Magnetic coupler
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A magnetic coupler comprising:
- (a) a contact member, the contact member including;
(1) a central body portion, the central body portion being a substantially planar member;
(2) at least one contact element, the at least one contact element being disposed in the central body portion;
(3) a peripheral magnetic ring, the peripheral magnetic ring being disposed around the periphery of the central body portion; and
(4) a separate sealing member, the separate sealing member interposing the peripheral ring and the central body portion;
(b) a receiving member, the receiving member including;
(1) a central body portion having a recess,(2) an at least one means for receiving the at least one contact element, the at least one means for receiving the at least one contact element being provided in the recess of the central body portion;
(3) a peripheral magnetic ring of opposite polarity to the peripheral magnetic ring of the contact member, the peripheral magnetic ring being disposed around the periphery of the central body portion; and
(4) a separate sealing member, the separate sealing member being disposed about the periphery of the central body portion; and
wherein the peripheral magnetic ring of the contact member is of a first polarity and the peripheral magnetic ring of the receiving member is of a second polarity, further wherein the peripheral magnetic rings directly engage each other when coupled.
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Abstract
A magnetic coupler for use in semi-trailer rigs includes a contact member and a receiving member, the contact member having at least one biased contact which seats in a seat formed in the receiving member, the seat having an electrical conductor disposed therewithin. A member has a peripheral ring of opposite magnetic polarities in order to ensure magnetic attraction therebetween. Cooperating projection and keyway may be formed on the peripheral rings to assure proper alignment between the contact member and the receiving member.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A magnetic coupler comprising:
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(a) a contact member, the contact member including; (1) a central body portion, the central body portion being a substantially planar member; (2) at least one contact element, the at least one contact element being disposed in the central body portion; (3) a peripheral magnetic ring, the peripheral magnetic ring being disposed around the periphery of the central body portion; and (4) a separate sealing member, the separate sealing member interposing the peripheral ring and the central body portion; (b) a receiving member, the receiving member including; (1) a central body portion having a recess, (2) an at least one means for receiving the at least one contact element, the at least one means for receiving the at least one contact element being provided in the recess of the central body portion; (3) a peripheral magnetic ring of opposite polarity to the peripheral magnetic ring of the contact member, the peripheral magnetic ring being disposed around the periphery of the central body portion; and (4) a separate sealing member, the separate sealing member being disposed about the periphery of the central body portion; and wherein the peripheral magnetic ring of the contact member is of a first polarity and the peripheral magnetic ring of the receiving member is of a second polarity, further wherein the peripheral magnetic rings directly engage each other when coupled. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A magnetic coupler comprising:
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(a) a contact member, the contact member including; (1) a central body portion, the central body portion being a substantially planar member; (2) at least one contact element disposed in the central body portion; (3) a peripheral magnetic ring, the magnetic ring being disposed around the periphery of the central body portion, and (b) a receiving member, the receiving member including; (1) a central body portion; (2) at least one means for receiving the at least one contact element, the at least one means for receiving the at least one contact element being provided in the recess of the central body; (3) a magnetic peripheral ring of opposite polarity to the magnetic peripheral ring of the contact member, the magnetic peripheral ring being disposed around the periphery of the central body; and (c) an aligning device for aligning the contact member and the receiving member, the aligning device comprising; at least one projection, the at least one projection disposed on one of the peripheral rings; at least one keyway, the at least one keyway formed in the peripheral ring opposite that of the ring having the at least one projection disposed thereon to receive the projection for substantial alignment between the contact member and the receiving member. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A magnetic coupler comprising:
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(a) a contact member, the contact member including; (1) a central body portion, the central body portion being a substantially planar member; (2) at least one contact element, the at least one contact element being disposed in the central body portion; (3) a peripheral magnetic ring, the peripheral magnetic ring being disposed around the periphery of the central body portion; and (4) a separate sealing member, the separate sealing member interposing the peripheral ring and the central body portion; (b) a receiving member, the receiving member including; (1) a central body portion; (2) at least one means for receiving the at least one contact element, the at least one means for receiving the at least one contact element being provided in the recess of the central body portion; (3) a peripheral magnetic ring of opposite polarity to the peripheral magnetic ring of the contact member, the peripheral magnetic ring being disposed around the periphery of the central body portion; and (4) a sealing member, the sealing member being disposed about the periphery of the central body portion; and (c) means for aligning the contact member and the receiving member;
wherein the peripheral magnetic rings directly engage each other when coupled. - View Dependent Claims (14)
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Specification