Patent Publication Number: US-2017355238-A1

Title: Rubber article including electronics device fastener

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     BACKGROUND 
     In the manufacture of a rubber article, including for example a vehicle tire, it may be desirable to attach devices to the rubber article through easily attachable and/or removable methods. For example, it may be desirable to attach electronic devices to rubber articles, including for example, sensors, power generators, transmitters, identification devices, and the like. 
     Traditionally, attachment of devices to a rubber article, including for example a vehicle tire, may involve adhesion of a device to the rubber article, or alternatively adhesion of a base element to the rubber article, wherein the device is rigidly attached to the base element. However, many rubber articles bend repeatedly during use. For example, a vehicle tire typically undergoes various deformations upon ever revolution of the tire. As a result, devices or base elements adhered to a rubber article may delaminate from the rubber article, thus permitting the device to be lost or damaged, or otherwise causing down time in the rubber article. 
     What is needed is a system for attaching devices, such as electronic devices, to rubber articles. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, a tire is provided, the tire comprising: a first surface; a second surface; and a tire body contained between the first surface and the second surface; wherein the tire body comprises a cavity having a cavity major width in at least one of an axial direction and a circumferential direction, wherein a channel extends between the cavity and the first surface, wherein the channel has a channel major width in at least one of the axial direction and the circumferential direction, wherein the cavity major width is greater than the channel major width, and wherein a protrusion of a fastener is engaged within the cavity. 
     In one embodiment, a rubber article is provided, the rubber article comprising: a surface; and a body; wherein the body comprises a cavity having a cavity major width, wherein a channel extends between the cavity and the surface, wherein the channel has a channel major width, wherein the cavity major width is greater than the channel major width, and wherein a protrusion of a fastener is engaged within the cavity. 
     In one embodiment, a tire having a device is provided, the tire comprising: a first surface; a second surface; a fastener having a protrusion, wherein the fastener is engaged with a device; and a tire body contained between the first surface and the second surface; wherein the tire body comprises a cavity having a cavity shape and a cavity major width in at least one of an axial direction and a circumferential direction, wherein a channel extends between the cavity and the first surface, wherein the channel has a channel major width in at least one of the axial direction and the circumferential direction, wherein the cavity major width is greater than the channel major width, wherein the protrusion has a protrusion shape that is complimentary to the cavity shape, and wherein the protrusion is engaged within the cavity. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate various example systems and apparatuses, and are used merely to illustrate various example embodiments. In the figures, like elements bear like reference numerals. 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates a side sectional view of a rubber article having a cavity connected to a surface of the article via a channel. 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates a bottom sectional view of a rubber article having a cavity connected to a surface of the article via a channel. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a sectional view of a fastener having a protrusion for engaging a cavity of a rubber article. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a sectional view of a fastener having a protrusion for engaging a cavity of a rubber article, coupled to a rubber article featuring a cavity. 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates a sectional view of a fastener having a protrusion for engaging a cavity of a tire, fastened to a device and coupled to a tire featuring a cavity. 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates a sectional view of a fastener having a protrusion for engaging a cavity of a tire, fastened to a device and coupled to a tire featuring a cavity. 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates a sectional view of a fastener having a protrusion for engaging a cavity of a tire, fastened to a device and coupled to a tire featuring a cavity. 
         FIG. 5B  illustrates a sectional view of a fastener having a protrusion for engaging a cavity of a tire, fastened to a device and coupled to a tire featuring a cavity. 
         FIG. 5C  illustrates a sectional view of a fastener having a protrusion for engaging a cavity of a tire, fastened to a device and coupled to a tire featuring a cavity. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a sectional view of a fastener having a protrusion for engaging a cavity of a rubber article, fastened to a device and coupled to a rubber article featuring a cavity. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a sectional view of a fastener having a protrusion for engaging a cavity of a rubber article, fastened to a device and coupled to a rubber article featuring a cavity. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a sectional view of a fastener having a protrusion for engaging a cavity of a rubber article, fastened to a device and coupled to a rubber article featuring a cavity. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a sectional view of a fastener having a protrusion for engaging a cavity of a rubber article, fastened to a device and coupled to a rubber article featuring a cavity. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1A  illustrates a side sectional view of a rubber article  100 . Rubber article  100  may include a body  102 . Body  102  may include at least one surface  103 . Body  102  may include a cavity  104 . Cavity  104  may be oriented within a portion of body  102 . Cavity  104  may be in communication with the at least one surface  103  via a channel  106 . 
     Rubber article  100  may include any of a variety of articles. Rubber article  100  may be an article having elastic properties and capable of deforming and returning to a shape that is substantially the same as its original shape. Rubber article  100  may include a vehicle tire. Rubber article  100  may include a pneumatic vehicle tire. Rubber article  100  may include a non-pneumatic vehicle tire. Rubber article  100  may include an air spring. Rubber article  100  may include a rubber article for attachment to another rubber article, including for example a vehicle tire or an air spring. Such a rubber article for attachment to another rubber article may be referred to as a “patch.” The patch may be bonded to another rubber article through any of a variety of mechanisms, including for example through an adhesive, an epoxy, crosslinking, and the like. The patch may be laminated to another rubber article. Rubber article  100  may include any of a variety of rubber articles to which one may desire to attach a device, such as an electronic device. 
     Body  102  may include any portion of rubber article  100  having sufficient dimensions to include cavity  104 . Body  102  may include a portion of a vehicle tire. Body  102  may include a portion of a vehicle tire in the crown region of the tire. Body  102  may include a portion of a vehicle tire in the shoulder region of the tire. Body  102  may include a portion of a vehicle tire in the sidewall region of the tire. Body  102  may include at least a portion of a patch for attachment to a rubber article, including for example a tire. Body  102  may be comprised of a rubber material. Body  102  may be comprised of a polymer material. Body  102  may be a composite of any of a variety of materials. 
     Surface  103  may be any surface of body  102 . Surface  103  may be any surface of body  102  to which one wishes to attach a device. Surface  103  may be defined as a first surface of rubber article  100 , wherein body  102  is contained between the first surface of rubber article  100  and a second surface of rubber article  100 . Rubber article  100  may be generally oriented as a container with an interior and an exterior, wherein surface  103  is at least one of an interior surface and an exterior surface. Surface  103  may be a first surface and an interior surface, while a second surface may be an exterior surface. Alternatively, surface  103  may be a first surface and an exterior surface, while a second surface may be an interior surface. Surface  103  may be an innerliner material within a vehicle tire. Surface  103  may be an interior surface of a tire. Surface  103  may be an interior surface of a tire in a crown region of the tire. Surface  103  may be an interior surface of a tire in a shoulder region of the tire. Surface  103  may be an interior surface of a tire in a sidewall region of the tire. Surface  103  may be an interior surface of a tire in a bead region of the tire. Surface  103  may be an exterior surface of a tire. Surface  103  may be an exterior surface of a tire in a shoulder region of the tire. Surface  103  may be an exterior surface of a tire in a sidewall region of the tire. Surface  103  may be an exterior surface of a tire in a bead region of the tire. Surface  103  may be a surface of a patch to be attached to a rubber article, including for example a tire. Surface  103  may be a surface of a patch substantially opposite a surface of the patch to be attached to the rubber article. Surface  103  may be an interior surface of a tire in a crown region of the tire, where a second surface is a tread surface of a tire. Surface  103  may be an interior surface of a tire in a sidewall region of the tire, where a second surface is a sidewall surface of a tire. Surface  103  may be a tread surface of a tire, where a second surface is an interior surface of a tire in a crown region of the tire. Surface  103  may be a sidewall surface of attire, where a second surface is an interior surface of a tire in a sidewall region of the tire. 
     Cavity  104  may be oriented within body  102  a distance from surface  103 . Cavity  104  may be oriented such that cavity  104  communicates with surface  103  via channel  106 . Alternatively, cavity  104  may be shaped such that it may communicate with surface  103  without a channel  106 . 
     Cavity  104  may be a generally sphere-shaped cavity. Cavity  104  may be a generally cylinder-shaped cavity. Cavity  104  may be a generally teardrop-shaped cavity. Cavity  104  may be a generally cone-shaped cavity. Cavity  104  may be a generally cube-shaped cavity. Cavity  104  may be a generally cuboid-shaped cavity. Cavity  104  may be a generally pyramid-shaped cavity. Cavity  104  may be a generally tetrahedron-shaped cavity. Cavity  104  may be a generally ribbed cavity, including at least one rib. Cavity  104  may have any of a variety of shapes. Cavity  104  may include any shape capable of accepting a corresponding shape attached to a device. Cavity  104  may include any three dimensional shape capable of creating an interference fit with a corresponding protrusion from a device. 
     Cavity  104  may have a cavity major width D 1 . Cavity major width D 1  may be measured substantially parallel to surface  103 . Where rubber article  100  is a vehicle tire, cavity major width D 1  may be measured in at least one of an axial direction and a circumferential direction within the tire. Cavity major width D 1  may be defined as the maximum width of cavity  104  measured substantially parallel to surface  103 . Cavity major width D 1  may be defined as the maximum width of cavity  104  measured in an axial direction within a tire. Cavity major width D 1  may be defined as the maximum width of cavity  104  measured in a circumferential direction within a tire. 
     Channel  106  may be a void connecting cavity  104  to surface  103 . Channel  106  may extend between cavity  104  and surface  103 . Channel  106  may be configured to accept a protrusion from a device and allow the protrusion to be extended through channel  106  and engage cavity  104 . Channel  106  may be substantially cylindrical in shape. Channel  106  may be substantially cuboid in shape. Channel  106  may have a substantially circular cross-section. Channel  106  may have any of a variety of cross-sections. 
     Channel  106  may include a channel length L 1 . Channel length L 1  may be measured substantially perpendicular to surface  103 . Where rubber article  100  is a vehicle tire, channel length L 1  may be measured in at least one of a radial direction and an axial direction within the tire. Length L 1  may be any of a variety of lengths. Length L 1  may be about 2.0 mm. Length L 1  may be between about 1.0 mm and about 3.0 mm. Length L 1  may be between about 0.5 mm and about 5.0 mm. Length L 1  may be between about 1.0 mm and about 7.0 mm. 
     Channel  106  may have a channel major width D 2 . Channel major width D 2  may be measured substantially parallel to surface  103 . Where rubber article  100  is a vehicle tire, channel major width D 2  may be measured in at least one of an axial direction and a circumferential direction within the tire. Channel major width D 2  may be defined as the maximum width of channel  106  measured substantially parallel to surface  103 . Channel major width D 2  may be defined as the maximum width of channel  106  measured in an axial direction within a tire. Channel major width D 2  may be defined as the maximum width of channel  106  measured in a circumferential direction within a tire. 
     Cavity major width D 1  may be greater than channel major width D 2 . Cavity major width D 11  may be between about 110% and about 400% of channel major width D 2 . Cavity major width D 11  may be between about 150% and about 300% of channel major width D 2 . Cavity major width D 1  may be between about 200% and about 250% of channel major width D 2 . Cavity major width D 1  may be about 250% of channel major width D 2 . Cavity major width D 1  may be between about 200% and about 300% of channel major width D 2 . Cavity major width D 1  may be about equal to channel major width D 2 . 
     In one embodiment, cavity major width D 11  may be about 5.0 mm. Cavity major width D 11  may be between about 1.0 mm and about 10.0 mm. Cavity major width D 11  may be between about 3.0 mm and about 7.0 mm. Cavity major width D 1  may be between about 4.0 mm and about 6.0 mm. 
     Channel major width D 2  may be about 2.0 mm. Channel major width D 2  may be between about 0.2 mm and about 8.0 mm. Channel major width D 2  may be between about 0.5 mm and about 5.0 mm. Channel major width D 2  may be between about 1.0 mm and about 3.0 mm. 
     Channel  106  may be oriented so as to deform at least partially and expand to allow a protrusion (not shown) corresponding to cavity  104  to pass through. Channel  106  may be bound at least partially by a deformable material, such as for example a rubber, a polymer, and the like. Channel  106  may be configured so as to maintain its shape and not deform during passage therethrough of a protrusion (not shown) corresponding to cavity  104 , but rather the protrusion may deform to fit through channel  106  to engage cavity  104 . Alternatively, rubber article  100  may have no channel  106 , but rather, cavity  104  may be in communication with surface  103  without the need for channel  106 . 
     Cavity  104  may be molded into rubber article  100  during the molding and/or creation of rubber article  100 . Cavity  104  may be formed into rubber article  100  after the molding and/or creation of rubber article  100 , for example by cutting away material from rubber article  100  to form cavity  104 . 
     Channel  106  may be molded into rubber article  100  during the molding and/or creation of rubber article  100 . Channel  106  may be formed into rubber article  100  after the molding and/or creation of rubber article  100 , for example by cutting away material from rubber article  100  to form channel  106 . 
       FIG. 1B  illustrates a bottom sectional view of a rubber article  100 . As illustrated, each of cavity  104  and channel  106  may have a substantially circular cross-section. Cavity major width D 1  may be greater than channel major width D 2 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a sectional view of an device fastener  210  having a protrusion  214  for engaging a cavity of a rubber article (not shown). Device fastener  210  may include a fastener portion  212 . Protrusion  214  may be oriented adjacent fastener portion  212 . Protrusion  214  may attach to fastener portion  212  via a stem  216 . 
     Device fastener  210  may be configured to attach a device (not shown) to a rubber article. The device may be any of a variety of devices. The device may be any device that one would desire to attach to a rubber article. The device may include a tire electronics package. The device may be any device that one would desire to attach to a vehicle tire. The device may include any of a variety of devices, including sensors, power generators, transmitters, identification devices, and the like. The device may include a pressure sensor for measuring air pressure within a rubber article. The device may include a temperature sensor for measuring temperature within a rubber article. The device may include a radio frequency transmitter for transmitting information to a receiver. The device may include a power generator configured to generate electricity during use of a rubber article, such as a vehicle tire. The device may include a power storage unit such as a battery. Any of the various devices described herein may be attached to fastener portion  212  of device fastener  210 . Fastener portion  212  may attach to any of the various devices described herein. 
     Fastener portion  212  may be integrally connected to at least one of stem  216  and protrusion  214 . Fastener portion  212  may be removably connected to at least one of stem  216  and protrusion  214 . Fastener portion  212  may be any of a variety of fasteners, including for example a threaded fastener, a rivet, a bolt, a screw, a nail, a pin, a quick disconnect, a magnet, a barbed fitting, a press-fit connector, a ligature, a strap, an adhesive, and the like. Fastener portion  212  may be configured to removably attach to a device. Fastener portion  212  may be configured to permanently attach to a device. 
     In one embodiment, fastener portion  212  may include a threaded fastener with a nut. In this embodiment, at least a portion of fastener portion  212  may extend through an aperture in a device. The nut may be threaded onto fastener portion  212  to at least partially secure the device to device fastener  210 . In another embodiment, fastener portion  212  may be a threaded fastener having threads corresponding to threads in a device. In this embodiment, at least a portion of fastener portion  212  may extend into, and threadably engage with, a threaded aperture in a device. 
     Fastener portion  212  may comprise any of a variety of materials, including for example a rubber, a polymer, a metal, an alloy, a composite, an organic material, an inorganic material, and the like. Fastener portion  212  may be substantially rigid and configured to resist bending or other deformation of fastener portion  212 . Fastener portion  212  may be substantially resilient and configured to allow bending or other deformation of fastener portion  212 . 
     Protrusion  214  may substantially correspond in shape to a cavity, such as cavity  104  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Protrusion  214  may substantially correspond in size to a cavity in a rubber article. Protrusion  214  may substantially correspond in shape and size to a cavity in a rubber article. Protrusion  214  may have any of the variety of possible shapes and cross-sections as discussed above with respect to cavity  104  in  FIG. 1 . Protrusion  214  may be a ribbed member having at least one rib oriented about the member and configured to maintain protrusion  214  inside cavity  104 . 
     Protrusion  214  may comprise any of a variety of materials, including for example a rubber, a polymer, a metal, an alloy, a composite, an organic material, an inorganic material, and the like. Protrusion  214  may include a material capable of deforming such that protrusion  214  may pass through a channel, such as channel  106  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Protrusion  214  may include a material that is rigid and configured to not deform as it passes through a channel, such as channel  106 . Protrusion  214  may include a material that has a hardness greater than the hardness of material surrounding channel  106 . Protrusion  214  may include a material that deforms less than channel  106 . Protrusion  214  may include a material that deforms more than channel  106 . Protrusion  214  may include a material that deforms the same as channel  106 . Protrusion  214  may include a structure that deforms less than channel  106 . Protrusion  214  may include a structure that deforms more than channel  106 . Protrusion  214  may include a structure that deforms the same as channel  106 . 
     Stem  216  may comprise any of a variety of materials, including for example a rubber, a polymer, a metal, an alloy, a composite, an organic material, an inorganic material, and the like. Stem  216  may have any of the variety of possible shapes and cross-sections as discussed above with respect to channel  106  in  FIG. 1 . For example, stem  216  may have a substantially circular cross-section. 
     Either or both of protrusion  214  and stem  216  may be integrally connected to fastener portion  212 . Either or both of protrusion  214  and stem  216  may be removably connected to fastener portion  212 . Either or both of protrusion  214  and stem  216  may be integrally connected to fastener portion  212  and formed, machined, or molded with fastener portion  212 . Either or both of protrusion  214  and stem  216  may be integrally connected to fastener portion  212  and adhered, threaded, riveted, or otherwise fastened to fastener portion  212 . 
     Protrusion  214  may have a protrusion major width D 3 . Stem  216  may have a stem major width D 4 . Protrusion major width D 3  may be greater than stem major width D 4 . 
     Protrusion major width D 3  may be about the same as cavity major width D 1 . Protrusion major width D 3  may be greater than cavity major width D 1 . Protrusion major width D 3  may be less than cavity major width D 1 . Protrusion major width D 3  may be greater than channel major width D 2 . 
     Stem major width D 4  may be about the same as channel major width D 2 . Stem major width D 4  may be greater than channel major width D 2 . Stem major width D 4  may be less than channel major width D 2 . 
     Protrusion major width D 3  may be between about 110% and about 400% of stem major width D 4 . Protrusion major width D 3  may be between about 150% and about 300% of stem major width D 4 . Protrusion major width D 3  may be between about 200% and about 250% of stem major width D 4 . Protrusion major width D 3  may be about equal to stem major width D 4 . 
     Protrusion major width D 3  may be between about 110% and about 400% of channel major width D 2 . Protrusion major width D 3  may be between about 150% and about 300% of channel major width D 2 . Protrusion major width D 3  may be between about 200% and about 250% of channel major width D 2 . Protrusion major width D 3  may be between about 200% and about 300% of channel major width D 2 . Protrusion major width D 3  may be about 250% of channel major width D 2 . Protrusion major width D 3  may be about equal to channel major width D 2 . 
     In one embodiment, protrusion major width D 3  may be about 5.0 mm. Protrusion major width D 3  may be between about 1.0 mm and about 10.0 mm. Protrusion major width D 3  may be between about 3.0 mm and about 7.0 mm. Protrusion major width D 3  may be between about 4.0 mm and about 6.0 mm. 
     Stem major width D 4  may be about 2.0 mm. Stem major width D 4  may be between about 0.2 mm and about 8.0 mm. Stem major width D 4  may be between about 0.5 mm and about 5.0 mm. Stem major width D 4  may be between about 1.0 mm and about 3.0 mm. 
     Stem  216  may include a stem length L 2 . Stem length L 2  may be measured substantially longitudinal along device fastener  210 . Where device fastener  210  is attached to a rubber article, and the rubber article is a vehicle tire, stem length L 2  may be measured in at least one of a radial direction and an axial direction within the tire. Stem length L 2  may be any of a variety of lengths. Stem length L 2  may be about 2.0 mm. Stem length L 2  may be between about 1.0 mm and about 3.0 mm. Stem length L 2  may be between about 0.5 mm and about 5.0 mm. Stem length L 2  may be between about 1.0 mm and about 7.0 mm. 
     Fastener portion  212  may include a fastener portion length L 3 . Fastener portion length L 3  may be any length as necessitated for attaching a device to fastener  210 . Fastener portion length L 3  may be between about 1.0 mm and about 50.0 mm. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a sectional view of a rubber article  300  having a body  302 . Rubber article  300  may have a surface  303 . Surface  303  may include a channel, similar to channel  106  described above with reference to  FIG. 1 , which channel communicates with a cavity similar to cavity  104 . 
     A fastener  310  may be coupled to rubber article  300 . Fastener  310  may include a fastener portion  312 . Fastener  310  may include a protrusion  314  for engaging a cavity of rubber article  300 . Protrusion  314  may be oriented adjacent fastener portion  312 . Protrusion  314  may attach to fastener portion  312  via a stem  316 . 
     As illustrated, protrusion  314  may be oriented in a cavity of rubber article  300 . Stem  316  may be oriented in a channel of rubber article  300 . In one embodiment, fastener  310  may be attached to rubber article  300  by inserting protrusion  314  into a cavity in rubber article  300 , similar to cavity  104  described in  FIG. 1 . Protrusion  314  may be first inserted into a channel, similar to channel  106 , and forced therethrough and into a cavity, similar to cavity  104 . As a result, protrusion  314  may engage a cavity, similar to cavity  104 , while stem  316  is oriented in a channel, similar to channel  106 . Fastener  310 , including fastener portion  312  may be coupled to rubber article  300  in such a manner. 
     Fastener  310  may be separated from rubber article  300  by forcing protrusion  314  from a cavity and through a channel, similar to cavity  104  and channel  106 , respectively. In such a manner, fastener  310  may be decoupled from rubber article  300 . 
     In one embodiment, a single protrusion  314  and cavity combination may be used to attach fastener  310  to rubber article  300 . In another embodiment, a plurality of protrusions  314  may be coupled to a plurality of cavities, to create a plurality of protrusion  314  and cavity combinations to attach fastener  310  to rubber article  300 . In another embodiment, a plurality of fasteners  310  may be coupled to a single rubber article  300  via a plurality of combinations of protrusions  314  and cavities. 
     As illustrated, and with reference to  FIG. 2  above, protrusion major width D 3  may be measured substantially parallel to surface  303 . Where rubber article  300  is a vehicle tire, protrusion major width D 3  may be measured in at least one of an axial direction and a circumferential direction within the tire. Protrusion major width D 3  may be defined as the maximum width of protrusion  314  measured substantially parallel to surface  303 . Protrusion major width D 3  may be defined as the maximum width of protrusion  314  measured in an axial direction within a tire. Protrusion major width D 3  may be defined as the maximum width of protrusion  314  measured in a circumferential direction within a tire. 
     As illustrated, and with reference to  FIG. 2  above, stem major width D 4  may be measured substantially parallel to surface  303 . Where rubber article  300  is a vehicle tire, stem major width D 4  may be measured in at least one of an axial direction and a circumferential direction within the tire. Stem major width D 4  may be defined as the maximum width of stem  316  measured substantially parallel to surface  303 . Stem major width D 4  may be defined as the maximum width of stem  316  measured in an axial direction within a tire. Stem major width D 4  may be defined as the maximum width of stem  316  measured in a circumferential direction within a tire. 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates a sectional view of a rubber article in the form of a tire  400  having a body  402 . Tire  400  may include a tread surface  401 . Tire  400  may have an inner surface  403 . Inner surface  403  may include a channel, similar to channel  106  described above with reference to  FIG. 1 , which channel communicates with a cavity similar to cavity  104 . 
     A fastener  410  may be coupled to tire  400 . Fastener  410  may include a fastener portion  412 . Fastener  410  may include a protrusion  414  for engaging a cavity of tire  400 . Protrusion  414  may be oriented adjacent fastener portion  412 . Protrusion  414  may attach to fastener portion  412  via a stem. 
     A device  417  may be operatively connected to fastener portion  412 . In this manner, device  417  may be operatively connected to a rubber article, such as tire  400 . Device  417  may be threadably connected to fastener portion  412 . Device  417  may be removably connected to fastener portion  412 . Device  417  may be integrally connected to fastener portion  412 . 
     Body  402  may be contained between tread surface  401  of the tire and inner surface  403 . Inner surface  403  may be an innerliner. Body  402  may be contained between tread surface  401  of the tire and the innerliner. 
     In this manner, fastener  410  may be attached to tire  400  following molding of tire  400 . Fastener  410  may be attached to tire  400  prior to molding of tire  400 . Fastener  410  may be attached to tire  400  prior to curing of tire  400 . Fastener  410  may be attached to tire  400  following curing of tire  400 . Fastener  410  may be attached to tire  400  by a tire installer at a retail facility. Fastener  410  may be attached to tire  400  via an interference fit between protrusion  414  and a cavity in tire  400 , similar to cavity  104  referenced in  FIG. 1 . Similarly, fastener  410  may be detached from tire  400  at any point following its attachment. Fastener  410  may be removed from tire  400  and replaced with another fastener  410 . In such a manner, fastener  410  may be replaced with a new undamaged fastener, a different style of fastener, an upgraded fastener, and the like. Fastener  410  may be added to tire  400  without causing damage to tire  400  or device  410 . Device  410  may be removed from tire  400  without causing damage to tire  400 . 
     Device  417  may be attached to fastener  410  at any point prior to, or during installation of tire  400  on a vehicle. Device  417  may be attached to fastener  410  before fastener  410  is attached to tire  400 . Device  417  may be attached to fastener  410  after fastener  410  is attached to tire  400 . Device  417  may be selectively attached to fastener  410 , and as a result device  417  may be selectively removed from fastener  410  and replaced with a new undamaged device, a different style of device, an upgraded device, a device with fresh batteries, and the like. Device  417  may be selectively attached to and detached from fastener  410  depending upon a user&#39;s desired use of device  417 . That is, device  417  may be added to tire  400  when necessary or desired, and device  417  may be removed from tire  400  when unnecessary or undesired. 
     Inner surface  403  may include a tire innerliner. In one embodiment, the tire innerliner may be pierced by the channel, similar to channel  106 , to allow communication between the cavity, similar to cavity  104 , and inner surface  403 . In another embodiment, the tire innerliner may follow the walls and contours formed by the channel and the cavity so as to form a continuous layer within the entire interior of the tire. 
     Body  402  may include a tire carcass. In one embodiment, the tire carcass may include any of a variety of reinforcement materials, including for example cords. At least one of the channel and the cavity may extend through the reinforcement materials. The reinforcement materials may be pieced by at least one of the channel and the cavity. The reinforcement materials may extend around at least one of the channel and the cavity so as to form a continuous reinforcement along the carcass. In another embodiment, the tire carcass may include any of a variety of reinforcement materials, including for example cords. The reinforcement materials may be oriented radially outwardly of at least one of the channel and the cavity. The reinforcement materials may be oriented radially outwardly of both the channel and the cavity, such that the reinforcement materials form a continuous reinforcement along the carcass. 
     Fastener  410  may be attached to tire  400  via one or more combination of protrusion  414  and a cavity. That is, fastener  410  may include one or more protrusion configured to engage one or more cavity. It is contemplated that the addition of protrusions and cavities may increase the retention of fastener  410  within tire  400 . It is contemplated that the addition of fasteners  410  within tire  400  may increase the retention of device  417  within tire  400 . 
       FIG. 4B  illustrates a partial sectional view of tire  400  and fastener  410 . As illustrated, protrusion  414  may be attached to fastener  410  via a stem  416 . 
       FIG. 5A  illustrates a sectional view of a rubber article in the form of a tire  500  having a body  502 . Tire  500  may include a tread surface  501 . Tire  500  may have an inner surface  503 . Inner surface  503  may include a channel, similar to channel  106  described above with reference to  FIG. 1 , which channel communicates with a cavity similar to cavity  104 . 
     A fastener  510  may be coupled to tire  500 . Fastener  510  may include a fastener portion  512 . Fastener  510  may include a protrusion  514  for engaging a cavity of tire  500 . Protrusion  514  may be oriented adjacent fastener portion  512 . Protrusion  514  may attach to fastener portion  512  via a stem. A device  517  may be operatively connected to fastener portion  512 . 
     Tire  500  may include a stanchion  518  extending radially inwardly from the remainder of body  502 . Stanchion  518  may include a portion of tire  500  sized and shaped to contain a cavity, similar to cavity  104  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Stanchion  518  may include a portion of tire  500  sized and shaped to contain a cavity and a channel, similar to cavity  104  and channel  106 . 
     Body  502  may be contained between tread surface  501  of the tire and inner surface  503 . Inner surface  503  may be an innerliner. Body  502  may be contained between tread surface  501  of the tire and the innerliner. 
     Stanchion  518  may be substantially the same material otherwise used in tire  500 . Stanchion  518  may be a rubber material. Stanchion  518  may be molded into tire  500 . Stanchion  518  may be manufactured as a part of tire  500 . Stanchion  518  may be part of a patch added to a tire  500  following curing of tire  500 . At least one of the cavity and the channel may be molded into stanchion  518  during its manufacture. Alternatively, at least one of the cavity and the channel may be machined, cut, or otherwise added to stanchion  518  after its manufacture. 
     Stanchion  518  may be radially inward of any reinforcement within tire  500 . Stanchion  518  may be radially inward of a tire innerliner. Stanchion  518  may be covered by a tire innerliner. Stanchion  518  may be made of a material that has a permeability similar to a tire innerliner. Stanchion  518  may be made of a butyl rubber. 
       FIG. 5B  illustrates a partial sectional view of tire  500  and fastener  510 . As illustrated, protrusion  514  may be attached to fastener  510  via a stem  516 . As illustrated, stanchion  518  may be an integral part of tire  500 . 
       FIG. 5C  illustrates a partial sectional view of tire  500  and fastener  510 . As illustrated, protrusion  514  may be attached to fastener  510  via a stem  516 . 
     As illustrated, stanchion  518  may be attached to tire  500 . Stanchion  518  may be a part of a patch. Stanchion  518  may be attached to tire  500  following manufacture of tire  500 . Stanchion  518  may be adhered to tire  500 . Stanchion  518  may be fastened to tire  500 . Stanchion  518  may be laminated with tire  500 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a sectional view of a rubber article  600  having a body  602 . Rubber article  600  may have a surface  603 . Surface  603  may include a channel, similar to channel  106  described above with reference to  FIG. 1 , which channel communicates with a cavity similar to cavity  104 . 
     A fastener  610  may be coupled to rubber article  600 . Fastener  610  may include a fastener portion  612 . Fastener  610  may include a protrusion  614  for engaging a cavity of rubber article  600 . Protrusion  614  may be oriented adjacent fastener portion  612 . Protrusion  614  may attach to fastener portion  612  via a stem  616 . At least one of protrusion  614  and its corresponding cavity may have any of a variety of cross-sections, including for example a circular cross-section. Fastener portion  612  may engage a device  617 . 
     As illustrated, protrusion  614  may include at least one protrusion engagement element  620  oriented on its periphery. At least one protrusion engagement element  620  may be a rib. At least one protrusion engagement element  620  may be a bump. At least one protrusion engagement element  620  may include any positive element extending from the surface of protrusion  614 . Alternatively, protrusion  614  may include at least one negative element configured to engage at least one cavity engagement element  622 . 
     The cavity may include at least one cavity engagement element  622  oriented on its inner surface. At least one cavity engagement element  622  may be a rib. At least one cavity engagement element  622  may be a bump. At least one cavity engagement element  622  may include any positive element extending from the inner surface of the cavity. Alternatively, the cavity may include at least one negative element configured to engage at least one protrusion engagement element  620 . 
     At least one protrusion engagement element  620  may be configured to engage the cavity. At least one protrusion engagement element  620  may be configured to engage at least one cavity engagement element  622 . At least one cavity engagement element  622  may be configured to engage protrusion  614 . It is contemplated that protrusion  614  may include at least one protrusion engagement element  620 , while the cavity does not include any cavity engagement element  622 . It is contemplated that the cavity may include at least one cavity engagement element  622 , while protrusion  614  does not include any protrusion engagement element  620 . It is contemplated that the cavity may include at least one cavity engagement element  622  and protrusion  614  may include at least one protrusion engagement element  620 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a sectional view of a rubber article  700  having a body  702 . Rubber article  700  may have a surface  703 . Surface  703  may include a channel, similar to channel  106  described above with reference to  FIG. 1 , which channel communicates with a cavity similar to cavity  104 . 
     A fastener  710  may be coupled to rubber article  700 . Fastener  710  may include a fastener portion  712 . Fastener  710  may include a protrusion  714  for engaging a cavity of rubber article  700 . Protrusion  714  may be oriented adjacent fastener portion  712 . Protrusion  714  may attach to fastener portion  712  via a stem  716 . Fastener portion  712  may engage a device  717 . 
     As illustrated, at least one of protrusion  714  and the corresponding cavity may be in the shape of an inverted cone, an inverted tetrahedron, an inverted pyramid, and the like. At least one of protrusion  714  and the corresponding cavity may have a circular cross-section. At least one of protrusion  714  and the corresponding cavity may have a triangular cross-section. At least one of protrusion  714  and the corresponding cavity may have a quadrilateral cross-section, including for example a square cross-section or a rectangular cross-section. At least one of protrusion  714  and the corresponding cavity may have a cross-section having any number of sides. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a sectional view of a rubber article  800  having a body  802 . Rubber article  800  may have a surface  803 . Surface  803  may include a channel, similar to channel  106  described above with reference to  FIG. 1 , which channel communicates with a cavity similar to cavity  104 . 
     A fastener  810  may be coupled to rubber article  800 . Fastener  810  may include a fastener portion  812 . Fastener  810  may include a protrusion  814  for engaging a cavity of rubber article  800 . Protrusion  814  may be oriented adjacent fastener portion  812 . Protrusion  814  may attach to fastener portion  812  via a stem  816 . Fastener portion  812  may engage a device  817 . 
     As illustrated, at least one of protrusion  814  and the corresponding cavity may be in the shape of an inverted cone, an inverted tetrahedron, an inverted pyramid, and the like. At least one of protrusion  814  and the corresponding cavity may have a circular cross-section. At least one of protrusion  814  and the corresponding cavity may have a triangular cross-section. At least one of protrusion  814  and the corresponding cavity may have a quadrilateral cross-section, including for example a square cross-section or a rectangular cross-section. At least one of protrusion  814  and the corresponding cavity may have a cross-section having any number of sides. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a sectional view of a rubber article  900  having a body  902 . Rubber article  900  may have a surface  903 . Surface  903  may include a channel, similar to channel  106  described above with reference to  FIG. 1 , which channel communicates with a cavity similar to cavity  104 . 
     A fastener  910  may be coupled to rubber article  900 . Fastener  910  may include a fastener portion  912 . Fastener  910  may include a protrusion  914  for engaging a cavity of rubber article  900 . Protrusion  914  may be oriented adjacent fastener portion  912 . Protrusion  914  may attach to fastener portion  912  via a stem  916 . 
     As illustrated, at least one of protrusion  914  and the corresponding cavity may be in the shape of a cone, a tetrahedron, a pyramid, and the like. At least one of protrusion  914  and the corresponding cavity may have a circular cross-section. At least one of protrusion  914  and the corresponding cavity may have a triangular cross-section. At least one of protrusion  914  and the corresponding cavity may have a quadrilateral cross-section, including for example a square cross-section or a rectangular cross-section. At least one of protrusion  914  and the corresponding cavity may have a cross-section having any number of sides. 
     It is contemplated that the force necessary to install a fastener by insertion of a protrusion through a channel and into a cavity would be any of a variety of forces. For example, a human may install the fastener as described using only the force in ones hands. A human may install the fastener using only the force in ones hands, but with the assistance of a tool. A machine may install the fastener using any amount of force necessary and possible with known machine actuation. In one embodiment, the fastener may require less force to install than to remove. In another embodiment, the fastener may require more force to install than to remove. The fastener may require about the same force to install as to remove. 
     Prior art devices may be adhered directly to a tire&#39;s interior surface using an adhesive, thus creating a lamination between the device, a device patch, a device base, or the like, and the tire&#39;s interior surface. During use of the tire, the tire&#39;s interior surface undergoes many deformations in each revolution of the tire (cycle of the tire). A tire may undergo a very large number of cycles in its lifetime—perhaps several million cycles. As a result, the lamination between the device, in whatever manner, and the tire&#39;s interior surface may undergo a very high number of cycles that may place any of strain on the lamination, deformation of the lamination, force within the lamination attempting to pull the device and the tire away from one another, and the like. 
     Attachment of a device and/or fastener to the tire in the manner described above, wherein a cavity is oriented within, or on an inner surface of, the tire, which is engaged by a protrusion extending from the fastener, eliminates many of the forces, strains, deformations, and the like found in the lamination between prior art devices and the tire interior surface when those devices are used. 
     Attachment of a device and/or fastener to the tire in the manner described above, wherein a cavity is oriented within, or on an inner surface of, the tire, which is engaged by a protrusion extending from the fastener, may allow the device and/or fastener to move at least somewhat relative to the tire. In this manner, the interface between the device/fastener and the tire may experience less forces, strains, and deformations than may be experienced via a more rigid interface, such as a lamination of the device directly to the tire interior. That is, the device and/or fastener, may have some “play” to move at least somewhat laterally, proximally, distally, or in terms of a tire, axially, circumferentially, or radially. This “play” may allow the device and/or fastener to be at least partially isolated from some of the forces, deformations, strains, and the like imparted to the tire from outside the tire during its operation, including for example the force imparted to the tire from hitting a pothole, or the like. While the tire deforms due to the force of hitting the pothole, the device and/or fastener may be allowed to move at least somewhat such that damage to the device is at least partially mitigated. Similarly, while the tire deforms due to the force of hitting the pothole, the interface between the fastener&#39;s protrusion and the tire&#39;s cavity is allowed some flex without detaching, whereas a traditional directly laminated device interface may not be able to withstand the strain, and may begin to partially delaminate or completely delaminate. The device and/or fastener may have some “play” particularly where the fastener protrusion is round or spherical in nature, as well as the corresponding cavity. For example, the protrusion and the cavity may interact similar to a ball and socket joint. 
     In each of the embodiments above, it is contemplated that a rubber article could have a protrusion, which engages a cavity within a fastener. That is, a rubber article may have a protrusion connected to the rubber article by a stem. The fastener may have a cavity in communication with a surface of the fastener via a channel. The two may engage as discussed above. The fastener may attach to a device, which could be any of the devices described herein. The rubber article could be any of the rubber articles described herein, including for example a tire. 
     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.” To the extent that the term “substantially” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to take into consideration the degree of precision available or prudent in manufacturing. To the extent that the term “selectively” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to refer to a condition of a component wherein a user of the apparatus may activate or deactivate the feature or function of the component as is necessary or desired in use of the apparatus. To the extent that the term “operatively connected” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to mean that the identified components are connected in a way to perform a designated function. As used in the specification and the claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural. Finally, where the term “about” is used in conjunction with a number, it is intended to include ±10% of the number. In other words, “about 10” may mean from 9 to 11. 
     As stated above, 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, having the benefit of the present application. Therefore, the application, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, illustrative examples shown, or any apparatus referred to. Departures may be made from such details, examples, and apparatuses without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept.