US Patent 7430788 - Magnetorheological nanocomposite releasable fastener

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7430788.html

This patent from GM teaches a hook and loop type fastener formed from nanocomposite materials and responsive to magnetic fields for ease of release. Claim 1 reads:

1. A hook portion for a releasable fastener system comprising:

a support and a plurality of hook elements disposed on a surface of the support,

wherein the plurality of hook elements comprise a magnetorheological elastomer adapted to change a shape orientation and/or a flexural modulus upon receipt of a magnetic signal,

wherein the magnetorheological elastomer comprises ferromagnetic or paramagnetic particulates in an elastomeric material.