Patent Description:
Compressed fluids are useful in many applications requiring portability. In commercial applications, highly pressurized tanks containing fluids can be mounted on vehicles for use in fueling the vehicle or for transportation to an end-use location or for use as in virtual pipelines that provide fuel for power generation, mining operations, or mobile fuel stations. Such mounting requires structures that can adequately protect the tank from impacts that can damage the tank integrity and potentially result in tank failure. When fluids suitable as fuels are being transported, uncontrolled release of highly pressurized fluid can result in damage to property or injury to people. Accordingly, there is a need for structural mounting solutions that can aid in the safe transportation of highly pressurized tanks on mobile vehicles.

The present disclosure is related to these and other important needs.

US Patent Publication No. <CIT> discloses a support structure for a container provided with neck portions on both ends of a longitudinal direction thereof which includes: a first support member for supporting one of the neck portions of the container; a second support member for supporting the other of the neck portions of the container, and elastically pressing the container in the longitudinal direction thereof; and, a frame to which the first and second support members are fixed.

Some systems for mounting cylindrical pressurized tanks utilize one or more straps around the mid-section of a tank, while other systems utilize collars on either end of the cylinder. With the use of collars, one end of the cylinder can be fixed while the other end of the cylinder is mounted with the collar in a floating configuration. A floating collar can allow for tank expansion and contraction as the tank is pressurized and depressurized. Further, the floating collar can accommodate flexing within an overall mounting frame system that retains the tank, as the mounting frame system may be in a mobile system that undergoes vibrations, shocks, and other stresses during transport. Some commercial mounting systems utilize a bushing for the floating configuration, with the tank collar floating within the bushing. The inventors have observed that debris can enter the bushing, which causes it to bind or wear away. When a bushing that has a bind in it, the tank collar cannot freely float and move as the tank expands or contracts. A tank undergoing pressurization or depressurization can break free from the bind in the bushing in a dangerous event as the tank collar forces out the debris and rapidly moves through the floating bushing. Wearing away of the busing over time can result in the need for replacement of the mounting system, and a reduced ability to protect the tank before the need for replacement is discovered.

The present disclosure provides a mounting solution suitable for a use in a collar-mounted tank system Some implementations of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for flexibly mounting a load, in which the load can move relative to the mounting location. In certain implementations, the load can be a tank or a portion thereof, such as one end of a cylindrical tank. In some implementations the flexible mounting system can allow for as much as about <NUM> centimetres of displacement.

The present disclosure provides a mounting plate for a pressurized tank, the mounting plate comprising a mounting portion which completely surrounds and retains a tank end and any affixed plug adjacent to a plurality of fastening regions, and a flexing portion adjacent to a mounting feature. The mounting plate further comprises a plurality of flexion pathways formed that lead from the mounting portion to the flexing portion, with each of the plurality of flexion pathways having at least a portion having a cross-sectional area, with the cross-sectional areas of the plurality of flexion pathways being substantially consistent with each other. Each of the plurality of flexion pathways is formed by one or more cutaway paths having at least one circular end-cut and at least one linear cut in combination. The at least one linear cut of each cutaway path defines a gap between the mounting portion and the flexing portion. The flexing portion is movable in a direction out of a same plane as the mounting portion through a bending deflection. The gap allows for flexion between the flexing portion and the mounting portion with the flexing portion being movable in a direction that stretches open or presses closed the gap. In further implementations, the mounting plates can further comprise one or more edge scallop cuts adjacent to the circular end-cuts. In some implementations the plurality of fastening regions can be provided at positions surrounding the mounting feature.

The present disclosure provides pressurized tank retaining structures comprising a mounting plate, a pressurized tank having a tank collar extending therefrom, a connecting mechanism that connects a mounting feature of the mounting plate to the tank collar; and a frame system connected to the mounting plate at a plurality of fastening regions of the mounting plate.

The present disclosure provides methods of mounting a tank to a frame system, the method comprising providing a flex mounting plate having a mounting feature, attaching a sleeve to the mounting feature such that no relative motion between the sleeve and the mounting feature can occur, and connecting the sleeve to a tank collar on the tank such that no relative motion between the sleeve and the tank collar can occur. In certain implementations, the methods can further comprise bonding the sleeve and tank collar together. In other implementations, the methods can further comprise connecting the sleeve and the tank collar with a threaded engagement.

The present disclosure provides methods of mounting a tank to a frame system, the method comprising providing a flex mounting plate having a mounting feature, attaching an expandable plug to the mounting feature such that no relative motion between the expandable plug and the mounting feature can occur, and connecting the expandable plug to a tank collar on the tank such that no relative motion between the expandable plug and the tank collar can occur. In certain implementations, the expandable plug can be connected to the tank collar via engagement with a protrusion within the tank collar by expanding the expandable plug by tightening a pin feature that pulls an expander element into a segmented portion of the expandable plug.

The summary, as well as the following detailed description, is further understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, there are shown in the drawings exemplary implementations of the disclosure; however, the disclosure is not limited to the specific methods, compositions, and devices disclosed. In addition, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:.

In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. All descriptions and callouts in the Figures are hereby incorporated by this reference as if fully set forth herein.

The present disclosure may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying figures and examples, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, methods, applications, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplars by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed disclosure. Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term "plurality", as used herein, means more than one. When a range of values is expressed, another exemplar includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another exemplar. All ranges are inclusive and combinable.

<FIG> schematically shows an exemplary virtual pipeline trailer system <NUM> that can incorporate the mounting systems of the disclosure. System <NUM> can include a tractor unit <NUM> and a semi-trailer or trailer <NUM>. Trailer <NUM> can be used to contain and transport a plurality of pressurized tanks <NUM>, as shown schematically in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a side view of a trailer <NUM>, which is an implementation of trailer <NUM>. Trailer <NUM> provides for vertically mounted cylindrical pressurized tanks <NUM> within a frame system <NUM>. The tanks <NUM> can be mounted with a fixed end <NUM> and a floating end <NUM> relative to the frame system <NUM>. <FIG> shows a top view of trailer <NUM>, which can have a plurality of rows and columns of the plurality of tanks <NUM>. Frame system <NUM> is shown schematically and connections of fluid piping, monitoring and safety components going to and from the tanks <NUM> are omitted for clarity. Mounting connections from the frame system <NUM> have been omitted from <FIG> and <FIG> for clarity.

<FIG> and <FIG> show a trailer <NUM>, which is an implementation of trailer <NUM>. Trailer <NUM> provides for horizontally mounted cylindrical pressurized tanks <NUM> within a frame system <NUM>. The tanks <NUM> can be mounted with a fixed end <NUM> and a floating end <NUM> relative to the frame system <NUM>. <FIG> shows a side view of trailer <NUM> and <FIG> shows a top view of trailer <NUM>, which can have a plurality of rows and columns of the plurality of tanks <NUM>. Frame system <NUM> is shown schematically and connections of fluid piping, monitoring and safety components going to and from the tanks <NUM> are omitted for clarity. Mounting connections from the frame system <NUM> have been omitted from <FIG> and <FIG> for clarity.

<FIG> shows a schematic of some of the components in an implementation of a floating end <NUM>. Tank <NUM> has a cylindrical end region <NUM> having a tank collar <NUM> extending therefrom. As tank <NUM> expands under pressurization, tank collar <NUM> will be extended further downwards, away from the opposing fixed end <NUM> not shown in <FIG>, such that the end surface <NUM> is displaced relative to a surface <NUM> of the mounting frame portions <NUM>. The displacement distance between surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> can change as much as <NUM> inches depending upon the pressurization level in the tank <NUM>, temperatures in the system, and the flexing state of the frame system <NUM> that can result from vibrations, shocks, or other stress loading. Tank collar <NUM> extends through a void between mounting frame portions <NUM> to allow for relative motion.

In order to adequately retain the tank <NUM> to comply with safety standards and requirements, the tank collar of the floating end can be retained and stabilized against displacements orthogonal to the central axis of the tank <NUM>. <FIG> shows a top view of a section view through the plane of connection between a tank collar and mounting system, showing aspects of a bushing retention system for a floating end. A mounting plate <NUM>, which can be connected to a frame system or an integral portion of a frame system, has a central opening with a bushing surface <NUM> disposed around the external surface <NUM> of a tank collar <NUM>. Tank collar <NUM> can be displaced relative to the mounting plate <NUM>, i.e. into and out of the page as <FIG> is viewed. It has been observed by the inventor that debris can become trapped in a space or gap <NUM> between surfaces <NUM> and <NUM>. Debris <NUM> can bind the surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> such that the tank collar cannot freely float and be displaced relative to each other. The binding between the surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> can be abruptly broken during pressurization and depressurization events such that a dangerous dislodging can occur. Further, repeated motion with debris <NUM> trapped between surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> can wear away the surfaces <NUM> and <NUM>. This is particularly problematic in the environments in which pressurized tanks <NUM> are used for fueling in areas where there is little or no infrastructure.

The inventor has discovered that mounting systems can be provided that do not have surfaces that undergo repeated relative motion between the surfaces. Implementations of these mounting systems, described herein, can avoid the wear due to debris and can avoid abrupt unbinding events that can be dangerous to personnel in the surrounding area.

<FIG>, and <FIG> show aspects of an implementation of a flex mounting plate <NUM> that can be used in the mounting systems of the present invention. Flex mounting plate <NUM> can be used in the floating ends <NUM> and <NUM> in connection with the frame systems <NUM> and <NUM> described elsewhere herein. Flex mounting plate <NUM> can be mounted across a void in a frame system, such that a central portion of flex mounting plate <NUM> can be displaced relative to mounting portions around fastening regions <NUM>. A plurality of fastening regions <NUM> can be provided and used to secure the flex mounting plate <NUM> to one or more mounting frame portions with a frame system that is configured to hold a pressurized tank <NUM>. A central mounting region <NUM> is provided to secure the tank collar in the floating end configuration. The tank collar, not shown in <FIG>, and <FIG>, can be secured with no relative motion with respect to the central mounting region <NUM>. The connection with no relative motion can be provided with any connection structure that securely connects the tank collar to the flex mounting plate <NUM>. In this fashion, a cylindrical tank <NUM> can expand and contract along its central axis via a flexing of the flex mounting plate. The central portion of flex mounting plate, i.e. the region closest to central mounting region <NUM> can move relative to the exterior portions of the flex mounting plate nearest to edges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. This motion can be the central portion moving into and out of the page when viewing <FIG>, such that the surface <NUM> would not be completely planar and flat. The flex mounting plate <NUM> could be used in the floating end <NUM> shown in <FIG>, by having the flex mounting plate <NUM> affixed to the mounting frame portions <NUM> by the fastening regions <NUM>. In some implementations, bolts and nuts could be used with through-hole implementations of regions <NUM> to fasten the flex mounting plate to a matching pattern of holes in mounting frame portions <NUM>. Appropriate fasteners and surface treatments known in the art can be used to avoid disconnections due to vibration in the system.

<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> show aspects of implementations of a flex mounting plate <NUM>. Flex mounting plate <NUM> can be used in the floating ends <NUM> and <NUM> in connection with the frame systems <NUM> and <NUM> described elsewhere herein. Flex mounting plate <NUM> can in line with a void in a frame system that is in line with the tank collar of a cylindrical tank <NUM>, such that a central portion <NUM> around a mounting feature <NUM> of flex mounting plate <NUM> can be displaced relative to mounting portions around fastening regions <NUM>. Flex mounting plate <NUM> can be viewed in some aspects as variation of flex mounting plate <NUM> that allows for a more compact arrangement of fastening regions <NUM> while providing for the same or similar flexion between the central portions and the fastening regions. The more compact arrangement can be particularly advantageous in trailers <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> that have been designed for maximum gas capacity within the volume envelope of the trailer dimensions. It has been observed by the inventors that a plurality of smaller vertically mounted tanks can increase gas capacity. In densely packed systems, the geometry of the flex mounting plate <NUM> can allow for a smaller footprint in comparison with flex mounting plate <NUM> and free up surrounding space within trailers <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> for other components of the gas transport and delivery system.

Flex mounting plate <NUM> can be provided with one or more cutaway paths <NUM> formed from circular end-cuts <NUM> and linear cuts <NUM> in combination. One or more edge scallop cuts <NUM> can also be provided adjacent to the circular end-cuts <NUM>. The combination of cutaway paths <NUM> and edge scallop cuts <NUM> can provide one or more flexion pathways <NUM> having a substantially consistent cross-section, illustrated by exemplary cross-section width <NUM> in <FIG>. The matching of cross-sections in a plurality of flexion pathways can improve operational life and avoid uneven wear/stress on the flex mounting plate <NUM> through repeated cycling of deflection/displacement as an attached tank <NUM> is pressurized and depressurized. When attached to a tank <NUM> that is expanding and contracting the flex mounting plate <NUM> can undergo deformation to accommodate the different distance between the frame system <NUM> or <NUM> and the tank collar in the floating end <NUM> or <NUM>. A mounting portion <NUM> nearest the fastening regions <NUM> will remain at a fixed distance relative to the mounting frame portions <NUM> to which they are fastened. The central flexing portion <NUM> nearest the mounting feature <NUM> can move out of the same plane as the mounting portion <NUM> through a bending deflection. <FIG> and <FIG> show aspects of flex mounting plate <NUM> in use, in a view along section A-A of <FIG>. In <FIG> and <FIG> the connection to the tank collar of tank <NUM> has been omitted for clarity and ease of viewing. In use, the tank collar would be affixed and connected to the mounting feature <NUM> and would be in alignment with a hole <NUM> in center of mounting frame portions <NUM> of the frame system <NUM>/<NUM>. <FIG> shows the configuration when the tank <NUM> has a lower pressure and has contracted in length along its central axis such that the tank collar of the floating end has been pulled closer to the opposing fixed end. The central portion <NUM> can bend away from the plane of the mounting portion <NUM> to provide a displacement distance "d" between the top surfaces of the portions <NUM>/<NUM>. The fastening regions <NUM> and mounting portion <NUM> are held at a fixed distance <NUM> from the mounting frame portions <NUM> through a firm fastened connection that can include nuts <NUM>/<NUM>, washers, and bolts or machine screws <NUM>, with appropriate fasteners and surface treatments selected to avoid disconnections due to vibration in the system <FIG> shows the configuration when the tank <NUM> has a higher pressure and has expanded in length along its central axis such that the tank collar of the floating end has been pushed further from the opposing fixed end. The displacement "d" between the top surfaces of portions <NUM>/<NUM> is in the opposing direction from that shown in <FIG>.

The gaps <NUM> along linear cuts <NUM> between the mounting portion <NUM> and central flexing portion <NUM> can provide several advantageous functions. First, the gaps <NUM> can be designed to be large enough to avoid catching smaller debris such as sand and grit than can bind traditional bushing systems as described elsewhere herein. Such small debris can fall through and clear out of the gaps <NUM> to avoid binding and/or wear. Second, the gaps <NUM> can allow for some flexion in the between the portions of the flex mounting plate <NUM>, as one or more gaps <NUM> are stretched open or pressed closed due to motion/force of the tank collar orthogonal to the central axis of the tank <NUM>. In some instances, a shock or acceleration/deceleration of the tank can be stopped by the gap <NUM> fully closing such that the opposing walls of the gap <NUM> are compressed together as a hard-stop to stabilize the tank <NUM>. In some implementations brush or skirt features can be provided to prevent ingress of material/debris into the gap <NUM>.

Different connection systems can be used between the mounting plate <NUM> and the mounting frame portions <NUM> of the frame systems <NUM>/<NUM>. Any connection system and components thereof can be selected that provides for solid and reliable fixation between the mounting frame portions <NUM> and the fastening regions <NUM>.

In implementations of the present disclosure different connections can be used between the tank collar, typically a cylindrical feature, and the mounting feature <NUM> of the flex mounting plate <NUM>.

In certain implementations, aspects of which are shown in <FIG>, the tank collar <NUM> can be provided with a protruding feature <NUM> that extends inwards from the interior wall of the hollow cylindrical bottom opening of the tank collar <NUM>. <FIG> shows a cutaway section view along section A-A of <FIG> and <FIG>. The protruding feature <NUM> mates with an expandable plug <NUM> that is expanded by tightening a pin feature <NUM> that pulls down an expander element <NUM> to force portions of the expandable plug <NUM> outwards within the interior volume of the tank collar <NUM>. The tank collar <NUM> can move freely through the hole <NUM> in center of mounting frame portions <NUM> of the frame system <NUM>/<NUM>. In assembly, the expandable plug <NUM> can be attached to the mounting feature <NUM> of the flex mounting plate through the use of threading features on the opposing end of the expandable plug <NUM>, onto which fastening elements can be attached, such as one or more washers <NUM> and nut <NUM>. The expandable plug <NUM> can be inserted upwards through the opening of the tank collar <NUM>, sliding past the protruding feature <NUM> in an unexpanded state. After insertion, the pin feature <NUM> can be tightened to pull down expander element <NUM>. One or more adhesive materials can be used to strengthen the connection in some implementations.

<FIG> shows aspects of an implementation of the expandable plug <NUM>. Expandable plug can be provided with a plurality of segments <NUM> separated by kerf cuts that allow for the expansion or contraction of the segmented portion. An angled surface <NUM> can be provided between top inner edge <NUM> and bottom inner edge <NUM>, with the angled surface <NUM> providing for the expansion force as expander element <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>) is pulled downwards along the angled surfaces <NUM> of the segments <NUM>. The segments <NUM> are thereby expanded outwards and can extend over the protruding feature <NUM> of the tank collar <NUM> for engagement between the components.

In some implementations the connection system shown in <FIG> can further include an external tank collar feature, such as a nut, that compresses on the exterior surface of the tank collar <NUM>. The compression of the exterior surface can further improve the engagement between the protruding feature <NUM> and the plug <NUM>. In alternative implementations, the plug <NUM> can be provided without expanding features and the tank collar <NUM> can be compressed from the exterior surface to provide an engagement between the components. In certain implementations, the tank collar <NUM> can be provided with one or more notches or kerf cuts to provide greater contraction under compression on the exterior surface.

In some implementations, aspects of which are shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a sleeve <NUM> is used to connect the tank collar <NUM> to the flexible mounting plate <NUM>. Sleeve <NUM> can have an interior surface <NUM> accessible by a hole <NUM> at one end of the sleeve <NUM>, which has a top surface <NUM>. Threading <NUM> can be provided around the exterior surface of the opposite end of the sleeve <NUM>. Two nuts <NUM> and <NUM> can be provided to engage with the threading <NUM> and secure the sleeve <NUM> to the mounting feature <NUM> of the flex mounting plate <NUM>. Mounting feature <NUM> can be sized as a clearance hole relative to the diameter of threading <NUM>. Nuts <NUM> and <NUM> can be provided with set screw <NUM> and <NUM> that can be used to improve the resistance of the connection to vibrational loosening over time. Surface coatings such as threadlock agents can also be provided in some implementations along threading <NUM> to maintain the position of the nuts <NUM> and <NUM>. An interior lip <NUM> can be provided within the interior surface <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM>. In some implementations the bottom surface <NUM> of a tank collar <NUM> can engage with the interior lip <NUM> (a gap is shown between the bottom surface <NUM> and interior lip <NUM> in <FIG>, but those elements can be flush in certain implementations). In use, tank collar <NUM> can be inserted into the hole <NUM> so that an engagement surface connection <NUM> is formed along the interior surface <NUM> of sleeve <NUM>. A bonding agent, such as an epoxy or adhesive such as a cyanoacrylate can be used to form a bond along the engagement surface connection <NUM>. In some implementations a flush engagement can be provided between the top surface <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> and a flat surface <NUM> on the bottom of the tank <NUM> around the tank collar <NUM>.

In certain implementations of the disclosure, a threaded connection can be provided between the tank collar and a variation of sleeve <NUM>. The variant of sleeve <NUM>, seen in <FIG>, can be provided with threading on the interior surface <NUM> of the upper portion of sleeve <NUM>. Corresponding threading can be provided on the exterior surface <NUM> the tank collar <NUM>. A nut <NUM> can be provided to be used as a jam nut to aid in the fastening of the connection. The tank collar <NUM> can be provided as an adapter component that interfaces with the bottom end of tank <NUM> at interface <NUM>, details of which are not shown herein. In alternative implementations, not shown, the sleeve <NUM> can be omitted and an extended tank collar <NUM> can be used with threading along the exterior surface <NUM> that acts as threading <NUM> to fasten nuts <NUM> and <NUM> around the flex mounting plate <NUM>. The use of a sleeve <NUM> can be preferable in some implementations as it is more easily replaceable than an adapter component tank collar <NUM>, and a permanently installed tank <NUM> with tank collar <NUM> can have multiple sleeves <NUM> installed and uninstalled for use with different versions of, or replacement, flex mounting plates <NUM>.

In some implementations of the present disclosure, a flex mounting plate <NUM> can be used. Aspects of flex mounting plate <NUM> are shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Flex mounting plate <NUM> can be used in the floating ends <NUM> and <NUM> in connection with the frame systems <NUM> and <NUM> described elsewhere herein. Flex mounting plate <NUM> can in line with a void in a frame system that is in line with the tank collar of a cylindrical tank <NUM>, such that a flexing portion <NUM> around a mounting feature <NUM> of flex mounting plate <NUM> can be displaced relative to mounting portions around fastening regions <NUM>. In certain implementations, such as the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the mounting feature <NUM> can be provided nearer one end <NUM> of the flex mounting plate and all fastening regions <NUM> can be provided at an opposite end <NUM>, such that the flex mounting plate has no resistance to flexure provided on the end <NUM> opposite the mounting portion <NUM> at end <NUM>. Flex mounting plate <NUM> can be viewed in some aspects as variation of flex mounting plate <NUM> that allows for a more compact arrangement of fastening regions <NUM> in a region remote from the void in the frame system in line with the tank collar. The flex mounting plate <NUM> can be advantageous in use with horizontally mounted tanks <NUM> in a floating end <NUM> in frame system <NUM> as described elsewhere herein. Flex mounting plate <NUM> can be connected to the floating end of a tank <NUM> along a connection <NUM> analogous to the connections described with reference to <FIG>. In some implementations a bonded connection is used for connection <NUM>, as described with reference to <FIG>. In other implementations, a threaded connection can be used for connection <NUM> as described with reference to <FIG>. For both types of connections, a sleeve <NUM> or variant thereof can be used and connected to flex mounting plate <NUM> through the use of nuts <NUM> and <NUM> as described above with reference to implementations of sleeve <NUM>. In other implementations, as sleeve <NUM> can be omitted and an extended tank collar <NUM> can be used with threading along the exterior surface <NUM> that acts as threading <NUM> to fasten nuts <NUM> and <NUM> around the flex mounting plate <NUM>. The use of a sleeve <NUM> can be preferable in some implementations as it is more easily replaceable than an adapter component tank collar <NUM>, and a permanently installed tank <NUM> with tank collar <NUM> can have multiple sleeves <NUM> installed and uninstalled for use with different versions of, or replacement, flex mounting plates <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A mounting plate (<NUM>) for a pressurized tank, the mounting plate comprising:
a mounting portion (<NUM>) which completely surrounds and retains a tank end and any affixed plug adjacent to a plurality of fastening regions (<NUM>);
a flexing portion (<NUM>) adjacent to a mounting feature (<NUM>);
a plurality of flexion pathways formed that lead from the mounting portion to the flexing portion, with each of the plurality of flexion pathways having at least a portion having a cross-sectional area, with the cross-sectional areas of the plurality of flexion pathways being substantially consistent with each other;
wherein each of the plurality of flexion pathways is formed by one or more cutaway paths (<NUM>) having at least one circular end-cut (<NUM>) and at least one linear cut (<NUM>) in combination, the at least one linear cut of each cutaway path defining a gap (<NUM>) between the mounting portion (<NUM>) and the flexing portion (<NUM>),
wherein the flexing portion (<NUM>) is movable in a direction out of a same plane as the mounting portion (<NUM>) through a bending deflection, and wherein the gap (<NUM>) allows for flexion between the flexing portion (<NUM>) and the mounting portion (<NUM>) with the flexing portion (<NUM>) being movable in a direction that stretches open or presses closed the gap (<NUM>).