Importance

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Abstract

The invention relates to a releasable fastening system (10) including a tongue (20) moveable along a first path between a locking position and an unlocking position, and a shuttle (24) moveable along a second path at an angle to the first path. The shuttle (24) is adapted to be moved along the second path by a material adapted to contract when activated. The releasable fastening system (10) also includes a means linking the tongue (20) and the shuttle (24) such that movement of the shuttle (24) along the second path is adapted to cause movement of the tongue (20) along the first path. The invention further relates to a releasable fastening system (50) for releasably fastening a first element (44) to a second element (46). The releasable fastening system (50) includes a first fastening means (56) for the first element (44) and a second fastening means (62, 66) for the second element (46). The second fastening means (62, 66) is movable along a first path between a locking position in which the second fastening means (62, 66) engages the first fastening means (56) and an unlocking position in which the second fastening means (62, 66) is disengaged from the first fastening means (56). The releasable fastening system (50) also includes a shuttle (64) movable along a second path at an angle to the first path, and a means linking the second fastening means (62, 66) and the shuttle (64) such that movement of the shuttle (64) along the second path is adapted to cause movement of the second fastening means (62, 66) along the first path. The releasable fastening system (10 or 50) may include a strain reduction assembly.

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First Claim