Doc Code: TR.PROV
`Document Description: Provisional Cover Sheet (SB16)
`
`PTO/SB/16 (11-08)
`Approved for use through 05/31/2015. OMB 0651-G032
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respondto a collection cf information unless it displays a valid OMB control number
`
`Provisional Application for Patent Cover Sheet
`This is a requestforfiling a PROVISIONAL APPLICATION FOR PATENTunder 37 CFR 1.53(c)
`
`Inventor(s)
`
`Inventor 1
`
`
`City
`Family Name
`Middle Name
`Given Name
`
`
`US
`Alamo
`Wentworth
`Stuart
`
`
`Inventor 2
`
`Remove
`
`
`All Inventors Must Be Listed — Additional Inventor Information blocks may be [Add__|
`generated within this form by selecting the Add button.
`[Add]
`
`Title of Invention
`
`Rail-Less Roof Mounting System
`
`Attorney Docket Number (if applicable}
`
`
`Correspondence Address
`
`Direct all correspondenceto (select one):
`
`(@) The address corresponding to Customer Number
`
`C) Firm or Individual Name
`
`Customer Number
`
`55409
`
`
`
`The invention was made by an agency of the United States Government or under a contract with an agency of the United
`States Government.
`
`@ No.
`
`©) Yes, the invention was made by an agency of the United States Government. The U.S. Government agency nameis:
`O Yes, the invention was under a contract with an agency of the United States Government. The nameof the U.S.
`Government agency and Government contract number are:
`
`EFS - Web1.0.1
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1005 - Page 1
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1005 - Page 1
`
`

`

`Doc Code: TR.PROV
`Document Description: Provisional Cover Sheet (SB16)
`
`PTO/SB/16 (11-08)
`Approved for use through 05/31/2015. OMB 0651-G032
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respondto a collection cf information unless it displays a valid OMB control number
`
`Entity Status
`Applicant asserts small entity status under 37 CFR 1.27 or applicant certifies micro entity status under 37 CFR 1.29
`
`(@) Applicant asserts small entity status under 37 CFR 1.27
`
`C) Applicant certifies micro entity status under 37 CFR 1.29. Applicant must attach form PTO/SB/15A or B or equivalent.
`
`© No
`
`the provisional application.
`
`Warning
`
`Petitioner/applicant is cautioned to avoid submitting personal information in documentsfiled in a patent application that may
`contribute to identity theft. Personal information such as social security numbers, bank account numbers, or credit card
`numbers (other than a check or credit card authorization form PTO-2038 submitted for payment purposes) is never required
`by the USPTO to support a petition or an application.
`If this type of personal information is included in documents submitted
`to the USPTO, petitioners/applicants should consider redacting such personal information from the documents before
`submitting them to USPTO. Petitioner/applicant is advised that the record of a patent application is available to the public
`after publication of the application (unless a non-publication request in compliance with 37 CFR 1.213(a) is madein the
`application) or issuance of a patent. Furthermore, the record from an abandoned application may also be available to the
`public if the application is referenced in a published application or an issued patent (see 37 CFR1.14). Checks and credit
`card authorization forms PTO-2038 submitted for payment purposes are not retained in the application file and therefore are
`not publicly available.
`
`Signature
`
`Please see 37 CFR 1.4(d} for the form of the signature.
`
`Signature Date (YYYY-MM-DD)|2013-12-13/Mathew J. Temmerman/
`
`
`
`First Name
`
`Mathew
`
`Last Name
`
`Temmerman
`
`Registration Number
`(If appropriate}
`
`54487
`
`This collection of information is required by 37 CFR 1.51. The information is required to obtain or retain a benefit by the public which is to
`file (and by the USPTO to process} an application. Confidentiality is governed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.11 and 1.14. This collection
`is estimated to take 8 hours to complete, including gathering, preparing, and submitting the completed application form to the USPTO.
`Time will vary depending upon the individual case. Any comments on the amountof time you require to complete this form and/or
`suggestions for reducing this burden, should be sent to the Chief Information Officer, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, U.S. Department
`of Commerce, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450. DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED FORMS T®OTHIS ADDRESS. This
`form can only be used when in conjunction with EFS-Web. If this form is mailed to the USPTO,it may cause delays in handling
`
`EFS - Web1.0.1
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1005 - Page 2
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1005 - Page 2
`
`

`

`Privacy Act Statement
`
`The Privacy Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-579) requires that you be given certain information in connection with your submission of
`the attached form related to a patent application or paten. Accordingly, pursuant to the requirements of the Act, please be
`advised that:
`(1) the general authority for the collection of this information is 35 U.S.C. 2(b)(2); (2) furnishing of the
`information solicited is voluntary; and (3) the principal purpose for which the information is used by the U.S. Patent and
`Trademark Office is to process and/or examine your submission related to a patent application or patent.
`If you do not
`furnish the requested information, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office may not be able to process and/or examine your
`submission, which may result in termination of proceedings or abandonment of the application or expiration of the patent.
`
`The information provided by you in this form will be subject to the following routine uses:
`
`1.
`
`The information on this form will be treated confidentially to the extent allowed under the Freedom of Information
`Act (5 U.S.C, 552) and the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C 552a). Records from this system of records may be disclosed to the
`Departmentof Justice to determine whether disclosure of these records is required by the Freedom of Information
`Act.
`
`A record from this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, in the course of presenting evidence to
`a court, magistrate, or administrative tribunal, including disclosures to opposing counsel in the course of settlement
`negotiations.
`A record in this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to a Member of Congress submitting a
`requestinvolving an individual, to whom the record pertains, when the individual has requested assistance from the
`Member with respect to the subject matter of the record.
`A record in this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to a contractor of the Agency having need
`for the information in order to perform a contract. Recipients of information shall be required to comply with the
`requirements of the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(m).
`A record related to an International Application filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty in this system of
`records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property
`Organization, pursuant to the Patent Cocperation Treaty.
`A record in this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to a n other federal agency for purposes
`of National Security review (35 U.S.C. 181) and for review pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act (42 U.S.C. 218(c)).
`A record from this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to the Administrator, General Services,
`or his/her designee, during an inspection of records conducted by GSA aspart of that agency's respensibility to
`recommend improvements in records managementpractices and programs, under authority of 44 U.S.C. 2904 and
`2906. Such disclosure shall be made in accordance with the GSA regulations governing inspection of records for this
`purpose, and any other relevant(i.e., GSA or Commerce) directive. Such disclosure shall not be used to make
`determinations about individuals.
`
`A record from this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to the public after either publication of
`the application pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 122(b) or issuance of a patent pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 151. Further, a record
`may be disclosed, subject to the limitations of 37 CFR 1.14, as a routine use, to the public if the record wasfiled in an
`application which became abandonedor in which the proceedings were terminated and which applicationis
`referenced by either a published application, an application open to public inspection or an
`issued patent.
`A record from this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to a Federal, State, or local law
`enforcement agency, if the USPTO becomes awareof a violation or potential violation of law or regulation.
`
`ECO
`
`Exhibit 1005 - Page 3
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1005 - Page 3
`
`

`

`
`
`FIG. 1
`
`ECO
`
`Exhibit 1005 - Page 4
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1005 - Page 4
`
`

`

`
`
`FIG. 2
`
`ECO
`
`Exhibit 1005 - Page 5
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1005 - Page 5
`
`

`

`
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1005 - Page 6
`
`

`

`
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1005 - Page 7
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`ECO
`
`Exhibit 1005 - Page 8
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1005 - Page 8
`
`

`

`
`
`FIG.6
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1005 - Page 9
`
`

`

`1506
`
`170
`
`104
`
`148
`
`140
`
`FIG. 7
`
`ECO
`
`Exhibit 1005 - Page 10
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1005 - Page 10
`
`

`

`
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1005 - Page 11
`
`

`

`RAIL-LESS ROOF MOUNTING SYSTEM
`
`BACKGROUNDOF THE DISCLOSURE
`
`Inventors: Stuart Wentworth and Claudia Wentworth
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
`
`[0001]
`
`The present embodiment relates in general
`
`to mounting systems for
`
`photovoltaic (PV) modules on roof structures. More specifically, the present disclosure
`
`relates to a rail-less photovoltaic (PV) module mounting system for providing a cost-
`
`effective meansto install a plurality of photovoltaic (PV) modules on a roofstructure.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
`
`[0002]
`
`With the increased use of photovoltaic (PV)
`
`roofing systems for
`
`generating electricity, a demand for mounting hardware which attach frames and
`
`frameless modules for the purpose of installing the PV modulcs to the roof structure or
`
`any other support structure have been developed. In recent years, various kinds of
`
`mounting structures have been used which allow the installation of PV modules to the
`
`roof structures. Mounting structures come in a variety of sizes and patterns to meet
`
`installation purposes. However, most of the mounting structures require increased labor
`
`time, hardware and materials, and overall increased cost for installation of the PV
`
`modules on the roof structures.
`
`[0003]
`
`Conventional mounting structures for supporting PV modules in frames
`
`have considerable drawbacks. For example, many mounting structures utilize rails to
`
`mount the PV modules to the roof structure to form a PV array. The use of these rails
`
`requires additional materials to support
`
`the PV modules. Because of use of the
`
`additional material, these traditional mounting structures can result in excess product
`
`shipping costs. They can also limit the PV array layout possibilities and dramatically
`
`increase the time for designing, engineering and installing the mounting structures.
`
`Existing devices are expensive, difficult to use and can require additional manpowerto
`
`install. For example, a typical 5kW PV mounting system designed to mount 20 PV
`
`panels (15.37% efficient) mounted on a traditional rail mounting system requires
`
`approximately 302 parts at a total cost of $0.69/W retail for the mounting structure only
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`ECO
`
`Exhibit 1005 - Page 12
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1005 - Page 12
`
`

`

`Attorney Docket No. 376.07
`Provisional Patent Application
`
`and weighs over 300Lbs. Typical design and installation times for a simple 4x5 (4 rows
`
`and 5 columns) PV module rail based mounting system are approximately 49 man-
`
`hours.
`
`[0004]
`
`Traditional rail mounting systems often have multiple penetrations per
`
`mount, 4 mounts per PV module, additional grounding lugs, and require specifically
`
`engineered PV modules.
`
`In addition,
`
`some cxisting rail mounting systems have
`
`substandard waterproofing for roof penetrations, along with complex grounding, wire
`
`management, and increased labor time on the roof structure due to design flaws. Hard
`
`and soft balance of system (BOS) may include bypass diodes, blocking diodes, solar
`
`controller, wiring system, battery and inverter etc. The hard and soft BOS costs for PV
`
`rail mounting system are high due to high material costs as well as long system
`
`engineering and installation times. Also, the traditional rail mounting systems require
`
`long strings that are difficult to break up, requiring extra care in working around roof
`
`obstructions (e.g. vents, skylights).
`
`[0005]
`
`Onc of the cxisting mounting systems describes an integrated module
`
`frame and racking system for a solar panel. The system comprises a plurality of solar
`
`modules and a plurality of splices for coupling the plurality of solar modules together.
`
`Theplurality of splices provide a way to increaserigidity of the connected modules both
`
`during transport to the roof, after mounting, and for the lifetime of the system; provide
`
`wiring connections between modules; provide an electrical grounding path for the
`
`modules; provide a way to add modules to the panel; and provide a way to remove or
`
`change a defective module. Connector sockets are provided on the sides of the PV
`
`modules to simplify the electrical assembly when the PV modules are connected
`
`together with splices. However, the frame of the PV moduleis installed with a groove to
`
`attach the mounting bracket and a hole to insert the splice to connect the PV modules,
`
`which results in a labor-intensive operation. In addition,
`
`it requires one mounting
`
`bracket per PV module and multiple holes in the roof structure are required for
`
`installation, increasing the risk of leaks.
`
`[0006]
`
`Another existing mounting system discloses a photovoltaic (PV) module
`
`framing and coupling system which enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or
`
`other mounting surface without
`
`requiring the use of separate structural support
`
`members. The system provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`Dana 9 af 4A
`
`ECO
`
`Exhibit 1005 - Page 13
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1005 - Page 13
`
`

`

`Attorney Docket No. 376.07
`Provisional Patent Application
`
`surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side-to-side arrangement to form an
`
`array with improvedstructural load distribution. The coupling member mayattach to a
`
`slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby
`
`enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y-axis. The
`
`system may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion for coupling to the
`
`frame attachment, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surfacc,
`
`grounding teeth for the automatic creation of a reliable two axis grounding matrix, and a
`
`rapid twist-lock engagement meansfor reliably interlocking and aligning PV modules in
`
`the array. However, this embodiment includes a side-to-side arrangement to form an
`
`array and an additional groove/slot is formed on the frame to engage a coupling
`
`member, which enables the interconnection of frames of adjacent PV modules. In
`
`addition, the parallel couplings are extended beyond corner regions of PV modules.
`
`[0007]
`
`Various other mounting systems currently available are impossible to
`
`retrofit to existing roofs without cutting the shingles. The removalof a single PV panel
`
`from the PV array installed using some of these aforementioned mounting structures 1s
`
`difficult and can result in re-work thereby increasing labor and material costs. Some
`
`other systems do not allow for the capability to independently remove a single PV panel
`
`without deconstructing an entire row of PV panels, which significantly increases
`
`maintenancecosts.
`
`[0008]
`
`Therefore, there is a need for a rail-less roof mounting system that would
`
`provide a cost effective and improved means for PV moduleinstallations. Such a rail-
`
`less roof mounting system would provide an efficient means ofinstallation that does not
`
`require any additional material or structure to support the rail-less roof mounting system.
`
`Such a rail-less roof mounting system would provide a corner-to-corner coupling
`
`arrangement enabling the bridging of a PV module corner directly with adjacent PV
`
`module corner. Such a needed device would provide reduced shipping and hardware
`
`costs, labor and installation time and cost; reduce the dead load on the roof structure
`
`along with design engineering costs; and hard and soft BOS cost. This rail-less roof
`
`mounting system would provide a single grounding lug with an elevated water seal for
`
`waterproofing the roof structure. The system further utilizes a single point of penetration
`
`with an elevator water seal at each point of connection to the building structure. Such a
`
`rail-less roof mounting system would be designed for implementation on composition
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`Dana 2 af 4A
`
`ECO
`
`Exhibit 1005 - Page 14
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1005 - Page 14
`
`

`

`Attorney Docket No. 376.07
`Provisional Patent Application
`
`shingle roofs. This mounting system would also provide simple grounding, wire
`
`management, and structural quality. This system would be simple, inexpensive, and
`
`lightweight, and provide improved engineering design in that the panel itself adds
`
`torsional, axial and transverse structural loading strength, thereby allowing the system to
`
`accommodate higher snow and wind loads than would be accommodated in systems
`
`where structural integrity is provided from the rails alonc. Further, this rail-lcss roof
`
`mounting system would allow an installer to easily work around roof obstructions like
`
`vents, skylights, and other roof protrusions. This system would also minimize the
`
`number of parts and tools needed to assemble and install the PV module. This rail-less
`
`roof mounting system would provide the ability to increase vertical
`
`leveling
`
`adjustability; to independently remove a single PV module without deconstructing an
`
`entire row of the PV array; and allow for easy mounting height adjustment after PV
`
`modules are installed. Finally, this rail-less roof mounting system would require less
`
`manpowerto install and less rework needed and finally reduced maintenance over the
`
`life of the system.
`
`SUMMARYOF THE DISCLOSURE
`
`[0009]
`
`To minimize the limitations found in the prior art, and to minimize other
`
`limitations that will be apparent upon the reading of the specifications, preferred
`
`embodiment of the present invention provides a rail-less roof mounting system for
`
`installing a plurality of photovoltaic (PV) modules on a roof structure. Unlike traditional
`
`mounting systems, the mounting system of the subject application does not depend on a
`
`proprietary-designed groove within the frame of a panel but can instead work with any
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`
`
`
`
`conventional in both landscape and_portraitframed panel and/or frameless panel
`25
`
`mounting. The rail-less roof mounting system comprises a base mount assembly
`
`including a base member having a waterproof means on a top surface thereof, a lower
`
`slider having an elevated seal portion, a vertical engaging portion, a top slider having a
`
`top portion and a bottom portion, and a clamp assembly having a clamp memberand a
`
`30
`
`plate member.
`
`[00010]
`
`The elevated seal portion having a borehole formed therethrough to receive
`
`the waterproof means and engage with the base memberand theroofstructure utilizing
`
`at
`
`least one tightening means that is inserted through the bore hole. The vertical
`
`Dano A af 4A
`
`ECO
`
`Exhibit 1005 - Page 15
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1005 - Page 15
`
`

`

`Attorney Docket No. 376.07
`Provisional Patent Application
`
`engaging portion has a vertical groove along a surface thereof. The top slider comprises
`
`a track with a horizontal groove at the top portion and a sliding seal member with a
`
`sliding groove and a slot at the bottom portion. The sliding seal member slides over the
`
`vertical engaging portion through the siding groove and secured utilizing at least one
`
`fastening means that inserted through the vertical groove on the vertical engaging
`
`portion. A covering meansis utilized to cover the at Icast one tightening means on the
`
`elevated seal portion.
`
`[00011]
`
`The clamp member and the plate member are attached with the track
`
`utilizing at least one securing means through the horizontal groove. The clamp member
`
`interconnects a frame member of a PV module to a frame member of adjacent PV
`
`module. Thus, the plurality of PV modules are interlocked in a way to provide a corner-
`
`to-corner coupling arrangement which enables the connection of PV module corners to
`
`adjacent PV module corners by sandwiching above and beneath the frame members of
`
`the PV modules. This allows the system to be adaptable to frames of any size or even
`
`substructures not comprising framesatall.
`
`[00012]
`
`A first objective of the present invention is to provide a corner-to-comer
`
`coupling arrangement enabling the bridging of a PV module corner directly with
`
`adjacent PV module corner.
`
`[00013]
`
`A second objective of the present invention is to provide an efficient means
`
`of installation that does not require any additional material or substructure such as but
`
`not limited to independent rails to support the rail-less roof mounting system and PV
`
`panels.
`
`[00014]
`
`A third objective of the present invention is to provide a cost-effective
`
`means for PV modulesinstallation.
`
`[00015]
`
`A fourth objective of the present invention is to provide a rail-less roof
`
`mounting system that reduces dead load on a roof structure along with design
`
`engineering costs and hard and soft BOS costs.
`
`[00016]
`
`A fifth objective of the present invention is to provide a rail-less roof
`
`mounting system that is light-weight and provide improved engineering design to
`
`accommodate high snow and wind loads.
`
`[00017]
`
`A sixth objective of the present invention is to provide a rail-less roof
`
`mounting system that allows an installer to easily work around roof obstructions like
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`Dano & af 4A
`
`ECO
`
`Exhibit 1005 - Page 16
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1005 - Page 16
`
`

`

`Attorney Docket No. 376.07
`Provisional Patent Application
`
`vents, skylights, and other roof protrusions.
`
`[00018]
`
`A seventh objective of the present invention is to provide a rail-less roof
`
`mounting system that minimizes the numberof parts and tools needed to assemble and
`
`install the PV module.
`
`[00019]
`
`An eighth objective of the present invention is to provide a rail-less roof
`
`mounting system that providesthe ability to increase vertical leveling adjustability.
`
`[00020]
`
`A ninth objective of the present invention is to provide a rail-less roof
`
`mounting system that
`
`independently removes
`
`a
`
`single PV module without
`
`deconstructing an entire row of the PV array.
`
`[00021]
`
`Another objective of the present invention is to provide a rail-less roof
`
`mounting system that allows height adjustmentofthe rail-less roof mounting system.
`
`[00022]
`
`Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a rail-less roof
`
`mounting system that has a single grounding lug with an elevated water seal for
`
`waterproofing the roof structure.
`
`[00023]
`
`Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a rail-less roof
`
`mounting system that retrofits into existing roofs without the need to cut shingles.
`
`[00024]
`
`Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a rail-less roof
`
`mounting system that eliminates the need to transport to the jobsite, configure and cut
`
`long heavyrails for installation purposes.
`
`[00025]
`
`Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a rail-less roof
`
`mounting system that can cantilever PV modules in portrait orientation,
`
`landscape
`
`orientation or a combination of both.
`
`[00026]
`
`Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a rail-less roof
`
`mounting system that employs a multi-function custom wire clip to work in multiple
`
`locations to minimize wire managementissues.
`
`[00027]
`
`Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide flexibility to a
`
`roof mounting system that allows the mounting of any size framed or frameless solar
`
`panel without the use of a custom extruded frame.
`
`[00028]
`
`These and other advantages and features of the present
`
`invention are
`
`described with specificity so as to make the present invention understandable to one of
`
`ordinary skill in theart.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`Dana f «af 4A
`
`ECO
`
`Exhibit 1005 - Page 17
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1005 - Page 17
`
`

`

`Attorney Docket No. 376.07
`Provisional Patent Application
`
`[00029]
`
`[00030]
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`Elements in the figures have not necessarily been drawnto scale in order
`
`to enhance their clarity and improve understanding of these various elements and
`
`embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, elements that are known to be common and
`
`well understood to those in the industry are not depicted in order to provide a clear view
`
`of the various embodiments of the invention, thus the drawings are generalized in form
`
`in the interest of clarity and conciseness.
`
`[00031]
`
`FIG.1 illustrates a perspective view ofa rail-less roof mounting system
`
`for installing a plurality of photovoltaic (PV) modules on a roof structure in accordance
`
`with the preferred embodimentof the present invention;
`
`[00032]
`
`FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a base mount assembly in
`
`accordance with the preferred embodimentof the present invention;
`
`[00033]
`
`FIG.3 illustrates an exploded view of a clamp assembly associated with
`
`the base mount assembly in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present
`
`invention;
`
`[00034]
`
`FIG. 4 illustrates the rail-less roof mounting system interlocking the
`
`plurality of PV modules to a form a corner-to-corner coupling arrangement
`
`in
`
`accordance with the preferred embodimentof the present invention;
`
`[00035]
`
`FIG.5 illustrates installation of the rail-less roof mounting system on the
`
`roof structure in accordance with the preferred embodimentof the present invention;
`
`[00036]
`
`FIG.6 illustrates a perspective view of a PV array skirt providing a snap-
`
`fit engagement with the rail-less roof mounting system in accordance with the preferred
`
`embodimentof the present invention;
`
`[00037]
`
`FIG.7 illustrates a profile view of the PV array skirt providing the snap-
`
`fit engagementwith the rail-less roof mounting system shown in FIG.6; and
`
`[00038]
`
`FIG.8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein a
`
`clamp is in use independent of mounts
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[00039]
`
`In the following discussion that addresses a number of embodiments and
`
`applications of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings
`
`that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`Dana 7 «af 4A
`
`ECO
`
`Exhibit 1005 - Page 18
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1005 - Page 18
`
`

`

`Attorney Docket No. 376.07
`Provisional Patent Application
`
`embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other
`
`embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the
`
`scope of the present invention.
`
`[00040]
`
`Various inventive features are described below that can each be used
`
`independently of one another or in combination with other features. However, any single
`
`inventive feature may not address any of the problems discussed above or only address
`
`one of the problems discussed above. Further, one or more of the problems discussed
`
`above maynot be fully addressed by any of the features described below.
`
`[00041]
`
`Turning first to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a rail-less roof mounting
`
`system 100 for installing a plurality of photovoltaic (PV) modules 170, 172, 174 (See
`
`FIG. 4) on a roof structure 176 (See FIG. 5)
`
`in accordance with the preferred
`
`embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The rail-less roof mounting system
`
`100 comprises a base mount assembly 102 that associated with a clamp assembly 144 to
`
`bridge the plurality of PV modules 170, 172, 174 and to install the plurality of PV
`
`modules 170, 172, 174 on the roof structure 176. The basc mount assembly 102
`
`comprises a base member 104 that can be attached with the roof structure 176, a lower
`
`slider 110 having an elevated seal portion 112 (FIG. 2) and a vertical engaging portion
`
`114 and a top slider 124 having a top portion 126 and a bottom portion 128. The clamp
`
`assembly 144 includes a clamp member146 that is fixed with a plate member 148. The
`
`rail-less roof mounting system 100 can be easily disassembled and hence provides a
`
`compact means of storage when not in use. The lowerslider 110 is connected with the
`
`base member 104 and succeeding with the bottom portion 128 of the top slider 124. A
`
`track 130 having a horizontal groove 132 is included at the top portion 126 of the top
`
`slider 124 and a sliding seal member 134 havinga sliding groove 136 anda slot 138 are
`
`includedat the bottom portion 128 of the top slider 124. The sliding seal member 134 is
`
`secured to the lower slider 110 utilizing at least one fastening means 140, tightened
`
`utilizing a lock nut 162. The clamp member 146 and the plate member 148 are attached
`
`with the track 130 utilizing at least one securing means 150.
`
`[00042]
`
`FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the base mount assembly 102 in
`
`accordance with the preferred embodimentof the present invention. A waterproof means
`
`106 is attached with the base member 104 on a top surface 108 thereof. In the preferred
`
`embodiment, the base member 104 is made from an aluminum flashing. The elevated
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`Dana & af 4A
`
`ECO
`
`Exhibit 1005 - Page 19
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1005 - Page 19
`
`

`

`Attorney Docket No. 376.07
`Provisional Patent Application
`
`seal portion 112 having a borehole 116 formed therethrough to receive the waterproof
`
`means 106 and engages with the base member 104 andthe roof structure 176 (FIG. 5)
`
`utilizing at least one tightening means 118 that is inserted through the bore hole 116 and
`
`the waterproof means 106. Theat least one tightening means 118 is of the type typically
`
`known in construction/installation and may comprise a structural screw. A sealing
`
`washer 158 is utilized for fitting on the at lcast onc tightening mcans 118 and adapted to
`
`seal the borehole 116 in the elevated seal portion 112 through which the at least one
`
`tightening means118 is fitted, so as to prevent seepage of water. Preferably, the sealing
`
`washer 158 is an annular disc, which is deformable to create a tight seal. In one
`
`embodiment, sealing washer 158 comprises a disk of rigid material such as steel, with a
`
`section or outer layer of deformable material
`
`that may be selected from a group
`
`consisting of: fluorinated silicone, polyurethane and rubber. Additionally, the sealing
`
`washer 158 most likely to experience wear, is a simple, inexpensive part that can be
`
`replaced individually, as needed.
`
`[00043]
`
`The vertical engaging portion 114 having a vertical groove 120 along a
`
`surface 122 thereof and the sliding seal member 134 slides over the vertical engaging
`
`portion 114 through the sliding groove 136 and secured utilizing the at
`
`least one
`
`fastening means 140 that is inserted through the slot 138 on the sliding seal member 134
`
`and the vertical groove 120 on the vertical engaging portion 114. Preferably,
`
`the
`
`fastening means 140 can be in the form of, for example, screws, bolts and nuts, or
`
`similar structures. A covering means 142 is adaptable to securely coverthe at least one
`
`tightening means 118 on the elevated seal portion 112.
`
`[00044]
`
`FIG.3 illustrates an exploded view of a clamp assembly 144 associated
`
`with the base mount assembly 102 (FIGS 1, 4, and 6) in accordance with the preferred
`
`embodiment of the present invention. The clamp assembly 144 includes the clamp
`
`member 146 and the plate member 148, which are assembled with the base mount
`
`assembly 102 (FIGS 1, 4, and 6) whenin use. The at least one securing means 150 is
`
`slid through the horizontal groove 132 and inserted through a plurality of slots 152 on
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`the plate member 148 andaplurality of apertures 154 (FIG. 7) on an inner surface 156
`30
`
`of the clamp member 146. Thus, the clamp member 146, the plate member 148 and the
`
`top slider 124 (FIGS 1, 2, and 4) are secured to each other utilizing the at least one
`
`securing means 150. The at least one securing means 150 preferably may include a
`
`Dano Q af 1A
`
`ECO
`
`Exhibit 1005 - Page 20
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1005 - Page 20
`
`

`

`Attorney Docket No. 376.07
`Provisional Patent Application
`
`stainless steel 5/16 “@x2” grade 18/8 machine bolt. While securing the clamp assembly
`
`144 with the base mount assembly 102 (FIGS1, 4, and 6), the sealing washer 158 and
`
`an engaging nut