Magnetic retaining device

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.

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.