Patent ID: 6598274
Filing Date: 2003-07-29
Classification: A44B,C08L,F16B,Y10T

Abstract:
An electrically releasable hook and loop fastener assembly comprising:a loop fastener half-portion having a loop fastener base with a plurality of loop elements extending therefrom; a hook fastener half-portion having a hook fastener base with a plurality of hook elements extending therefrom; said hook elements having a fixed end mounted to said hook fastener base and a free end, remote from said fixed end, defining a hook shape; said hook elements being dimensioned to mechanically engage said loop elements when said loop fastener half-portion and said hook fastener half-portion are pressed into contact with each other; said hook elements comprising a first length of flexible material and a second length of flexible, electrically responsive and electrically conductive shape-memory material of the type that changes from a first configuration to a second configuration in response to electrical current flow therethrough; means associated with at least said hook fastener half-portion for applying an electrical potential difference between said fixed end and said free end of said hook elements; and, said length of shape-memory material being positioned to substantially straighten said hook shape in response to change in shape of said shape-memory material upon application of an electrical potential difference between the ends thereof.