Patent ID: 8881369

Claim:
A method for using a reusable quick release fastener system at an expected environmental temperature, the method comprising: providing a first part having a first base and a plurality of first individual fasteners formed of a flexible material having a transition temperature that is below the expected environmental temperature such that the flexible material is always soft and pliable at the expected environmental temperature, the flexible material being chosen from elastomers, elastomeric composites, shape memory polymers, and shape memory polymer composites, the first individual fasteners each comprising a first stem attached with a rounded seam to a first head of the first individual fastener and with a rounded edge to the first base, each first head having a first face edge and a first back edge; providing a second part having a second base and a plurality of second individual fasteners formed of a flexible material having a transition temperature that is below the expected environmental temperature such that the flexible material is always soft and pliable at the expected environmental temperature, the flexible material being chosen from elastomers, elastomeric composites, shape memory polymers, and shape memory polymer composites, the second individual fasteners each comprising a second stem attached with a rounded seam to a second head of the second individual fastener and with a rounded edge to the second base, each second head having a second face edge and a second back edge; pushing the first part against the second part at the expected environmental temperature such that the first stems of the first individual fasteners and the second stems of the second individual fasteners flex to allow the first back edges of the first individual fasteners to move past the second face edges of the second individual fasteners into cavities defined by recessed portions of the second stems between the rounded seams of the second stems and the rounded edges of the second stems, to place the first part and the second part in a fastened state in which the first back edges overlap the second back edges and interlock the first individual fasteners and the second individual fasteners; and maintaining the fastened state at the expected environmental temperature.