Universal end clamp for securing a solar panel to a rail support guide
AssigneeIronRidge, Inc.
InventorsJon Ash, Anumeha Narain, Joseph Sirochman
Life of this patent
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Abstract
In various representative aspects, the present invention relates generally to providing an apparatus for securing a solar panel module to a solar panel rail guide structure. More specifically, the invention relates to providing an end clamp that mounts a bottom flange of a solar panel module to a solar panel rail guide structure. The end clamp does not require any tools for insertion. It mechanically fastens and electrically bonds the solar panel module to a solar panel rail guide structure.
Claims25
An assembly for joining and electrically bonding a solar panel to a solar panel rail guide comprising:
- a. a clamp comprising:
- i. a handle comprising a front end and a rear end;
- ii. the front end further comprising:
- 1. a channel extending between a top surface and bottom surface of the front end;
- the channel further comprising a base;
- 2. a raised portion extending downward from the bottom surface of the front end;
- iii. a post structure comprising:
- 1. a bottom washer further comprising a serration that extends upward from a top surface on the bottom washer;
- 2. a shaft extending upward through the channel from the bottom washer;
- 3. a top washer coupled to the shaft;
- iv. a spring coupled between the top washer and the base of the channel.
An assembly for joining and electrically bonding a solar panel to a solar panel rail guide comprising:
- a. a clamp comprising:
- i. a first and second handle each extending outward from a front end, each of the first and second handles further comprising a rear end;
- ii. the front end further comprising:
- 1. a channel extending between a top surface and bottom surface of the front end;
- the channel further comprising a base;
- 2. a raised portion extending downward from each of the bottom surfaces of the first and second handles;
- iii. a post structure comprising:
- 1. a bottom washer further comprising a serration that extends upward from a top surface on the bottom washer;
- 2. a shaft extending upward through the channel from the bottom washer;
- 3. a top washer coupled to the shaft;
- iv. a spring coupled between the top washer and the base of the channel.
An assembly for joining and electrically bonding a solar panel to a solar panel rail guide comprising:
- a. a clamp comprising:
- i. a handle comprising a front end and a rear end;
- ii. the front end further comprising a raised portion extending downward from the bottom surface of the front end;
- iii. a post structure comprising:
- 1. a bottom washer further comprising a serration that extends upward from a top surface on the bottom washer;
- and
- 2. a shaft extending from the bottom washer coupled to the handle of the clamp.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.