Magnetic hold devices and systems

摘要

The invention provides compositions and methods for holding systems, devices, apparatuses, or portions thereof in a retracted, extended, or intermediate configuration. In particular, the invention provides permanent magnets and/or magnetizable materials configured to hold systems, devices, apparatuses, or portions thereof in retracted, extended, and/or intermediate configurations.

主权项

1. An apparatus comprising:
(a) a housing, wherein the housing comprises ferromagnetic material; (b) a flexible support element, wherein said flexible support element has an elongate shape comprising proximal and distal ends, wherein said flexible support element extends through said housing and is moveable between a fully retracted position, a fully extended position, and intermediate positions; (c) a functional element connected to the distal end of said flexible support element; and (d) a magnet located at the proximal end of said flexible support element; wherein the distal end of the flexible support element is within, or adjacent to, the housing when the flexible support element is in the fully retracted position; wherein the proximal end of the flexible support element and the magnet located thereat are within the housing when the flexible support element is in the fully extended position; wherein the magnet located at the proximal end of said flexible support element is in contact with the housing only when said flexible support element is in the fully extended position and an attractive magnetic force between the magnet located at the proximal end of said flexible support element and the ferromagnetic material of the housing maintains the position of the flexible support element in the fully extended position; and wherein the magnet located at the proximal end of said flexible support element is not in contact with the housing when said flexible support element is in the fully retracted position and intermediate positions.