U.S. patent application number 12/880337 was filed with the patent office on 2012-02-09 for hinged clip to eliminate rail.
This patent application is currently assigned to Northern States Metals Company. Invention is credited to Paul Cusson, Michael G. Greenamyer.
Application Number | 20120031030 12/880337 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45555031 |
Filed Date | 2012-02-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120031030 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cusson; Paul ; et
al. |
February 9, 2012 |
HINGED CLIP TO ELIMINATE RAIL
Abstract
A panel array support assembly has a lower support joist to
which are directly connected panel holding devices or clips. The
panel clips are configured so that the length of each clip extends
along the length of the lower support joist. The panel clips are
preferable configured to have a sliding top arm, which holds the
upper edge of the panel, and slides back so that they panel can be
placed on a lower holding arm.
Inventors: |
Cusson; Paul; (West
Hartford, CT) ; Greenamyer; Michael G.; (Salem,
OH) |
Assignee: |
Northern States Metals
Company
West Hartford
CT
|
Family ID: |
45555031 |
Appl. No.: |
12/880337 |
Filed: |
September 13, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61371370 |
Aug 6, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/474 ;
52/698 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24S 25/634 20180501;
F24S 25/636 20180501; Y02E 10/47 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/474 ;
52/698 |
International
Class: |
E04B 1/38 20060101
E04B001/38; E04F 13/22 20060101 E04F013/22 |
Claims
1. A panel array support assembly having a lower support joist and
an upper panel holding structure detachably mounted directly to
said lower support joist, said upper panel holding structure
comprising at least one slidable upper arm.
2. The panel array support assembly of claim 1, further comprising
at least one fixed lower arm parallel to said slidable upper arm,
and configured to receive a first external panel.
3. The panel array support assembly of claim 2, further comprising
a second set of parallel arms arranged to receive a second external
panel.
4. The panel array support assembly of claim 3, wherein said second
set of parallel arms are extending lateral to a longitudinal length
of the upper panel holding structure and opposite the slidable
upper arm.
5. The panel array support assembly of claim 2, further comprising
a tubular structure supporting said upper and lower parallel
arms.
6. The panel array support assembly of claim 5, wherein said
slidable upper arm is connected to said tubular support structure
with a spring-loaded screw.
7. The panel array support assembly of claim 6, wherein said
spring-loaded screw passes through a slot in said slidable upper
arm.
8. The panel array support assembly of claim 7, wherein said
tubular support structure comprises an upper wall having a threaded
receptacle for receiving said spring-loaded screw.
9. The panel array support assembly of claim 5, wherein said
tubular support structure further comprises a U-shaped structure
arranged to fit over said lower support joist.
10. The panel array support assembly of claim 9, wherein said
tubular support structure comprises a bottom wall, said bottom wall
comprising a T-slot.
11. The panel array support assembly of claim 9, wherein said
U-shaped structure comprises said lower arm arranged for receiving
the first external panel.
12. The panel array support assembly of claim 5, wherein said at
least one slidable upper arm is adjustable to extend no further
than said tubular support structure.
13. The panel array support assembly of claim 1, wherein said upper
panel holding structure is less than 4 inches in length extending
along a longitudinal side of said lower support joist.
14. The panel array support assembly of claim 13, wherein a single
panel is held to said support assembly using multiple ones of said
upper panel holding structures.
15. The panel array support assembly of claim 1, wherein said upper
panel holding structure extends along a substantial length of said
lower support joist.
16. A panel array support assembly having a lower support joist
configured to interface with an external substrate installation,
and at least one panel holding clip attached directly to said lower
support joist, and extending along the longitudinal length of said
lower support joist.
17. The panel array support assembly of claim 16, wherein said
upper panel holding structure comprises a U-shaped structure
configured to fit over said lower support joist.
18. The panel array support assembly of claim 17, wherein said
upper panel holding structure extends along a length of said lower
support joist for substantially a major portion of a length of an
external panel being held.
19. The panel array support assembly of claim 16, wherein said
upper panel holding structure comprises at least one set of
parallel arms configured to hold an external panel.
20. The panel array support assembly of claim 19, wherein said
upper panel holding structure further comprises at least one
slidable upper arm.
Description
PRIORITY INFORMATION
[0001] This invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/371,370 filed on Aug. 6, 2010, making reference
to same herein in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to support systems for panels and
panel-like structures, such as solar energy collection systems, and
more particularly to a support system for an array of photovoltaic
panels, and a method of quickly assembling the same for
activation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A standard photovoltaic (solar) panel array includes a
plurality of solar panels optimally arranged for converting light
incident upon the panels to electricity. Various support systems
are used for attachment to roofs, free-field ground racks or
tracking units. Typically, these support systems are costly, labor
intensive to install, heavy, structurally inferior, and
mechanically complicated. Once the support structure is in place,
mounting the solar panels on the support structure can be very
difficult. Further, some large solar panels tend to sag and flex,
thereby rendering the panel mounting unstable. Panel repair and
adjustment are rendered more difficult thereby.
[0004] A conventional two dimensional panel support system
generally includes off-the-shelf metal framing channels having a
C-shaped cross-section, such as those sold under the trademarks
UNISTRUT.TM. or BLIME.TM., improvised for use as vertical and
horizontal support members. The photovoltaic (solar) panels 12 or
other panel-like structures are directly secured to upper support
members (30 in FIG. 3) and held in place by panel clips or panel
holders 45 (as depicted in FIG. 3). These panel clips are found in
a wide range of sizes and shapes. The panel clips serve as
hold-down devices to secure the panel against the corresponding top
support members (30) in spaced-relationships. The clips are
conventionally positioned and attached about the panel edges once
each panel is arranged in place.
[0005] For a conventional, free-field ground rack system (for
mounting solar panels) as shown in FIG. 1, vertical support
elements, such as I-beams 14, are spaced and securely embedded
vertically in the ground. Tilt mounting brackets 16, are installed
at the top of each I-beam, and each tilt mounting bracket is
secured to the I-beam such that a tilt bracket flange extends above
the I-beam at an angle as best seen in FIG. 2A. As shown in this
case, two UNISTRUT.TM. lower joists 20 span the tilt mounting
brackets 16 and are secured thereto. As seen in FIG. 2B,
UNISTRUT.TM. rails 30 are positioned across and fastened to lower
joists 20. To secure each rail 30 to the corresponding lower joists
20, a bolt through a bolt hole made in the rail sidewall attaches
to a threaded opening in a transverse nut-like plate (not shown)
slideably mounted inside the channel of the UNISTRUT.TM. joist, so
that the nut-like plate engages and tightly secures against the
upper flange of the joist's C-channels as depicted in FIG. 2A.
[0006] Once the bi-directional span 10 is assembled, each solar
panel 12 is secured in place by a portion of panel holding clips
45, which are secured to the support rails about the perimeter of
each panel. The panel clips are put in place, and tightened to
support rails 30. This installation process is often costly,
inaccurate, dangerous and time-consuming.
[0007] Another example of a support system for panel like
structures is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,762,720, issued to Hanoka et
al., which describes various mounting brackets used with a
UNISTRUT.TM. channel. Notably, the Hanoka et al. patent uses a
solar cell module having an integral mounting structure, i.e. a
mounting bracket bonded directly to a surface of the backskin layer
of a laminated solar cell module, which is then secured to the
channel bracket by bolt or slideably engaging C-shaped members.
Other examples are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,617,507, issued to
Mapes et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,370,828, issued to Genschorek; U.S.
Pat. No. 4,966,631, issued to Matlin et al.; and U.S. Pat. No.
7,012,188, issued to Erling.
[0008] Foldable support arrays 10 of upper support rails 30 and
lower support joists 20 are found in the newer art developed by the
inventors of the present application. One such example is depicted
in FIG. 4. A detailed view of the intersection between upper
support rail 30 and lower support joist 20 is depicted in FIG. 5.
The present inventor has developed a number of foldable support
systems for solar panels and other panel like structures. These are
listed in attached information disclosure documents.
[0009] The folding support arrays 10 of these support systems solve
many problems well known in the art of panel arrays. However, even
with a reliable, easily-deployed support array, there are still
difficulties in the installation of panel arrays, especially solar
panel arrays. In particular, existing support systems require
meticulous on-site assembly of multiple parts, performed by
expensive, dedicated field labor. Assembly is often performed in
unfavorable working conditions, i.e. in harsh weather and over
difficult terrain, without the benefit of quality control
safeguards and precision tooling. Misalignment of the overall
support assembly often occurs, especially when mounting panels to
the rails 30 with clips 45. This can jeopardize the supported solar
panels.
[0010] Another problem is spacing of the photovoltaic (solar)
panels 12. This is important to accommodate panel expansion and
contraction due to the change of the weather. It is important,
therefore, that the panels are properly spaced for maximum use of
the bi-directional area of the span. Different spacings may be
required on account of different temperature swings within various
geographical areas. It is difficult, however, to precisely space
the panels on-site using existing support structures and panel
clips or holders without advanced (and expensive) technical
assistance.
[0011] For example, with one of the existing designs described
above (with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B), until the upper rails 30
are tightly secured to the lower joists 20, each upper rail is free
to slide along the lower joists and, therefore, will need to be
properly spaced and secured once mounted on-site. Further, since
the distance between the two lower joists is fixed on account of
the drilled bolt holes through the rails, it is preferred to drill
the holes on-site, so that the lower joists can be precisely
aligned to attach through the pre-drilled attachment holes of the
tilt bracket. Unfortunately, the operation of drilling the holes
on-site requires skilled workers, and even with skilled
installation, might still result in misalignment of the support
structure (i.e. improperly spaced or slightly skewed from parallel)
and/or the solar panels supported by that structure.
[0012] An additional degree of difficulty is added by the provision
of drilling holes 145 to accommodate connectors for the panel clips
or holders 45. If this is done on site, precise placement of the
solar panels becomes extremely difficult. Even if the apertures 145
are precisely drilled at a factory, an additional degree of
imprecision is introduced when the panel clips 45 have to be
connected to the upper support rails 30 while being positioned to
hold panels 12. This is an awkward arrangement, even in the hands
of expert installers. Normally, it is accomplished by connecting
one portion of the panel clip 45 to the upper support rail 30, and
then positioning panel 12 to be secured by another portion of panel
clip 45. Of necessity, this adds an additional assembly step for
each panel clip 45, while still offering opportunities to
accidently introduce misalignment in the overall panel array
10.
[0013] Misalignment difficulties are exacerbated by the flexing of
the panels and natural sagging permitted by the flexibility of the
panels. The sagging of the panels can cause the panels to work out
of their holders, whether they would be holding clips or part of
the overall structure of the upper support rail. Improper
installation, which occurs frequently in conventional systems, can
lead to dislocation of the panels due to sagging or atmospheric
conditions. The use of a wide variety of different mounting
positions and array arrangements also exacerbate the stability
problems caused by panel sagging or deflection. Further, certain
mounting positions will make the panels more vulnerable to
atmospheric disruptions, such as those created by wind and
precipitation. All of these variables also complicate electrical
connections to the panels.
[0014] One method of correcting misalignment is through the use of
larger and more effective panel clips 45. However, there are
drawbacks in this approach. In particular, there are only a limited
number of points at which panel clips can be connected.
Accordingly, even with enlarged panel clips 45, only extremely
limited portions of the lengths of panels can be secured.
[0015] Therefore, a need exists for a low-cost, uncomplicated,
structurally strong support system and assembly method, so as to
optimally position and easily attach the plurality of photovoltaic
panels, while meeting architectural and engineering requirements.
Likewise, there is an urgent need for a panel support system that
will maintain the security of the mechanical connections of the
solar panels to support rails despite the flexing of the panels
(and support structure) caused by any of gravity, vibration, or
environmental factors. Likewise, there is an urgent need to
simplify the assembly of panel support systems, especially the
connections between the upper support rails 30 and panel clips 45.
Such simplification should not compromise the stability or strength
of the connections between the panels and the support system.
[0016] At present, none of the conventional art offers these
capabilities. An improved support system would achieve a precise
configuration in the field without extensive work at the
installation site. The use of such an improved system would
facilitate easy placement of solar panels onto the support
structure. The shipping configuration of the improved support
system would be such so as to be easily handled in transit while
still facilitating rapid deployment. Rapid deployment must be
facilitated on any type of substrate providing stable support for
the panels, without damaging or otherwise compromising the panels,
or substrate. Rapid deployment would also include rapid mechanical
connection of the panels to panel clips in a manner that would keep
the panels secure despite panel flexing, or any number of other
factors.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] It is a primary object of the present invention to improve
upon conventional photovoltaic solar panel systems, especially with
regard to assembly and installation.
[0018] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
support and installation system for solar panels in which the
panels are less likely to be damaged during installation.
[0019] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
simplified support system for solar panels that is easily installed
while still facilitating a precise configuration.
[0020] It is an additional object of the present invention to
provide a solar panel support system that can be assembled very
quickly on site, due to fewer assembly steps.
[0021] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide a solar panel support system that can achieve close
tolerances during field installation without the necessity of
skilled on-site labor.
[0022] It is still an additional object of the present invention to
provide a solar panel support system which can be easily adapted to
a wide variety of solar panel array sizes and shapes.
[0023] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a solar panel support system which minimizes the necessity for
precise measurements at the installation site.
[0024] It is again a further object of the present invention to
provide a solar panel support system that can be arranged at a
variety of different positions and exposure angles.
[0025] It is still an additional object of the present invention to
provide a solar panel support system that can be precisely
configured to a specific environment.
[0026] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
support system for solar panels and other panel-like structures in
which degradation caused by metal-to-metal contact is substantially
reduced.
[0027] It is again another object of the present invention to
provide a support system for panel-like structures in which
accommodation is made for movement caused by changes in
temperatures, humidity or other environmental considerations.
[0028] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide a simplified connection system for a solar panels using a
reduced number of parts.
[0029] It is still an additional object of the present invention to
provide a solar panel mounting system that can accommodate easy
installation and removal of panels on adjacent frameworks.
[0030] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a roof interface framework for a solar panel support structure
which allows easy installation of adjacent panel support systems,
without interfering with previously installed panels.
[0031] It is again an additional object of the present invention to
provide a panel support system that permits deployment of multiple
support structures on a wide variety of different substrates.
[0032] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide a panel support system wherein a wide variety of different
sizes and shapes of panel configurations can be accommodated, and
easily installed, as well as removed.
[0033] It is again a further object of the present invention to
provide a panel support system in which panels can be easily
attached to support brackets without incurring damage to the
panels.
[0034] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide a support system for panels or panel-like structures for a
wide range of uses, positions, and configurations.
[0035] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide a panel mounting system which is entirely self-contained
with its own installation interface.
[0036] It is again an additional object of the present invention to
provide a panel mounting system which facilitates quick, secure
mounting of the panels once the support system is deployed.
[0037] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a panel support system that can accommodate flexing, sagging and
other deformation of the panels while maintaining a secure
connection thereto.
[0038] It is yet a further object of the present invention to
provide a panel mounting system which facilitates increased panel
clip capacity.
[0039] It is again an additional object of the present invention to
provide a panel mounting system that facilitates safe tightening of
panel clips.
[0040] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a panel clip or connector that can accommodate for flexing of both
the panel and the support system.
[0041] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide a panel connection system that can facilitate rapid
installation while maintaining a secure hold on the panels or panel
like structures.
[0042] It is yet an additional object of the present invention to
provide support rails configured to ensure a secure panel
connection.
[0043] It is yet a further object of the present invention to
reduce the cost of panel support structures by eliminating the
overall length of structural aluminum, such as those currently used
in conventional systems, without sacrificing the strength of the
overall structure.
[0044] It is still an additional object of the present invention to
provide a panel support system admitting to substantial flexibility
of configuration.
[0045] It is the overall goal of the present invention to provide a
comprehensive panel mounting system that facilitates rapid, secure
installation, including deployment of the panel support structure,
and placement of the panels on that support structure.
[0046] These and other goals and objects of the present invention
are provided by a mounting system having lower support joists and
upper support rails constituting panel clips with at least one
adjustable arm.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0047] Having generally described the nature of the invention,
reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings used to
illustrate and describe the preferred embodiments thereof. Further,
the aforementioned advantages and others will become apparent to
those skilled in this art from the following detailed description
of the preferred embodiments when considered in light of these
drawings, in which:
[0048] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled conventional
field ground rack support system for securing a plurality of solar
panels;
[0049] FIG. 2A is a side view of a conventional tilt bracket mount
with prior art C-shaped sectional channels secured back-to-back to
form support joists to which upper support rails, also shown in
FIG. 2B, are secured;
[0050] FIG. 2B shows an end view of prior art upper support rails,
each with a C-shaped sectional channel;
[0051] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a previously-disclosed
support system in a configuration as used with solar panels
arranged in a column and in spaced relationship thereon;
[0052] FIG. 4 is a top view illustrating the bi-directional support
frame collapsed to an intermediate folded position;
[0053] FIG. 5 is an end elevation and partial sectional view
depicting a conventional arrangement of a lower support joist, and
upper support rail, and a panel clip;
[0054] FIG. 6A is an end view of a support clip of the present
invention, with a sliding arm in a first position;
[0055] FIG. 6B is a top view of FIG. 6A;
[0056] FIG. 6C is an end view of FIG. 6A with the sliding arm in a
second or withdrawn position;
[0057] FIG. 7 is a top view of a section of the sliding arm;
and
[0058] FIG. 8 is a side view depicting a first installed panel and
a partially installed second panel.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0059] As has been previously discussed, conventional panel (solar
and other types) support systems tend to be constituted by two
dimensional arrays having lower support joists 20 and upper support
rails 30. Panel clips or holders 45 are then mounted on the upper
support rails so that the panels 12 can be placed thereon, and
secured with additional portions of the clips. Even with factory
pre-alignment and set up, conventionally there is little that can
be done about the many assembly steps required to place both the
panel clips 45 and the panels on the upper rails.
[0060] The present invention, as depicted in FIGS. 6(a-c), 7 and 8,
is a departure from this arrangement. Reinforced clip structure
400, as depicted in detail by FIGS. 6(a)-6(c), provides a
reinforced structure to serve as a clip, and as a substitute for
upper support rail 30, such as that provided in the conventional
art previously described herein. This substitution is performed
without detriment to the strength and stability of the overall
panel array system 10. The structural stability of the conventional
tubular upper support rail 30 depicted in FIG. 5 is provided by
tubular support structure 405 constituting the main body of
inventive support clip 400. The tubular support structure 405
includes two side walls 405(a), 405(b), a lower wall 405(c) and an
upper thickened wall 405(d). The upper thickened wall 405(d)
includes a threaded portion 405(e) to receive an external
connecting screw 406.
[0061] Inventive support clip 400 is held to a conventional lower
support joist 20 (as depicted in FIG. 8) through the use of a
U-shaped structure, which operates as a kind of hinge. This
structure includes two extending legs 402(a), 402(b), which extends
on either side of the sidewalls of support joist 20 (not shown in
FIG. 6(a & c)). The two extending legs 402(a), 402(b) are
attached to the rest of support clip 400 through horizontal
shoulders 401(a), 401(b), respectively. Besides forming the
U-shaped structure to attach support clip 400, to a lower support
joist 20, the two shoulder structures 401(a), 401(b) also serve as
supports for external panels 12 (as depicted in FIG. 8).
[0062] T-slot 409 is provided between shoulders 401(a), 401(b) to
accommodate a bolt head (not shown) that passes through the lower
support joists 20 (depicted in FIG. 8). By using T-slot channel
409, the panel clip structure can be held securely to the lower
support joists 20, an advantage that was not easily achieved in the
conventional art where the panel clip had to be attached separately
to the upper support rail 30. By incorporating both the panel clip
45 and the upper support rail 30 into the same structure, (support
clip 400), the present invention has achieved superior structural
integrity, as well as greater simplicity. Further, enhanced
stability is added by the extending legs 402(a), 402(b), of the
U-shaped structure so that even greater stability between the two
structures (support clip 400 and lower support joists 20) is
achieved than has previously been possible with the conventional
art.
[0063] It should be noted that support clip 400 is preferably made
of aluminum. Conventional support joists 20, upon which the support
clip 400 is mounted, are preferably made of steel. Accordingly,
provision must be made for some kind of barrier to prevent a
metal-to-metal contact between the aluminum support clip and the
steel support joist. One way of affecting this is through the use
of a nylon gasket (not shown) formed over the interior of the
U-shaped structure formed by legs 402(a), 402(b), and shoulders
401(a) and 401(b). The gasket can have a hole, to accommodate the
bolt (not shown) which will interact with T-slot 409. The gasket
can be formed of nylon, and be contiguous over the U-shape of the
support clip 400.
[0064] In the alternative, the gasket, or gaskets, can be made to
be discontiguous, in a variety of shapes and sizes. Further, while
nylon has been proven to work admirably as an insulator, to prevent
metal-to-metal contact between aluminum and steel, other materials
can also be used. Thus, while some type of gasket is necessary
between support clip 400 and support joists 20, virtually any
arrangement is permissible with the concept of the present
invention.
[0065] FIG. 6(b) depicts a top view of support clip 400. Included
in the view is an external tightening screw 406. The entirety of
the width of support clip 400 is approximately 13/4 inches.
However, while this is one preferred size, other sizes can be used
within the concept of the present invention. Also, the length of
support clip 400 is shown to be foreshortened, and contain only a
single tightening screw 406. While this is suitable for one
embodiment of the present invention, not all embodiments of the
present invention are so limited.
[0066] In a first embodiment of the present invention, support clip
400 can be the approximate length of a conventional clip 45 (as
depicted in the conventional art drawings). However, with this
configuration, the present invention would still suffer from some
of the drawbacks of the conventional art. For example, there would
still be a very limited number of points at which the panels 12
could be connected to an underlying support array. While this is
adequate for some panel support arrangements 10, this is not always
the case.
[0067] In another embodiment of the present invention, the length
of support clip 400 can be much greater than that suggested in FIG.
6(b). For example, the length of support clip 400 can extend for
the entire length of the underlying support joists 20. An
appropriate number of tightening screws 406 and accompanying
threaded portions could also be provided based upon the
requirements of the specific panel array to be mounted. A
continuous connection between the support clip 400 and the panel
that the clip is holding for a major portion of the length of that
panel provides a much more secure connection than is currently
available with conventional art. As a result, many panel flaws and
eccentricities (such as sagging, warping, or the like) can be
adequately addressed with the present invention.
[0068] Secure, contiguous connections are only part of the
advantage provided by the present support clip 400. The present
invention further addresses the difficulties normally occurring
with placement and securing of panels during the assembly process,
and any subsequent repair or maintenance operations that might
require removal or adjustment of panels 12. In order to appreciate
the advantages of the present invention, it is necessary to
consider the parts of support clip 400 that hold or otherwise
address external panels 12. Normally, the panels 12 would rest upon
shoulders 401(a) or 401(b). The upper part of the panel would
interface with an upper fixed arm such as 408. In order for support
clip 400 to hold an external panel 12 using shoulder 401(b) and
fixed arm 408, the panel 12 would have to be slid between these two
arms. While this may be suitable for one side of the panel, the
opposite side would present severe problems if there is an attempt
to mount the panel in the same manner. Normally, a panel would have
to be slid perpendicularly (in the Z axis extending out of the
drawing) in order to be fit into two clips on either side of it,
having fixed upper and lower arms, such as shoulder 401(b) and
fixed arm 408. While this may be practical in some arrangements, it
is very often not practical, so that even if the sliding of
multiple panels 12 is possible, it can be very awkward.
[0069] The problem of mounting and dismounting panels 12 within
support clip 400 is solved through the use of sliding arm 410, a
top view of which is depicted in FIG. 7. Sliding arm 410 is
attached to the rest of the support clip 400 by means of slot
410(b) and tightening screw 406. This means that the entirety of
sliding arm 410 is capable of being moved from the position
depicted in FIG. 6(a) to the position depicted in FIG. 6(c). In the
FIG. 6(c) position, sliding arm 410 is entirely clear of side wall
405(b). This allows a panel 12 (not shown therein) to be placed
atop shoulder 410(a) from the top of the support clip 400, rather
than being slid sideways.
[0070] Movement of sliding arm 410 is controlled through tension
generated by spring 407 and tightening screw 406. The spring
tension generated can render movement of sliding arm 410 to be very
difficult. This difficulty can be easily overcome by means of
beveled shoulder 410(a) which allows sliding arm 410 to slide
easily over the top surface of structure 405(d). The movement of
sliding arm 410 is further facilitated by the beveled shoulder
408(a) of fixed arm 408. The result of this arrangement is that
sliding arm 410 can be effectively controlled so that it can be
slid back from its extended position (as depicted in FIG. 6(a)) to
a retracted position (as depicted in FIG. 6(c)), and held there
without any difficulty. Replacement of the sliding arm 410 into its
FIG. 6(a) position is easily facilitated by the same structures
that permitted easy sliding and retention in the retracted
position. Once sliding arm 410 is returned to the extended position
(as depicted in FIG. 6(a)), the panel 12 can be tightened in place
with little additional effort by simply operating tightening screw
406 to increase the tension of spring 407 on sliding arm 410 (and
thus the panel 12 being held firmly by sliding arm 410).
[0071] An example of the aforementioned operation is depicted in
FIG. 8. In this arrangement, lower support joists 20 are arranged
on a substrate 100 (which can be constituted by any surface from a
concrete slab, to a roof, to a metal mounting bracket, for example,
atop a tilt bracket for an extended length of joist). The lower
support joists 20 are held to the substrate by any number of
different, conventional mounting techniques, which has been
elaborated on in a substantial number of conventional art examples.
Further details of these mounting techniques are not necessary for
an understanding of the present invention. Support clips 400 are
mounted to the lower support joists 20 as previously described,
using the U-shaped structure of the lower support clip, and if
desired, bolts extending through the support joists and into the
T-slot 409 of support clip 400. As depicted in FIG. 8, the
right-hand panel 12 has been fit into a first support clip 400, and
the right-hand side of the panel is about to be lowered onto the
far right-hand support clip 400 from above. The sliding arm 410 of
the far right-hand support clip 400 has been retracted, and is in
the same position as depicted in FIG. 6(c).
[0072] The arrangement depicted in FIG. 8 allows for very easy and
rapid deployment of panels 12, in a wide variety of different
configurations. The ease of mounting and dismounting panels 12 for
arrangements as depicted in FIG. 8 renders the installation and
maintenance of solar panel arrays much less expensive than is the
prevailing condition for conventional arrays.
[0073] A further advantage of the present invention is that the
sliding arm can be arranged in virtually any length that is
considered desirable for a particular panel array, or even
individual panel. Accordingly, a single panel array can contain any
number of different lengths and configurations of sliding arms 410
to better facilitate ease of installation and security of the
panels for a particular place in the panel array, or even a
particular panel. Likewise, because support clip 400 is arranged
parallel to the lower support joists 20, the numbers of tightening
screws 406 can be changed as needed for a particular place or
position in the panel array. For example, a three foot length of
support clip 400 could have two feet of sliding arm 410 arranged at
different positions along the length of the support clip 400. The
lengths of sliding arm could be manufactured to have different
numbers of slots for increasingly secure connections between the
sliding arm 410 and the panel 12 to be held.
[0074] While a number of preferred embodiments have been described
by way of example, the present invention is not limited thereto.
Rather, the present invention should be understood to include any
and all variations, modifications, adaptations, permutations,
derivations, and embodiments that would occur to one skilled in
this art in possession of the teachings of the present invention.
Accordingly, the present invention should be construed to be
limited only by the following claims.
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