Magnetic fixings and connectors

Abstract

A mechanism comprising first and second components configured to allow mechanical connection and disconnection of the components together by relative sliding of the components in a first linear direction. The first and second components each comprise magnetic parts, at least one of which is moveable within or around a guide in a second direction substantially perpendicular to said first linear direction under the influence of the other magnetic part, in order to secure together and or release the first and second components. When in the secured state, separation in a third linear direction substantially perpendicular to said first and second linear directions is prevented.

1 . A mechanism comprising:
 first and second components configured to allow mechanical connection and disconnection of the components together by relative sliding of the components in a first linear direction, the first and second components each comprising magnetic parts at least one of which is moveable within or around a guide in a second direction substantially perpendicular to said first linear direction, under the influence of the other magnetic part, in order to secure together and or release the first and second components, wherein in the secured state separation in a third linear direction substantially perpendicular to said first and second linear directions is prevented.   
     
     
         2 . The mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein said first and second components each comprise a corresponding plurality of magnetic parts aligned in said first linear direction. 
     
     
         3 . An apparatus comprising first and second parts, the first part being attachable to the second part at at least two fixing locations, the apparatus comprising a mechanism according to  claim 1  in order to provide a fixing at one of said locations. 
     
     
         4 . An apparatus comprising first and second parts, the first part being attachable to the second part at at least two fixing locations, the apparatus comprising a mechanism according to  claim 2  in order to provide a fixing at one of said locations. 
     
     
         5 . Apparatus according to  claim 3  and comprising two of said mechanisms in order to provide a fixing at both of said locations. 
     
     
         6 . Apparatus according to  claim 4  and comprising two of said mechanisms in order to provide a fixing at both of said locations.