Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100281793 | MODULE ATTACHMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD - Exemplary systems and methods described herein can be used to secure a rail to a module or the rail to a support using a nut that can be inserted at a desired point of mounting. Another exemplary system describes a flashing to be inserted under a roof shingle, wherein the flashing is secured to a support for a rail or module. Yet another exemplary system describes a clamp that secures a rail or module and is adjustable along the length of a post. Spacers can be added to the post to extend the adjustment range of the clamp. | 11-11-2010 |
20100282920 | UNIVERSAL END CLAMP - A clamp has a body, a wedged channel nut, and a bolt. The body has a first component extending from the body and configured to engage a module and a second component having a tapered body surface. The wedged channel nut has a first flange and a second flange extending from opposing sides of the nut and configured to engage a rail and a tapered nut surface having an angle substantially identical to the angle of the tapered body surface of the second component, wherein the tapered nut surface engages the tapered body surface. A bolt extends through the wedged channel nut and the body. When the bolt is tightened, the nut and the body secure the module and rail together. | 11-11-2010 |
20100284737 | CAMMING CLAMP FOR ROOF SEAM - A clamp described herein can secure a solar cell array to a seam of a standing seam metal roof. The clamp has a cam that is rotated by the tightening of a bolt to cause the cam to engage the seam. The clamp also has a receiver for receiving the seam and the rotated cam. By installing the clamp on the seam, the solar cell array can be secured to the standing seam metal roof without drilling into the roof. Because no screws are required to be drilled into the rooftop, the damage to the rooftop is substantially reduced. Also, by reversing the process described above, the clamp can be uninstalled in a similar fashion. | 11-11-2010 |
20110232222 | Module Attachment Apparatus and Method - Exemplary systems and methods described herein can be used to secure a rail to a module or the rail to a support using a nut that can be inserted at a desired point of mounting. Another exemplary system describes a flashing to be inserted under a roof shingle, wherein the flashing is secured to a support for a rail or module. Yet another exemplary system describes a clamp that secures a rail or module and is adjustable along the length of a post. Spacers can be added to the post to extend the adjustment range of the clamp. | 09-29-2011 |
20110233358 | Module Attachment Apparatus and Method - Exemplary systems and methods described herein can be used to secure a rail to a module or the rail to a support using a nut that can be inserted at a desired point of mounting. Another exemplary system describes a flashing to be inserted under a roof shingle, wherein the flashing is secured to a support for a rail or module. Yet another exemplary system describes a clamp that secures a rail or module and is adjustable along the length of a post. Spacers can be added to the post to extend the adjustment range of the clamp. | 09-29-2011 |
20110283492 | Universal End Clamp - A clamp has a body, a wedged channel nut, and a bolt. The body has a first component extending from the body and configured to engage a module and a second component having a tapered body surface. The wedged channel nut has a first flange and a second flange extending from opposing sides of the nut and configured to engage a rail and a tapered nut surface having an angle substantially identical to the angle of the tapered body surface of the second component, wherein the tapered nut surface engages the tapered body surface. A bolt extends through the wedged channel nut and the body. When the bolt is tightened, the nut and the body secure the module and rail together. | 11-24-2011 |
20110284708 | Universal End Clamp - A clamp has a body, a wedged channel nut, and a bolt. The body has a first component extending from the body and configured to engage a module and a second component having a tapered body surface. The wedged channel nut has a first flange and a second flange extending from opposing sides of the nut and configured to engage a rail and a tapered nut surface having an angle substantially identical to the angle of the tapered body surface of the second component, wherein the tapered nut surface engages the tapered body surface. A bolt extends through the wedged channel nut and the body. When the bolt is tightened, the nut and the body secure the module and rail together. | 11-24-2011 |
20120085394 | SNAP-IN MOUNTING SYSTEMS FOR LAMINATE SOLAR PANELS - Snap-in mounting systems for laminate solar panels are provided. The laminate solar panels can include laminate strips that can be snapped into mounting rails. The mounting rails may be coupled to racking rails for structural support and may include locking mechanisms for additional support and theft deterrence. An entire system may include a number of racking rails, mounting rails, and solar panels. | 04-12-2012 |
20120267328 | RACKING ASSEMBLIES FOR SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATIONS - Racking assemblies for solar panel installations are provided. The racking assemblies may include a series of posts arranged in two parallel rows and anchored to the ground or other suitable surface. Purlins may be coupled to and may span the posts of each row. Specialized clamps may be used to attach the purlins to a series of mounting rails. The mounting rails, in turn, may support an array of solar modules. | 10-25-2012 |
20120312945 | CAMMING CLAMP FOR ROOF SEAM - A clamp described herein can secure a solar cell array to a seam of a standing seam metal roof. The clamp has a cam that is rotated by the tightening of a bolt to cause the cam to engage the seam. The clamp also has a receiver for receiving the seam and the rotated cam. By installing the clamp on the seam, the solar cell array can be secured to the standing seam metal roof without drilling into the roof. Because no screws are required to be drilled into the rooftop, the damage to the rooftop is substantially reduced. Also, by reversing the process described above, the clamp can be uninstalled in a similar fashion. | 12-13-2012 |
20130111713 | WIND TUNNEL OPTIMIZED SOLAR PANEL SYSTEM - The invention is a new stabilized racking system for solar cell panels on a surface through a novel use of ballast weights and a wind optimized design. The system is further optimized to fit a range of sizes and thicknesses of modules through a combination of self adjusting end clamps, adjustable tilt legs, and unique wind screen design. The system can include an array of individual solar panel systems that are reinforced in both lateral directions to reduce the amount of ballast weight required. | 05-09-2013 |
20130112248 | WIND TUNNEL OPTIMIZED SOLAR PANEL SYSTEM - The invention is a new stabilized racking system for solar cell panels on a surface through a novel use of ballast weights and a wind optimized design. The system is further optimized to fit a range of sizes and thicknesses of modules through a combination of self adjusting end clamps, adjustable tilt legs, and unique wind screen design. The system can include an array of individual solar panel systems that are reinforced in both lateral directions to reduce the amount of ballast weight required. | 05-09-2013 |
20130291416 | SUPPORT STRUCTURES FOR HANGING EQUIPMENT - Described herein is a new assembly of components which comprise a support structure for hanging or supporting bicycles or similar equipment. The rack is designed using a number of tubes that pack into themselves for an extremely compact, lightweight assembly which is very easy to transport and store. The simple design ensures long term reliability and ease of use. | 11-07-2013 |
20130292437 | SUPPORT STRUCTURES FOR MOBILITY DEVICES - Described herein is a new assembly of components which comprise a support arm on the side of a bicycle or similar mobility device. The structure is capable of carrying long thin items such as a long surfboard, or it can be used to secure a pet such as a dog to allow them to walk or run safely alongside a bicycle. The invention is designed to fit a wide range of devices, and is optimized for maximum ease of installation and quick release removal without any tools. | 11-07-2013 |
20130299657 | CAMMING CLAMP FOR ROOF SEAM - A clamp described herein can secure a solar cell array to a seam of a standing seam metal roof. The clamp has a cam that is rotated by the tightening of a bolt to cause the cam to engage the seam. The clamp also has a receiver for receiving the seam and the rotated cam. By installing the clamp on the seam, the solar cell array can be secured to the standing seam metal roof without drilling into the roof. Because no screws are required to be drilled into the rooftop, the damage to the rooftop is substantially reduced. Also, by reversing the process described above, the clamp can be uninstalled in a similar fashion. | 11-14-2013 |
20140013677 | ASSEMBLY FOR SECURING A COMPONENT TO A ROOF - Exemplary systems and methods described herein can be used to secure a rail to a module or the rail to a support using a nut that can be inserted at a desired point of mounting. Another exemplary system describes a flashing to be inserted under a roof shingle, wherein the flashing is secured to a support for a rail or module. Yet another exemplary system describes a clamp that secures a rail or module and is adjustable along the length of a post. Spacers can be added to the post to extend the adjustment range of the clamp. | 01-16-2014 |
20140069877 | SOLAR PANEL FRAME CLAMPS - Solar panel frame clamps are disclosed. The clamps can include a clamp body for coupling together a mounting rail of a solar panel frame and a purlin. The clamp body may be c-shaped with ends of the clamp body defining an opening for receiving objects to be clamped. The ends of the clamp body may be provided with threaded apertures for receiving a set screw and a set screw bolt. Tightening the set screw bolt can pull the clamp body towards the objects to be clamped. The set screw, or another suitable feature, may contact the clamped object to facilitate electrical continuity throughout a system incorporating the solar panel frame clamps. | 03-13-2014 |
20150020874 | RACKING ASSEMBLIES FOR SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATIONS - Racking assemblies for solar panel installations are provided. The racking assemblies may include a series of posts arranged in two parallel rows and anchored to the ground or other suitable surface. Purlins may be coupled to and may span the posts of each row. Specialized clamps may be used to attach the purlins to a series of mounting rails. The mounting rails, in turn, may support an array of solar modules. | 01-22-2015 |
20150076301 | UNIVERSAL MID CLAMP - A clamp has a body, a wedged channel nut, and a bolt. The body has a first component extending from the body and configured to engage a module and a second component having a tapered body surface. The wedged channel nut has a first flange and a second flange extending from opposing sides of the nut and configured to engage a rail and a tapered nut surface having an angle substantially identical to the angle of the tapered body surface of the second component, wherein the tapered nut surface engages the tapered body surface. A bolt extends through the wedged channel nut and the body. When the bolt is tightened, the nut and the body secure the module and rail together. | 03-19-2015 |
20150357964 | SNAP-IN MOUNTING SYSTEM FOR LAMINATE SOLAR PANELS - Snap-in mounting systems for laminate solar panels are provided. The laminate solar panels can include laminate strips that can be snapped into mounting rails. The mounting rails may be coupled to racking rails for structural support and may include locking mechanisms for additional support and theft deterrence. An entire system may include a number of racking rails, mounting rails, and solar panels. | 12-10-2015 |
20160043687 | SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Solar panel installation systems are disclosed that reduce or eliminate the need for large, costly rails for mounting solar panels on an installation surface. The systems may include an array of framed solar modules supported above an installation surface using a number of height-adjustable base members. Adjacent solar modules in the array may be coupled to one another at or near their corners using module links that can structurally couple the frames of the adjacent solar modules together. | 02-11-2016 |
20160043688 | SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Solar panel installation systems are disclosed that reduce or eliminate the need for large, costly rails for mounting solar panels on an installation surface. The systems may include an array of framed solar modules supported above an installation surface using a number of height-adjustable base members. Adjacent solar modules in the array may be coupled to one another at or near their corners using module links that can structurally couple the frames of the adjacent solar modules together. | 02-11-2016 |
20160043689 | SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Solar panel installation systems are disclosed that reduce or eliminate the need for large, costly rails for mounting solar panels on an installation surface. The systems may include an array of framed solar modules supported above an installation surface using a number of height-adjustable base members. Adjacent solar modules in the array may be coupled to one another at or near their corners using module links that can structurally couple the frames of the adjacent solar modules together. | 02-11-2016 |