# US 2009/0266352 A1 · Panel and panel mount system

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- Number: US 2009/0266352 A1
- Document ID: US20090266352A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 12/108,824
- Filed: 2008-04-24
- Published: 2009-10-29
- Earliest claimed: 2008-04-24
- Inventors: Robert Evans Wetmore
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20090266352A1

## CPC

- F24S 25/13: Profile arrangements, e.g. trusses (F24S25/12 takes precedence)
- F24S 25/632: Side connectors; Base connectors
- F24S 40/85: {Arrangements for protecting solar collectors against adverse weather conditions (F24S40/10 takes precedence)}
- F24S 2025/016: {Filling or spacing means; Elastic means}
- F24S 2030/16: {Hinged elements; Pin connections}
- Y02B 10/20: Solar thermal
- Y02E 10/47: Mountings or tracking
- F24S: SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS (for producing mechanical power from solar energy F03G6/00)
- Y02B: CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02E: REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION

## Abstract

A hinged panel mount and mounting system advantageously provides wind relief to panels that would otherwise provide an uplifting force that could damage or otherwise stress an underlying building or structure, wherein threshold winds (which at least overcome the weight of the panel and any friction in the hinge) cause the panel to swing in a path permitted by the hinge to reduce such uplifting forces.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A panel and panel mount, comprising:
a panel, the panel or a panel bracket or frame including a first hinge portion; and
a support piece configured to be secured to the surface of a building or structure, the support piece including a second hinge portion complementary to the first hinge portion, wherein the panel is configured to move as permitted by the hinge portions in response to threshold wind forces acting upon the panel.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

A panel and panel mount in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a shock-absorbing member configured to cushion a portion of the panel or a panel bracket or frame subsequent to the cessation of threshold wind forces.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

A panel and panel mount in accordance with claim 1, wherein the hinge portions are located near an upper edge of the solar panel, and wherein the shock absorbing member is positioned near a lower edge of the solar panel.

### Claim 4 (depends on 2)

A panel and panel mount in accordance with claim 2, wherein the shock-absorbing member comprises an elastomeric material.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

A panel and panel mount in accordance with claim 1, wherein the panel comprises a photovoltaic or hot water circulation solar panel.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

A panel and panel mount in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a third hinge portion, the third hinge portion depending from the panel or a panel bracket or frame, a second support piece configured to be secured to the surface of the building or structure, the second support piece including a fourth hinge portion complementary to the third hinge portion, wherein the panel is configured to move as permitted by the hinge portions in response to threshold wind forces acting upon the panel.

### Claim 7

A system for mounting a panel, comprising:
a panel base, the base configured to secure to a surface of a building or structure;
a panel; and
at least one hinge operatively connecting said panel and said panel base, the at least one hinge configured to cause the panel to move in response to threshold wind forces acting upon the panel.

### Claim 8 (depends on 7)

The system for mounting a panel in accordance with claim 7, further comprising a shock-absorbing member configured to cushion a portion of the panel or a panel bracket or frame subsequent to the cessation of threshold wind forces.

### Claim 9 (depends on 7)

The system for mounting a panel in accordance with claim 7, wherein the at least one hinge is located near an upper edge of the solar panel, and wherein the shock absorbing member is positioned near a lower edge of the solar panel.

### Claim 10 (depends on 8)

The system for mounting a panel in accordance with claim 8, wherein the shock-absorbing member comprises an elastomeric material.

### Claim 11 (depends on 7)

The system for mounting a panel in accordance with claim 7, wherein the panel comprises a photovoltaic or hot water circulation solar panel.