Patent ID: 8230555
Filing Date: 2012-07-31
Classification: B65D,F16L,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A fastener, comprising: a flexible elongated member including: an adjustment mechanism disposed at the first end and including: wherein the flexible elongated member and the adjustment mechanism are a single piece and the second end is reversibly insertable into the aperture; wherein the one or more end teeth have a first temperature-dependent shape when the active material has the first temperature-dependent state, and a second temperature-dependent shape when the active material has the second temperature-dependent state, and further wherein the one or more end teeth are transitionable between the first temperature-dependent shape and the second temperature-dependent shape in response to the thermal activation source; wherein the one or more end teeth are flattened against the housing when the one or more end teeth have the first temperature-dependent shape, and wherein the one or more end teeth extend from the housing when the one or more end teeth have the second temperature-dependent shape; wherein the one or more end teeth engage at least one of the plurality of engagement portions so that the flexible elongated member is not removable through the aperture when the one or more end teeth have the second temperature-dependent shape; wherein the one or more end teeth do not engage the at least one of the plurality of engagement portions so that the second end is removable through the aperture when the one or more end teeth have the first temperature-dependent shape; wherein the flexible elongated member shortens when both the shape-memory alloy transitions from the martensite phase to the austenite phase and the active material transitions from the second temperature-dependent state to the first temperature-dependent state so that the second end is automatically removable from the aperture; wherein the active material is selected from a group consisting of shape memory polymers, composites of at least one shape-memory polymer and a non-active material, and combinations thereof.