Releasable fastener systems and processes
US7013536B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 8, 2003 |
| Grant date | Mar 21, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 6, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/24017
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A releasable fastener system comprises a loop portion and a hook portion. The loop portion includes a support and a loop material disposed on one side thereof. The hook portion generally includes a support and a plurality of closely spaced upstanding hook elements extending from one side thereof. A selected one of the hook elements or the loop material is formed from a thermally and/or electrically conductive material. The other one is formed of a material adapted to melt, flow or volatize at a defined temperature. When the hook portion and loop portion are pressed together they interlock to form a releasable engagement. The resulting joint created by the engagement is relatively resistant to shear and pull forces and weak in peel strength forces. Introducing an activation signal to the thermally and/or electrically conductive hook elements or loop material, causes the opposing material to melt, flow, soften, or volatize upon contact therewith. Also disclosed herein are processes for operating the releasable fastener system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.