WO2015081377A1

WO2015081377A1 - Connector

Info

Publication number: WO2015081377A1
Application number: PCT/AU2014/001099
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gavin DUNBAR
Original assignee: Provendex Pty Ltd (Formally Cornall Pty Ltd)
Priority date: 2013-12-03
Filing date: 2014-12-03
Publication date: 2015-06-11

Abstract

A connector comprising two opposing attachment bodies (12, 13) having at least one magnetic element (30) for releasably joining the two opposing attachment bodies (12, 13) by magnetic connection.

Description

CONNECTOR

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a connector and in particular to a connector for releasabiy mounting items to wails or ceilings.

The invention has been developed primarily for use with mounting household items like smoke alarms, standalone lights, pictures etc. and the connector will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

Background of the Inven ion

Generally when you wish to attach items like smoke alarms, standalone lights, or pictures to walls or ceilings, the usual method would be to fixedly connect with screws. However as most of these types of products are made from, plastic this relies on the product being formed with predefined screw holes.

Further in domestic buildings having dry walls or plasterwalls the covering surface is not able to hold the screw and therefore the location of the studs or nossans in the wall must be determined so that the screw can be inserted into the supporting wood frame behind. Not only does this require the tedious ste of locating hidden framework, it restricts the location of the mounting of the item and further and more fundamentally it requires damage to the decorative dry wall or plasterwall by screwholes therethrough.

Although spring loaded supporting mechanisms are known to have a T structure with screw extending into spring loaded deformable arms where it can be inserted through the plasterwall and spring open behind the wall and spread load over larger distance, such item still is limited in use and causes surface damage to the wall. Similarly in domestic buildings having solid wails a hole must be drilled, and plugs inserted which expand and fixedly hold by insertion of a screw or hook. Similar^' problems occur when screw-in hooks are used. Therefore there is a need to provide a connector which minimise* damage to the wall.

When mounting items to walls or ceiling, it is often either a product that will need a regular service such as replacement of batteries for smoke alarms and standalone lights (such as LED lights that are not hard wired to the household electrics) or it is for items which are ?. selectively mounted and displayed such as pictures. These items therefore need to be releasabl held to the surface,.

It is known to have hooks which have releasable adhesive but these are limited in that they generally have protruding hooks that are steed according to the weight load. Then it is necessary to fmd a different means to attach to the item to be mounted so that that can then hook over the releasable adhesive mounted hook. Such structure lias a number of shortcomings including not being a complete solution but requiring two separate solutions that the user must decide will coact together. Further there is a large protrusion effect which might be allowable on mounting of paintings but is not acceptable in mounting of other items such as smoke alarms and. standalone lights.

It is known to have double sided tape or adhesive but then the product is not releasable unless the adhesive is a purposely weaker adhesive to allow a shear breakage of its adhesive effect. This results in a product with limited use and possible damage or injury caused by element falling when adhesive fails over time or is knocked.

A further problem with most attachment means is the lack of adjustability or selectability to obtain an efficient, solution.

The present invention seeks to provide a connector, which will overcome or substantially anielioraie at least one or roore of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a connector is provided comprising two opposing attachment bodies having at least one magnetic element for releasably joining, the two opposing attachment bodie by magnetic connection.

A. connector can include first, attachments means to attach an outer surface of one of the two opposing attachment bodies to the item while providing an inner surface as a first opposing connection surface; second attachment means to attach the outer surfaces of the other of the of two opposing attachment bodies to the surface while providing an inner surface as a second opposing connection surface; wherein the item is releasahly supported on the surface by magnetically connecting the opposing first and second inner opposing connection surfaces.

Preferably the two opposing attachment bodies of the connector comprising at least two opposing metal plates having at least one magnetic element for releasahly joining the inner surfaces of the plates.

The two opposing attachment bodies are substantially planar slimline structures. in one form, at least two opposing inner surfaces having complementary non-magnetic protrusions and cavities for mechanically providing shear support of the opposing attachment bodies while the at least one magnetic element is for releasahly joining the inner surfaces of plates for magnetically holding the two plates together.

The at least two opposing inner surfaces can have at least one receiving cavity in at least one of the at least two opposing metal plates wherein the formed receiving cavity receives the at least part of one magnetic element for releasablv joining the inner surfaces of plates for magnetically holding the two plates together arid mechanically providing shear support of the two opposing metal plates for releasahly joining the inner surfaces of plates for ^"magnetically holding the two plates together.

The depth of cavity for receiving at least part of one magnetic element or protrusion can be predetennined to increase shear strength of support of opposing attachment bodies.

Preferably the two opposing attachment bodies are substantially planar slimline structures.

It can be seen that a first aspect of the invention of a connector provides the benefit of ready re!easable but unobtrusive connection or mounting of elements that can be used as a retrofit or separate mounting method without the user being limited to any predefined mounting technique the manufacturer of the product might have considered or ha overlooked.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a connector is provided having at. least two opposing metal plates having magnetic element for releasahly joining the inner surfaces of plates and attachments means for joining to external elements to allow reieasable connection According to a third aspect of the present invention, a connector is provided having receiving cavities for receiving magnetic element for rele&sably joining the inner surfaces of plates for magnetically holding the two plates together and mechanically pro viding shear support of the two plates.

Preferably the connector includes spacing means for maintaining magnetic connection of the two opposing attachment bodies with a spacing. The spacing means can include at least part of the magnetic element or the spacing means could include a non-magnetic protrusion from at least one of the two opposing attachment bodies.

Preferably at least a portion of the spacing between the two opposing attachment bodies is accessible from a circumferential location to allow levering apart of the two opposing attachment bodies to release the magnetic connection of the two opposing attachment bodies. in one form the opposing attachment bodies have opposing inner connection surfaces with at least one or part of one opposing inner connection surfaces being a metal element able to engage magnetically the magnetic element associated with the other of the two opposing attachment bodies.

The first attachment means can attach an outer surface of one of the two opposing, attachment bodies to an item while providing an. inner surface as a first opposing inner connection surface while the second attachment means can attach the outer surfaces of the other of the of two opposing attachment bodies to an item, or surface while providing an inner surface as a second opposing connection surface.

Preferably the two- opposing attachment bodies comprise at least two opposing metal plates and at least, one magnetic element for releasably magnetically joining the Inner surfaces of the plates.

A first of the two opposing attachment bodies can have a first external, connector for attaching the outer surface of a first of the two opposing attachment bodies to external elements. A second of the two opposing attachment bodies can have a second external connector for attaching the outer surface of a second of the two opposing attachment bodies to external elements.

Preferably the first or second external connector is attached to respective outer surface of first or second attachment bodies by fixing means. The fixing means can also in one form act as well as the first or second external connectors, in this form preferably there is included a removable barrier means on an outer surface of the fixing means to allow selective attachment, to the external element

The connector can. have at least two opposing metal plates having integral magnetic elements for releasabiy joining the inner surfaces of plates magnetically.

At least one of the two opposing attachment bodies can have intertable magnetic elements for -selective inclusion of multiple magnetic elements to selectively strengthen the releasabie joining of the two opposing attachment bodies magnetically.

However the at least two opposing metal plates can have detachable magnetic elements for selective inclusion of multiple magnetic elements to selectively strengthen the releasabie joining of the inner surfaces of plates magnetically. in another form the at least two opposing metal plates ca have receiving cavities for receiving the at least part of one magnetic element for releasabiy joining the inner surfaces of plates for magnetically holding the two plates together and mechanically providing shear support of the two plates.

Preferably the connector also includes at least two opposing inner surfaces having complementary non-magnetic protrusions and cavities for mechanically providing shear support of the opposing attachment bodies while the at least one magnetic element is for releasabiy joining the inner surfaces of plates for magnetically holding the two plates together.

The depth of cavity for receiving at least part of one magnetic element^' or protrusion is predetermined to increase shear strength of support of opposing attachment bodies.

Also the invention provides a method of releasabiy supporting an item to a surface including the steps of; Providing a connector comprising two opposing attachment bodies having at least one magnetic element for releasabiy joining the inner surfaces of the plates by magnetic connection; Using first attachments means to attach an outer surface of one of the two opposing attachment bodies to the item while providing an inner surface as a first opposing connection surface: Using second attachment means to attach the outer surfaces of the other of the of two opposing attachment bodies to the surface while providing an inner surface as a second opposing connection surface; Magnetically connecting the opposing first and second inner opposing connection surfaces wherein the item is releasably supported on the surface.

Preferably the method includes providing a connector comprising at least two opposing metal plates having a least one magnetic element for releasably joining the inner surfaces of the plates

Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. Brief Description of the Drawings

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, a preferred embodiment / preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure i is a general diagrammatic cross sectional form of a connector in accordance with a preferred first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic perspective exploded view of a connector in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is general diagrammatic cross sectional view of the connector of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a diagrammatic perspective exploded view of a connector in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 is genera! diagrammatic cross sectional view of the connector of figure .3; Figure 6 is a general diagrammatic cross sectional view of a connector in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention showing shear support, of the two opposing metal plates by receiving cavities of a magnetic element in one of the opposing plates;

Figure 7 is a general diagrammatic cross sectional view of a connector in accordance with a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention showing shear support of the two opposing metal plates by receiving cavities of a magnetic element in both of the opposing plates;

Figure 8 is a diagrammatic flow diagram of the method of formation of the receiving cavity in one of the two opposing metal plates of the connector in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 9 is a general diagrammatic view of the method of formation of the receiving cavity in a connector in accordance with the embodiment of Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a diagrammatic flow diagram of the method of use of the connector in accordance with the invention;

Figure 11 is a first example of the method of use of the connector as shown in large circular form in Figure 12;

Figure 13 is a general diagrammatic cross sectional view of a connector in accordance with a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 14 is a general diagrammatic cross sectional view of a connector in accordance with a seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 16 i a first example of the method of use of the connector as shown in two elongated forms in Figure 15;

Figure 17 is a general diagrammatic cross sectional view of a connector in use with a standalone light in accordance with an eighth preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 18 is a general diagrammatic cross sectional view of a connector in use mounting an item on a vertical wail in accordance with the present invention.

Description of Preferred Embodiments

It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

Referring to the drawings there is shown, the general structure of the invention in Figure 1 in which a connector comprises two opposing planar attachment bodies 12 and 13 and at least one magnetic element 30 which causes the two bodies to be attracted magnetically and for leleasaMy joining the two opposing attachment bodies by magnetic connection.

The two opposing attachment bodies are substantially planar slimline structures that therefore can readily be located to mount a connected article such as smoke detector or standalone light. Each of the opposing attachment bodies 12, 1.3 have three elements. The two fundamental, elements are the first and second connector plates 2,1 and 2:2 which are internal of each respective opposing attachment body 12, 13 and thereby provide opposing surfaces. Although In the embodiments of the invention shown in Figures 2 to 5 these connector plates can be metal plates with magnets located therebetween this is only one form of the invention.

The invention generally needs the first and second connector plates 21 and 22 and the magnetic element 30 to provide magnetic connection. This can be achieved by the first plate 20 being formed of plastic but having the magnetic element 30 in the form of magnets being ^•mounted on the surface or within the surface and the other connector plate 22 having at least some metallic element to thereby provide a magnetic releasable join between the first and. second connector plates 21 and 2.2. Similarly some magnet elements could be located on o in each connector plate while the opposing plate has corresponding metal elements to fulfil the magnetic connection since each have opposing inner connection surfaces with at least one or part of one opposing inner connection surfaces being a metal element able to engage magnetically the magnetic element associated with the other of the two opposing attachment bodies.

The connector .1 1 further includes attachment means to attach an outer surface of one of the two opposing attachment bodies to an item while providing an inner surface as a first opposing inner connection surface. The attachment means generally includes external connectors 26, 28 on the outer side of each of the first and second connector plates 21 and 22. To locate the external connectors 26, 28 there are fixing means 25, 27 respectively located between the first and second connector plates 21, and. 22 and the external connectors 26, 28.

Therefore the attachment means allow the attachment of the outer surfaces of the two opposing attachment bodies to an item or surface while providing inner surface as magneti call y connected .

Spacing Means

A connector preferably includes a spacing means for maintaining magnetic connection of the two opposing attachment bodies with a spacing which therefore allows ready detachment b allowing a portion of the spacing between the two opposing attachment bodies to be accessible from a circumferential location to allow levering apart of the two opposing attachment bodies to release the magnetic connection of the two opposing attachment bodies. As shows in figures 3 to 7 and discussed particularly with regard Figures 6 and 7 the spacing .means can include at least part of the magnetic element in the form of magnets 31 having particular consistent heights to maintain magnetic connection between the two plates 21, 22 but maintain spacing of distance of A to B of Figures 6 and 7,

However the spacing can be achieved by a non-magnetic protrusion 56 from at least one of the two opposing attachment bodies such as shown in Figure 9, Therefore the magnetic force is occurring without physical contact of magnetic elements between the two opposing bodie but the magnetic element 3 which could be within the body 55 of one opposing plate can still provide the required magnetic attachment over the distance.

2^nt>- and 3 embodiments

A particular type of embodiment is shown in. the second and third embodiments of Figures 2 and 3 and Figures 4 and 5, The difference in these embodiments is merely the outline shape and size which is illustrative of the range of shapes and sizes that cart be used in other embodiments of the present invention. Selection of shape and size can be Important depending on shape, size, weight and importance of item to be mounted. That is the article might no have a large continuous surface and require two or more separate connectors or shapes corresponding to the attaching surface. Further if importance of item such as a good painting then multiple connectors could be used as insurance even though a particular connector could have its connection strength altered as will be explained later.

Another variation of shape and. size is shown in Figure .1.1 in which a light mounted on a ceilin at. the edge of the room might, wished to be mounted at an angle to make full use of the optical limitations of the light and focus back into the room or across a picture or doorway etc. Therefore one of the opposing body shapes can be wedge shaped in order to provide the angled mounting.

It can be seen therefore that the invention provides a substantial adaptability in providing a releasable connector regardless of item to be mounted or location at. which it is to be mounted.

The connector of Fi gures 2 and 3 and Figures 4 and 5 comprising at least two opposing metal plates 21 and 22 having magnetic elements 31 that are mounted between the plates for releasably joining the inner surfaces of plates magnetically. The connector m this form further comprises a first of the two opposing attachment bodies having a first external connector for attaching the outer surface of a .first of the two opposing attachment, bodies to externa! elements and a second of the two opposing attachment bodies having a second external connector for attaching the outer surface of a second of the two opposing attachment bodies to external elements. However instead of having two part attachment means a fixing means it the form of an adhesive acts as the first or second external cotmectors. Therefore it can further include a removable barrier means on an outer surface of the fixing means to allow selective attachment to the external, element

Adjustability

A great advantage of the connector is its adjustability. This can be by initial selection of the required size, shape and magnetic strength. However the adjustability can be further achieved by the selection of required strength replacement magnets or by the inclusion of one or more further magnets. Depending on the structure of the connector will determine how this is achieved. in the form in which the magnets are internal or fit into locations of a non-magnetic or non- metallic attachment body .12 or 1.3 then there can be openings to receive further intertable magnetic elements for selective inclusion of multiple magnetic elements to selectively strengthen the releasable joining of the two opposing attachment bodies magnetically.

In the form in which there are at least two opposing metal, plates having detachable magnetic elements, there can be selective inclusion of multiple magnetic elements 31 to selectively strengthen the releasable joining of the inner surfaces of plates magnetically.

Shear Tength

Referring to Figures 6 to 9 the connector can have at least, two opposing metal plates one or both having receiving cavities for receiving the at leas part of one magnetic element for releasably joining the inner surfaces of plates for magnetically holding the two plates together and mechanically providing shear support of the two plates.

However in non-magnetic surfaces such as shown in Figure 14 a connector can further comprise at least two opposing inner surfaces having complementary non-magnetic protrusions and cavities for^' mechanically providing shear support of the opposing atlachnieHt bodies while the at least one magnetic element is for releasabiy joining the inner surfaces of plates for magnetically holding the two plates together.

The depth of cavity for receiving at least part of one magnetic element or protrusion is predete.frn.ined to increase shear strength of support of opposing attachmen t bodies.

As shown b the flow diagram of Figure 8 and the illustrative example of Figure 9 the method of forming receiving cavities in at least one of the at least two opposing metal plates includes the steps of: providing a sheet material imprinting at. least one first internal mark on part of the sheet material; imprinting a second circumferential mark over and around each of the at least one first internal mark o part of the sheet material and pressing to impart depth and form a receiving cavity; cu out required external shape having at least one of the receiving cavities.

In the magnetic examples of Figures 6 and 7 and the examples of Figures 8 and 9, the formed receivin cavity receives the at least part of one magnetic element for releasabty joining the inner surfaces of plates for magnetically holding the two plates together and mechanically providing shear support of the two opposing metal plates. The process can be repeated in linear form of the three main repeated steps down the sheet material.

However as shown the first internal mark forms a cross shaped cut-out with material removed and the second circumferential mark provides an expansion of material into the area of the cut-out where he material has been removed. This allows for the reforming and expansion that occurs from pressing to readily form the shaped receiving cavity.

Example

One example of the connector is formed from:

Plate material— Galvanized sheet

Plate thickness-- 0.6 +/- 0.05 for the Smoke alarm item and 0.6 + - 0.05 Magnet types— eodymium-iron-boron 4. Magnet dimensions— thickness: 1 +/-0.05 ; 0:1 +/- .l

5. Magnet strength— max load rating 5Q0g

6. Adhesive construction and MSDS— ,

7. Adhesive .thickness-— 3M 0; 65 +/- 1 ; thickness: 1.8 +0.3/-0.1

8. Spacing between plates 1 +/-0.05 ; 0:10 +/-0.1

9. Depth of cavities 0.4mm 0.9mm diameter

in the example of the circular shaped connector of Figure 11 and 12 the disc and magnetic element is formed to hold weight of 700grams, This is particularly useful for smoke alarms or LED lights etc. An example of application is shown in Figure 17. In particular this example shows that the opposing plates need not he merely fiat planar strips but can have some shape to provide a tilting effect. However preferably the opposing plates are planar and form the detachable holding but can be mounted on non planar shapes to allow the offset mounting in the example of the elongated, strip shaped connector of Figures 15 and 16 the disc and magnetic element is formed to hold weight of 300 grams or 450 grams. This is particularly useful for use in holding pictures etc. An example of application i shown in Figure 18,

In use

As shown in Figure .10 the method of releasably supporting an item, to a surface Including the steps of:

providing a connector comprising two opposing attachment bodies having at least one magnetic element for eleasably joining the inner surfaces of the plates by magnetic connection;

Using first attachments means to attach an outer surface of one of the two opposing attachment bodies to the item while providing an inner surface as a first opposing connection surface;

Using second attachment mean to attach the outer surfaces of the other of the of two opposing attachment bodies to the surface while providing an inner surface as a second opposing connection surface;

Magnetically connecting the opposing first and second inner opposing connection surfaces wherein the item is releasably supported on the surface.- However another important element of the method of using the connector is to selectively ensure selection of correct shape and size as well as making use of the adaptability of the strength of magnetic connection. Examples of these methods are shown in Figures 1 i and 16.

Interpretation

Embodiments:

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means thai a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout, this^' specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the v-arious inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated, into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination. Di fferent Instances of Objects

As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Specific Details

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Terminology

In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated, in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms, so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

Comprising and Including

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least, the elements/feature* that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising. Scope of Invention

Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications a fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted t methods described within the scope of the present invention.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, the invention may be embodied in. many other forms.

Industrial Applicability

It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the connector industries and can be used in mounting smoke alarms or standalone lights to ceilings or pictures on walls but is not so limited.

Claims

C)aims The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A connector comprising two opposing attachment bodies having at. least one magnetic- element for releasably joining the two opposing attachment bodies by magnetic connection .

2. A. connector according to claim 1 including:

a. first attachments means to attach an outer surface of one of the two opposing attachment bodies to the item while providing an inner surface as a first opposing connection surface;

b. second attachment means to attach the outer surfaces of the other of the of two opposing attachment bodies to the surface while providing an inner surface as a second opposing connection surface;

wherein the item is releasably supported on the surface by magnetically connecting the opposing first and second inner opposing connection surfaces.

3. A connector according to claim 1. or 2 wherein the two opposing attachmen bodies of the connector comprising at least two opposing metal, plates having at least one magnetic element for releasably joining the inner -surfaces of the plates.

4. A connector according to claim I wherein the two opposing attachment bodies are substantially planar slimline structures.

5. A connector according to claim 4 further comprising at leas two opposing inner surfaces having complementary non-magnetic protrusions and cavities for mechanically providing shear support of the opposing attachment bodies while the at least one magnetic element, is for releasably joining the inner surfaces of plates for magnetically holding the two plates together,

6. A connector according to claim 4 further comprising at least two opposing inner surfaces having at least one receiving cavity in at- least one of the at least two opposing metal plates wherein the formed receiving cavity receives the- at least part of one magnetic element for releasably joining the inner surfaces of plates for magnetically holding the two plates together and mechanically providing shear support of the two opposing metal plates for releasably joining the inner surfaces of plates for magnetically holding the two plates together.

7. A connector according to claim 7 wherein the depth of cavity for receiving at least part of one magnetic element or protrusion is predetermined to increase shear strengt of support of opposing attachment bodies.

8. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims including spacing means for main taming magnetic connection of the two opposing attachment bodies with a spacing.

9. A connector according to claim 8 wherein the spacing means includes at least part of the magnetic element.

10. A connector according to any one of claims 8 or 9 wherein the spacing means includes a non-magnetic protrusion from at least one of the two opposing attachment bodies,

1.1, A connector according to claim 10 wherein at least a portion of the spacing between the two opposing attachment bodies is accessible from a circumferential location to allow levering apart of the two opposing attachment bodies to release the magnetic connection of the two opposing attachment bodies,

12. A connector according to any one of the preceding ciaims wherein the opposing attachment bodies have opposing inner connection surfaces with at least one or part of one opposing inner connection surfaces being a metal element able to engage magnetically the magnetic element associated with the other of the two opposing attachment bodies.

13. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims including first attachment means to attach an outer surface of one of the two opposing attachment bodies to an item while providing an inner surface as a first opposing inner connection surface.

14. A connector according to claim 8 including second attachment means to attach the outer surfaces of the other of the of two opposing attachment bodies to an i tem or surface while providing an inner surface as a second opposing connection surface.

15. A connector according to any one of the preceding ciaims wherein the two opposing attachment bodies comprise at least two opposing metal plates and at least one magnetic- element for rekasabiy magnetically joining the inner surfaces of the plates..

1.6. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims turther comprising a first of the two opposing attachment bodies having a first, external connector for attaching the outer surface of a first of the two opposing attachment bodies to external elements.

17. A connector according to claim 1.1 further comprising a second of the two opposing attachment bodies having a second external connector for attaching the outer surface of a second of the two opposing attachment bodies to external elements.

1.8. A connector according to claim 11 or 1.2 wherein the first or second external connector is attached to respective outer surface of first or second attachment bodies by fixing means.

19. A connector according to claim 13 wherein the fixing means acts as the first or second extern al connectors .

20. A connector according to claim 14 further including a removable barrier means on an outer surface of the fixing means to allow selective attachment to the external element

21. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims farther comprising at least two opposing metal plates having integral magnetic elements for re!easably joining the inner surfaces of plates magnetically.

22. A connector according to any one of the precedin claims further comprising at least one of the two opposing attachment bodies having insertahle magnetic elements for selective inclusion of multiple magnetic elements to selectively strengthen the re!easabie joining of the two opposing attachment bodies magnetically.

23. A connector according to claim 1 further comprising at least two opposing metal plates having detachable magnetic elements for selective inclusion of multiple magnetic elements to selectively strengthen the releasable joining of the inner surfaces of plates magnetically.

24. A connector according to claim 1 further comprising at least two opposing metal plates having receiving cavities for receiving the at least part of one magnetic element for teleasably joining the inner surfaces of plates for magnetically holding the two plates together and. mechanically providing shear support of the two plates.

25. A connector according to claim 1 further comprising at least two opposing inner surfaces having complementary non-magnetic protrusions and cavities for mechanically providing shear support of the opposing attachment bodies while the at least one magnetic element is for releasabi joining the inner surfaces of plates for magnetically holding the two plates together.

26. A connector according to claim 1 or 20 wherein the depth of cavity for receiving at least part, of one magnetic element or protrusion is predetermined to increase shear strength of support of opposing attachment bodies.

27, A method of releasably supporting an item to a surface including the steps of:

a. Providing a connector comprising two opposing attachment bodies having at least one magnetic element for releasably joining the inner surfaces of the plates by magnetic connection;

b. Using first attachments means to attach an outer surface of one of the two opposing attachment bodies to the item, while providing an inner surface as a first opposing connection surface;

c. Using second attachment means to attach the outer surfaces of the other of the of two opposing attachment bodies to me surface while providing an inner surface as a second opposing connection surface;

d. Magnetically connecting the opposing first and second inner opposing connection surfaces wherein the item is releasably supported on the surface.

28, A method of releasably supporting an item to a surface according to claim 27 including providing a connector comprising at least two opposing metal plates having at least one magnetic element for releasably joining the inner surfaces of the plates.

29. A method of releasably supporting an item to a surface according to claim 27 or 28 including the steps of forming a receiving cavities in at least one of the at least two opposing metal plates including the steps of:

a. providing a sheet material

b. imprinting at least one first internal mark on part of the sheet material;

c. imprinting a second circumferential mark over and around each of the at least one first internal mark on part of the sheet material and pressing to impart depth and form a receiving cavity;

d. cut out required external shape having at least one of the receiving cavities wherein the formed receiving, cavity receive the at least part, of one magnetic element for releasably joining the inner surfaces of plates for magnetically holding the two plates together and mechanically providing shear support of the two opposing metal plates.

30. A method of releasabiy supporting an item to a surface according to claim 29 wherein the first internal mark forms a cut-out and the second circumferential mark provides an expansion of material into the cut-out to readily form the shaped receiving cavity.

31. A method of releasabiy supporting an item to a surface according to claim 22 further comprising at least two opposing inner surfaces having complementary non-magnetic protrusions and cavities for mechanically providing shear support of the opposing •attachment bodies while the at least One magnetic element is for releasabiy joining the inner surfaces of plates for magnetically holding the two plates together.

32. A method of releasabiy supporting an item to a surface according to claim 22 wherein the depth of cavity for receiving at least part of one magnetic element or protrusion is predetermined to increase shear strength of support of opposing attachment bodies.