[0001] The present disclosure relates to devices for attaching a tire-mounted sensor ("TMS") package to an innerliner of a tire. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to novel attachment components for affixing differently shaped TMS packages to an innerliner of a tire.

BACKGROUND

[0001] Mounting devices are used to attach objects to a tire, and particularly to an innerliner of a tire. One application is to attach a TMS package to the innerliner of a tire. Various fasteners are used to connect the TMS package to the innerliner, including hook and loop fasteners, threaded connectors, clamps, pins, and snap-fit structures. Such fasteners, however, do not provide a robust and secure connection while maintaining the ability to remove the TMS package.

SUMMARY

[0002] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an assembly for mounting an electronics package to the innerliner of the tire includes an electronics package, a mount and an attachment patch. The attachment patch secures the mount to the innerliner of a tire, and the electronics package is connected to the mount. The attachment patch includes a central cutout that receives the electronics package and is sized and shaped to prevent the mount from passing through. The electronics package may be integral or separable from the mount. The mount may include a threaded post and the electronics package may include a through hole sized to receive the threaded post. A nut may be provided sized and shaped to fit around the threaded post and secure the electronics package. Alternatively, a plurality of mounts may be provided, each mount having a threaded post that fit through corresponding through holes in the electronics package. A plurality of nuts may be included to affix the electronics package to the mounts. Alternatively, the mount may include a circular protrusion that fits into a corresponding groove in the electronics package. Alternatively, the mount may include a plurality of snaps and the electronics package may include corresponding recessions to receive the snaps to secure the electronics package. Alternatively, the electronics package may include a plurality of snaps and the electronics portion may include a plurality of corresponding recessions. Alternatively, the electronics package may have two slide rails and the mount may have to corresponding flexible receiving rails to secure the electronics package to the mount. Alternatively the mount may include an elongated post and the electronics package may include a corresponding clamp having two flexible arms to attach the electronics package to the elongated post.

[0003] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, an assembly for attaching a tire-mounted sensor package to an innerliner of a tire includes a tire- mounted sensor package, a mount having an elongated post and a bottom flange that can be affixed to the innerliner of a tire. In this embodiment, the electronics package has a clamp that can secure the electronics package to the elongated post of the mount. The elongated post may further include an upper flange that it wider than the elongated post. The bottom flange of the mount may be vulcanized onto the tire innerliner, or alternatively affixed to the tire innerliner using an adhesive. .

[0004] In another embodiment, a method for attaching an electronics package to an innerliner of a tire involves locating an electronics package mount against an innerliner of a tire, the electronics package mount having a lower flange. An attachment patch is placed over the electronics package mount and affixed to the innerliner of the tire. The attachment patch includes a central cut out portion that sized and shaped to hold a lower flange of the electronics package mount against the innerliner of the tire. The attachment patch is permanently affixed to the tire innerliner. The attachment patch may be cold cured onto the tire innerliner or may be affixed to a tire using an adhesive. The central cutout portion may have an oval shape. The method may further be performed on a green tire. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0005] In the accompanying drawings, structures are illustrated that, together with the detailed description provided below, describe exemplary embodiments of the claimed invention. Like elements are identified with the same reference numerals. It should be understood that elements shown as a single component may be replaced with multiple components, and elements shown as multiple components may be replaced with a single component. The drawings are not to scale and the proportion of certain elements may be exaggerated for the purpose of illustration.

[0006] Figure 1A is a top view of an embodiment of a TMS package with an integral flange, and an accompanying attachment patch;

[0007] Figure IB is a cross section side view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1A;

[0008] Figure 2A is a top view of another embodiment of a TMS package having a through hole, a mount, and an accompanying attachment patch;

[0009] Figure 2B is a cross section side view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 2A;

[0010] Figure 3A is a top view of another embodiment of a TMS package having two through holes for receiving elongated posts of two mounts and an accompanying attachment patch;

[0011] Figure 3B is a cross section side view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 3A;

[0012] Figure 4A is a top view of another embodiment of a TMS package having a groove that corresponds to a flange of a mount, and an accompanying attachment patch;

[0013] Figure 4B is a cross section side view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 4A;

[0014] Figure 5A is a top view of another embodiment of a TMS package mounted to a mount having two snaps; [0015] Figure 5B is a cross section side view of the embodiment show in Fig. 5A;

[0016] Figure 6A is a top view of another embodiment of a TMS package having snaps mounted to a mount;

[0017] Figure 6B is a cross section side view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 6A;

[0018] Figure 7A is a top view of another embodiment of a TMS package having attachment rails attached to a mount having receiving rails;

[0019] Figure 7B is a cross section side view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 7A;

[0020] Figure 8A is a top view of another embodiment of a TMS package having a clamp attached to a mount having an elongated post and a separate attachment patch;

[0021] Figure 8B is a cross section side view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 8A;

[0022] Figure 9A is a top view of another embodiment of a TMS package having a clamp attached to a mount having an elongated post and an integral attachment patch according to the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 9B is a cross section side view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 9A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] An "innerliner," as used herein, refers to an impervious surface that is the innermost interior surface of the tire cavity. Both singular and plural forms of this term may be within the definitions.

[0002] Figures 1A and IB show a TMS package (also referred to as an electronics package) 100 having a main portion 110 and a mount 120 located at a bottom of the main portion 110. In this embodiment, the mount 120 takes the form of a circular flange and is integral with the main portion 110 of the TMS package. The TMS package 100 contains various sensors and communications equipment that is capable of measuring various tire-related metrics. Such metrics include but are not limited to pressure, temperature, humidity, repeated large amplitude strain in the tire, rubber aging, tread depth, road conditions, tire health, etc.

[0003] The TMS package 100 includes an outer casing that encloses the sensors and communications equipment. TMS package 100 further may have one or more openings (not shown) in the main portion 110, so that air pressure measurements can be taken by the electronics. In one embodiment, the TMS package 100 includes a sensor for measuring an internal temperature of a tire and a transmitter device, such as a radio frequency transmitter. In an alternative embodiment, the TMS package 100 includes a sensor for measuring an internal pressure of a tire and a transmitter device. In another alternative embodiment, the TMS package 100 includes one or more sensors for measuring both an internal temperature and an internal pressure of a tire, as well as a transmitter device. In other alternative embodiments, the TMS package 100 may include accelerometers, stress gauges, strain gauges, sensors for counting tire revolutions, temperature sensors for measuring a temperature of tire materials, sensors for measuring tread depths, or any other known sensors. The TMS package 100 may also include identification information.

[0025] In this embodiment, main portion 110 is cylindrical in shape, and mount 120 is a circular flange. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the TMS package 100 can take any geometric shape. For example, the TMS package main portion 110 could be formed as a hexagonal or octagonal prism. Further, TMS package main portion 110 could be oblong, so that the cross section would resemble a stretched-out circle, oval, hexagon, octagon, etc. Mount 120 could take the same shape as the main portion 110. In other alternative embodiments (not shown), the mount 120 and main portion 110 could take different shapes. The attachment patch 130 could likewise take the form of hexagonal, octagonal, polygonal, or other shapes. In all embodiments, the attachment patch 130 has a size and shape that is larger than the mount 120 of the TMS package 100, and the patch has an opening of a size and shape that can receive the TMS package. [0026] Mount 120 has a diameter larger than the diameter of main portion 110, and main portion 110 is centered on mount 120. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the main portion is off-center relative to the mount. In other alternative embodiments (not shown), the mount 120 and main portion 100 could take different shapes. The attachment patch 130 and attachment patch opening could likewise take the form of hexagonal, octagonal, polygonal, or other shapes. In all embodiments, the attachment patch 130 has a size and shape that is larger than the mount 120 of the TMS package main portion 110, and the attachment patch has an opening of a size and shape that can receive the TMS package main portion 110.

[0027] Attachment patch 130 is further provided to affix the TMS package 100 to the innerliner of a cured tire. Attachment patch 130 is constructed of a resilient material, such as rubber or other elastomeric material. In one embodiment, the attachment patch 130 is constructed of the same rubber composition as the innerliner of the tire. It should be understood that the attachment patch 130 may be constructed of any thermoplastic or thermoset, including without limitation, neoprene, butyl, TPU, EPDM. An attachment patch for tires used in severe use environments, such as high temperatures, high speeds, or high strains, may require a different rubber composition than an attachment patch for tires used in milder environments or cold weather environments.

[0028] Attachment patch 130 includes an inner diameter Dl and an outer diameter D2. Dl is substantially equal to the diameter of main portion 110 of TMS package 100. Dl is less than the diameter of the mount 120. D2 is greater than the diameter of the mount 120. Due to the relative size of the diameters, attachment patch 130 fits over the top of TMS package 100, and contacts both the top of mount 120 and the innerliner of the tire. Attachment patch 130 is then permanently affixed onto the innerliner of the tire using an adhesive or with a cold cure process. When an adhesive is used, first the adhesive is applied to the bottom of the attachment patch 130, and then the attachment patch 130 is placed in contact with the innerliner of the tire. Alternatively, the adhesive could be applied to the innerliner alone, or to both the innerliner and the attachment patch 130. [0029] In the instance where cold curing is used, the attachment patch 130 is first placed over the TMS package 100, and then cold cured to the tire innerliner. To cold cure the attachment patch 130 to an innerliner of the tire, heat and pressure are applied to the attachment patch 130 where it contacts the tire innerliner, so that the two surfaces fuse together. The result is a permanent bond between the attachment patch 130 and the tire innerliner, which securely holds the TMS package 100 against the innerliner of the tire.

[0030] In one embodiment, the TMS package 100 can be affixed to the innerliner of a tire on a sidewall portion of a tire. In another embodiment, the TMS package 100 can be affixed to the innerliner of the tire under the belt area of the tire. In yet another embodiment, the TMS package 100 can be affixed to the innerliner of the tire in a shoulder region of the tire. In still another embodiment, the TMS package 100 can be affixed to the innerliner of the tire in the bead region of the tire.

[0031] The affixation position may be selected based on properties of a specific tire type. For example, a tire may be tested to determine stresses, strains, vibrations, temperatures, and other characteristics at various locations during operation of the tire. A location with minimal stresses and strains may be a desirable affixation position, because such a location will minimize the stresses put on the mounting apparatus. Alternatively, a location with maximum stresses and strains may be a desirable affixation position, because an operator may wish to monitor a tire at a location where it is most likely to fail if operating conditions are too severe. Other desirable affixation positions will be apparent to those skilled in the art and include those positions at which an electronic device may transmit a signal to a receiver, without damage to the tire, the electronic device, or the mounting apparatus. The affixation location in the belt area may be a desirable location if the belt does not interfere with transmission.

[0032] In one embodiment, the TMS package 100 is affixed to the innerliner of a green tire at a desired location, and the attachment patch 130 is cured with the tire. The material of the attachment patch 130 will bond with the rubber of the innerliner during curing. Additionally, or in the alternative, an adhesive may be used to mount the innerliner to the green tire, prior to curing.

[0033] In an alternative embodiment, the TMS package 100 is affixed to the innerliner of a cured tire. In one such embodiment, an uncured attachment patch 130 is affixed to the innerliner of a tire using a dual cure cement or dual care gum. Alternatively, other cements, gums, or adhesives may be used to bond the attachment patch 130 to the innerliner. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the TMS package 100 may be separable into a lower component and an upper component, wherein the lower component is cured with the tire innerliner, and the upper component is affixed to the lower component after the tire has been cured.

[0034] Figures 2A and 2B show a TMS package 200 that includes a main portion 210 connected to a mount 220. Aside from the differences discussed below, the TMS package 200 is substantially the same as the TMS package 100 discussed above in relation to Figures 1A-1B. Specifically, the TMS package 200 may include the same electronics as TMS package 100, including any of the alternatives discussed above. Likewise, the TMS package 200 may have substantially the same geometry as TMS package 100, or any of the alternative geometries discussed above.

[0035] Mount 220 includes a threaded post 230 in a center thereof, and extending substantially perpendicularly to the tire innerliner. The main portion 210 of the TMS package 200 contains a through-hole 240 with a diameter corresponding to the threaded post 230. When the TMS package main portion 210 is installed onto the mount 220, the threaded post 230 extends through the through hole 240 and out of the top of main portion 210. A nut 250 is screwed on to the top of the threaded post 230 to hold the TMS package main portion 210 in place against the mount 220. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the TMS package main portion 210 includes a threaded hole instead of a through hole, and the main portion 210 screws onto the threaded post 230 via the threaded through hole. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the TMS package main portion 210 includes a plurality of threaded holes that correspond to a plurality of threaded posts 230.

[0036] Mount 220 further includes a flange 260 substantially similar to the mount 120 discussed above with respect to Figures 1A and IB, including the alternative embodiments.

[0037] Attachment patch 270 is substantially similar to the attachment patch 130 discussed above with respect to Figures 1A and IB, including the alternative embodiments. The central opening of the attachment patch 270 is smaller than the diameter of the flange 260.

[0038] The mount 220 and attachment patch 270 are installed using the same principles as discussed above with respect to Figure 1. The TMS package main portion 210 can be installed onto the mount before or after the mount 220 and attachment patch 270 are installed into the tire innerliner. Further, with this embodiment, the TMS package main portion 210 can be removed after installation into the tire innerliner, by unscrewing nut 250 and removing main portion 210 from the mount 220. Attachment patch 270 affixes the mount 220 in the same manner as discussed above with respect to Figures 1A and IB, including the discussed alternative embodiments.

[0039] Figures 3A and 3B show a TMS package 300 that includes a main portion 310 connected to mounts 320. Aside from the differences discussed below, the TMS package 300 is substantially the same as the TMS package 100 discussed above in relation to Figures 1A-1B. Specifically, the TMS package 300 may include the same electronics as TMS package 100, including any of the alternatives discussed above. Likewise, the TMS package 300 may have substantially the same geometry as TMS package 100, or any of the alternative geometries discussed above. In this embodiment, TMS package main portion 310 is shaped as a rectangular prism.

[0040] Mounts 320 each include a flange 330 and a threaded post 340 that extend through through-holes 350 of the TMS package main portion 310. Nuts 360 secure the TMS package main portion 310 to the threaded posts 340, and prevent it from falling off of the threaded posts 340. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), multiple threaded posts 340 can all be affixed to a single mount having a single flange.

[0041] Attachment patch 370 includes two holes sized and shaped so that threaded posts 340 can pass through through-holes 350, but small enough so that flanges 330 cannot pass through. In this embodiment, attachment patch 370 takes a rectangular shape. In other embodiments (not shown), the attachment patch 370 and attachment patch opening could take the form of hexagonal, octagonal, polygonal, or other shapes. In all embodiments, the attachment patch 370 has a size and shape that is larger than the flange 330 of the mount 320, and the patch has an opening of a size and shape that can receive the mount 320. Attachment patch 370 affixes the mount 320 in the same manner as discussed above with respect to Figures 1A and IB, including the discussed alternative embodiments.

[0042] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), three or more threaded posts 340 may be used to secure the TMS package 300. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the TMS package 300 includes threaded holes instead of through-holes 350, and threaded posts 340 can be screwed into the threaded holes prior to installation of the TMS package 300 on tire innerliner.

[0043] Figures 4A and 4B show a TMS package 400 affixed to a mount 410. Aside from the differences discussed below, the TMS package 400 is substantially the same as the TMS package 100 discussed above in relation to Figures 1A-1B. Specifically, the TMS package 400 may include the same electronics as TMS package 100, including any of the alternatives discussed above. Likewise, the TMS package 400 may have substantially the same geometry as TMS package 100, or any of the alternative geometries discussed above.

[0044] TMS package 400 includes a circular groove 430 that receives a circular flange 420 located on mount 410, thereby forming an interference fit. The circular flange 420 is angled slightly outward from a center of mount 410 to ensure a tight fit within circular groove 430 of TMS package 400. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the groove and flange could take any geometric shape, as long as they correspond to one another. For example, groove and flange could be square, hexagonal, trapezoidal, polygonal, zig-zag, parabolic, or any other shape. In other alternative embodiments (not shown), the groove and flange may have a plurality of discrete corresponding grooves and flanges that can take any shape. In further alternative embodiments (not shown), the flange 420 can be angled directly vertical from the mount 410, or alternatively angled inward toward a center of mount 410.

[0045] Mount 410 further includes a bottom flange 440 extending outward from a center of mount 410. The diameter of the bottom flange 440 is greater than the diameter of the circular flange 420.

[0046] Attachment patch 450 has a central opening with a diameter greater than or equal to the diameter of the circular flange 420, but less than the diameter of the bottom flange 440. Attachment patch 450 affixes the mount 410 in the same manner as discussed above with respect to Fig. 1, including the discussed alternative embodiments.

[0047] Figures 5A and 5B show a TMS package 500 affixed to a mount 510 via snaps 520 located on mount 510. Aside from the differences discussed below, the TMS package 500 is substantially the same as the TMS package 100 discussed above in relation to Figures 1A-1B. Specifically, the TMS package 500 may include the same electronics as TMS package 100, including any of the alternatives discussed above. Likewise, the TMS package 500 may have substantially the same geometry as TMS package 100, or any of the alternative geometries discussed above.

[0048] Each snap 520 includes at least two flexible prongs 530, which each have a barb 540 on a top end thereof. Snaps 520 can be made of plastic or other flexible material that permits flexible prongs 530 to bend inwards when inserted into holes 550, and then return to a neutral position when barbs 540 reach the recessions 560 of holes 550. In alternative embodiments, flexible prongs 530 can be made from another any other material such as a metal or a composite. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), each snap 520 can have greater or fewer than two flexible prongs 530. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the number of snaps 520 provided on mount 510 can be greater or fewer than two. [0049] TMS package 500 includes holes 550 designed to mate with snaps 520. Holes 550 have recessions 560 at a top portion thereof. Holes 550 have a uniform diameter that is smaller than the diameter of recessions 560. Prongs 530 are flexible, and flex inwards when initially inserted into holes 550. Recessions 560 are sized and shaped to mate with barbs 540 of the snaps 520 when snaps 520 are fully inserted into the holes 550. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), a plurality of mounts are provided, similar to the mounts shown in Figures 3A-3B except with snaps instead of threaded posts.

[0050] Mount 510 includes a flange 570. Attachment patch 580 includes a central opening that has a diameter large enough so that snaps 520 can pass through. The central opening of the attachment patch 580 is but smaller than a diameter of flange 570. Attachment patch 580 affixes the mount 510 in the same manner as discussed above with respect to Fig. 1, including the discussed alternative embodiments.

[0051] Figures 6A and 6B show a TMS package 600 affixed to a mount 610 via snaps 620 located on the TMS package 600. Aside from the differences discussed below, the TMS package 600 is substantially the same as the TMS package 100 discussed above in relation to Figures 1A-1B. Specifically, the TMS package 600 may include the same electronics as TMS package 100, including any of the alternatives discussed above. Likewise, the TMS package 600 may have substantially the same geometry as TMS package 100, or any of the alternative geometries discussed above.

[0052] TMS package 600 locks on to mount 610 when installed. Snaps 620 each consist of one prong 630 in this embodiment, and each prong 630 includes a barb 640 at a lower portion thereof. Mount 610 includes an upper portion having holes 650 sized and shaped to receive snaps 620. Mount 610 further includes flange 660, having a diameter wider than the diameter of the upper portion mount 610.

[0053] Snaps 620 can be made of plastic or other flexible material that permits flexible prongs 630 to bend inwards when inserted into holes 650 in the mount 610, and then return to a neutral position when barbs 640 reach recessions at the base of the holes 650. In alternative embodiments, prongs 630 can be made from another any other material such as a metal or a composite. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), each snap 620 can have greater or fewer than two prongs 630. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the number of snaps 620 provided on mount 610 can be greater or fewer than two.

[0054] Attachment patch 670 includes a central opening with a diameter larger than the upper portion 650, but smaller than the diameter of flange 660. In alternative embodiments, attachment patch 670 can take the form of alternative shapes as discussed above with respect to Figures 1A and IB.

[0055] Attachment patch 670 affixes the mount 610 in the same manner as discussed above with respect to Figures 1A and IB, including the discussed alternative embodiments. Snaps 620 function in the same manner as discussed above with respect to Figures 5A and 5B, except that the locations of the snaps and corresponding holes are switched.

[0056] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), any number of snaps 620 and corresponding holes 650 may be provided. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), a plurality of mounts are provided, similar to the mounts shown in Figures 3A-3B except with holes for receiving snaps instead of threaded posts.

[0057] Figures 7A and 7B show a TMS package 700 affixed to a mount 710 via attachment rails 720 located on the TMS package 700 that fit into receiving rails 730 located on the mount 710. Aside from the differences discussed below, the TMS package 700 is substantially the same as the TMS package 100 discussed above in relation to Figures 1A-1B. Specifically, the TMS package 700 may include the same electronics as TMS package 100, including any of the alternatives discussed above. Likewise, the TMS package 700 may have substantially the same geometry as TMS package 100, or any of the alternative geometries discussed above.

[0058] Attachment rails 720 are located on a lower portion of TMS package 700, and have L-shaped cross sections. In this embodiment, attachment rails 720 are parallel to one another, and are mirror images of one another. In other embodiments (not shown), the attachment rails 720 can take any other shape, including shapes that are non-symmetrical between rails.

[0059] The two receiving rails 730 on the mount 710 have L-shaped cross sections that mate with attachment rails 720 of the TMS package 700. The receiving rails 730 further include stops 740 at their front ends and barbs 750 at their rear ends. Receiving rails 730 are further flexible at the rear ends, so that the rear ends of receiving rails 730 can flex outwardly when attachment rails 720 are slid into a locking engagement with receiving rails 730. When attachment rails 720 are slid into receiving rails 730 until the attachment rails 720 contact stops 740, rear barbs 750 snap into place around attachment rails 720 to prevent attachment rails 720 from sliding out of locked engagement with mount 710. Receiving rails 730 can be permitted to flex by not attaching receiving rails 730 to mount at a rear portion.

[0060] Attachment patch 760 affixes the mount 710 in the same manner as discussed above with respect to Figures 1A and IB, including the discussed alternative embodiments. Attachment patch 760 in this embodiment takes the shape of a ring, similar to the attachment patch 130 discussed above with respect to Figures 1A and IB including the discussed alternative embodiments. In alternative embodiments, attachment patch 760 can take the form of alternative shapes as discussed above with respect to Figures 1A and IB including the discussed alternative embodiments.

[0061] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the locations of the attachment rails and receiving rails can be switched. In a further alternative embodiment (not shown), the cross sections of the attachment rails, receiving rails, or both, can take different shapes. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), any number of receiving and attachment rails can be provided.

[0062] Figures 8A and 8B show a TMS package 800 affixed to a mount 810 via a clamp 820. Aside from the differences discussed below, the TMS package 800 is substantially the same as the TMS package 100 discussed above in relation to Figures 1A-1B. Specifically, the TMS package 800 may include the same electronics as TMS package 100, including any of the alternatives discussed above. Likewise, the TMS package 800 may have substantially the same geometry as TMS package 100, or any of the alternative geometries discussed above.

[0063] TMS package 800 in this embodiment is integral with clamp 820. Clamp 820 has two flexible arms 830. In this embodiment, flexible arms 830 form a partial circle. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), flexible arms 830 could have any other geometry. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), clamp 820 can include greater or fewer than two flexible arms 830. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), clamp 820 can be separate from TMS package 800, and can be fastened to TMS package via a fastener such as snaps or slots. Clamp 820 can be made from the same or a different material as the rest of TMS package 800. Exemplary materials for clamp 820 include but are not limited to plastic, a plastic composite, metal, or any other flexible material.

[0064] Mount 810 includes an elongated post 840, a lower flange 850, and an upper flange 860. Elongated post 840 in this embodiment takes the form of a cylinder. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), elongated post 840 could take the form of any other shape. In all embodiments, the shape of elongated post 840 will match the geometry of the flexible arms 830

[0065] To install TMS package 800 on mount 810, the clamp 820 is pushed into place around elongated post 840 so that flexible arms 830 flex outwardly around elongated post 840, and then return to the position shown in Figure 8A, when the flexible arms 830 encircle elongated post 840. This tight interface fit between clamp 820 and elongated post 840 secures the TMS package 800 against mount 810. Upper flange 860 has a diameter greater than an inner diameter of the clamp 820 and prevents TMS package 800 from sliding off of the elongated post 840.

[0066] Attachment patch 870 affixes the mount 810 in the same manner as discussed above with respect to Figures 1A and IB, including the discussed alternative embodiments. Attachment patch 870 in this embodiment takes the shape of a ring, similar to the attachment patch 130 discussed above with respect to Figures 1A and IB including the discussed alternative embodiments. In alternative embodiments, attachment patch 870 can take the form of alternative shapes as discussed above with respect to Figures 1A and IB including the discussed alternative embodiments

[0067] Figures 9A and 9B show a TMS package 900 affixed to a rubber mount 910. Rubber mount 910 combines the mount 810 and attachment patch 870 of the embodiment of Figures 8A and 8B into a single integral unit. Otherwise, the rubber mount 910 functions in the same way as described with respect to the embodiment of Figures 8A and 8B, including the discussed alternative embodiments.

[0068] In alternative embodiments (not shown), rubber mount 910 can be replaced with a mount made of a non-rubber material, or a rubber hybrid material.

[0069] To the extent that the term "includes" or "including" is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as that term is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent that the term "or" is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean "A or B or both." When the applicants intend to indicate "only A or B but not both" then the term "only A or B but not both" will be employed. Thus, use of the term "or" herein is the inclusive, and not the exclusive use. See, Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage 624 (2d. Ed. 1995). Also, to the extent that the terms "in" or "into" are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to additionally mean "on" or "onto." Furthermore, to the extent the term "connect" is used in the specification or claims, it is intended to mean not only "directly connected to," but also "indirectly connected to" such as connected through another component or components.

[0070] While the present application has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the application, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, the representative apparatus and method, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept.