System for mounting objects to polymeric membranes

A mounting system and method to elastically attach an object to a support structure with an elastic membrane. The elastic membrane allows the object attached thereto to elastically extend in a direction away from the support structure as force is exerted on the object. The elastic membrane includes two surface areas, the first surface area extending peripherally along a perimeter a bottom surface of the elastic membrane and a remaining second surface area. The first surface area being thermally bonded to the support structure, while the second surface area remaining separable from the support structure.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Present Description

The present description relates to methods and system for mounting objects to polymeric membranes.

2. Description of Related Art

Various applications exist in which a polymeric membrane may be placed over a surface. For example, it may be desirable to provide a polymeric membrane as a roofing material. That is, a polymeric membrane may be applied to an outer surface of a building structure, such as a roof, to protect the structure from the environment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure describes methods and systems for mounting or otherwise attaching an object to polymeric membranes. For example, in some instances, the present disclosure describes methods and systems for attaching objects to polymeric membranes utilized for covering all or a portion of a building structure roof. In some instances, the polymeric membranes may include thermoplastic polymeric membranes (“thermoplastic membranes”), while, in other instances, the polymeric membranes may include thermoset polymeric membranes (“thermoset membranes”). Example objects that may be attached include photovoltaic cells, an air handling component (e.g., air conditioning or heating components), telecommunications equipment (e.g., antennas, satellite dishes, etc.), or any other desired object. It should be understood that the materials described herein provide sufficient elasticity for the features described below.

Utilizing the described systems and methods for securing one or more photovoltaic cells to the roof of a structure may provide tax benefits. For example, tax benefits may exist for having photovoltaic cells attached to the structure of a roof that are otherwise unavailable for photovoltaic cells that are merely placed on a roof unattached to the roof structure. Thus, in some implementations, the system and methods described herein provide for attaching an object to the roof structure, and, in the case of photovoltaic cells, may enable a user to enjoy the available tax benefits associated therewith.

In other implementations, the described methods and systems may be utilized for attaching objects to a polymeric membrane forming part of a structure. Further, while some implementations may be described with respect to thermoplastic membranes, thermoset membranes may also be applicable and vice versa. In general, the described methods and systems may be applicable to applications including roofing, waterproofing, earth lining, pond lining, tent construction, tension fabric applications, air forming technologies, flexible plastic forming (such as with flexible plastic films), rigid plastic forms, as well as any other suitable application.

FIG. 1Ashows a perspective view of an example implementation of a system for mounting an object to a polymeric membrane.FIG. 1Ashows a polymeric membrane (interchangeably referred to as “membrane”)10and a mounting plate20. In some instances, the polymeric membrane10is a thermoplastic membrane. Example thermoplastic membranes may include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thermoplastic olefins (TPO), keytone ethylene esters (KEE), nitrile butadiene polymers (NBP), as well as other suitable thermoplastics. In other instances, thermoset membranes may also be used. For example, examples thermoset membranes may include membranes formed from ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) as well as any other suitable thermoset membranes, including thermoplastic membranes that may morph into thermoset membranes over time, such as chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE).

The polymeric membrane10may be secured to a structure40, such as a roof structure. The polymeric membrane10may be secured to the structure40in any known or suitable manner. Further, in some instances, the mounting plate20may be formed entirely or in part from a metal, such as steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, titanium, or other desired or suitable metal. Additionally, the mounting plate20may or may not be weatherized. In other instances, the mounting plate20may be formed from other materials, such as glass, plastic, ceramics, composite materials, or any other material. It should be appreciated that some applications may not require polymeric membrane10; as such, mounting plate20may be bonded or attached directly to structure40without the use of polymeric membrane10.

As shown, the mounting plate20has a protrusion30extending therefrom that may be used for securing a structure. The protrusion30may allow attachment and detachment of the structure, such as structure35, without damage or alteration to the polymeric membrane10. For example, in some instances, the protrusion30may provide for a threaded connection with structure35, although any other suitable connection mechanism may be used. In other implementations, the mounting plate20may be integral to a structure. In still other implementations, the mounting plate20may omit the protrusion30. Alternately, the mounting plate20may include a mechanism for attaching or detaching a corresponding structure thereto. For example, the mounting plate20may include an interlocking mechanism for accepting one or more structures. Example structures may include one or more photovoltaic cells, air handling equipment (e.g., air conditioning equipment or heating equipment), one or more antennas, mounting structures therefor, a barrier, or any other desired structure.

In still other implementations, an example mounting plate20may include a threaded portion for mating engaging with a corresponding threaded portion provided on a structure to be attached or otherwise coupled to the mounting plate20. For example,FIG. 1Bshows a mounting plate20that includes a welded nut22for accepting a protrusion having mating threads. Alternately, as shown inFIG. 1C, the mounting plate20may have a threaded portion24formed therein for accepting the protrusion.

FIG. 1Dshows a cross-sectional view of another example mounting plate20in which the protrusion30is a separate piece insertable into an opening32formed in the mounting plate20. Further, a head34of the protrusion30may be retained in a pocket36formed in the mounting plate20. In other instances, the head34may not be retained in a pocket formed in the mounting plate20. In some implementations, the protrusion30may be a carriage bolt insertable into the opening32, and the interface between the opening32and the protrusion30prevents the protrusion30from rotating relative to the mounting plate20. Further, a mounting plate20having an opening32of a single size may be operable to accept protrusions30having varying shaft lengths, widths, and/or diameters.

The mounting plate20may be attached to the polymeric membrane10in numerous ways.FIGS. 2A-2Cshow several cross sectional views of the mounting plate20attached to the polymeric membrane10. For example,FIG. 2Ashows the mounting plate20attached to the membrane10with a binding agent, such as an adhesive50, disposed therebetween. Alternately, the binding agent for securing the mounting plate20may be a carrier tape60having adhesive70,80provided on opposing sides thereof, as shown inFIG. 2B. In some implementations, the carrier tape60may have a removable protective film or backing65. In some instances the adhesive70and adhesive80may be the same adhesive, while, in other instances, the adhesives70,80may be different. For example, adhesives70,80may be selected based on the material being adhered. For example, for a mounting plate20formed from steel, the adhesive70may be selected to adhere steel, while, for a membrane10formed from PVC, the adhesive80may be selected to adhere to PVC. In some instances the carrier tape60may be a foam-based tape. Carrier tape60may be used to secure the mounting plate20to the membrane10. One or more tape strips or sheets may be used to secure the mounting plate20. Further, the carrier tape60may be custom shaped and/or formed to fit to geometry of the mounting plate20. For example, the carrier tape60may be custom fit to correspond to one or more geometric features of the mounting plate20, such as protrusions or other topographical shapes.

Multiple options for adhesives50,70, and80are available and selecting an appropriate adhesive is often dependent upon the desired engineered failure during testing. In some instances, it may be desirable for the adhesion provided by the selected adhesive to give way at a chosen weight threshold preventing damage to other components within the assembly. In other instances, it may be desirable for the adhesive bond to be so strong that components would not separate without damage to one surface or another. In addition, the selected adhesive may be applied to a carrier tape, the carrier tape and selected adhesive also being capable of being engineered with a chosen weight threshold and thickness. Adhesives50,60, and70include cross linking as well as non-cross linked butyl adhesives. A non-exclusive list of adhesives50,70, and80, as well as carrier tapes60, that may be used are: 3M VHB 4941 F, 3M VHB 4941, 3M VHB 4932, 3M VHB 4952, 3M VHB 5925, 3M VHB 5952, 3M VHB 5962, 3M weather strip tapes, 3M Polyurethane 560, 3M Hybrid Sealant 760, 3M DP 190, 3M DP 125, and 3M 1099 Scotch Weld Adhesive, all of which are produced by 3M of 3M Center, St. Paul, Minn. 55144. Additionally, Ashland Aroset 1930 produced by Ashland Inc of Covington, Ky. 41012 is another example of a suitable adhesive. Further, SikaLastomer-68 produced by Sika Corporation of Madison Heights, Mich. 48071, is example of a suitable carrier tape. The following companies make similar or competing adhesive to those named above: Carlisle Syntec of Carlisle, Pa., Carlisle Hardcast Incorporated of Wylie, Tex., and Firestone Building Products of Indianapolis, Ind. It should be appreciated that the adhesives and carrier tapes identified above may be identified as adhesives alone, or as carrier tape alone, or any combination of carrier tape and adhesive.

FIG. 2Cshows another example implementation in which the binding agent may be a coating of thermoplastic material90applied to one or more surfaces of the mounting plate20placed into contact with the polymeric membrane10. For example, the polymeric membrane10may be a thermoplastic membrane. The mounting plate20may be located at a desired location on the polymeric membrane10, and the coating90may be heated to form a bond between the mounting plate20and the polymeric membrane10. In some instances, the coating90may be heated by heating the mounting plate20, such as with a thermoinduction welder or hot iron. In other instances, energy may be applied more directly to the coating90, such as with sonic welding. For example, the mounting plate20may be affixed using the coating90such as by dielectrical or sonic or vibration welding, solvent bonding, heat bonding (such as using induction heating, infra red heating, hot air heating, or hot iron heating), any combination of the above, or in any other suitable manner.

It should be appreciated that thermoplastic coating90, as well as the thermoplastic coatings described in the other embodiments herein, may be represented in a variety of forms. Such forms include, but are not limited to: solids, liquids, or any mixtures of material phases suitable for the implementations disclosed herein.

A further example mounting system is shown inFIG. 3.FIG. 3shows a mounting plate20secured to a polymeric membrane10(e.g., a thermoplastic membrane) with a binding agent100. According to various implementations, the binding agent100may be, for example, a coating of thermoplastic material applied to a contact surface of the mounting plate20. With the thermoplastic coating, the mounting plate20may be located at a desired location on the polymeric membrane10and heated to bind the mounting plate20to the polymeric membrane10. Alternatively, any adhesive or carrier tape, such as the adhesives and carrier tapes described above, may be used to secure the mounting plate20to the membrane10. The combination of the mounting plate20and the polymeric membrane10may be considered a mounting assembly110.

Referring still toFIG. 3, the mounting assembly110may be attached to a polymeric membrane120. In the present example, the polymeric membrane120may be a thermoplastic membrane. However, in other instances, the polymeric membrane120may be a thermoset membrane. The mounting assembly110may be attached to the polymeric membrane120in numerous ways. For example, the polymeric membrane10of the mounting assembly110may be coupled to the polymeric membrane120using one or more of the methods described above in regards to the bonding of mounting plate20to polymeric membrane10. In other instances, a bonding agent130, such as a carrier tape and/or adhesive (such as the carrier tape and adhesive, described respectively above) may be used. It should be appreciated that bonding agent130may be another bonding medium, including various bonding materials or various bonding members. Similar to above, the carrier tape may be applied in pieces, such as one or more strips or sheets. Further, as also described above, the carrier tape may be formed to correspond to geometry of the mounting assembly110.

FIGS. 4 and 5illustrate an alternate implementation for securing the mounting assembly110to the polymeric membrane120. As shown, a central portion140of the mounting assembly110may be secured to the polymeric membrane120with an adhesive material145, such as one or more pieces of carrier tape or adhesive, such as the carrier tape and adhesive described above. Another attachment method or material may be used around a perimeter portion150. For example, a coating of thermoplastic material155at one or more locations along the perimeter portion150may be used to secure the perimeter portion150to the polymeric membrane120. The coating of thermoplastic material155may be bonded using one or more of the methods described above. Alternately, one or more of an adhesive or carrier tape may be used on the perimeter portion150. For example, the bonding material used on the perimeter portion150may act to further secure the mounting assembly110or as a waterproofing material.

It is noted that, in some instances, a coating of thermoplastic material may be used to bond one thermoplastic membrane to another same or similar thermoplastic membrane. In other instances, the thermoplastic material may be omitted. For example, some thermoplastic membranes may be joined using one or more of the welding techniques above without the aid of a bonding material. On the other hand, a coating of thermoplastic membrane may not be capable of bonding a thermoplastic membrane or thermoset membrane to another thermoset membrane. In such instances, an adhesive, such as an adhesive or carrier tape may be used to bond such dissimilar materials to each other.

In some instances, the polymeric membrane120may be the same or a similar thermoplastic as a thermoplastic forming the thermoplastic membrane10, such as one or more of the thermoplastics described above. However, the thermoplastics forming the respective thermoplastic membrane10and the thermoplastic membrane120may be different while still bondable with or without the use of a thermoplastic material. In some instances, the thermoplastic membrane120may form an outer surface of a roof structure. However, the description is not so limited, and the present description may be applicable to a thermoplastic membrane in any desired application.

The mounting plate20may be of any desired shape. For example, the mounting plate may be circular, rectangular, square, elongated, or be of any other size or shape. Example mounting plates are illustrated inFIGS. 6-8.FIGS. 6A-6Eshow various views of a circular mounting plate20having a plurality of concentric ridges21formed therein as well as a central cavity22that may be used to capture a head of a protrusion, as discussed in a similar manner above. As also described above, the central cavity22may accept a protrusion of different sizes. The protrusion may extend through opening23.

Referring toFIGS. 7A-E, the example mounting plate20also includes cavities22to accept the heads of protrusions. The protrusions may extend through openings23formed in a wall of the cavities22.FIGS. 8A-Dare various views of another example mounting plate20. The mounting plate20may include various ridges24formed therein along with a cavity22and opening23. Again, the cavity22may be used to capture an end portion of a protrusion extending through the opening23. The mounting plate20may also include openings25formed around a periphery thereof.

Further, for the example mounting plate20shown inFIG. 6A-8Dalong with others within the scope of the disclosure, the cavities22, openings23, and/or the combination thereof may be operable to prevent rotation of the protrusion relative to the mounting plate20while also accepting protrusions of different sizes. Additionally, the respective sizes of the ridges24, openings23, cavities22, as well as other aspects of the mounting plates20may be altered to any desired size.

Another example mounting system is shown inFIG. 9in which a mounting plate20is disposed between a first polymeric membrane500and a second polymeric membrane510. Fasteners520extend through the mounting plate20, the second polymeric membrane510, and into a substructure530. The first polymeric membrane510overlays a first surface540of the mounting plate20and includes an opening550through which the protrusion30extends. A bonding material560may be used to adhere the first polymeric membrane500to the mounting plate20.

In some instances, the bonding material560may be a coating of a thermoplastic material applied to a portion of the first surface540between the protrusion30and openings570formed in the mounting plate20through with the fasteners520extend. Still further, in some instances, the bonding material560may be applied and the first polymeric membrane500coupled therewith to the mounting plate20during one or more manufacturing processes. That is, bonding the first polymeric membrane500to the mounting plate20with the bonding material560may be performed remote from a job site, such as at a manufacturing facility. In other instances, the first polymeric membrane500may be bonded to the mounting plate20with the bonding material560at a jobsite. The bonding material560may be a coating of thermoplastic material and used to bond the two components in one or more of the methods described above. In addition to adhering the first polymeric membrane500to the mounting plate20, the bonding material560may also form a seal preventing or substantially preventing fluids from penetrating through the opening550formed through the openings570and into the substructure530.

A bonding material580may also be applied to the first surface540of the mounting plate20. In some instances, the bonding material580may also be used to secure the first polymeric membrane500to the mounting plate20, such as after the fasteners520have been used to secure the mounting plate20to the substructure530. Utilizing the bonding material580after fasteners520have been applied avoids the need to puncture the first polymeric membrane500for the fastener570. Thus, in some instances, the bonding material560may be used to secure only a portion of the first polymeric membrane500to the mounting plate20while still allowing passage of the fasteners520through the openings570without the need to puncture the first polymeric membrane500. The bonding material580may be utilized thereafter to secure the first polymeric membrane500to the mounting plate20thereby also providing a seal. The first polymeric membrane500may also be secured to the second polymeric membrane510with a bonding material590. Also, a coating or bonding material may be omitted where the polymeric membranes are capable of being joined without such materials. For example, the membranes may be thermoplastic membranes capable of being joined using one or more of the bonding techniques described above. In such instances, the bonding material590may be omitted.

A bonding material600may also be used to secure the mounting plate20to the second polymeric membrane510. The bonding materials560,580,590, and600cooperate to form a seal around the mounting plate20to aid in preventing or substantially reducing penetration of fluids and/or debris into the substructure530. One or more of the bonding materials560,580,590, and600may be a coating of a thermoplastic material and used to form a bond using one or more of the techniques described above. In some instances, the bonding materials560,580, and590may be the same material, such as a coating of thermoplastic material610, and may be applied to the mounting plate20, as shown in the example ofFIG. 10. Alternately, one or more of the bonding materials560,580,590, and600may be a carrier tape or adhesive as also described above. In still other implementations, one or more of the bonding materials560,580,590, and/or600may be omitted. For example, in some implementations, the polymeric membranes500,510may be secured directly to each other using one or more of the joining techniques described above without the use of a bonding material. Still further, the mounting plate20may also be formed from a material that is joinable to one or more of the polymeric membrane500and/or polymeric membrane510without the use of a bonding agent using one or more of the techniques described above. In such instances, one or more of the bonding materials560,580, and/or600may be omitted.

The mounting plate20is shown with a protrusion30includes, although the protrusion30may be omitted. Alternately, the mounting plate20may be fixedly attached to another object. Still further, the mounting plate20may have a mechanism for selectively attaching and detaching another object.

FIGS. 11 and 12show another example system700in which one or more mounting plates710are secured to a structure720. For example, the structure720may be a roof structure, although structure720is not so limited but may encompass other structures, such as one or more of the structures identified above or other suitable structure. In some instances, the mounting plates710may be coupled to the structure720with fasteners, although the mounting plates710may be attached in other ways. A polymeric membrane725is applied over the mounting plates710, such as by unrolling a roll of the polymeric membrane725. An example mounting plate710is shown inFIG. 12. The mounting plate710may include a protrusion730. Further, in some implementations, the protrusion730may include a piercing portion740adapted to puncture the polymeric membrane725. Also, a portion of the protrusion730may include a fastening portion735that may be used to attach a structure to the mounting plate. For example, in some instances, the fastening portion735may be a threaded portion. However other fastening mechanisms may also be used.

One or more of the mounting plates710may be secured to the structure720, such as in an array or any other configuration. The mounting plates710may be secured with fasteners and/or with one or more of the techniques described herein (e.g., using a coating of thermoplastic material, carrier tape, adhesive, etc.). With the mounting plates710secured to the structure720, the polymeric membrane725may be overlaid. The mounting plate725may be made to extend through the polymeric membrane725such as by puncturing the polymeric membrane725with the piercing portion740. In other implementations, the polymeric membrane725may have preformed openings to allow the protrusions730to extend therethrough. The polymeric membrane725may be secured to the mounting plate710using one or more of the techniques described above. For example, the mounting plate710may be coupled to the polymeric membrane725with a bonding material727. The bonding material727may be one or more of the materials discussed above and the coupling may be formed using one or more of the methods described above.

FIG. 13shows another example system900including a mounting plate910coupled to a substructure920. Among other uses, the system900may be applicable to roofing applications. The mounting plate910is shown as being attached with fasteners930. However, other techniques may be used to secure the mounting plate910to the substructure920. The mounting plate910may include a protrusion940and a piercing portion950. Further, in some implementations, the protrusion940may include a fastening portion955. Additionally, while the protrusion940is shown as an integral portion of the mounting plate910, the protrusion940may be attached to the mounting plate910using a fastening mechanism. For example, in some implementations, the protrusion940may be attached to the mounting plate910via a threaded connection. An insulating member960may be disposed above the substructure920. An attachment member970may be secured to the protrusion940, such as by engaging the fastening portion950. In some implementations, the fastening portion950and attachment member970may have a threaded engagement, although other attachment interfaces may be used. A polymeric membrane965overlays the insulating member960and may be bonded to the attachment member970with a bonding material980. In some implementations, the bonding material980may be a coating of thermoplastic material applied to attachment member970. In other implementations, a carrier tape and/or an adhesive may be used to couple polymeric membrane965to the attachment member970.

In addition, the described methods and systems can also reduce damage to a polymeric membrane. For example, when objects are unattached but are in contact, debris may become lodged between the object and the polymeric membrane, and, because of the relative movement between the two, the debris may act as an abrasive on the polymeric membrane. Over time, holes, rips, or other damage may occur to the polymeric membrane exposing the underlying structure to the environment, such as moisture, wind, etc. This exposure can cause damage to the structure. However, the present disclosure describes methods and systems that avoid these drawbacks.

Additionally, some of the methods and systems described herein also provide for securing one or more objects to a polymeric membrane without piercing the polymeric membrane. Consequently, objects remain attached to the polymeric membrane without providing a pathway for moisture or other objects, e.g., insects, debris, etc., to pass through the membrane. Again, this can have particular value in waterproofing covering applications where an unperforated covering is greatly desired.

Another example system1000is illustrated inFIG. 14. The system1000includes a polymeric membrane1010, a ridge member1020, and a bonding member1030. In some implementations, the polymeric membrane1010may form a portion of a roof structure, such as an exterior membrane. The ridge member1020may be coupled to the polymeric membrane1010by the bonding member1030. In some instances, the bonding member1030may be a double sided carrier tape similar to the carrier tape described above. In some implementations, the adhesive on the sides of the carrier tape may be selected to provide a bond according to the material forming the polymeric membrane1010and/or the ridge member1020. In other implementations, the bonding member1030may be an adhesive selected to adhere polymeric membrane1010to the ridge member1020. In some instances, the adhesive may be an adhesive similar to the adhesive described above.

The bonding member1030may occupy a channel1040formed in a base1050of the ridge member1020. Lips1055may also be formed in the ridge member1020to aid in preventing intrusion of fluids and other materials into the channel1040. A benefit of the bonding member1030is that while coupling the ridge member1020to the polymeric membrane1010, the bonding member1030may have a bonding strength less than the yield strength of the polymeric membrane1010and/or the ridge member1020. Consequently, the bonding member1030will yield, separating the ridge member1020from the polymeric membrane1010when a shearing load on the ridge member1020exceeds the strength of the bonding member1030. Consequently, the bonding member1030will yield without damaging either the ridge member1020or the polymeric membrane1010. For example, in an application in which the polymeric membrane1010and ridge member1020form an exterior portion of a roof structure, a shearing force on the ridge member1020, for example, caused by a sheet of ice formed on the roof structure, would not tear the polymeric membrane1010as the ice sheet moves down a slope of the roof. Rather, the shearing force would merely sever the ridge member1020from the polymeric membrane1010. In other implementations, the bonding member1030may have a yield strength equal to or greater than one or more of the ridge member1020and/or the polymeric membrane1010.

Referring now toFIGS. 15 and 16in the drawings,FIG. 15shows an oblique view of a mounting system1501according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, whileFIG. 16shows an oblique view of mounting system1501attached to a support structure1601. It should be appreciated that mounting system1501is substantially similar in form and function to the mounting systems described above. Like the mounting systems disclosed herein, mounting system1501utilizes one or more membranes to securely attach an object to the support structure, which includes, but should not be limited to a polymeric membrane and/or a rooftop. Mounting system1501comprises one or more membranes that elastically extend as a force is exerted on the object attached thereto. Further description and illustration of the elastic membrane is provided with reference toFIGS. 17-20C.

Mounting system1501comprises one or more of a first membrane1503, a second membrane1505, and an object1507. First membrane1503is preferable composed of a polymeric material and is adapted to securely bond with at least a portion of second membrane1505. It should be understood that first membrane1503is an optional membrane. For example, second membrane1505could attach directly to the support structure. However, as in most applications, the first membrane is adapted to attach directly to the support structure and the second membrane is adapted to bond to a top surface of the first membrane.

In the preferred embodiment, second membrane1505thermally fuses to first membrane1503; however, it should be appreciated that alternative embodiments could incorporate different methods for bonding second membrane1505to first membrane1503, as disclosed herein and as conventional known in the art. Object1507is preferable a mounting plate substantially similar in form and function to the mounting plates disclosed herein; however, it should be understood that object1507should not be limited to a mounting plate, but could include other devices in lieu of a mounting plate. For example, in some embodiments, object1507could be an attachment device, i.e., a quick-release device, for securing a structure to mounting system1501. Mounting system1501is further provided with an optional protrusion1509adapted to attach to object1507. Protrusion1509is substantially similar in form and function to the protrusions disclosed herein, wherein the protrusion is utilized for securing a riser (not shown) to mounting system1501.

It should be understood that mounting system1501could include the additional features of the mounting systems disclosed above. For example, mounting system1501could include a third polymeric material, a riser, a bonding medium, and/or other features described herein. Furthermore, the first and second membranes of mounting system1501could be composed of the same elastic materials described herein in addition to other suitable materials for providing elasticity to second membrane1505and/or any other desired membrane.

Referring now toFIGS. 17 and 18in the drawings, front views of mounting system1501are shown.FIG. 17shows an assembled mounting system1501, whileFIG. 18shows and exploded view of mounting system1501. Object1507includes a bottom surface1801which bonds to an upper surface1803of second membrane1505. Second membrane includes a lower surface1805which bonds to a top surface1807of first membrane1503. First membrane1503includes a bottom surface1809which attaches to a top surface1811of support structure1601.

Referring now toFIG. 19in the drawings, a bottom view of second membrane1505is shown. Lower surface1805preferably comprises two surface areas, a first surface area1901being adapted to extend peripherally around a perimeter of lower surface1805, and a second remaining surface area1903, which is preferably enclosed within surface area1901. In the preferred embodiment, area1901is bonded to top surface1807of first membrane1503, while area1903remains separable from top surface1807of first membrane1503. This feature allows second membrane1505to elastically extend in a direction away from first membrane1503as a force is exerted on object1507.

Referring now toFIGS. 20A-20Cin the drawings, front views of mounting system1501are shown.FIGS. 20A-20Cdepicts second membrane1505elastically extending away from support structure1601. Specifically, as a force F is exerted on object1507, second membrane1505elastically extends in the direction of the force, and then returns to its original position after the force dissipates.FIG. 20Ashows mounting system1501prior to force exerted against object1507.FIG. 20Bshows second membrane1505elastically extending in direction D1as a force F is exerted on object1507.FIG. 20Cshows second membrane1505moving in the direction D2, thus returning back to its original position after force F1is applied.

The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the invention may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. It is apparent that an invention with significant advantages has been described and illustrated. Although the present invention is shown in a limited number of forms, it is not limited to just these forms, but is amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.