Development in beam type fasteners

摘要

The invention provides a fastener (10) which has an actuating means (12), a bias means (14) and a flexible core (16). The flexible core (16) has an means for engaging (18) which may be integral with but is preferable separate from the flexible core (16) The actuating means (12) includes a material adapted to contract when activated, such as shape memory alloy. Upon contraction of this material, the means for engaging (18) is movable between an engagement position and a disengagement position. The bias means (14) biases the flexible core (16) to the engagement position.