( 12 ) United States Patent
`Wildes
`
`( * ) Notice :
`
`TOMMUNOM U TO VRBANI ON NIIN
`
`US009825581B2
`
`US 9 , 825 , 581 B2
`( 10 ) Patent No . :
`Nov . 21 , 2017
`( 45 ) Date of Patent :
`USPC . . . . . . . . . . 248 / 237 , 316 . 4 , 229 . 24 , 500 , 316 . 7 ;
`136 / 244 , 251 , 512 ; 52 / 173 . 3 , 460 , 489 . 1 ,
`52 / 741 . 1 , 555
`See application file for complete search history .
`
`( 56 )
`
`References Cited
`U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
`1 , 281 , 531 A
`10 / 1918 Dietrich
`11 / 1949 Nigg
`2 , 486 , 670 A
`( Continued )
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`2584282 A14 / 2013
`2607816 A1
`6 / 2013
`( Continued )
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`PCT Form 210 , International Search Report for PCT / US2012 /
`060032 , dated Mar . 18 , 2013 .
`( Continued )
`
`EN
`
`Primary Examiner — Tan Le
`( 74 ) Attorney , Agent , or Firm — The Law Office of
`Patrick F . O ' Reilly III , LLC
`
`( 57 )
`ABSTRACT
`Amounting system for supporting a plurality of photovoltaic
`modules on a sloped support surface , such as a sloped roof ,
`is disclosed herein . The mounting system may include one
`or more support surface attachment devices , each support
`surface attachment device configured to attach one or more
`photovoltaic modules to a support surface ; and one or more
`module coupling devices , each module coupling device
`configured to couple a plurality of photovoltaic modules to
`one another .
`
`20 Claims , 26 Drawing Sheets
`
`( 54 ) MODULAR SLOPED ROOF SOLAR
`MOUNTING SYSTEM
`( 71 ) Applicant : Ecolibrium Solar , Inc . , Athens , OH
`( US )
`( 72 ) Inventor : Brian James Wildes , Boulder , CO
`( US )
`( 73 ) Assignee : Ecolibrium Solar , Inc . , Athens , OH
`( US )
`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 / 541 , 127
`( 22 ) Filed :
`Nov . 13 , 2014
`( 65 )
`Prior Publication Data
`( 65 )
`US 2015 / 0129517 A1 May 14 , 2015
`Related U . S . Application Data
`Provisional application No . 61 / 904 , 049 , filed on Nov .
`14 , 2013 , provisional application No . 62 / 014 , 054 ,
`filed on Jun . 18 , 2014 .
`Int . CI .
`H02S 20 / 23
`( 2014 . 01 )
`F16M 13 / 02
`( 2006 . 01 )
`( Continued )
`( 52 ) U . S . CI .
`HO2S 20 / 23 ( 2014 . 12 ) ; F243 2 / 5245
`CPC . . . . . . . . . . . . . HO2S 20 / 23 ( 20 .
`( 2013 . 01 ) ; F243 2 / 5254 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; F24 )
`2 / 5258 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; E04D 1 / 12 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; F16B
`5 / 02 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; F16M 13 / 022 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; YO2B
`10 / 12 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; YO2B 10 / 20 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; YO2E
`10 / 47 ( 2013 . 01 )
`( 58 ) Field of Classification Search
`CPC . . . . . . . . F243 2 / 5245 ; F243 2 / 5254 ; F243 2 / 5258 ;
`HO2S 20 / 23 ; F16M 13 / 022 ; F16B 5 / 02 ;
`HO1L 31 / 0482 ; E04D 1 / 12
`
`( 60 )
`
`( 51 )
`
`14
`
`:
`
`.
`
`-
`
`11
`
`-
`
`.
`
`. . .
`
`-
`
`- -
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1007 - Page 1
`
`

`

`US 9 , 825 , 581 B2
`Page 2
`
`Int . Ci .
`F16B 5 / 02
`E04D 1 / 12
`F242 2 / 52
`
`( 51 )
`
`( 56 )
`
`( 2006 . 01 )
`( 2006 . 01 )
`( 2006 . 01 )
`References Cited
`U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
`2 , 607 , 816 A
`8 / 1952 Ryder
`3 , 844 , 087 A
`10 / 1974 Schultz et al .
`4 , 114 , 330 A
`9 / 1978 Sukolics
`4 , 677 , 248 A
`6 / 1987 Lacey
`4 , 680 , 905 A
`7 / 1987 Rockar
`5 , 092 , 939 A
`3 / 1992 Nath et al .
`5 , 497 , 587 A
`3 / 1996 Hirai et al .
`5 , 746 , 839 A
`5 / 1998 Dinwoodie
`6 , 105 , 316 A
`8 / 2000 Bottger et al .
`6 , 105 , 317 A
`8 / 2000 Tomiuchi et al .
`6 , 331 , 671 B1 12 / 2001 Makita et al .
`6 , 360 , 491 B1
`3 / 2002 Ullman
`6 , 672 , 018 B2
`1 / 2004 Shingleton
`D510 , 315 S
`10 / 2005 Shugar et al .
`6 , 959 , 517 B2
`11 / 2005 Poddany et al .
`D519 , 444 S
`4 / 2006 Mascolo
`D547 , 262 S
`7 / 2007 Ullman
`D560 , 605 S
`1 / 2008 McClintock et al .
`D564 , 958 S
`3 / 2008 Almy et al .
`D565 , 505 S
`4 / 2008 Shugar et al .
`7 , 406 , 800 B2
`8 / 2008 Cinnamon et al .
`7 , 435 , 134 B2 10 / 2008 Lenox
`7 , 476 , 832 B2
`1 / 2009 Vendig et al .
`D586 . 737 S
`2 / 2009 Shugar et al .
`7 , 492 , 120 B2
`2 / 2009 Benn et al .
`D598 , 372 S
`8 / 2009 Sasada
`7 , 592 , 537 B1
`9 / 2009 West
`7 , 634 , 875 B2
`12 / 2009 Genschorek
`7 , 758 , 011 B2
`7 / 2010 Haddock
`7 , 780 , 472 B2
`8 / 2010 Lenox
`7 , 832 , 157 B2
`11 / 2010 Cinnamon
`7 , 866 , 098 B2
`1 / 2011 Cinnamon
`7 , 921 , 843 B1
`4 / 2011 Rawlings
`7 , 987 , 641 B2
`8 / 2011 Cinnamon
`8 , 109 , 048 B2
`2 / 2012 West et al .
`8 , 136 , 311 B2
`3 / 2012 Liu
`8 , 146 , 299 B2 *
`4 / 2012 Stearns
`8 , 191 , 320 B2
`6 / 2012 Mitian et al .
`8 , 266 , 848 B2
`9 / 2012 Miros et al .
`8 , 272 , 174 B2
`9 / 2012 Stearns et al .
`8 , 276 , 330 B2 10 / 2012 Harberts et al .
`8 , 375 , 654 B1
`2 / 2013 West et al .
`8 , 382 , 513 B2
`2 / 2013 Kobayashi
`8 , 397 , 448 B2
`3 / 2013 Brown et al .
`8 , 424 , 255 B2
`4 / 2013 Lenox et al .
`8 , 505 , 248 B1
`8 / 2013 Leong et al .
`8 , 505 , 864 B1
`8 / 2013 Taylor et al .
`8 , 511 , 008 B2
`8 / 2013 Sagayama
`8 , 539 , 719 B29 / 2013 McPheeters et al .
`D692 , 372 S
`10 / 2013 Rothschild et al .
`8 , 555 , 569 B2 10 / 2013 Crasnianski
`8 , 627 , 617 B2
`1 / 2014 Haddock et al .
`8 , 635 , 818 B2
`1 / 2014 Wildes
`8 , 806 , 813 B2 *
`8 / 2014 Plaisted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F244 2 / 5207
`136 / 244
`
`. . . .
`
`E04D 13 / 10
`52 / 173 . 1
`
`9 / 2014 Wildes
`D713 , 784 S
`9 / 2014 Wildes et al .
`8 , 844 , 215 B2
`8 , 869 , 471 B2 10 / 2014 Wildes et al .
`9 . 175 , 878 B2 * 11 / 2015 Kemmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F243 2 / 5245
`9 , 196 , 755 B2
`11 / 2015 Wildes
`9 , 209 , 609 B2 *
`12 / 2015 Kellerman . . . . . . . . . . . HO2G 3 / 0608
`9 , 413 , 285 B2
`8 / 2016 Wildes et al .
`2001 / 0053316 A112 / 2001 Bakker
`2003 / 0070368 AL
`4 / 2003 Shingleton
`2004 / 0163338 AL
`8 / 2004 Liebendorfer
`2005 / 0072456 A1
`4 / 2005 Stevenson et al .
`2005 / 0166955 AL
`8 / 2005 Nath et al .
`2005 / 0257453 AL 11 / 2005 Cinnamon
`
`2007 / 0095388 Al 5 / 2007 Mergola et al .
`2007 / 0144575 Al 6 / 2007 Mascolo et al .
`2008 / 0053517 A1
`3 / 2008 Plaisted et al .
`2008 / 0172955 A1 7 / 2008 McClintock et al .
`2009 / 0019796 Al 1 / 2009 Liebendorfer
`2009 / 0078299 Al 3 / 2009 Cinnamon et al .
`2009 / 0134291 A1 5 / 2009 Meier et al .
`2009 / 0242014 Al 10 / 2009 Leary
`2009 / 0320904 Al 12 / 2009 Botkin et al .
`2009 / 0320905 Al 12 / 2009 Botkin et al .
`2009 / 0320906 Al 12 / 2009 Botkin et al .
`2009 / 0320907 Al 12 / 2009 Botkin et al .
`2010 / 0089390 A1 4 / 2010 Miros et al .
`2010 / 0147362 A1
`6 / 2010 King et al .
`2010 / 0154780 A1 6 / 2010 Linke
`2010 / 0192505 A1 *
`8 / 2010 Schaefer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A47B 96 / 14
`52 / 653 . 2
`2010 / 0212714 AL
`8 / 2010 Rothschild et al .
`2010 / 0219304 Al 9 / 2010 Miros et al .
`2010 / 0236542 Al 9 / 2010 Pierson et al .
`2010 / 0263704 Al 10 / 2010 Fornage et al .
`2010 / 0269428 A1 10 / 2010 Stancel et al .
`2010 / 0269430 Al 10 / 2010 Haddock
`2011 / 0000519 AL
`1 / 2011 West
`2011 / 0000520 AL
`1 / 2011 West
`2011 / 0000526 A1 1 / 2011 West
`2011 / 0000544 A1
`1 / 2011 West
`2011 / 0056536 Al 3 / 2011 Meppelink et al .
`2011 / 0120047 Al
`5 / 2011 Stearns et al .
`2011 / 0179727 AL
`7 / 2011 Liu
`2011 / 0220180 A1 *
`9 / 2011 Cinnamon . . . . . . . . . . . . . F243 2 / 5211
`136 / 251
`2011 / 0260027 Al 10 / 2011 Farnham , Jr .
`2011 / 0278411 AL 11 / 2011 Carbonare et al .
`2011 / 0284058 A1 11 / 2011 Cinnamon
`2012 / 0031473 Al 2 / 2012 Chan et al .
`2012 / 0032045 A1 2 / 2012 Lallier et al .
`2012 / 0048351 Al
`3 / 2012 Rizzo
`2012 / 0061337 A1
`3 / 2012 Seery et al .
`2012 / 0138764 A1 *
`6 / 2012 Kemple . . . . . .
`2012 / 0234378 AL
`9 / 2012 West et al .
`2012 / 0240489 AL
`9 / 2012 Rivera et al .
`2012 / 0255598 A1 10 / 2012 West
`2012 / 0260972 A1 10 / 2012 West et al .
`2012 / 0266944 Al 10 / 2012 Wildes
`2012 / 0275066 AL 11 / 2012 O ' Brien et al .
`2012 / 0279558 A1 11 / 2012 West
`2012 / 0298186 AL 11 / 2012 West
`2012 / 0298188 A1 11 / 2012 West et al .
`2012 / 0298817 A1 11 / 2012 West et al .
`2013 / 0032208 AL 2 / 2013 Walz et al .
`2013 / 0075152 Al
`3 / 2013 Mazzone
`2013 / 0133270 A1 5 / 2013 West et al .
`2013 / 0133723 A1 5 / 2013 Croft et al .
`2013 / 0140416 A1 6 / 2013 West et al .
`2013 / 0180089 Al 7 / 2013 Seery et al .
`2013 / 0180572 A1 7 / 2013 West
`2013 / 0180573 Al 7 / 2013 West
`2013 / 0180574 Al 7 / 2013 West et al .
`2013 / 0183084 Al 7 / 2013 West et al .
`2013 / 0200245 A1
`8 / 2013 Markiewicz et al .
`2013 / 0220403 A1
`8 / 2013 Rizzo
`2013 / 0276867 A1 10 / 2013 Wildes et al .
`2014 / 0014158 AL
`1 / 2014 Wildes et al .
`2014 / 0041706 AL
`2 / 2014 Haddock et al .
`2014 / 0174510 A1 6 / 2014 Kanbara
`2014 / 0175244 A1 *
`6 / 2014 West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F243 2 / 5205
`248 / 316 . 7
`2014 / 0182662 A1 7 / 2014 West et al .
`2014 / 0202525 A1
`7 / 2014 Janssens et al .
`2014 / 0220834 AL
`8 / 2014 Rizzo
`2014 / 0311552 Al 10 / 2014 Garrett
`2014 / 0319307 Al 10 / 2014 Schrock et al .
`2015 / 0040969 AL
`2 / 2015 Wildes
`2015 / 0288320 A1 *
`10 / 2015 Stearns
`
`F243 2 / 465
`248 / 316 . 1
`
`HO2S 20 / 23
`52 / 173 . 3
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1007 - Page 2
`
`

`

`( 56 )
`
`References Cited
`U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
`2016 / 0079912 A1
`3 / 2016 Wildes et al .
`2016 / 0190979 AL
`6 / 2016 Wildes
`2016 / 0268958 AL
`9 / 2016 Wildes et al .
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`2990730 Al
`11 / 2013
`2466003 B
`6 / 2010
`1 / 1995
`07018795 A
`09177272 A
`7 / 1997
`2004060358 A
`2 / 2004
`2008214875 A
`9 / 2008
`2005020290 A2
`3 / 2005
`2009120923 A2
`10 / 2009
`2011025585 A2
`3 / 2011
`2011019460 A2
`8 / 2011
`2012079060 A2
`6 / 2012
`6 / 2012
`2012079061 A1
`2012082806 A2
`6 / 2012
`8 / 2012
`2012116121 Al
`
`FR
`GB
`
`WO
`WO
`WO
`WO
`WO
`WO
`WO
`WO
`
`US 9 , 825 , 581 B2
`Page 3
`
`First office action on the merits ( Non - Final Rejection ) in U . S . Appl .
`No . 13 / 273 , 525 , dated Mar . 21 , 2013 .
`First office action on the merits ( Non - Final Rejection ) in U . S . Appl .
`No . 13 / 923 , 303 , dated Sep . 20 , 2013 .
`First office action on the merits ( Non - Final Rejection ) in U . S . Appl .
`No . 13 / 923 , 342 , dated Sep . 17 , 2013 .
`PCT Form 210 , International Search Report for PCT / US2013 /
`049851 , dated Nov . 7 , 2013 .
`PCT Form 237 , Written Opinion of the International Searching
`Authority for PCT / US2013 / 049851 , dated Nov . 7 , 2013 .
`First office action on the merits ( Non - Final Rejection ) in U . S . Appl .
`No . 14 / 521 , 951 , dated Jan . 30 , 2015 .
`PCT Form 210 , International Search Report for PCT / US2014 /
`065624 , dated Apr . 9 , 2015 .
`PCT Form 237 , Written Opinion of the International Searching
`Authority for PCT / US2014 / 065624 , dated Apr . 9 , 2015 .
`PCT Form 210 , International Search Report for PCT / US2016 /
`022219 , dated Jul . 26 , 2016 .
`PCT Form 237 , Written Opinion of the International Searching
`Authority for PCT / US2016 / 022219 , dated Jul . 26 , 2016 .
`First office action on the merits ( Non - Final Rejection ) in U . S . Appl .
`No . 14 / 948 , 342 , dated Dec . 22 , 2015 .
`First office action on the merits ( Non - Final Rejection ) in U . S . Appl .
`No . 15 / 068 , 370 , dated Jul . 21 , 2017 .
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`PCT Form 237 , Written Opinion of the International Searching
`Authority for PCT / US2012 / 060032 , dated Mar . 18 , 2013 .
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1007 - Page 3
`
`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Nov . 21 , 2017
`
`Sheet 1 of 26
`
`US 9 , 825 , 581 B2
`
`i
`
`.
`
`-
`
`.
`
`-
`
`1
`
`-
`
`-
`
`I
`
`-
`
`is ,
`
`-
`
`FIG . 1
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1007 - Page 4
`
`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Nov . 21 , 2017
`
`Sheet 2 of 26
`
`US 9 , 825 , 581 B2
`
`-
`
`1
`
`-
`
`. .
`
`-
`
`'
`
`.
`
`FIG . 2
`
`i
`
`.
`
`.
`
`;
`
`.
`
`.
`
`. .
`
`:
`
`.
`
`98
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1007 - Page 5
`
`

`

`atent
`
`Nov . 21 , 2017
`
`Sheet 3 of 26
`
`US 9 , 825 , 581 B2
`
`weiteren van
`
`96 mm
`
`23
`1
`104 mm
`
`32
`pow er 30
`- 30
`
`FIG . 3
`
`10
`
`32
`
`100
`
`102
`
`lillllll
`
`HU
`
`mas
`
`100
`
`www . uunnamuur
`
`FIG . 4
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1007 - Page 6
`
`

`

`atent
`
`Nov . 21 , 2017
`
`Sheet 4 of 26
`
`US 9 , 825 , 581 B2
`
`sode
`
`36
`
`33
`
`34 metrar
`
`50 -
`
`38 mm
`
`FIG . 5
`
`36 . procentaina 28
`
`ws www40
`
`34
`
`Teen
`
`50 -
`
`38
`
`FIG . 6
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1007 - Page 7
`
`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`atent
`
`Nov . 21 , 2017
`
`Nov . 21 , 2017
`
`Sheet 5 of 26
`
`US 9 , 825 , 581 B2
`
`sode
`
`20
`
`34
`
`50
`
`w 23
`
`OTTI
`
`IIULITTL
`
`30
`
`FIG . 7
`
`16 16
`
`17
`
`oooh
`
`Pe 145
`
`rom 12 1
`
`19 1
`
`FIG . 8
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1007 - Page 8
`
`

`

`atent
`
`Nov . 21 , 2017
`
`Sheet 6 of 26
`
`US 9 , 825 , 581 B2
`
`36 w
`
`eereen
`
`remonien 20
`
`memenom 33
`
`FIG . 9
`
`memom 32a
`
`50
`
`III ll1111
`
`n
`
`I
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1007 - Page 9
`
`

`

`atent
`
`Nov . 21 , 2017
`
`Sheet 7 of 26
`
`US 9 , 825 , 581 B2
`
`_ 25
`
`26
`
`20
`
`oood
`
`FIG . 10
`
`II
`
`60
`
`FIG . 11
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1007 - Page 10
`
`

`

`atent
`
`Nov . 21 , 2017
`
`Sheet 8 of 26
`
`US 9 , 825 , 581 B2
`
`70
`
`0
`
`0
`
`0
`
`0
`
`0
`
`0
`
`60
`
`FIG . 12
`
`.
`
`on
`wanita
`
`-
`
`I
`
`80 manns
`
`UR83
`183
`FIG . 13
`
`UR 83
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1007 - Page 11
`
`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`atent
`
`Nov . 21 , 2017
`
`Sheet 9 of 26
`
`US 9 , 825 , 581 B2
`
`90
`
`na 94
`
`won
`
`arrestun 83
`FIG . 14
`
`42 -
`
`75
`
`w 745
`
`10
`
`FIG . 15
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1007 - Page 12
`
`

`

`atent
`
`Nov . 21 , 2017
`
`Sheet 10 of 26
`
`US 9 , 825 , 581 B2
`
`85
`
`- 85
`~ ~ 86
`87
`
`* 46
`
`80
`
`FIG . 16
`
`kaina
`
`warenema 44
`
`FIG . 17
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1007 - Page 13
`
`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`atent
`
`Nov . 21 , 2017
`
`Sheet 11 of 26
`
`US 9 , 825 , 581 B2
`
`92 –
`
`HAMAMHAMAM
`
`WW . ! !
`
`On92
`
`90
`
`WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
`
`Shame 78
`
`OCO
`
`C
`
`0278
`Oulu
`
`94
`
`com 89
`
`83
`FIG . 18
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1007 - Page 14
`
`

`

`atent
`
`Nov . 21 , 2017
`
`Sheet 12 of 26
`
`US 9 , 825 , 581 B2
`
`Freeman
`
`2
`
`1
`
`106
`
`Yoood | 110 -
`23 _ Xi
`
`.
`
`po 30
`
`EUR
`
`32
`
`cond
`
`1
`114 mm
`
`96
`
`FIG . 19
`
`106 cm
`
`withontoglo
`
`104
`
`WAVE
`
`M
`—
`
`LIONINI
`
`FIG . 20
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1007 - Page 15
`
`

`

`atent
`
`Nov . 21 , 2017
`
`Sheet 13 of 26
`
`US 9 , 825 , 581 B2
`
`~ ~ ?????
`
`?
`
`" ?????
`
`FIG . 21
`
`} { B } ~ ~ ~
`
`???? X
`
`ca
`
`? { ?
`
`? { ???? ~ ~ ~ ~
`
`FIG . 22
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1007 - Page 16
`
`

`

`atent
`
`N0V . 21 , 2017
`
`Sheet 14 0f 26
`
`US 9 , 825 , 581 B2
`
`?
`
`?????
`
`FIG . 23
`
`?
`
`88
`
`????????
`
`# # ? ?
`
`??
`
`FIC . 24
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1007 - Page 17
`
`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`atent
`
`OOL -
`
`Nov . 21 , 2017
`
`Sheet 15 of 26
`
`US 9 , 825 , 581 B2
`
`001 -
`
`ZZZ
`ht
`
`114 + + + + + + + + + +
`
`, 114 nnnnnnnnnn
`
`00109
`
`DI yooo
`
`114
`
`w
`
`114
`
`60
`
`100
`
`100 FIG . 25
`
`100
`
`manom 901
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1007 - Page 18
`
`

`

`atent
`
`Nov . 21 , 2017
`
`Sheet 16 of 26
`
`US 9 , 825 , 581 B2
`
`14 ~ ~ ~
`
`to
`
`~
`
`{ } ?
`
`?????? ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
`
`3 = =
`
`???
`
`27132
`FIG . 26
`
`$ 4
`
`?????
`
`?????
`
`?
`
`soook
`
`III
`
`JA Awalony
`
`p |
`FIG . 27
`
`134 ?????
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1007 - Page 19
`
`

`

`atent
`
`Nov . 21 , 2017
`
`Sheet 17 of 26
`
`US 9 , 825 , 581 B2
`
`202
`
`212 .
`
`238
`
`200 - - -
`
`227
`
`226
`
`(
`
`??
`
`- 230 230
`214
`~ 214
`- 208
`- 228
`- 240 240
`
`DD ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) )
`
`- 232 232
`
`FIG . 28
`
`- 256
`
`254
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1007 - Page 20
`
`

`

`atent
`
`Nov . 21 , 2017
`
`Sheet 18 of 26
`
`US 9 , 825 , 581 B2
`
`227
`226
`
`1
`
`208
`202
`1238
`
`256
`
`24
`
`200
`
`200 m
`
`254
`
`/
`
`236
`
`FIG . 29
`
`226
`228 -
`234 –
`
`202
`- 208
`- - 232
`
`236
`
`200
`
`OD
`
`, , !
`
`FIG . 30
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1007 - Page 21
`
`

`

`atent
`
`Nov . 21 , 2017
`
`Sheet 19 of 26
`
`US 9 , 825 , 581 B2
`
`202
`
`226
`222
`
`234
`
`208
`
`228
`240
`
`254
`
`1232
`FIG . 31
`
`234
`
`236
`
`238
`
`200 200 -
`
`232
`
`Emm
`
`Star 202 202
`- 208
`
`W
`
`w www
`
`wwwwwwwwwwwww
`
`- 228
`
`- 240
`
`SECTION A - A
`FIG . 32
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1007 - Page 22
`
`

`

`atent
`
`Nov . 21 , 2017
`
`Sheet 20 of 26
`
`US 9 , 825 , 581 B2
`
`munoutonunuunuuuuumquonnontunutta
`
`. !
`
`232
`
`246
`236 2
`236
`2422
`m
`
`206a
`
`226
`206b
`
`202
`- 218
`- 210
`
`s
`204 204
`216 216 ve
`222
`
`208
`
`228
`
`240
`
`256
`
`200
`
`FIG . 33
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1007 - Page 23
`
`

`

`atent
`
`Nov . 21 , 2017
`
`Sheet 21 of 26
`
`US 9 , 825 , 581 B2
`
`248
`
`240
`
`236 -
`
`246
`
`- 244
`
`238
`
`FIG . 34
`
`— 242
`238
`
`+
`
`246
`
`248
`
`236
`
`FIG . 35
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1007 - Page 24
`
`

`

`atent
`
`Nov . 21 , 2017
`
`Sheet 22 of 26
`
`US 9 , 825 , 581 B2
`
`244
`
`250
`
`252
`
`?238
`
`240
`
`248 -
`&
`
`236 ?
`
`~ 242
`
`FIG . 36
`
`248
`
`240
`
`236 ?
`
`SALE )
`
`SECTION B - B
`FIG . 37
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1007 - Page 25
`
`

`

`atent
`
`Nov . 21 , 2017
`
`Sheet 23 of 26
`
`US 9 , 825 , 581 B2
`
`246
`
`240
`
`Liit < 242
`
`236
`
`FIG . 38
`
`We 243
`
`240 -
`
`E
`
`=
`
`=
`
`236
`
`FIG . 39
`
`243
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1007 - Page 26
`
`

`

`atent
`
`Nov . 21 , 2017
`
`Sheet 24 of 26
`
`US 9 , 825 , 581 B2
`
`258 -
`
`260
`
`254
`
`FIG . 40
`
`256
`
`- 256
`
`258 -
`
`262
`
`260
`
`254
`
`FIG . 41
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1007 - Page 27
`
`

`

`atent
`
`Nov . 21 , 2017
`
`Sheet 25 of 26
`
`US 9 , 825 , 581 B2
`
`258
`
`256
`
`- 260
`
`1
`
`FIG . 42
`
`258 -
`
`- 260
`
`256
`
`FIG . 43
`
`258
`
`- 256
`
`- 260
`
`SECTION C - C
`FIG . 44
`
`254
`
`254 -
`
`254
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1007 - Page 28
`
`

`

`atent
`
`Nov . 21 , 2017
`
`Sheet 26 of 26
`
`US 9 , 825 , 581 B2
`
`32a
`
`32
`
`FIG . 45
`
`SEE DETAIL " A "
`
`DETAIL “ A ”
`FIG . 46
`
`W
`
`EEEEEEEEEEE
`
`32a
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1007 - Page 29
`
`

`

`US 9 , 825 , 581 B2
`
`15
`
`20
`
`MODULAR SLOPED ROOF SOLAR
`MOUNTING SYSTEM
`
`In accordance with one or more embodiments of the
`present invention , there is provided a support surface attach
`ment device configured to attach one or more photovoltaic
`modules to a support surface . The support surface attach
`CROSS - REFERENCE TO RELATED
`ment device includes a lower support member configured to
`APPLICATIONS
`be attached to a support surface ; and a clamp assembly
`configured to engage one or more photovoltaic modules , the
`This patent application claims priority to U . S . Provisional
`clamp assembly configured to be fixed in place relative to
`Patent Application No . 61 / 904 , 049 , entitled “ Modular
`the lower support member . In these one or more embodi
`Sloped Roof Solar Mounting System " , filed on Nov . 14 ,
`teni 10 ments , the clamp assembly is capable of being selectively
`2013 ; and further claims priority to U . S . Provisional Patent
`positioned along a length of the lower support member prior
`Application No . 62 / 014 , 054 , entitled “ Modular Sloped Roof
`to being fixed in place relative to the lower support member
`Mounting System ” , filed on Jun . 18 , 2014 , the disclosure of
`so as to permit adjustability when the one or more photo
`each of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if set
`voltaic modules are being attached to the support surface .
`forth in their entirety herein .
`In a further embodiment of the present invention , the
`clamp assembly of the support surface attachment device
`STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY
`comprises a lower clamp member and an upper clamp
`SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
`member , the upper clamp member connected to the lower
`clamp member by a threaded fastening device .
`Not Applicable .
`In yet a further embodiment , the lower clamp member of
`the clamp assembly comprises a pair of ledges extending
`NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT
`outwardly from oppositely disposed outer side surfaces of
`RESEARCH AGREEMENT
`the lower clamp member , one of the pair of ledges com
`prising a groove disposed therein for receiving a portion of
`Not Applicable .
`25 a skirt mounting member .
`In still a further embodiment , the support surface attach
`INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF
`ment device further comprises an upper support member , the
`MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT
`upper support member configured to operate as a handle for
`DISK
`rotating the clamp assembly relative to the lower support
`30 member , and thereby lock the clamp assembly in place
`Not Applicable .
`relative to the lower support member .
`In yet a further embodiment , the threaded fastening device
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`further connects the clamp assembly to the upper support
`member .
`The field of the present invention generally relates to
`In still a further embodiment , the support surface attach
`mounting systems and , more particularly , to support assem - 35
`ment device further comprises a cam - type locking mecha
`blies and mounting systems for mounting photovoltaic mod -
`nism that locks the clamp assembly in place relative to the
`ules or panels on sloped support surfaces such as , for
`lower support member without the use of tools .
`example , sloped building rooftops , or the like .
`In accordance with one or more other embodiments of the
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`40 present invention , there is provided a coupling device con
`figured to attach one or more photovoltaic modules to one or
`more other photovoltaic modules . The coupling device
`There is a need for a sloped roof solar mounting system
`includes a lower coupling member including at least one
`that attaches to rafters or roof supporting members , avoids
`ledge extending outwardly from a side surface of the lower
`using rails or struts , and is universal .
`Solar panels must be secured to the roof and underlying 45 coupling member ; and an upper coupling member including
`structure to disperse wind and snow loads into the building
`at least one flange portion extending outwardly from the
`structure . Although some mounting systems that avoid using
`upper coupling member , the upper coupling member being
`rails attach to the roof decking , they do not attach to the roof
`adjustably connected to the lower coupling member by at
`rafters because the spacing of rafters is different than the
`least one fastening device . In these one or more other
`length of modules .
`50 embodiments , the one or more photovoltaic modules and the
`Rails and struts are long extrusions or roll - formed strips
`one or more other photovoltaic modules are configured to be
`that must be cut to length , use excess material , are costly to
`clamped between the at least one ledge of the lower coupling
`manufacture and high in shipping cost . Therefore , a mount -
`member and the at least one flange portion of the upper
`ing system avoiding the use of rails or struts is desired .
`coupling member .
`There is a need for the system to mount to any solar 55
`In a further embodiment of the present invention , the
`module on the market , giving installers the flexibility to
`lower coupling member further includes a pair of generally
`choose the module of their choice , rather than be required to
`vertical walls having oppositely disposed outer side sur
`buy a module with a custom profile rail to accommodate the
`faces , and wherein the at least one ledge comprises a pair of
`ledges extending outwardly from the oppositely disposed
`mounting system .
`60 outer side surfaces of the generally vertical walls .
`BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF
`In accordance with yet one or more other embodiments of
`the present invention , there is provided a support surface
`THE INVENTION
`attachment device configured to attach one or more photo
`Accordingly , the present invention is directed to a modu -
`voltaic modules to a support surface . The support surface
`lar sloped roof solar mounting system that substantially 65 attachment device includes a rotatable base member , the
`obviates one or more problems resulting from the limitations
`rotatable base member being pivotal about a central rota
`tional axis , the rotatable base member configured to be
`and deficiencies of the related art .
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1007 - Page 30
`
`

`

`US 9 , 825 , 581 B2
`
`protrusions on the skirt member configured to matingly
`attached to a support surface ; and a clamp assembly con -
`engage the first plurality of protrusions on the skirt mounting
`figured to engage one or more photovoltaic modules , the
`member .
`clamp assembly coupled to the rotatable base member . In
`In a further embodiment of the present invention , the skirt
`these one or more other embodiments , the clamp assembly
`5 mounting member comprises a downwardly extending por
`is capable of being selectively positioned along a circum -
`tion configured to engage with a groove in the outwardly
`ferential path of the rotatable base member prior to the
`extending component of the lower clamp member of the
`rotatable base member being fixed in place relative to the
`clamp assembly ; and wherein the skirt member is configured
`support surface so as to permit adjustability when the one or
`to engage with the upper clamp member of the clamp
`more photovoltaic modules are being attached to the support
`10 assembly .
`surface .
`It is to be understood that the foregoing general descrip
`In a further embodiment of the present invention , the
`tion and the following detailed description of the present
`clamp assembly of the support surface attachment device
`invention are merely exemplary and explanatory in nature .
`comprises a lower clamp member and an upper clamp
`As such , the foregoing general description and the following
`member , the upper clamp member connected to the lower
`15 detailed description of the invention should not be construed
`clamp member by a first threaded fastening member .
`to limit the scope of the appended claims in any sense .
`In yet a further embodiment , the support surface attach -
`ment device further comprises a second threaded fastening
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL
`member , the second threaded fastening member coupling the
`clamp assembly to the rotatable base member .
`VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
`In still a further embodiment , the support surface attach - 20
`The invention will now be described , by way of example ,
`ment device further comprises a flashing member having a
`with reference to the accompanying drawings , in which :
`fastener aperture configured to receive a fastener for attach -
`FIG . 1 is a perspective view of a support surface attach
`ing the rotatable base member and the flashing member to
`ment device of a photovoltaic mounting system , according
`the support surface , the fastener aperture being disposed
`through a raised position of the flashing member so that 25 to a first illustrative embodiment of the invention , wherein
`water is prevented from passing through the fastener aper -
`a clamp assembly of the support surface attachment device
`is in a disengaged position with respect to the lower support
`ture .
`In accordance with still one or more other embodiments
`member , and the support surface attachment device is shown
`of the present invention , there is provided a mounting
`installed on a roof ;
`system for supporting a plurality of photovoltaic modules on 30
`FIG . 2 is a perspective view of the support surface
`a support surface . The mounting system includes a support
`attachment device of FIG . 1 , wherein the clamp assembly of
`surface attachment device , the support surface attachment
`the support surface attachment device is
`in an engaged
`device configured to attach one or more photovoltaic mod -
`position with respect to a lower support member ;
`ules to a support surface , the support surface attachment
`FIG . 3 is an end view of the support surface attachment
`device including a clamp assembly , and the clamp assembly 35 device of FIG . 1 , wherein the clamp assembly of the support
`including at least one upwardly tapered ledge extending
`surface attachment device is in an engaged position with
`from an outer side of the clamp assembly . In these one or
`respect to the lower support member ;
`more other embodiments , the at least one upwardly tapered
`FIG . 4 is a side view of the support surface attachment
`ledge is configured to function as a spring for applying a
`device of FIG . 1 , wherein the clamp assembly of the support
`compressive force against the one or more photovoltaic 40 surface attachment device is in an engaged position with
`modules so as to securely retain the one or more photovol -
`respect to the lower support member ;
`taic modules in the clamp assembly .
`FIG . 5 is a side perspective view of a clamp assembly of
`In a further embodiment of the present invention , the
`the support surface attachment device of FIGS . 3 and 4 ;
`clamp assembly is capable of being attached anywhere along
`F
`IG . 6 is a side view of the clamp assembly of FIG . 5 ;
`a peripheral edge of the one or more photovoltaic modules . 45
`FIG . 7 is an end view of the clamp assembly of FIG . 5 ;
`In yet a further embodiment , the mounting system further
`FIG . 8 is a perspective view of an upper clamp member
`comprises a module coupling device , the module coupling
`of the clamp assembly of FIG . 5 ;
`device configured to attach one or more photovoltaic mod -
`FIG . 9 is an exploded perspective view of the clamp
`assembly of FIG . 5 ;
`ules to one or more other photovoltaic modules .
`In yet a further embodiment , the mounting system does 50
`FIG . 10 is a perspective view of a lower clamp member
`not include a mounting rail that is configured to span
`of the clamp assembly of FIG . 5 ;
`FIG . 11 is an end perspective view of a coupling device
`multiple photovoltaic modules .
`In accordance with yet one or more other embodiments of
`of the mounting system , according to the illustrative
`embodiment of the invention ;
`the present invention , there is provided a mounting system
`for supporting a plurality of photovoltaic modules on a
`FIG . 12 is a top view of the coupling device of FIG . 11 ;
`support surface . The mounting system includes a support
`FIG . 13 is a side view of the coupling device of FIG . 11 ;
`surface attachment device , the support surface attachment
`FIG . 14 is an end view of the coupling device of FIG . 11 ;
`device configured to attach one or more photovoltaic mod -
`FIG . 15 is a perspective view of an upper coupling
`ules to a support surface , the support surface attachment
`member of the coupling device of FIG . 11 ;
`device including a clamp assembly , the clamp assembly 60
`FIG . 16 is a perspective view of a lower coupling member
`including a lower clamp member and an upper clamp
`of the coupling device of FIG . 11 ;
`member , the lower clamp member having an outwardly
`FIG . 17 is a lower support member of the support surface
`extending component extending from an outer side of the
`attachment device of FIGS . 3 and 4 ;
`lower clamp member ; a skirt mounting member , the skirt
`FIG . 18 is an exploded perspective view of the coupling
`mounting member comprising a first plurality of protru - 65 device of FIG . 11 ;
`sions ; and a skirt member , the skirt member comprising a
`FIG . 19 is a side view of the support surface attachment
`second plurality of protrusions , the second plurality of
`device of FIGS . 3 and 4 , wherein the support surface
`
`55
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1007 - Page 31
`
`

`

`US 9 , 825 , 581 B2
`
`10
`
`sible for the improved mounting systems and methods
`attachment device is shown illustrated with a lower skirt
`disclosed herein . The following detailed discussion of vari
`member and a photovoltaic module attached thereto ;
`ous alternative and preferred embodiments will illustrate the
`FIG . 20 is a front end view of the support surface
`general principles of the invention with regard to the specific
`attachment device and lower skirt member of FIG . 19 ;
`FIG . 21 is a perspective view of the lower skirt member 5 application of rooftop mounted photovoltaic ( PV ) modules
`that are in the form of rectangular - shaped panels . Other
`and skirt mounting bracket of FIG . 20 ;
`FIG . 22 is an end view of the lower skirt member and skirt
`embodiments suitable for other applications will be apparent
`to those skilled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure
`mounting bracket of FIG . 21 ;
`FIG . 23 is an end view of the lower skirt member of FIG .
`such as for example , PV modules having different shapes .
`21 ;
`With initial reference to the perspective view FIG . 25 , the
`FIG . 24 is an end view of the skirt mounting bracket of
`constituent components of an illustrative photovoltaic
`mounting system will be generally described . FIG . 25 illus
`FIG . 21 ;
`FIG . 25 is a perspective view of the illustrative mounting
`trates a roof - mounted photovoltaic system or array accord
`system described herein being used to secure an array of
`ing to an embodiment of the present invention . The illus
`15 trated photovoltaic system or array includes an array of solar
`photovoltaic modules to a sloped roof ;
`FIG . 26 is a side perspective view of a bracket assembly
`panels or PV modules 114 mounted to a pitched or sloped
`of the mounting system , according to the illustrative
`support surface in the form of a building rooftop 98 by a
`mounting system . In FIG . 25 , there are two rows of PV
`embodiment of the invention ;
`FIG . 27 is a side view of the bracket assembly of FIG . 26 ;
`modules 114 illustrated for exemplary purposes , each of the
`FIG . 28 is a perspective view of another support surface 20 two rows having three ( 3 ) PV modules 114 disposed therein .
`attachment device of a photovoltaic mounting system .