Magnetic pushpin

Abstract

A pushpin which is readily adaptable for use as a pushpin or a magnet is disclosed. The pushpin includes a first body having opposing surfaces, a pin member extending from the body, and a magnetically susceptible component positioned opposite the pin member on the body. The pushpin also includes a second body having opposing surfaces, an opening, a cavity beginning at the opening and extending into the second body, and a magnetically susceptible component positioned on the second body. The particular pushpin cavity is configured to conceal the pin and at least one of either the magnetically susceptible component on the first body and the magnetically susceptible component on the second body is magnetic. Retention means for retaining the pin when it is inserted into the cavity are also provided within the cavity and include friction applied to the pin by a cavity wall. Lining at least a portion of the cavity with a thermoplastic rubber (TPR) material, or providing a plug of such or similar material within the cavity for piercing by the pin, provides such friction.

1 . A pushpin comprising:
 a first body having first and second surfaces, a pin member extending from the first surface, and a magnetically susceptible component positioned at the second surface; and   a second body having first and second surfaces, an opening defined on the first surface, a cavity beginning at the opening and extending into the second body, and a magnetically susceptible component positioned at the second surface;   wherein the cavity is configured to conceal the pin and wherein at least one of either the magnetically susceptible component at the second surface of the first body and the magnetically susceptible component at the second surface of the second body is magnetic.   
   
   
       2 . The pushpin of  claim 1 , wherein the cavity is configured to accommodate the pin. 
   
   
       3 . The pushpin of  claim 2 , further comprising a retention means for retaining the pin when it is inserted into the cavity. 
   
   
       4 . The pushpin of  claim 3 , wherein the retention means is within the cavity. 
   
   
       5 . The pushpin of  claim 3 , wherein the retention means comprises a length of material within the cavity which is pierced by the pin when the pin is inserted to a depth into the cavity. 
   
   
       6 . The pushpin of  claim 5 , wherein the retention means comprises friction applied to the pin by a cavity wall. 
   
   
       7 . The pushpin of  claim 3 , wherein the retention means comprises lining at least a portion of the cavity with a thermoplastic rubber (TPR) material. 
   
   
       8 . The pushpin of  claim 1 , wherein the magnetically susceptible component at the second surface of the first body is magnetic. 
   
   
       9 . The pushpin of  claim 1 , wherein the magnetically susceptible component at the second surface of the second body is magnetic. 
   
   
       10 . The pushpin of  claim 1 , wherein both the magnetically susceptible component at the second surface of the first body and the magnetically susceptible component at the second surface of the second body are magnetic. 
   
   
       11 . The pushpin of  claim 1 , wherein a width of the first surface of the first body is equal to a width of the first surface of the second body. 
   
   
       12 . The pushpin of  claim 11 , wherein a width of the second surface of the first body is equal to a width of the second surface of the second body. 
   
   
       13 . The pushpin of  claim 1 , wherein the second surface of the first body is magnetically connectable to the second surface of the second body. 
   
   
       14 . A pushpin comprising:
 a frusto-conical first body having first and second opposing surfaces, a pin member extending from the first surface, and a magnetically susceptible component positioned at the second surface; and   a substantially hourglass-shaped second body having first and second opposing surfaces, an opening defined on the first surface, a cavity beginning at the opening and extending into the second body, and a magnetically susceptible component positioned at the second surface;   wherein the cavity comprises a retention means for retaining the pin when inserted into the cavity and at least one of either the magnetically susceptible component at the second surface of the first body and the magnetically susceptible component at the second surface of the second body is magnetic.   
   
   
       15 . The pushpin of  claim 14 , wherein a width of the first surface of the first body is equal to a width of the first surface of the second body. 
   
   
       16 . The pushpin of  claim 15 , wherein a width of the second surface of the first body is equal to a width of the second surface of the second body. 
   
   
       17 . The pushpin of  claim 14 , wherein the retention means comprises friction applied to the pin by a cavity wall. 
   
   
       18 . The pushpin of  claim 17 , wherein the retention means comprises lining at least a portion of the cavity with a thermoplastic rubber (TPR) material. 
   
   
       19 . A pushpin comprising:
 a first body having first and second opposing surfaces and a pin member extending from the first surface; and   a second body having first and second opposing surfaces, an opening defined on the first surface, and a cavity beginning at the opening and extending into the second body;   wherein the cavity comprises a retention means for retaining the pin member when inserted into the cavity and the second surface of the first body is magnetically connectable to the second surface of the second body.   
   
   
       20 . The pushpin of  claim 19 , further comprising a magnetically susceptible component at the second surface of the first body. 
   
   
       21 . The pushpin of  claim 19 , further comprising a magnetically susceptible component at the second surface of the second body. 
   
   
       22 . The pushpin of  claim 19 , further comprising a magnetically susceptible component at the second surface of the first body and a magnetically susceptible component at the second surface of the second body. 
   
   
       23 . The pushpin of  claim 19 , wherein the retention means comprises a length of material within the cavity which is pierced by the pin member when the pin member is inserted to a depth into the cavity.