cylinder, and the first complementary receiver is shaped to cover and match the first semi-cylinder, and the second portion of the first end is a second semi-cylinder, and the second complementary receiver is shaped to cover and match the second semi-cylinder.

11. The connection device according to claim 10, wherein: The first complementary receiving member extends past the first end and the second complementary receiving member extends past the second end such that when the first side portion is engaged with the second side portion, a distal end of the first end contacts a distal end of the second end.

12. The connection device according to claim 11, wherein: At least one of the first side portion and the second side portion includes a tab for assisting in separating the first side portion from the second side portion.

13. The connection device according to claim 12, wherein: At least one of the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material is a permanent magnet.

14. The connection device according to claim 12, wherein: At least one of the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material is a magnetizable material other than a permanent magnet.

15. The connection device according to claim 12, wherein: The first side portion includes a key ring.

16. The connection device according to claim 15, wherein: A key ring is rotatably mounted to the first side portion.

17. The connection device according to claim 16, wherein: The second ridge is adjacent to the key ring so that when the second lip engages the second ridge, the two form an engaged pair to prevent separation of the first side portion from the second side portion when the key ring is pulled.

18. A method of connecting an end of a key chain, the method comprising: A key chain is provided, the key chain comprising: A hollow cylinder that can be divided into two, one side portion of the hollow cylinder that can be divided into two forms a first side portion, and the other side portion forms a second side portion; a first retaining member having a first semi-cylindrical body, the first retaining member being located inside a first side portion of the bisectable hollow cylinder such that a first outer radius of the first retaining member is coextensive with a first inner radius of the second side portion when connected to each other; a second retaining member having a second semi-cylindrical body, the second retaining member being located inside the second side portion of the bisectable hollow cylinder such that, when connected to each other, a second outer radius of the second retaining member is coextensive with a second inner radius of the first side portion; a first magnetic material and a second magnetic material, the first magnetic material being located in the first retaining member and the second magnetic material being located in the second retaining member; moving the first magnetic material to a position close to the second magnetic material; connecting the first side portion and the second side portion; A complete cylinder is formed, wherein the first retaining member is guided to the second retaining member by the magnetism between the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein: The key chain also includes a key ring attached to the first holder, and the method further includes attaching the key to the key ring.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein: The combination of the first side portion and the first retaining member is the same as the combination of the second side portion and the second retaining member.

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