Self-aligning modular accessory storage system

Abstract

A self-aligning modular accessory storage system comprising a first and a second module, removably connectable to the first module. The first module includes a base, an alignment stud protruding from the base, and a permanent magnet positioned in conjunction with the alignment stud. The second module includes an accessory container for storing one or more accessories, a receptacle adapted to receive the alignment stud on the first module, and a backing plate mounted behind the receptacle providing an aligning magnetic attraction between the first module and the second module when the alignment stud is positioned in proximity to the receptacle.

1 . A self-aligning modular accessory storage system, comprising:
 a first module including:
 a base 
 an alignment stud protruding from the base; and 
 a permanent magnet positioned in conjunction with the alignment stud; and 
   a second module, removably connectable to the first module, including:
 an accessory container for storing one or more accessories; 
 a receptacle adapted to receive the alignment stud on the first module; and 
 a backing plate mounted behind the receptacle providing an aligning magnetic attraction between the first module and the second module when the alignment stud is positioned in proximity to the receptacle; 
   wherein the alignment stud has a back portion having a first width, and a front portion having a second width larger than the first width, and wherein the receptacle has a keyhole shape having a receiving portion being sized so that the front portion of the alignment stud can be inserted into the receiving portion, and a retaining portion having a cavity sized to receive the front portion of the alignment stud, and a retainer positioned in front of the cavity having a retainer width greater than the first width and less than the second width, wherein the alignment stud can be slid from the receiving portion to the retaining portion thereby retaining the front portion of the alignment stud behind the retainer.   
     
     
         2 . The modular accessory storage system of  claim 1  wherein the first module is mounted on an external object. 
     
     
         3 . The modular accessory storage system of  claim 2  wherein the external object is a purse, a backpack, a belt, a wall, a bicycle, a motorcycle or an automobile. 
     
     
         4 . The modular accessory storage system of  claim 1  wherein the first module further includes a mechanical fastening mechanism adapted to fasten the first module to an external object. 
     
     
         5 . The modular accessory storage system of  claim 4  wherein the mechanical fastening mechanism is adapted to fasten the first module to a belt, a belt loop, a purse or a backpack. 
     
     
         6 . The modular accessory storage system of  claim 4  wherein the mechanical fastening mechanism is a spring clip, a clothespin-style clip, a strap with a hook-and-loop fastener, a strap with a snap fastener, a carabiner or an eyehook. 
     
     
         7 . The modular accessory storage system of  claim 1  wherein the accessory container is adapted to store a handheld electronic device. 
     
     
         8 . The modular accessory storage system of  claim 7  wherein the handheld electronic device is a digital camera, a video camera, a digital music player, a mobile phone, a handheld game, personal digital assistant or a global positioning system receiver. 
     
     
         9 . The modular accessory storage system of  claim 1  wherein the accessory container is adapted to store one or more accessories for a handheld electronic device. 
     
     
         10 . The modular accessory storage system of  claim 1  wherein the accessory container is adapted to store one or more non-electronic objects. 
     
     
         11 . The modular accessory storage system of  claim 1  wherein the accessory container is a soft good. 
     
     
         12 . The modular accessory storage system of  claim 11  wherein the soft good is fabricated using rubber, leather, imitation leather, cloth or soft plastic. 
     
     
         13 . The modular accessory storage system of  claim 1  wherein the accessory container is a hard good. 
     
     
         14 . The modular accessory storage system of  claim 13  wherein the hard good is fabricated using hard plastic or metal. 
     
     
         15 . The modular accessory storage system of  claim 1  wherein the accessory container has a flap for securing the one or more accessories within the accessory container. 
     
     
         16 . The modular accessory storage system of  claim 15  wherein the flap has a magnetic securing mechanism or a hook and loop securing mechanism. 
     
     
         17 . The modular accessory storage system of  claim 1  wherein the permanent magnet is positioned inside the alignment stud. 
     
     
         18 . The modular accessory storage system of  claim 1  wherein the backing plate is metallic. 
     
     
         19 . The modular accessory storage system of  claim 1  wherein the backing plate is made from a magnetic material. 
     
     
         20 . A self-aligning connection system, comprising:
 a first module including:
 a first object 
 an alignment stud protruding from the first object; and 
 a permanent magnet positioned in conjunction with the alignment stud; and 
   a second module, removably connectable to the first module, including:
 a second object; 
 a receptacle amounted in association with the second object and adapted to receive the alignment stud on the first module; and 
 a backing plate mounted behind the receptacle providing an aligning magnetic attraction between the first module and the second module when the alignment stud is positioned in proximity to the receptacle; 
   wherein the alignment stud has a back portion having a first width, and a front portion having a second width larger than the first width, and wherein the receptacle has a keyhole shape having a receiving portion being sized so that the front portion of the alignment stud can be inserted into the receiving portion, and a retaining portion having a cavity sized to receive the front portion of the alignment stud, and a retainer positioned in front of the cavity having a retainer width greater than the first width and less than the second width, wherein the alignment stud can be slid from the receiving portion to the retaining portion thereby retaining the front portion of the alignment stud behind the retainer.