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US 2026/0036339 A1Published application
Rail splice with interference features
AssigneePegasus Solar Inc.
InventorsErich Kai Stephan, Peter Wilke, Glenn Harris
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A u-shaped splice that is used to connect two solar mounting rails, includes barbs that interact with the rails, requiring more force to remove the splice from the rails than the force required to insert the splice into the rails. Wedges, located at a mid-point between ends of the splice interact with the rails, creating an interference fit between the splice and the rails.
Claims13
A method for installing a substantially u-shaped splice into a rail comprising:
- inserting the splice a first distance into the rail using a first force, wherein at least one outward projecting barb that is formed in the splice initially contacts the rail at the first distance;
- and
- applying a second force greater than the first force to insert the splice a second distance into the rail, wherein at least one outward projecting wedge that is formed in a wall of the splice initially contacts the rail at the second distance.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.