US 9,853,593 B2Granted

Solar panel mechanical connector and frame

AssigneeSpice Solar, Inc.

InventorsBarry Cinnamon, David Baker

Life of this patent

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Abstract

A bracket for coupling frames of solar panels includes a spacer for positioning between frames. An elongated body passes through a slot in the spacer and is positionable within channels formed in the frames. A clamp secures to the spacer and is biased toward the slot and elongated body, such as by means of a spring. The clamp defines seats for receiving portions of the frames of the solar panels. Sloped portions on end portions of the clamp facilitate insertion of the frames between the elongated body and the clamp. Another type of bracket includes a spacer and clamp, the spacer having protuberances for insertion into channels in the frames. A flange extends from the spacer such that it extends between the frames when the protuberances are positioned within the channels. An L-foot or other fixture may secure to the flange to secure the solar panels to a structure.

Claims16

Dependent claims

An article of manufacture for use in a solar panel installation having at least first and second solar panels, wherein each solar panel comprises a frame encircling a perimeter of the solar panel, a first channel disposed along a portion of the frame and being configured to affix the solar panel to one or more mounting points, and a second channel disposed along one of an internal and external surface of the frame, the second channel configured to retain a widened portion of a fastener positioned within the channel, the article comprising:

an elongated body having a first end, and a second end opposite the first end, each of the respective first and second ends being shaped to match a configuration of the second channel and to be received and retained in the second channel of the respective first solar panel and the second solar panels;
a spacer defining opposing surfaces for engaging the first and second solar panels, a fastener aperture, and a slot having the elongated body positioned within the slot;
a fastener positioned in the fastener aperture;
and
a clamp secured to the spacer by the fastener and defining first and second seats each configured to receive a lower portion of the frames of the first and second solar panels, respectively;
wherein
the elongated body is slidable through the spacer along a horizontal direction;
the clamp is positioned to exert a clamping force in a vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction;
and
the fastener and fastener aperture are offset from the elongated body in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the horizontal and vertical directions.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 14/325,058Filed 7 Jul 2014
Published: US 2016/0006390 A17 Jan 2016
Granted: 26 Dec 2017
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification22 codes

H02S 20/23
Specially adapted for buildings: specially adapted for roof structures
E04H 14/00
Buildings for combinations of different purposes not covered by any single one
F24S 25/61
Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules: for fixing to the ground or to building structures
F24S 25/632
For fixing modules or their peripheral frames to supporting elements: side connectors; Base connectors