Patent ID: 6089781
Filing Date: 2000-07-18
Classification: F16B,Y10T

Abstract:
A structure, comprising:a first article;a second article; anda fastener for the first article and the second article, the fastener comprisinga first slot in the first article, the first slot having at least a first-slot portion thereof wherein a width of the first slot increases with increasing distance from an opening of the first slot,a second slot in the second article, the second slot having at least a second-slot portion thereof, wherein a width of the second slot increases with increasing distance from an opening of the second slot, the opening of the first slot and the opening of the second slot being in a facing relationship, anda bar of a shape-memory alloy received into the first slot and the second slot, the bar having a cross sectional shape includinga first-bar portion corresponding to the first-slot portion, wherein a width of a lateral side of the bar increases with increasing distance from a transverse centerline of the bar, anda second-bar portion corresponding to the second-slot portion, wherein a width of a lateral side of the bar increases with increasing distance from the transverse centerline of the bar.