Fastener for air bags and other uses

• Main Authors: SIZER GEOFFRY D, MCARTHUR ADAM R, LAYBOURNE MICHAEL J, NG NICOLAS A, RUDDUCK DICKORY
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 14.09.2006
• Subjects: BLASTING; DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS ORMACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS,CLIPS, WEDGES, JOINTS OR JOINTING; ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVEFUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; HEATING; LIGHTING; MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL; TRANSPORTING; VEHICLES IN GENERAL; VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISEPROVIDED FOR; WEAPONS

The invention provides a fastener ( 10 ) for releasably securing a first element, such as an air bag ( 12 ) to a second element such as a bracket ( 14 ) located in a vehicle. Fastener ( 10 ) has a locking pin ( 16 ) which is movable between a locked position and a release position. Locking pin ( 16 ) has an engageable head ( 18 ). Fastener ( 10 ) includes means such as clip ( 22 ) for engaging head ( 18 ). Locking pin ( 16 ) is biased to the release position, for example, by spring ( 26 ). Fastener ( 10 ) includes an actuator such as spring ( 32 ), comprising or including shape memory alloy and adapted to elongate upon application of appropriate energy. When spring ( 32 ) is elongated, it causes locking pin ( 16 ) to move to the release position. The invention also provides a fastener assembly ( 130 ) including at least one post ( 122 ) having a groove ( 124 ). Fastener assembly ( 130 ) includes a bar or latch, for example, in the form of wire ( 126 ) adapted to engage the groove ( 124 ). Attached to bar ( 126 ) is connecting means, such as shape memory spring ( 128 ). Upon application of suitable energy, spring ( 128 ) is adapted to change shape and draw bar ( 126 ) out of engagement with groove ( 124 ).