U.S. patent application number 12/100260 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-16 for flexible clamp.
Invention is credited to Anthony A. ZANTE.
Application Number | 20080250614 12/100260 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39852401 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080250614 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ZANTE; Anthony A. |
October 16, 2008 |
FLEXIBLE CLAMP
Abstract
A flexible clamp for clamping and spacing solar panel modules,
including a captive flange forming a top portion, which includes a
top face, a bottom face, a right side, a left side, a front side, a
back side, a substantially planar underside to engage the modules
upper surface. It also includes a longitudinal axis and an aperture
disposed generally along that axis. First, second, and third
horizontal members are disposed under the captive flange and
include substantially planar surfaces generally parallel to the
underside of the captive flange. Each horizontal member includes a
right side, a left side, a front side, a back side, a width
slightly less than the width of the captive flange, and an aperture
coaxial with the aperture in the captive flange. A first vertical
member connects the right side of the first horizontal member with
the captive flange at a point slight right of the longitudinal axis
and left of the right side, thus forming a right overhang for
engaging a first solar panel. A second vertical member connects the
left sides of the second and third horizontal members in such
manner that a left overhang is formed, and this is adapted for
engaging a second solar panel adjacent to the first panel. A third
vertical member coplanar with the first vertical member connects
the right sides of the second and third horizontal members. When a
bolt is passed through the coaxial apertures and tightened, the
clamp flexes and bows slightly outwardly.
Inventors: |
ZANTE; Anthony A.; (Fremont,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STAINBROOK & STAINBROOK, LLP
412 AVIATION BOULEVARD, SUITE H
SANTA ROSA
CA
95403
US
|
Family ID: |
39852401 |
Appl. No.: |
12/100260 |
Filed: |
April 9, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60911134 |
Apr 11, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/542 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 24/44744 20150115;
F24S 2080/01 20180501; F16B 5/0657 20130101; F24S 25/636 20180501;
H02S 20/23 20141201; F16B 13/061 20130101; Y02E 10/47 20130101;
Y02B 10/10 20130101; Y02E 10/50 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
24/542 |
International
Class: |
A44B 21/00 20060101
A44B021/00 |
Claims
1. A flexible clamp for clamping and spacing first and second
objects, each having a generally planar surface portion, said clamp
comprising: a captive flange for use in engaging an object to be
clamped and having a top face, a bottom face, a right side, a left
side, a front side, a back side, a substantially planar underside
to engage the object's surface portion, a width extending from said
right and left sides, a longitudinal axis, and an aperture disposed
generally along said longitudinal axis; first, second, and third
horizontal members having substantially planar surfaces generally
parallel to said bottom face of said captive flange, wherein each
of said horizontal members includes a right side, a left side, a
front side, a back side, a width slightly less than the width of
said captive flange, and an aperture coaxial with the aperture of
said captive flange; a first vertical member interposed between
said captive flange and said first horizontal member, said first
vertical member disposed at the right side of said first horizontal
member and between said right side and said longitudinal axis of
said captive flange, thereby forming a right overhang of said
captive flange, said right overhang having an underside for
engaging the first object's planar surface portion; a second
vertical member interposed between said left sides of said second
and third horizontal members, wherein said left side of said
captive flange overhangs said second vertical member thereby
forming a left overhang having an underside for engaging the second
object's generally planar surface portion; and a third vertical
member interposed between said right sides of said second and third
horizontal members, said third vertical member being substantially
coplanar with said first vertical member.
2. The clamp of claim 1, wherein each of said vertical members is
oriented substantially perpendicular to each of said horizontal
members and to said captive flange.
3. The clamp of claim 1, wherein each of said horizontal members is
similarly dimensioned, and wherein each of said vertical members is
similarly dimensioned.
4. The clamp of claim 1, wherein when a bolt is inserted through
each of the apertures and tightened, said clamp flexes and bows
outwardly right and left.
Description
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of the filing
date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/911,134,
filed Apr. 11, 2007 (Apr. 11, 2007).
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
THE NAMES OR PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT
[0003] Not applicable.
INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT
DISC
[0004] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] 1. Field of the Invention
[0006] The present invention relates generally to flexible clamps,
and more particularly to a flexible clamp adapted to affix
adjoining structures in a coplanar fashion. It accomplishes this
through a flexible compression of the clamp so as to engage a
flange upon the planar structures and engagement of the sides on
the clamp with the surface of a frame channel.
[0007] 2. Discussion of Related Art Including Information Disclosed
Under 37 CFR .sctn.1.97, 1.98
[0008] Clamping devices are well known and are widely employed in
numerous fields for joining objects, aligning components, or fixing
and stabilizing objects.
[0009] In the field of solar panel installation for photovoltaic
power generation, the most common type of solar panel installation
for residential, commercial and industrial uses includes an array
of solar panels attached to the roof of the building structure. If
the roof is pitched to any degree, the array is directly attached
to the structural roof members and entails making penetrations to
the roof. Flat roof installations can be made, in some instances,
without making penetrations, though any installation must include
attachments that are sufficiently sturdy to withstand the expected
wind loads. The mounting elements typically include an aluminum or
galvanized steel support frame comprising commercial strut
channels, where are screwed or bolted to roof rafters. Clamps are
then employed to attach the solar panels to the support structure.
Not only must the support structure be strongly attached to the
roof, the clamps and the clamping methods must be robust enough to
ensure that the modules will remain affixed to the support
structure under high wind loads.
[0010] Currently there are several forms of clamps that can be used
for solar panel installation. Among the most popular is a T-clamp
(or T-clip) that grips adjacent solar panel module edges to a
common strut channel. (As used herein, T-clamp, Z-clamp, and
L-clamp, are synonymous with T-clip, Z-clip, and L-clip.) The clamp
is typically made with a height slightly shorter than the height of
the side profile height of the module in order to provide a slight
pre-load or pre-bias to ensure a clamping action upon engagement
with the panel and support. Although the T-clamp and its various
related forms are widely used, there several shortcomings connected
with its operation. Notably, it is advantageous for a T-clamp to be
held in a raised position so that an installer can slide a panel
edge under the clamp's capturing flange. However, when employed in
the field an installer normally needs both hands free to position
the panel and cannot simultaneously raise the clamp's capturing
flange while also positioning the panel for attachment. This
necessitates the help of an assistant, increasing labor costs and
related overhead, and thereby increasing the total costs for the
installation of a solar panel system.
[0011] One alternative to using a clamp that is slightly shorter
than the panel profile is to make the clamp the same height as the
panel so that the panel can slide under the capturing flange. While
good in concept, in practice panels may have small variations in
edge thickness that may either cause the clip to be too short,
thereby requiring the clip be lifted, or too long, which prevents
the clip from effectively stabilizing an adjoining panel.
[0012] Other clamping applications utilize Z-clamps or L-clamps.
The Z-clamp has an inflexible vertical side. The L-clamp is also
inflexible, but it can be leaned slightly to clamp a panel edge.
When so installed, however, it places a stress on the line of
contact on the clamped member. Notably, most single piece clamps
simply cannot be adjusted in height while simultaneously
maintaining a proper angular position on the part being
clamped.
[0013] Recently a flexible clamp in the shape of a "C" was
introduced by the present inventor that is tall enough to allow a
solar panel to slide directly under the clamping flange, and it has
the flexibility to allow it to be clamped down to the panel. This
device is described in U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/910,201,
filed Apr. 4, 2007, and is incorporated in its entirety by
reference herein. The "C-clip," however, has a wide profile due to
the arcuate configuration of its side element, and it thus requires
additional space between panels for installation. This situation is
sub-optimal for the arrangement of solar panels, as it is
preferable to have as little space as possible between the panel
edges. Accordingly, the C-clip described in the above-identified
co-pending application is generally not employed between panels but
only on the outside edges of panels.
[0014] Other methods have been developed to hold clamps in a raised
condition including springs or retaining clips, but these solutions
add components, thus complicating the clamping process and
increasing the overall cost of clamping materials and labor.
[0015] The following patents provide an overview of known exemplary
clamping devices:
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 6,672,018, to Shingleton, discloses clips used
to clamp solar panels to a channel support beam structure, such as
sheet metal channel members. The clips have a T-shaped upper
portion and a retainer in the form of a channel nut or bar, with a
threaded hole that receives a bolt or similar threaded fastener.
The retainer biases against inwardly directed flanges of the
support beam.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 6,473,945, to Draper, discloses a flexible
clamp comprising a chain of plastic links, each link being a
snap-fit with the next adjacent link thereby permitting a user to
alter the length of the chain by the addition or subtraction of one
or more links. The free ends of the chain may be latched
together.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 6,412,239, to Miller, discloses a window frame
with the structural members formed with substantially identical
configurations. Each structural member has a U-shaped channel and
first and second arms spaced apart on opposite sides of a base
portion. The first and second arms have an end that turns inward
and extends back toward the base portion.
[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 5,822,193, to Summers, et al., discloses
apparatus for rigidly stabilizing or restraining circuit boards,
which includes a rigid cross member and a circuit board clamp. The
one-piece clamp has hooks with notched ends that attach to opposite
sides of each circuit board. The clamp has a surface parallel to
the hook. The parallel surface has threaded holes. Threaded shafts
are used with the threaded holes to contact the clamp hook and
provide pressure on the printed circuit board. A threaded hole is
used with a threaded shaft to engage a rigid cross member. The
cross member has unthreaded holes to allow for attaching to the
clamps with threaded fasteners. The rigid cross member is then
attached to the chassis with a fastener.
[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 5,946,874, to Roberts, describes a clamp
including a pair of metal disks having a central opening for
receiving a fastener to sandwich the corners of rectangular panels
for erecting temporary display partitions at a trade show,
exhibition or entertainment event.
[0021] The foregoing patents reflect the current state of the art
of which the present inventor is aware. Reference to, and
discussion of, these patents is intended to aid in discharging
Applicant's duty of candor in disclosing information during
examination that may be materially relevant to the allowability of
claims to the present invention. However, it is respectfully
submitted that none of the above-indicated patents disclose, teach,
suggest, show, or otherwise render obvious, either singly or when
considered in combination, the invention described herein.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0022] In its most essential aspect, the present invention is a
flexible clamp. More specifically, the present invention is a
flexible clamp used to affix adjoining structures in a coplanar
fashion. It accomplishes this objective through flexible
compression of the clamp designed to engage a flange upon the
planar structures while simultaneously engaging the sides on the
clamp with the surface of a frame channel.
[0023] The clamp of the present invention provides sufficient
flexibility to clamp panels that may vary in height. Because of its
folded configuration, the flexible clamp of the present invention
has a small enough profile to allow it to fit within tight spaces
and in channels between panels. Also, because of its folded
configuration and its side profile, the present inventor has dubbed
the inventive with the proprietary name of the "waffle clamp."
[0024] The flexible clamp of the present invention may be oriented
so that it can be clamped by leaning it in the direction of a first
panel placed on a structural support beam while still providing
sufficient clearance on the opposite flange so that a second panel
may be slidably placed under the flange and clamped. A central
screw compresses the flexible clamp much like a bellows spring and
can therefore adjust to match the part or edge being clamped. This
spring-like quality also provides the ability to partially compress
the clamp to hold it in position while the panel is brought into
place under the clamp.
[0025] In summary the flexible clamp of the present invention
eliminates improper clamping due incorrect panel height, allows
pre-loading the clamp to hold it in position while bringing the
panels in place, allows securing the first panel in place while the
second panel is brought into position, and minimizes the space
needed for securing adjacent panels
[0026] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a new and improved flexible clamp for joining panel
structures.
[0027] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
new and improved flexible clamp that allows compression of the
flexible clamp within a space to provide as little separation
between the clamped objects as possible.
[0028] A further object or feature of the present invention is a
new and improved flexible clamp that allows the secure fixation of
materials of differing thicknesses.
[0029] An even further object of the present invention is to
provide a novel flexible clamp that allows fixable attachment of a
first object and slidable insertion of a second object for coplanar
attachment.
[0030] Other novel features which are characteristic of the
invention, as to organization and method of operation, together
with further objects and advantages thereof will be better
understood from the following description considered in connection
with the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of
the invention are illustrated by way of example. It is to be
expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for
illustration and description only and are not intended as a
definition of the limits of the invention. The various features of
novelty that characterize the invention are pointed out with
particularity in the claims annexed to and forming part of this
disclosure. The invention does not reside in any one of these
features taken alone, but rather in the particular combination of
all of its structures for the functions specified.
[0031] The foregoing summary broadly sets out the more important
features of the present invention so that the detailed description
that follows may be better understood, and so that the present
contributions to the art may be better appreciated. There are
additional features of the invention that will be described in the
detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention
which will form the subject matter of the claims appended
hereto.
[0032] Accordingly, before explaining the preferred embodiment of
the disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the
disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of the
construction and the arrangements set forth in the following
description or illustrated in the drawings. The inventive apparatus
described herein is capable of other embodiments and of being
practiced and carried out in various ways.
[0033] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception, upon which this disclosure is based may readily be used
as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for
carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is
important, therefore, that the claims are regarded as including
such equivalent constructions as far as they do not depart from the
spirit and scope of the present invention. Rather, the fundamental
aspects of the invention, along with the various features and
structures that characterize the invention, are pointed out with
particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this
disclosure. For a better understanding of the present invention,
its advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses,
reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and
descriptive matter in which there is illustrated the preferred
embodiment and best mode of practicing the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] The invention will be better understood and objects other
than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration
is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such
description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:
[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the flexible clamp of the
present invention;
[0036] FIG. 2 is a side view of the inventive clamp showing a
compression bolt inserted through the clamp, with the clamp in an
uncompressed configuration; and
[0037] FIG. 3 is a side view of the flexible clamp and compression
bolt in a compressed (tightened) configuration.
DRAWING REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0038] FIGS. 1-3 [0039] 100 flexible clamp [0040] 110 captive
flange [0041] 115 first bolt aperture [0042] 120 first vertical
member [0043] 125 first horizontal member [0044] 128 second bolt
aperture 130 second vertical member 135 second horizontal member
[0045] 140 third vertical member 145 third horizontal member [0046]
150 fourth bolt aperture [0047] 200 compression bolt 210 first
planar object [0048] 220 second planar object [0049] 230
channel
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, wherein like reference
numerals refer to like components in the various views, there is
illustrated therein a new and improved flexible clamp, generally
denominated 100 herein.
[0051] FIG. 1 illustrates a first preferred embodiment of the
inventive flexible clamp 100. The flexible clamp 100 has a flat
captive flange 110 forming the top portion of the device. The
captive flange 110 is generally rectangular in shape, having a
longitudinal axis 111, a top face 112, a bottom face 113, a left
side 114, a right side 116, a rear side 117, and a front side 118.
A circular first bolt aperture 115 is located centrally in the
captive flange 110 generally on the longitudinal axis 111.
Extending perpendicularly, and medially to the captive flange
longitudinal axis is a first vertical member 120, having a top edge
122 and a bottom edge 124. The top edge of the first vertical face
120 is attached to the bottom face 113 of the captive flange 110,
slightly right of, and parallel to, the longitudinal axis of the
captive flange 110, leaving an overhang portion 116a of the right
side of the captive flange 110 to overhang the first vertical
member 120. The first vertical member 120 is of a similar length as
the captive flange 110.
[0052] Extending generally perpendicular from the first vertical
member 120, coplanar with and having a longitudinal axis 126
parallel with that of the captive flange 110, is a first horizontal
member 125. A circular second bolt aperture 128 is located
centrally in the first horizontal member 125 on the longitudinal
axis 126. The second bolt aperture 128 is coaxial with the vertical
axis 129 with the first bolt aperture 115 and is of a similar
diameter as the first bolt aperture 115. The first horizontal
member 125 has a width slightly shorter than that of the captive
flange 110, thus creating an overhang 114a over the right side of
the first horizontal member 125 by the right side 114 of the
captive flange 110.
[0053] Extending perpendicularly in a downward direction from the
first horizontal member 125 right side, and parallel to the first
vertical member 120 is a second vertical member 130. The second
vertical member 130 is dimensioned similarly to that of the first
vertical member 120. Extending perpendicular from the second
vertical member 130, coplanar with and having a similar
longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis 112 of the
captive flange 110, is a second horizontal member 135. A circular
third bolt aperture (not seen in these views) is located centrally
in the second horizontal member 135 on the longitudinal axis 137 of
the second horizontal member. The circular third bolt aperture
shares the vertical central axis 129 with the first and second bolt
apertures and is of a similar diameter. The second horizontal
member 135 is dimensioned similarly to the first horizontal member
125.
[0054] Extending perpendicular and downward direction from the
second horizontal member 135 left side, and coplanar with the first
vertical member 120 is a third vertical member 140. The third
vertical member 140 is dimensioned similarly to the first vertical
member 120.
[0055] Extending perpendicular from the third vertical member 140,
coplanar with and having a longitudinal axis 147 parallel with the
longitudinal axis 112 of the captive flange 110, is a third
horizontal member 145. A circular fourth bolt aperture 150 is
located centrally in the third horizontal member 145 on the
longitudinal axis 147. This aperture is coaxial with the vertical
central axis 129 of the apertures above it and is dimensioned
similarly. The third horizontal member 145 is dimensioned similarly
to the first horizontal member 125.
[0056] FIG. 2 is a side view of the flexible clamp 100 and
compression bolt 200 in an uncompressed configuration and disposed
in a space 230 between first and second planar objects (e.g., solar
panel modules) 210, 220, respectively. This is the configuration in
profile one would expect to see before compression bolt 200 had
been tightened. The captive flange 110 is not in contact with
either the first planar object 210 or the second planar object 220.
Additionally, the first vertical member 120, second vertical member
130 and the third vertical member 140 are in only loose contact
with the sides of the planar objects.
[0057] FIG. 3 is a side view of the flexible clamp 110 and
compression bolt 200 in a compressed configuration. The undersides
113 of the captive flange 110 in its overhang portions 114a and
116a are in contact with the first solar panel 210 and the second
solar panel 220. Additionally, the first vertical member 120,
second vertical member 130 and the third vertical member 140 are in
contact with the sides of the sides of the solar panel modules.
[0058] Using the flexible clamp of the present invention, solar
panel modules can be rapidly and easily clamped onto a support
structure. The simple steps include approximating the clamp to the
side of the first panel 210 with the overhang 116a disposed over a
portion of the top side of the panel. The second panel 220 is then
slid under the overhang portion 114a and the bolt 200
tightened.
[0059] As will be appreciated from the foregoing, the flexible
clamp is configured and fabricated to flex and bow slightly
outwardly both left and right when a bolt is inserted through and
then tightened in the apertures in the captive flange and
horizontal members. This provides a secure and balanced clamping
force on each of the overhang portions while also spacing the
panels to allow air circulation between the panels and independent
handling of the panels during installation, removal, and
maintenance and repair operations.
[0060] Thus, in another aspect, the flexible clamp of the present
invention will be seen to provide an apparatus for clamping and
spacing solar panel modules with generally planar upper surface
portions. The clamp includes, in the first instance, a captive
flange for engaging adjacent modules. The captive flange has a top
face, a bottom face, a right side, a left side, a front side, a
back side, a substantially planar underside to engage the module's
surface, a width extending from the right and left sides, a
longitudinal axis, and an aperture disposed generally along the
longitudinal axis. First, second, and third horizontal members are
disposed underneath the captive flange, each having substantially
planar surfaces substantially parallel to the bottom face of the
captive flange. Further, each of the horizontal members includes a
right side, a left side, a front side, a back side, a width
slightly less than the width of the captive flange, and an aperture
coaxial with the aperture of the captive flange. A first vertical
member connects the right side of the first horizontal member with
the captive flange at a point slight right of the longitudinal axis
and left of the right side, thus forming a right overhang for
engaging a first solar panel. A second vertical member connects the
left sides of the second and third horizontal members in such
manner that a left overhang is formed, and this is adapted for
engaging a second solar panel adjacent to the first panel. A third
vertical member coplanar with the first vertical member connects
the right sides of the second and third horizontal members. When a
bolt is passed through the apertures and tightened onto a module
support structure, the clamp flexes so that the underside of the
captive flange captures and holds the solar panel module tightly
against support structure beams. Additionally, the clamp bows
slightly outwardly to the right and left to engage the sides of the
adjoining solar panel modules, thus preventing sideways migration
and ensuring a fixed spacing between the modules.
[0061] The above disclosure is sufficient to enable one of ordinary
skill in the art to practice the invention, and provides the best
mode of practicing the invention presently contemplated by the
inventor. While there is provided herein a full and complete
disclosure of the preferred embodiments of this invention, it is
not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction,
dimensional relationships, and operation shown and described.
Various modifications, alternative constructions, changes and
equivalents will readily occur to those skilled in the art and may
be employed, as suitable, without departing from the true spirit
and scope of the invention. Such changes might involve alternative
materials, components, structural arrangements, sizes, shapes,
forms, functions, operational features or the like.
[0062] Therefore, the above description and illustrations should
not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which
shall are defined by claims appended hereto.
* * * * *