Method and apparatus for securing non-ferrous objects

Abstract

The present invention comprises methods and apparatuses for securing non-ferrous materials to ferrous objects and to each other using a combination of magnets and ferromagnetic materials.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of temporarily securing a ferrous object to a non-ferrous object comprising the steps of: 
 securing a first side of a ferrous sheet to the non-ferrous object;    placing on the second side of the ferrous sheet a first side of a magnetic holder, said magnetic holder having a second side comprising a plate having an opening and a magnet having a first and a second magnetic region attached to the first plate and located on opposite sides of the at least one opening; and    placing the ferrous object on the second side of the magnetic holder.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the ferrous sheet is secured to the non-ferrous object using pressure-sensitive adhesive.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the ferrous sheet is secured to the non-ferrous object using static electricity.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein wherein the ferrous sheet is secured to the non-ferrous object using one or more straps.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the non-ferrous object is aluminum.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the non-ferrous object is a composite material.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the ferrous sheet is an iron-loaded polymer.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the ferrous sheet is an iron-loaded elastomer.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the ferrous sheet is an iron-loaded foam.  
     
     
         10 . A method of temporarily securing a non-ferrous object to a magnetic plate comprising the steps of: 
 securing a first side of a ferrous sheet to the non-ferrous object;    placing the second side of the ferrous sheet on a side of a magnetic holder comprising a plate having an opening and a magnet having a first and a second magnetic region attached to the first plate and located on opposite sides of the at least one opening.    
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the ferrous sheet is secured to the non-ferrous object using pressure-sensitive adhesive.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the ferrous sheet is secured to the non-ferrous object using epoxy.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1  wherein wherein the ferrous sheet is secured to the non-ferrous object using one or more fasteners.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the non-ferrous object is aluminum.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the non-ferrous object is plastic.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the ferrous sheet is an iron-loaded polymer.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the ferrous sheet is an iron-loaded elastomer.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the ferrous sheet is an iron-loaded foam.