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.
Claims18
A clamping device for joining and electrically bonding a solar panel to a solar panel rail guide comprising:
- A. a handle comprising:
- i. a front end, and
- ii. at least one rear end,
- iii. the front end comprising a channel extending between a top surface and a bottom surface of the front end;
- B. at least one raised portion positioned at the bottom surface of the front end to provide electrical bonding between the clamping device and the solar panel;
- and
- C. a post structure, comprising:
- i. an upper end,
- ii. a lower end,
- iii. a shaft, and
- iv. a radial extension at the lower end,
- v. the post structure being coupled to the front end and passes through the channel, wherein the radial extension of the post structure comprises at least one serration that faces towards the bottom surface of the front end to provide electrical bonding between the solar panel rail guide and the clamping device.
A clamping arrangement comprising:
- A. a solar panel comprising a bottom flange;
- B. a solar panel rail guide comprising side flanges forming a top channel;
- and
- C. a clamping device comprising:
- i. a handle comprising:
- a. a front end, and
- b. at least one rear end;
- ii. at least one raised portion provided at the front end;
- and
- iii. a post structure coupled to the handle at the front end,
- iv. the post structure comprising:
- a. a lower end,
- b. a radial extension at the lower end, and
- c. at least one serration on the radial extension extending towards the handle;
- D. wherein the solar panel is positioned along a top axis of the side flanges of the solar panel rail guide and the post structure is positioned into the top channel of the solar panel rail guide;
- and
- E. wherein the serration on the radial extension engages with the top channel to electrically bond the clamping device with the solar panel rail guide and the raised portion engages with the bottom flange of the solar panel to electrically bond the clamping device with the solar panel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.