USOO9584.062B2
`
`(12) United States Patent
`Ganshaw et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 9,584,062 B2
`Feb. 28, 2017
`
`(54) APPARATUS FOR MOUNTING
`PHOTOVOLTAC MODULES
`
`(56)
`
`(71) Applicant: Unirac, Inc., Albuquerque, NM (US)
`
`(72) Inventors: Todd Ganshaw, Albuquerque, NM
`(US); Ernest Gallegos, Albuquerque,
`NM (US); Jason Mayfield,
`Albuquerque, NM (US); Nathan
`Schuit, Edgewood, NM (US)
`
`(73) Assignee: Unirac Inc., Albuquerque, NM (US)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`7,260,918 B2
`8/2007 Liebendorfer
`7,434,362 B2 10/2008 Liebendorfer
`7,592,537 B1
`9, 2009 West
`RSG R:
`$39, QB s al.
`est et al.
`8,128,044 B2
`3/2012 Liebendorfer
`8,375,654 B1
`2/2013 West et al.
`8,695.290 B1 * 4/2014 Kim ....................... F24J 2,5252
`248,225.11
`
`(Continued)
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`(21) Appl. No.: 14/515,990
`
`FR
`IT
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`2,972 574 A1
`9, 2012
`EP 26.26651 A1 * 8, 2013 ............. F24J 2.52O7
`(Continued)
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Oct. 16, 2014
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2016/011 1997 A1
`(51) Int. Cl.
`HO2S 20/23
`F24, 2/52
`F24.J 2/46
`(52) U.S. Cl
`CPC
`
`Apr. 21, 2016
`
`(2014.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`H02S 20/23 (2014.12); F24J 2/5207
`"(2013 01); F24 J 25256 (2013 01); F24.J
`•
`u. fs
`20024663 (2013 01)
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`CPC ......... H02S 20/23: HO2S 20/00; F24J 2/5245;
`F24J 2/5207; F24J 2/5258: F24J 2/5205;
`F24J 2/5254; F24J 2002/5215; Y02E
`10/47; YO2E 10/50; Y02B 10/12: YO2B
`10/20
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`"Quick Rack QMQR—EF—Enphase Mount Assembly' Quick
`Mount PV. Walnut Creek, CA. (Four (4) pages), Sep. 2014.
`(Continued)
`Primary Examiner — Jeanette E Chapman
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Crowell & Moring LLP
`
`- 0
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`An apparatus for mounting photovoltaic modules is dis
`closed. The apparatus includes a bracket where the bracket
`defines a slot in a lower portion of the bracket and the slot
`extends along a longitudinal length of the bracket. A clamp
`is securable to the bracket on an upper portion of the bracket.
`A first photovoltaic module and a second photovoltaic
`module are mountable on a first side of the bracket and a first
`side of the clamp, where the first photovoltaic module is
`adjacent to the second photovoltaic module. A footer is
`variably positionable on the bracket along the slot.
`33 Claims, 13 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`1OA
`
`10
`
`1O
`
`10A
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`1OA
`
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`1O
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`1O
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`3
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`m
`
`3.
`
`4.
`
`2
`-
`
`4.
`
`1O
`so
`
`10
`
`Elá
`
`1O
`
`10A
`3-
`
`10A
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`3
`
`O
`
`9
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`1OA
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`- EAST - WEST -->
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`ECO
`Exhibit 1001 - Page 1
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`

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`US 9,584,062 B2
`Page 2
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`2014/O110543 A1
`2014/0168927 A1
`2014/02391.37 A1
`
`4/2014 Aliabadi et al.
`6, 2014 Morris et al.
`8, 2014 Liebendorfer
`
`8,763,968
`8,813,441
`
`2002fOO78991
`2003/0070368
`
`2004O163338
`
`2008.OOOO173
`2011/0000526
`2011/O138585
`
`2011/O174947
`
`2012,0080075
`
`2012/0102853
`
`2012fO255596
`2012/0301661
`2013, O140416
`2013/0255167
`2013,0291479
`
`T/2014
`8, 2014
`
`6, 2002
`4, 2003
`
`8, 2004
`
`1, 2008
`1, 2011
`6, 2011
`
`T 2011
`
`4, 2012
`
`5, 2012
`
`10, 2012
`11, 2012
`6, 2013
`10, 2013
`11, 2013
`
`Liebendorfer
`RiZZO ..................... F24J 2,5245
`248,148
`
`Nagao et al.
`Shingleton ............. F24J 2,5205
`52,173.3
`Liebendorfer ......... F24J 2.52O7
`52,173.1
`
`Lenox et al.
`West
`Kmita .................... F24J 2,5258
`24,522
`Wu ........................ F24J 2,5205
`248,226.11
`Hardikar ................ F24J 2,5205
`136,251
`RiZZO ..................... F24J 2,5245
`52,173.3
`
`Korman et al.
`West et al.
`West et al.
`Concho et al.
`Schaefer ................ F24J 2,5245
`52.745.21
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`EP 2664727 A1 * 11, 2013 ............. F24J 2.52O7
`JP
`WO WO 20140.04279 A1 * 1 2014 ............. F24J 2.52O7
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Backstrom et al., “Report of Experiments of Minimum Gap and
`Flashing for Rack Mounted Photovoltaic Modules Phase 4”. Project
`No. 11CA43479, File No. IN 15911, UL LLC, Northbrook, IL,
`(Ten (10) pages), Mar. 29, 2012.
`Backstrom et al., “Effect of Rack Mounted Photovoltaic Modules on
`the Flammability of Roofing Assemblies—Demonstration of Miti
`gation Concepts”. Project No.–08CA39594 and 09CA40917. File
`No. IN 15911 and R26475 Underwriters Laboratories Inc.,
`Northbrook, IL. (Twenty Three (23) pages), Revised on Feb. 10,
`2010.
`European Search Report issued in European counterpart application
`No. 15186614.2-1504 dated Feb. 26, 2016 (Eight (8) pages).
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`ECO
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 28, 2017
`Feb. 28, 2017
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`Sheet 1 of 13
`Sheet 1 of 13
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`US 9,584,062 B2
`US 9,584,062 B2
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`ECO
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`U.S. Patent
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`Feb. 28, 2017
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`US 9,584,062 B2
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`Z "SOIH
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`ECO
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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
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`Feb. 28, 2017
`Feb. 28, 2017
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`Sheet 3 of 13
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`ECO
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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
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`Feb. 28, 2017
`Feb. 28, 2017
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`Sheet 4 of 13
`Sheet 4 of 13
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`US 9,584,062 B2
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`FIG.4
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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
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`Feb. 28, 2017
`Feb. 28, 2017
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`Sheet 5 of 13
`Sheet S of 13
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`US 9,584,062 B2
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`FIG.5
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`ECO
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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
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`Feb. 28, 2017
`Feb. 28, 2017
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`Sheet 6 of 13
`Sheet 6 of 13
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`US 9,584,062 B2
`US 9,584,062 B2
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`FIG.6
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`ECO
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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
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`Feb. 28, 2017
`Feb. 28, 2017
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`Sheet 7 of 13
`Sheet 7 of 13
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`US 9,584,062 B2
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`FIG.7
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`ECO
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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
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`Feb. 28, 2017
`Feb. 28, 2017
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`Sheet 8 of 13
`Sheet 8 of 13
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`FIG.8
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`s
`112A
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`ECO
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`U.S. Patent
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`Feb. 28, 2017
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`Sheet 9 of 13
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`CN
`CN
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`S
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`ECO
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`U.S. Patent
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`Feb. 28, 2017
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`Sheet 10 of 13
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`US 9,584,062 B2
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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
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`Feb. 28, 2017
`Feb. 28, 2017
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`Sheet 11 of 13
`Sheet 11 of 13
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`U.S. Patent
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`Feb. 28, 2017
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`Sheet 12 of 13
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`US 9,584,062 B2
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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
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`Feb. 28, 2017
`Feb. 28, 2017
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`Sheet 13 of 13
`Sheet 13 of 13
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`US 9,584,062 B2
`US 9,584,062 B2
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`9}‘Sls
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`PNIN
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`ECO
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`

`

`1.
`APPARATUS FOR MOUNTING
`PHOTOVOLTAC MODULES
`
`US 9,584,062 B2
`
`2
`FIG. 16 is a side view of the micro-inverter mounting
`bracket as secured to the bracket of the mounting apparatus
`and with a micro-inverter.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`The Solar industry is growing world-wide and, as a result,
`more-efficient structures are desirable for mounting photo
`Voltaic modules to a structure, such as a roof of a home or
`other building. Whereas many different structures are
`known, there is a desire to reduce the complexity of Such
`structures, and improve the efficiency of Such structures.
`Therefore, there is a need for an improved apparatus for
`mounting photovoltaic modules.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`10
`
`15
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a cross-section of an apparatus 10 for mounting
`photovoltaic modules, with a photovoltaic module 1
`mounted thereon, in accordance with an embodiment of the
`present invention. The apparatus 10 includes a bracket 100,
`a clamp 200, and a footer 400. An attachment mechanism
`300 secures the clamp 200 to the bracket 100.
`The bracket 100 defines slots 112A and 112B on opposing
`sides of the bracket 100 in a lower portion 110A of the
`bracket 100. Slots 112A and 112B extend along an entire
`longitudinal length L of the bracket 100, as can be seen at
`least in FIG. 2.
`The bracket 100 includes a first ledge 120 on a first side
`110C of the bracket 100 and a second ledge 122 on a second,
`opposing side 110D of the bracket 100. The opposing sides
`extend along the longitudinal length of the bracket 100 and
`between the lower portion 110A and an upper portion 110B
`of the bracket 100. The bracket 100 defines a cavity 130
`between the upper portion 110B of the bracket 100 and the
`lower portion 110A of the bracket 100 and includes an
`extension member 140 on the upper portion 110B of the
`bracket 100. The extension member 140 defines a cavity 142
`within the extension member 140.
`As mentioned above, the apparatus 10 also includes a
`clamp 200 that is securable onto the bracket 100 and on the
`upper portion 110B of the bracket 100. The clamp 200
`includes two opposing legs 210, 212 where the extension
`member 140 of the bracket 100 is disposed between the two
`opposing legs 210, 212 of the clamp 200 when the clamp
`200 is secured to the bracket 100. A plurality of attachment
`mechanisms 300, as can be seen in FIG. 2, secure the clamp
`200 to the bracket 100 on the upper portion 110B of the
`bracket 100. The attachment mechanisms may be bolts or
`SCCWS.
`The clamp 200 also includes a first wing 220 on a first side
`200A of the clamp 200 and a second wing 222 on a second
`side 200B of the clamp 200. As will be further discussed
`below, the wings 220, 222 cooperate with the ledges 120,
`122 of the bracket 100, respectively, to secure multiple
`photovoltaic modules in the apparatus 10. Clamp 200 also
`extends along the entire longitudinal length L of the bracket
`100, as can be seen in FIG. 2, and thus, along the entire
`longitudinal length of the apparatus 10.
`The apparatus 10 also includes a footer 400, as mentioned
`above. The footer 400 is variably positionable on the bracket
`100 along either slot 112A or 112B, as can be further seen
`in FIGS. 2-8. The footer 400 is generally L-shaped with a
`first, upright leg 401 and a second, flat leg 402. The upright
`leg 401 is “upright' in the sense that it extends perpendicu
`larly to the surface on which the footer 400 is mounted. The
`flat leg 402 is “flat in the sense that it extends parallel to the
`surface on which the footer 400 is mounted. The upright leg
`contains at least one aperture, through which a securement
`mechanism 410, which may be a bolt and a nut, extends. As
`shown in FIG. 2, two, or more, apertures may be provided,
`such that the position of the bracket 100 with respect to the
`upright leg 401 of the footer 400 may be adjusted by use of
`the securement mechanism in the different apertures. The
`shaft of the bolt extends through an aperture of the upright
`leg 401 and the nut, or other structure, of the securement
`mechanism 410 is disposed within the slot 112A of bracket
`100, or slot 112B if the footer 400 is placed on the opposing
`
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`FIG. 1 is a cross-section of an apparatus for mounting
`photovoltaic modules with a mounted photovoltaic module
`in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
`FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a bonding clip in
`accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
`FIG. 1B is a cross-section of the bonding clip of FIG. 1A
`as positioned with respect to the bracket of the apparatus and
`a photovoltaic module;
`FIG. 2 is a side view of the apparatus for mounting
`photovoltaic modules of FIG. 1 with two adjacent photo
`Voltaic modules mounted in the apparatus;
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus for mounting
`photovoltaic modules of FIG. 1 in a first position of the
`footer with respect to the bracket;
`FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the apparatus for mounting
`photovoltaic modules of FIG. 1 in a second position of the
`footer with respect to the bracket;
`FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the apparatus for mounting
`photovoltaic modules of FIG. 1 in a third position of the
`footer with respect to the bracket;
`FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the apparatus for mounting
`photovoltaic modules of FIG. 3 in the first position of the
`footer with respect to the bracket and the footer attached to
`a roof Support;
`FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the apparatus for mounting
`photovoltaic modules of FIG. 4 in the second position of the
`footer with respect to the bracket and the footer attached to
`a roof Support;
`FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the apparatus for mounting
`photovoltaic modules of FIG. 5 in the third position of the
`footer with respect to the bracket and the footer attached to
`a roof Support;
`50
`FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of
`an apparatus for mounting photovoltaic modules in accor
`dance with the principles of the present invention;
`FIG. 10 is a top view of the apparatuses of FIGS. 1 and
`9 as used to mount photovoltaic modules:
`FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a trim in accordance with
`the principles of the present invention;
`FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a trim mounting bracket
`in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
`FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the trim mounting bracket
`of FIG. 12 as secured to the bracket of the mounting
`apparatus;
`FIG. 14 is a side view of the trim mounting bracket and
`trim as secured to the bracket of the mounting apparatus;
`FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a micro-inverter mount
`ing bracket in accordance with the principles of the present
`invention; and
`
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`3
`side of the bracket 100. As the bolt is threaded down on the
`nut, the footer 400 is secured at a position on the bracket 100
`along the slot 112A. The flat leg 402 of the footer also
`contains an aperture, and an additional securement mecha
`nism, which may be a lag bolt, extends through the aperture
`and into a roof structure, e.g., a rafter, to secure the flat leg
`402, and thus the footer 400, to the roof structure.
`Thus, as discussed above, the footer 400 is variably
`positionable on the bracket 100 along the slot 112A via the
`securement mechanism 410 that is disposed through the
`footer 400 and is received in the slot 112A. By loosening the
`nut on the bolt, while the nut remains in slot 112A, the footer
`and securement mechanism may be moved and positioned
`anywhere along the longitudinal length of the bracket, and
`then tightened to secure the footer 400 on the bracket 100 at
`a desired positioned. This provides a benefit since, as will be
`further discussed later in this specification, the footer is not
`constrained to a single position on the bracket, but rather, it
`can be variably positioned on the bracket such that it can be
`co-located at the position of a roof structure, e.g., a rafter, to
`which the footer is to be mounted.
`Further included in apparatus 10 are first bonding clip 500
`and second bonding clip 510. First bonding clip 500, and
`first and second bonding clips 500. 510, can be seen in FIG.
`1A and at least in FIG. 2. The first bonding clip 500 and the
`second bonding clip. 510 are both disposed only on the first
`side 110C of the bracket 100 and are disposed on opposing
`longitudinal ends of the first ledge 120 of the bracket 100.
`Bonding clips 500. 510 include similar structure, and as can
`best be seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the first bonding clip 500,
`and thus second bonding clip. 510, includes teeth 512 on an
`upper side 520 and a lower side 522 of the bonding clips. As
`can be particularly seen in FIG. 1A, the first bonding clip
`500 and the second bonding clip. 510 are each formed
`generally in a U-shape.
`As can be seen at least in FIG. 1 and FIG. 1B, the first
`ledge 120 of the bracket 100 includes a depression 120A on
`its upper side and a portion of the first bonding clip 500 is
`disposed in the depression 120A. Similarly, a portion of the
`second bonding clip 510 is also disposed in the depression
`120A at an opposite longitudinal end of the depression
`120A. As will be further discussed below, bonding clips 500,
`510 electrically bond the photovoltaic modules to the appa
`ratus 10.
`As can be seen at least in FIG. 3, the first ledge 120 of the
`bracket 100, the second ledge 122 of the bracket 100, the
`first wing 220 of the clamp 200, and the second wing 222 of
`the clamp 200 each extend along the entire longitudinal
`length of the apparatus 10. With this structure of the appa
`ratus 10, as can be seen when considering at least FIG. 1,
`FIG. 2, and FIG. 10, a first photovoltaic module 1 and a
`second photovoltaic module 2 are mountable on the first side
`110C of the bracket 100 and the first side 200A of the clamp
`200 between the first ledge 120 of the bracket 100 and the
`first wing 220 of the clamp 200 where the first photovoltaic
`module 1 is adjacent to the second photovoltaic module 2.
`The securement mechanisms 300 are threaded into
`respective apertures in clamp 200 and extension member
`140 of bracket 100 to lower the clamp 200 with respect to
`bracket 100, and thus, clamp the photovoltaic modules 1, 2
`between the first ledge 120 of bracket 100 and first wing 220
`of clamp 200. Securement mechanisms 300 also electrically
`bond the clamp 200 to the bracket 100.
`As can be understood when considering FIG. 2, when the
`first photovoltaic module 1 and the second photovoltaic
`module 2 are clamped between the first ledge 120 and first
`wing 220, the teeth 512 on the upper side 520 of bonding
`
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`clip 500 engage with the first photovoltaic module 1 and the
`teeth 512 on the lower side 522 of bonding clip 500 engage
`with ledge 120. Similarly, the teeth 512 on the upper side
`520 of bonding clip. 510 engage with the second photovol
`taic module 2 and the teeth 512 on the lower side 522 of
`bonding clip 510 also engages with ledge 120. As such, the
`photovoltaic modules 1, 2 are electrically bonded to the
`apparatus 10 through bonding clips 500. 510.
`As can also be understood particularly when considering
`FIG. 10, on the opposing, second side 110D of the bracket
`100 and the opposing, second side 200B of the clamp 200,
`a third photovoltaic module 3 and a fourth photovoltaic
`module 4 are mountable on the second side 110D of the
`bracket 100 and the second side 200B of the clamp 200
`between the second ledge 122 of the bracket 100 and the
`second wing 222 of the clamp 200, where the third photo
`voltaic module 3 is adjacent to the fourth photovoltaic
`module 4.
`As such, the apparatus can be disposed between 4 pho
`tovoltaic modules of an array of photovoltaic modules to
`mount the 4 photovoltaic modules to a roof structure. Thus,
`respective corners of the 4 photovoltaic modules are secured
`in the apparatus 10. If the apparatus 10 is used on the edge
`of the array, only 2 photovoltaic modules are mounted in the
`apparatus on one side of the apparatus.
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus 10 for
`mounting photovoltaic modules of FIG. 1 in a first position
`of the footer 400 with respect to the bracket 100. As
`discussed above, the footer 400 is variably positionable on
`the bracket 100 along the slot 112A. As shown in FIG. 3, the
`footer 400 is positioned at the far left side of the bracket 100
`along slot 112A in this Figure.
`FIGS. 4 and 5 show the footer 400 positioned at other
`locations on the bracket 100 along the slot 112A. In FIG. 4.
`the footer 400 is positioned in the middle of the bracket 100
`along slot 112A and in FIG. 5 the footer 400 is positioned at
`the far right side of the bracket 100 along slot 112A. It is
`only required that one footer be used in the apparatus 10.
`FIGS. 6-8 correlate to FIGS. 3-5, respectively, regarding
`the positioning of the footer 400 with respect to the bracket
`100. As can be understood, when the apparatus is used on a
`roofto mount photovoltaic modules on the roof, the bracket
`100 may not always align with a rafter A of the roof at the
`same position on the bracket 100. Thus, with the present
`invention, the footer 400 is variably positionable on the
`bracket 100 such that the position of the footer 400 can be
`co-located with the position of the rafter A.
`FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an appa
`ratus 10A for mounting photovoltaic modules in accordance
`with the principles of the present invention. The same
`reference characters are used for the same elements for the
`embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 9.
`As can be seen, the apparatus 10A of FIG. 9 includes the
`same elements as the apparatus 10 of FIG. 1. A difference
`between the embodiments is the longitudinal length A of the
`apparatus of the two embodiments. In the embodiment of
`FIG. 9, the longitudinal length A of apparatus 10A is much
`shorter than the longitudinal length of apparatus 10. This is
`because, as can be seen in FIG. 10, and as discussed above,
`apparatus 10 can be used to mount four photovoltaic mod
`ules in both the East-West (E-W) direction and the North
`South (N-S) direction. Apparatus 10A is only used to mount
`at-most two photovoltaic modules in the N-S direction at the
`E-W ends of the photovoltaic array. Thus, the apparatus 10
`is longer than apparatus 10A to provide greater Support for
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`the mounted photovoltaic modules. Another difference is
`that apparatus 10A may only include a single bonding clip
`SOO.
`As discussed above, the apparatus 10A includes the same
`elements as apparatus 10. Thus, apparatus 10A includes a
`bracket 100, a clamp 200, and a footer 400 (not shown in
`FIG. 9). An attachment mechanism 300 secures the clamp
`200 to the bracket 100.
`The bracket 100 defines slots 112A and 112B on opposing
`sides of the bracket 100 in a lower portion 110A of the
`bracket 100. Slots 112A and 112B extend along an entire
`longitudinal length L of the bracket 100.
`The bracket 100 includes a first ledge 120 on a first side
`110C of the bracket 100 and a second ledge 122 on a second,
`opposing side 110D of the bracket 100. The bracket 100
`defines a cavity 130 between the upper portion 110B of the
`bracket 100 and the lower portion 110A of the bracket 100
`and includes an extension member 140 on the upper portion
`110B of the bracket 100. The extension member 140 defines
`a cavity 142 within the extension member 140.
`The clamp 200 includes two opposing legs 210, 212
`where the extension member 140 of the bracket 100 is
`disposed between the two opposing legs 210, 212 of the
`clamp 200 when the clamp 200 is secured to the bracket 100.
`An attachment mechanism 300 secures the clamp 200 to the
`bracket 100 on the upper portion 110B of the bracket 100.
`The clamp 200 also includes a first wing 220 on a first side
`200A of the clamp 200 and a second wing 222 on a second
`side 200B of the clamp 200.
`As can be further seen in FIG. 10, a plurality of appara
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`tuses 10 and 10A can be used to mount an array of
`photovoltaic modules.
`As can be seen in FIGS. 11-14, the apparatus 10, and 10A,
`may further include a trim assembly 600. The trim assembly
`600 includes trim 610 and a trim mounting bracket 620. The
`trim mounting bracket 620 is mountable on the bracket 100
`and the trim 610 is mountable on the trim mounting bracket
`620.
`As shown in FIG. 11, the trim 610 is an elongated
`structure with a curved form.
`As shown in FIG. 12, the trim mounting bracket 620
`includes two trim mounting structures 621, 622. Both of
`these mounting structures 621, 622 are generally U-shaped.
`Trim mounting bracket 620 also includes two bracket
`mounting structures 623, 624. Mounting structure 623 is
`generally U-shaped and mounting structure 624 includes
`two legs that both have an outwardly extending tab on the
`ends of the legs. As can be seen in FIGS. 13 and 14, trim
`mounting bracket 620 is mounted on bracket 100 by engag
`ing bracket mounting structure 623 on a ridge 150 of the
`bracket 100 and by engaging bracket mounting structure 624
`in the slot 112A of the bracket 100. The outwardly extending
`tabs on the ends of the legs of mounting structure 624
`engage behind structure of the bracket that defines slot
`112A. As such, the trim mounting bracket 620 may be easily
`positioned at different positions on the bracket 100, i.e.,
`adjusted East-West on the apparatuses, in slot 112A.
`An attachment device 625, which may be a screw with a
`pointed end, is disposed through an aperture in trim mount
`ing bracket 620 and within slot 112A to engage with bracket
`100 internal to the slot 112A. The screw cuts into the bracket
`100 to electrically bond the trim mounting bracket 620 to the
`bracket 100.
`The trim 610 is mounted in the trim mounting bracket 620
`by placing a lower portion 612 of the trim 610 in the trim
`mounting structure 622 and by placing an upper portion 614
`of the trim 610 in the trim mounting structure 621. Thus, the
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`trim 610 can be snapped into the trim mounting bracket 620
`and no attachment holes are required in the trim 610, thus
`aesthetically enhancing the trim.
`An attachment device 626, which may also be a screw
`with a pointed end, is disposed through an aperture in trim
`mounting bracket 620 and in engagement with the upper
`portion 614 of trim 610 that is disposed within trim mount
`ing structure 621. The screw cuts into the trim 610 to
`electrically bond the trim 610 to the trim mounting bracket
`620, and thus the bracket 100.
`A lowest-most portion 600A of the trim assembly 600
`extends below a lowest-most portion 100E of the bracket
`100. As such, the trim assembly provides for a fire protection
`mechanism since the flow of air under the mounting appa
`ratus 10, 10A, and thus under the photovoltaic modules that
`are mounted on the mounting apparatus 10, 10A, is
`restricted by the trim assembly 600 which extends below the
`bracket 100.
`A longitudinal length of the trim 610 is much longer than
`the longitudinal length A of the apparatus 10. As such, a
`single trim 610 can extend across numerous apparatuses 10,
`10A, and thus, be mounted across numerous adjacently
`mounted apparatuses. Further, the trim is East-West adjust
`able in the trim mounting bracket 620 depending upon the
`area it is to cover and can be cut to size depending upon the
`area to be covered. Also, due to the curved form of the trim
`610, adjacent trims 610 may overlap each other in a
`nestable/telescoping manner when installed, or during Stor
`age and shipping of the trims. The nestable/telescoping
`feature allows one size trim to fit a variety of photovoltaic
`module lengths regardless of portrait or landscape module
`orientation, without the need for cutting the trim to length;
`only positioning is required.
`Further, the East-West adjustability of the trim mounting
`bracket 620 on the apparatuses and the E-W adjustability of
`the trim 610 within the trim mounting bracket 620 are also
`benefits. Further yet, the trim 610 helps to provide alignment
`of a plurality of apparatuses 10, 10A that may be installed in
`a line, e.g., during installation of a first row of photovoltaic
`modules in an array.
`Additionally, the apparatus 10 may also include a micro
`inverter mounting bracket 700, where the micro-inverter
`mounting bracket 700 is mountable on the bracket 100. As
`can be seen in FIGS. 15 and 16, the micro-inverter mounting
`bracket 700 is generally L-shaped with a first, upright leg
`701 and a second, flat leg 702. The upright leg 701 is
`generally perpendicular to the flat leg 702.
`The micro-inverter mounting bracket 700, like trim
`mounting bracket 620, is also mountable in the slot 112A of
`the bracket 100. The upright leg 701 of micro-inverter
`mounting bracket 700 has a micro-inverter mounting bracket
`mounting structure 711 at its lower end. This structure 711
`is similar to structure 624 of trim mounting bracket 620 for
`mounting in slot 112A. As such, mounting structure 711 also
`includes two legs that both have an outwardly extending tab
`on the ends of the legs.
`As can be seen in FIG. 16, micro-inverter mounting
`bracket 700 is mounted on bracket 100 by engaging micro
`inverter mounting bracket mounting structure 711 in the slot
`112A of the bracket 100. The outwardly extending tabs on
`the ends of the legs of mounting structure 711 also engage
`behind the structure of the bracket that defines slot 112A. As
`such, the micro-inverter mounting bracket 700, like trim
`mounting bracket 620, may be easily positioned at different
`positions on the bracket 100, i.e., adjusted East-West on the
`apparatus.
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`An attachment device 720, which may be a screw with a
`pointed end, is disposed through an aperture in leg 701 of
`micro-inverter mounting bracket 700 and within slot 112A to
`engage with bracket 100 internal to the slot 112A. The screw
`cuts into the bracket 100 to electrically bond the micro
`inverter mounting bracket 700 to the bracket 100.
`Flat leg 702 of micro-inverter mounting bracket 700
`includes a flange 712 that receives within it an end of a
`mounting plate 801 that is associated with a micro-inverter
`800. When the end of the mounting plate 801 is received
`within the flange 712, the plate 801 rests on flat leg 702. An
`attachment device 722, which may be a screw or a bolt, is
`disposed through respective apertures in flat leg 702 and
`plate 801 to mount the micro-inverter 800 on the bracket
`100, and thus, apparatus 10. This structure also serves to
`keep the micro-inverter at a proper height location relative
`to the roof, the apparatus, and the photovoltaic module that
`the micro-inverter is associated with. The attachment device
`722 also electrically bonds the mounting plate 801 of
`micro-inverter 800 to the micro-inverter mounting bracket
`700.
`Also similar to trim mounting bracket 620, micro-inverter
`mounting bracket 700 is East-West adjustable on bracket
`100. Further, the micro-inverter mounting bracket 700 may
`be installed on either side of mounting bracket 100, i.e.,
`either the North or South side.
`The foregoing disclosure has been set forth merely to
`illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting.
`Since modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorpo
`rating the spirit and Substance of the invention may occur to
`persons skilled in the art, the invention should be construed
`to include everything within the scope of the appended
`claims and equivalents thereof.
`What is claimed is:
`1. An apparatus for mounting photovoltaic modules, com
`35
`prising:
`a bracket, wherein the bracket defines a slot in a lower
`portion of the bracket and wherein the slot extends
`along a longitudinal length of the bracket;
`a clamp securable to the bracket on an upper portion of the
`bracket;
`wherein a first photovoltaic module and a second photo
`voltaic module are mountable on a first side of the
`bracket and a first side of the clamp, wherein the first
`photovoltaic module is adjacent to the second photo
`Voltaic module, and wherein only a respective end
`portion of the first photovoltaic module and the second
`photovoltaic module is mountable in the first side of the
`bracket and the first side of the clamp; and
`a footer, wherein the footer is variably positionable on the
`bracket along the slot.
`2. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising
`a first bonding clip and a second bonding clip, wherein the
`first bonding clip and the second bonding clip are disposed
`on the first side of the bracket.
`3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first
`bonding clip and the second bonding clip are disposed on
`opposing longitudinal ends of a first ledge of the bracket and
`wherein the first photovoltaic module and the second pho
`tovoltaic module are engageable with the first bonding clip
`and the second bonding clip, respectively.
`4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first
`and the second bonding clips each include teeth on an upper
`side and a lower side.
`5. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first
`and the second bonding clips are each formed generally in
`a U-shape.
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`6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the footer
`is generally L-shaped and wherein the footer is variably
`positionable on the bracket along the slot via a securement
`mechanism that is disposed through the footer and is
`received in the slot.
`7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein th