Magnetic mounting device for locker wall-protector and contents organizer

Abstract

A magnetic coupling device for releasably attaching a foldable protective panel (made of a durable fabric) to the interior walls of a conventional storage locker (of the type commonly used in schools, gymnasia, clubs and work places) comprises the combination of a magnetic member adapted to magnetically engage the locker wall, a mechanism (e.g., a button) adapted to engage the panel, and various mechanisms for interconnecting the magnetic member and such panel-engaging mechanism.

1 . A device for releasably supporting a non-magnetic element on a magnetically-attractive surface, said device comprising the combination of:
 (a) a permanent magnet having a planar surface adapted to magnetically couple to said magnetically-attractive surface;   (b) a button comprising a disk-shaped member; and   (c) a coupling mechanism for operatively coupling said button to said permanent magnet.   
   
   
       2 . The device as defined by  claim 1 , wherein said coupling mechanism comprises a flexible fiber. 
   
   
       3 . The device as defined by  claim 1  wherein said coupling mechanism comprises an elongated rigid member that is rigidly connected at one end to said magnet, and rigidly connected at its opposite end to said button. 
   
   
       4 . The device as defined by  claim 3  wherein said elongated member and said button are integral. 
   
   
       5 . The device as defined by  claim 4  wherein said elongated member defines an axial bore hole that is shaped and sized to receive a stud extending outwardly from said magnet. 
   
   
       6 . The device as defined by  claim 5  wherein said stud is threaded. 
   
   
       7 . The device as defined by  claim 5  wherein said stud and bore hole are engaged by an interference fit. 
   
   
       8 . The device as defined by  claim 4  wherein said magnetic member is rigidly mounted within a concave housing that exposes only said planar surface of said magnetic member, said housing and said magnetic members having concentric holes formed therein for receiving a stud that is shaped and sized to be engaged by bore hole formed in said elongated member.