Magnetic ball joint for convertible stand/table

摘要

A magnetic ball joint, usable in connection with a convertible stand/table, as well as in other applications, utilizes an array of interleaved magnets and ferromagnetic bodies to both magnetically engage and retain a magnetically-attractive ball using concentrated magnetic force as well as to provide frictional resistance to movement of the ball in the joint.

主权项

1. A magnetic ball joint, comprising:
a ball having an outer surface, at least a portion of which is spherical and at least a portion of which is magnetically-attractive; and a magnetic assembly including a plurality of magnets and a plurality of ferromagnetic bodies interleaved with one another in an array to concentrate magnetic forces generally toward the ball, at least a subset of the plurality of magnets and the plurality of ferromagnetic bodies having substantially concave surfaces collectively defining at least a portion of a spherical cup substantially matching at least a portion of the outer surface of the ball to magnetically engage the ball.