Self-Fitting, Self-Adjusting, Automatically Adjusting and/or Automatically Fitting Orthopedic or other (e.g. non human use) Immobilization Splint or Device

A clasp band for facilitating an automatic closure comprising:

• a first half band having a proximal end and a distal end,
• a second half band having a proximal end and a distal end,
• the first and second half bands being configured to be removably attached to an limb at least at the proximate ends of the half bands,
• a clasp having first and second clasp members attached to the two distal ends of the first and second half bands respectively so as to connect or disconnect the first and second half bands at the distal ends,
• a first shape memory material disposed in the first half band,
• a second shape memory material disposed in the second half band,
• a first trigger source in communication with the first shape memory material,
• a second trigger source in communication with the second shape memory material,
• sensors disposed on the first and second half bands,
• a control unit in communication with the first and second trigger sources and with sensors,
• wherein each of the first and second trigger sources are configured to provide a stimulus to each of the first and second shape memory materials,
• wherein each of the first and shape memory materials is configured to transition between a memorized shape and a temporary shape upon receipt of a stimulus,
• wherein the control unit is configured to instruct the first trigger source to provide a stimulus to the first shape memory material in response to sensed information provided by the sensors, causing the first half band to curve with its distal end moving toward the center of an arc of a closed position of the band, and
• wherein the control unit subsequently instructs the second trigger source to provide a stimulus to the second shape memory material, causing the second half band to curve its distal end and move toward the center of the arc of the closed position of the band, thereby facilitating the clasp of the first and second clasp members.

An item that is adapted to be worn on a body part, comprising:

• a composite having a shape memory material and a non-shape memory material;
• at least one pair of clasp members attached to the composite;
• a motor disposed in one of the first and second clasp members, the motor being configured to adjust a position of the clasp members with respect to the composite,
• a trigger source in communication with the shape memory material, the trigger source being configured to provide a stimulus to the shape memory material;
• the composite being configured to transition between a memorized shape and a temporary shape upon receipt of a stimulus;
• sensors disposed on the inner layer of the item,
• a control unit communicatively connected to the trigger source, the motor, and the sensors;
• wherein the composite is configured to self-assemble between a memorized shape and a temporary shape around the body part in response to a first trigger from the trigger source and to stop self-assembly in response to a second trigger from the trigger source,
• wherein the at least one pair of clasp members clasps upon self-assembly,
• wherein the composite assembled into the temporary shape is adapted to affix around the body part, and e
• wherein the control unit regulates an amount of pressure exerted by the composite on the body part detected by the sensors by control the activation of the motor.

A belt with an automatic closure and self-adjusting ability comprising:

• an elongated body having two end portions,
• a buckle having first and second buckle pieces attached to the two end portions of the elongated body respectively so as to connect or disconnect the two end portions of the belt,
• a motor disposed in one of the buckle pieces,
• a shape memory material disposed in the elongated body, the shape memory material comprising a nitinol,
• a trigger source in communication with the shape memory material,
• sensors disposed on the elongated body,
• a control unit in communication with the trigger source, the motor, and sensors,
• wherein the trigger source is configured to provide a stimulus to the shape memory material,
• wherein the shape memory material is configured to transition between a memorized shape and a temporary shape upon receipt of a stimulus,
• wherein the motor is configured to adjust a position of one of the buckle pieces with respect to the elongated body,
• wherein the control unit is configured to instruct the trigger source to provide a stimulus to the shape memory material in response to sensed information provided by the sensors, causing the band to curve with its end portions moving toward the center of an arc of a closed position of the band, thereby facilitating the clasp of the buckle pieces, and
• wherein the control unit is configured to control activation and deactivation of the motor based on measurements provided by the sensors.