US 20190245477A1
`( 19 ) United States
`( 12 ) Patent Application Publication ( 10 ) Pub . No . : US 2019 / 0245477 A1
`( 43 ) Pub . Date :
`Aug . 8 , 2019
`Wildes
`
`( 54 ) MODULAR SLOPED ROOF SOLAR
`MOUNTING SYSTEM
`( 71 ) Applicant : Ecolibrium Solar , Inc . , Athens , OH
`( US )
`( 72 ) Inventor : Brian James Wildes , Boulder , CO
`( US )
`( 21 ) Appl . No . : 16 / 391 , 174
`Apr . 22 , 2019
`( 22 )
`Filed :
`Related U . S . Application Data
`( 62 ) Division of application No . 15 / 817 , 671 , filed on Nov .
`20 , 2017 , now Pat . No . 10 , 270 , 383 , which is a divi
`sion of application No . 14 / 541 , 127 , filed on Nov . 13 ,
`2014 , now Pat . No . 9 , 825 , 581 .
`( 60 ) Provisional application No . 61 / 904 , 049 , filed on Nov .
`14 , 2013 , provisional application No . 62 / 014 , 054 ,
`filed on Jun . 18 , 2014 .
`
`Publication Classification
`
`( 51 )
`
`( 52 )
`
`Int . Ci .
`HO2S 20 / 23
`( 2006 . 01 )
`( 2006 . 01 )
`F24S 25 636
`F245 25761
`( 2006 . 01 )
`F24S 25 / 632
`( 2006 . 01 )
`U . S . CI .
`CPC . . . . . . . . . . . HO2S 20 / 23 ( 2014 . 12 ) ; F24S 25 636
`( 2018 . 05 ) ; F16M 13 / 022 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; F24S
`25 / 632 ( 2018 . 05 ) ; F24S 25 / 61 ( 2018 . 05 )
`( 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 .
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`ECO
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`US 2019 / 0245477 A1
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`Aug . 8 , 2019
`
`MODULAR SLOPED ROOF SOLAR
`MOUNTING SYSTEM
`CROSS - REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`[ 0001 ] This is a divisional of U . S . patent application Ser .
`No . 15 / 817 , 671 , entitled “ Modular Sloped Roof Solar
`Mounting System ” , filed on Nov . 20 , 2017 ; and U . S . Non
`provisional patent application Ser . No . 15 / 817 , 671 is a
`divisional of U . S . patent application Ser . No . 14 / 541 , 127 ,
`entitled “ Modular Sloped Roof Solar Mounting System ” ,
`filed on Nov . 13 , 2014 , now U . S . Pat . No . 9 , 825 , 581 ; which
`claims priority to U . S . Provisional Patent Application No .
`61 / 904 , 049 , entitled “ Modular Sloped Roof Solar Mounting
`System ” , filed on Nov . 14 , 2013 , and further claims priority
`to U . S . Provisional Patent Application No . 62 / 014 , 054 ,
`entitled “ Modular Sloped Roof Mounting System ” , filed on
`Jun . 18 , 2014 , the disclosure of each of which is hereby
`incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety
`herein .
`STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY
`SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
`[ 0002 ] Not Applicable .
`NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT
`RESEARCH AGREEMENT
`[ 0003 ] Not Applicable .
`INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF
`MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT
`DISK
`
`[ 0004 ] Not Applicable .
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`[ 0005 ] The field of the present invention generally relates
`to mounting systems and , more particularly , to support
`assemblies and mounting systems for mounting photovoltaic
`modules or panels on sloped support surfaces such as , for
`example , sloped building rooftops , or the like .
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`[ 0006 ] There is a need for a sloped roof solar mounting
`system that attaches to rafters or roof supporting members ,
`avoids using rails or struts , and is universal .
`[ 0007 ] Solar panels must be secured to the roof and
`underlying structure to disperse wind and snow loads into
`the building structure . Although some mounting systems
`that avoid using rails attach to the roof decking , they do not
`attach to the roof rafters because the spacing of rafters is
`different than the length of modules .
`[ 0008 ] Rails and struts are long extrusions or roll - formed
`strips that must be cut to length , use excess material , are
`costly to manufacture and high in shipping cost . Therefore ,
`a mounting system avoiding the use of rails or struts is
`desired .
`There is a need for the system to mount to any solar
`[ 0009 ]
`module on the market , giving installers the flexibility to
`choose the module of their choice , rather than be required to
`buy a module with a custom profile rail to accommodate the
`mounting system .
`
`BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF
`THE INVENTION
`[ 0010 ] Accordingly , the present invention is directed to a
`modular sloped roof solar mounting system that substan
`tially obviates one or more problems resulting from the
`limitations and deficiencies of the related art .
`[ 0011 ]
`In accordance with one or more embodiments of
`the present invention , there is provided a support surface
`attachment device configured to attach one or more photo
`voltaic modules to a support surface . The support surface
`attachment device includes a lower support member config
`ured to be attached to
`a support surface ; and a clamp
`assembly configured to engage one or more photovoltaic
`modules , the clamp assembly configured to be fixed in place
`relative to the lower support member . In these one or more
`embodiments , the clamp assembly is capable of being selec
`tively positioned along a length of the lower support mem
`ber prior to being fixed in place relative to the lower support
`member so as to permit adjustability when the one or more
`photovoltaic modules are being attached to the support
`surface .
`[ 0012 ] .
`In a further embodiment of the present invention ,
`the clamp assembly of the support surface attachment device
`comprises a lower clamp member and an upper clamp
`member , the upper clamp member connected to the lower
`clamp member by a threaded fastening device .
`[ 0013 ]
`In yet a further embodiment , the lower clamp
`member of the clamp assembly comprises a pair of ledges
`extending outwardly from oppositely disposed outer side
`surfaces of the lower clamp member , one of the pair of
`ledges comprising a groove disposed therein for receiving a
`portion of a skirt mounting member .
`[ 0014 ] .
`In still a further embodiment , the support surface
`attachment device further comprises an upper support mem
`ber , the upper support member configured to operate as a
`handle for rotating the clamp assembly relative to the lower
`support member , and thereby lock the clamp assembly in
`place relative to the lower support member .
`[ 0015 ]
`In yet a further embodiment , the threaded fastening
`device further connects the clamp assembly to the upper
`support member .
`[ 0016 ]
`In still a further embodiment , the support surface
`attachment device further comprises a cam - type locking
`mechanism that locks the clamp assembly in place relative
`to the lower support member without the use of tools .
`[ 0017
`In accordance with one or more other embodiments
`of the present invention , there is provided a coupling device
`configured to attach one or more photovoltaic modules to
`one or more other photovoltaic modules . The coupling
`device includes a lower coupling member including at least
`one ledge extending outwardly from a side surface of the
`lower coupling member ; and an upper coupling member
`including at least one flange portion extending outwardly
`from the upper coupling member , the upper coupling mem
`ber being adjustably connected to the lower coupling mem
`ber by at least one fastening device . In these one or more
`other embodiments , the one or more photovoltaic modules
`and the one or more other photovoltaic modules are config
`ured to be clamped between the at least one ledge of the
`lower coupling member and the at least one flange portion
`of the upper coupling member .
`[ 0018 ]
`In a further embodiment of the present invention ,
`the lower coupling member further includes a pair of gen
`erally vertical walls having oppositely disposed outer side
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`surfaces , and wherein the at least one ledge comprises a pair
`of ledges extending outwardly from the oppositely disposed
`outer side surfaces of the generally vertical walls .
`[ 0019 ] .
`In accordance with yet one or more other embodi
`ments of the present invention , there is provided a support
`surface attachment device configured to attach one or more
`photovoltaic modules to a support surface . The support
`surface attachment device includes a rotatable base member ,
`the rotatable base member being pivotal about a central
`rotational axis , the rotatable base member configured to be
`attached to a support surface ; and a clamp assembly con
`figured to engage one or more photovoltaic modules , the
`clamp assembly coupled to the rotatable base member . In
`these one or more other embodiments , the clamp assembly
`is capable of being selectively positioned along a circum
`ferential path of the rotatable base member prior to the
`rotatable base member being fixed in place relative to the
`support surface so as to permit adjustability when the one or
`more photovoltaic modules are being attached to the support
`surface .
`[ 0020 ]
`In a further embodiment of the present invention ,
`the clamp assembly of the support surface attachment device
`comprises a lower clamp member and an upper clamp
`member , the upper clamp member connected to the lower
`clamp member by a first threaded fastening member .
`[ 0021 ]
`In yet a further embodiment , the support surface
`attachment device further comprises a second threaded
`fastening member , the second threaded fastening member
`coupling the clamp assembly to the rotatable base member .
`0022 ]
`In still a further embodiment , the support surface
`attachment device further comprises a flashing member
`having a fastener aperture configured to receive a fastener
`for attaching the rotatable base member and the flashing
`member to the support surface , the fastener aperture being
`disposed through a raised position of the flashing member so
`that water is prevented from passing through the fastener
`aperture .
`[ 0023 ]
`In accordance with still one or more other embodi
`ments of the present invention , there is provided a mounting
`system for supporting a plurality of photovoltaic modules on
`a support surface . The mounting system includes a support
`surface attachment device , the support surface attachment
`device configured to attach one or more photovoltaic mod
`ules to a support surface , the support surface attachment
`device including a clamp assembly , and the clamp assembly
`including at least one upwardly tapered ledge extending
`from an outer side of the clamp assembly . In these one or
`more other embodiments , the at least one upwardly tapered
`ledge is configured to function as a spring for applying a
`compressive force against the one or more photovoltaic
`modules so as to securely retain the one or more photovol
`taic modules in the clamp assembly .
`[ 0024 ]
`In a further embodiment of the present invention ,
`the clamp assembly is capable of being attached anywhere
`along a peripheral edge of the one or more photovoltaic
`modules .
`[ 0025 ]
`In yet a further embodiment , the mounting system
`further comprises a module coupling device , the module
`coupling device configured to attach one or more photovol
`taic modules to one or more other photovoltaic modules .
`[ 0026 ]
`In yet a further embodiment , the mounting system
`does not include a mounting rail that is configured to span
`multiple photovoltaic modules .
`
`In accordance with yet one or more other embodi
`[ 0027 ]
`ments of the present invention , there is provided a mounting
`system for supporting a plurality of photovoltaic modules on
`a support surface . The mounting system includes a support
`surface attachment device , the support surface attachment
`device configured to attach one or more photovoltaic mod
`ules to a support surface , the support surface attachment
`device including a clamp assembly , the clamp assembly
`including a lower clamp member and an upper clamp
`member , the lower clamp member having an outwardly
`extending component extending from an outer side of the
`lower clamp member ; a skirt mounting member , the skirt
`mounting member comprising a first plurality of protru
`sions ; and a skirt member , the skirt member comprising a
`second plurality of protrusions , the second plurality of
`protrusions on the skirt member configured to matingly
`engage the first plurality of protrusions on the skirt mounting
`member .
`[ 0028 ]
`In a further embodiment of the present invention ,
`the skirt mounting member comprises a downwardly extend
`ing portion configured to engage with a groove in the
`outwardly extending component of the lower clamp member
`of the clamp assembly ; and wherein the skirt member is
`configured to engage with the upper clamp member of the
`clamp assembly .
`[ 0029 ]
`It is to be understood that the foregoing general
`description and the following detailed description of the
`present invention are merely exemplary and explanatory in
`nature . As such , the foregoing general description and the
`following detailed description of the invention should not be
`construed to limit the scope of the appended claims in any
`sense .
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL
`VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
`The invention will now be described , by way of
`[ 0030 ]
`example , with reference to the accompanying drawings , in
`which :
`[ 0031 ]
`FIG . 1 is a perspective view of a support surface
`attachment device of a photovoltaic mounting system ,
`according to a first illustrative embodiment of the invention ,
`wherein a clamp assembly of the support surface attachment
`device is in a disengaged position with respect to the lower
`support member , and the support surface attachment device
`is shown installed on a roof ;
`[ 0032 ]
`FIG . 2 is a perspective view of the support surface
`attachment device of FIG . 1 , wherein the clamp assembly of
`the support surface attachment device is in an engaged
`position with respect to a lower support member ;
`[ 0033 ]
`FIG . 3 is an end view of the support surface
`attachment device of FIG . 1 , wherein the clamp assembly of
`the support surface attachment device is in an engaged
`position with respect to the lower support member ;
`[ 0034 ] FIG . 4 is a side view of the support surface
`attachment device of FIG . 1 , wherein the clamp assembly of
`the support surface attachment device is in an engaged
`position with respect to the lower support member ;
`[ 0035 ]
`FIG . 5 is a side perspective view of a clamp
`assembly of the support surface attachment device of FIGS .
`3 and 4 ;
`[ 0036 ] FIG . 6 is a side view of the clamp assembly of FIG .
`[ 0037 ] FIG . 7 is an end view of the clamp assembly of
`FIG . 5 ;
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1008 - Page 29
`
`

`

`US 2019 / 0245477 A1
`
`Aug . 8 , 2019
`
`[ 0038 ] FIG . 8 is a perspective view of an upper clamp
`member of the clamp assembly of FIG . 5 ;
`[ 0039 ]
`FIG . 9 is an exploded perspective view of the
`clamp assembly of FIG . 5 ;
`[ 0040 ]
`FIG . 10 is a perspective view of a lower clamp
`member of the clamp assembly of FIG . 5 ;
`[ 0041 ]
`FIG . 11 is an end perspective view of a coupling
`device of the mounting system , according to the illustrative
`embodiment of the invention ;
`[ 0042 ] FIG . 12 is a top view of the coupling device of FIG .
`11 ;
`[ 0043 ] FIG . 13 is a side view of the coupling device of
`FIG . 11 ;
`[ 0044 ] FIG . 14 is an end view of the coupling device of
`FIG . 11 ;
`[ 0045 ] FIG . 15 is a perspective view of an upper coupling
`member of the coupling device of FIG . 11 ;
`0046
`FIG . 16 is a perspective view of a lower coupling
`member of the coupling device of FIG . 11 ;
`100471 FIG . 17 is a lower support member of the support
`surface attachment device of FIGS . 3 and 4 ;
`[ 0048 ] FIG . 18 is an exploded perspective view of the
`coupling device of FIG . 11 ;
`[ 0049 ]
`FIG . 19 is a side view of the support surface
`attachment device of FIGS . 3 and 4 , wherein the support
`surface attachment device is shown illustrated with a lower
`skirt member and a photovoltaic module attached thereto ;
`[ 0050 ] FIG . 20 is a front end view of the support surface
`attachment device and lower skirt member of FIG . 19 ;
`[ 0051 ]
`FIG . 21 is a perspective view of the lower skirt
`member and skirt mounting bracket of FIG . 20 ;
`10052 ]
`FIG . 22 is an end view of the lower skirt member
`and skirt mounting bracket of FIG . 21 :
`[ 0053 ] FIG . 23 is an end view of the lower skirt member
`of FIG . 21 ;
`[ 0054 ] FIG . 24 is an end view of the skirt mounting
`bracket of FIG . 21 ;
`[ 0055 ] FIG . 25 is a perspective view of the illustrative
`mounting system described herein being used to secure an
`array of photovoltaic modules to a sloped roof ;
`[ 0056 ] FIG . 26 is a side perspective view of a bracket
`assembly of the mounting system , according to the illustra
`tive embodiment of the invention ;
`[ 0057 ] FIG . 27 is a side view of the bracket assembly of
`FIG . 26 ;
`[ 0058 ]
`FIG . 28 is a perspective view of another support
`surface attachment device of a photovoltaic mounting sys
`tem , according to a second illustrative embodiment of the
`invention , wherein the support surface attachment device
`comprises a rotatable disc member for east - west and north
`south adjustment ;
`[ 0059 ]
`FIG . 29 is a top view of the support surface
`attachment device of FIG . 28 ;
`[ 0060 ] FIG . 30 is an end view of the support surface
`attachment device of FIG . 28 ;
`[ 0061 ] FIG . 31 is a side view of the support surface
`attachment device of FIG . 28 ;
`[ 0062 ] FIG . 32 is a longitudinal sectional view of the
`support surface attachment device of FIG . 28 , which is
`generally cut along the cutting - plane line A - A in FIG . 30 ;
`[ 0063 ]
`FIG . 33 is a side partial exploded perspective view
`of the support surface attachment device of FIG . 28 ;
`[ 0064 ] FIG . 34 is a perspective view of a disc member of
`the support surface attachment device of FIG . 28 ;
`
`FIG . 35 is a top view of the disc member of FIG .
`[ 0065 ]
`34 ;
`FIG . 36 is a bottom view of the disc member of
`[ 0066 ]
`FIG . 34 ;
`FIG . 37 is a sectional view of the disc member of
`[ 0067 ]
`FIG . 34 , which is generally cut along the cutting - plane line
`B - B in FIG . 35 ;
`10068 ] FIG . 38 is a side view of the disc member of FIG .
`34 ;
`[ 0069 ]
`FIG . 39 is an end view of the disc member of FIG .
`34 ;
`f0070 ]
`FIG . 40 is a perspective view of a flashing member
`of the support surface attachment device of FIG . 28 ;
`[ 0071 ] FIG . 41 is a top view of the flashing member of
`FIG . 40 ;
`[ 0072 ] FIG . 42 is a side view of the flashing member of
`FIG . 40 ;
`[ 0073 ] FIG . 43 is an end view of the flashing member of
`FIG . 40 ;
`[ 0074 ] FIG . 44 is a sectional view of the flashing member
`of FIG . 40 , which is generally cut along the cutting - plane
`line C - C in FIG . 43 ;
`[ 0075 ]
`FIG . 45 is a perspective view of the threaded
`fastener member of the clamp assembly of FIG . 9 ; and
`10076 )
`FIG . 46 is a partial , enlarged perspective view of
`the head of the threaded fastener member of FIG . 45 ( Detail
`“ A ” ) .
`[ 0077 ] Throughout the figures , the same parts are always
`denoted using the same reference characters so that , as a
`general rule , they will only be described once .
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
`OF THE INVENTION
`It will be apparent to those skilled in the art , that is ,
`[ 0078 ]
`to those who have knowledge or experience in this area of
`technology , that many uses and design variations are pos
`sible for the improved mounting systems and methods
`disclosed herein . The following detailed discussion of vari
`ous alternative and preferred embodiments will illustrate the
`general principles of the invention with regard to the specific
`application of rooftop mounted photovoltaic ( PV ) modules
`that are in the form of rectangular - shaped panels . Other
`embodiments suitable for other applications will be apparent
`to those skilled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure
`such as for example , PV modules having different shapes .
`[ 0079 ]
`With initial reference to the perspective view FIG .
`25 , the constituent components of an illustrative photovol
`taic mounting system will be generally described . FIG . 25
`illustrates a roof - mounted photovoltaic system or array
`according to an embodiment of the present invention .
`[ 0080 ] The illustrated photovoltaic system
`or array
`includes an array of solar panels or PV modules 114
`mounted to a pitched or sloped support surface in the form
`of a building rooftop 98 by a mounting system . In FIG . 25 ,
`there are two rows of PV modules 114 illustrated for
`exemplary purposes , each of the two rows having three ( 3 )
`PV modules 114 disposed therein . The illustrated mounting
`system includes a plurality of support surface attachment
`devices 100 that secure the array of PV modules 114 to the
`building rooftop 98 . As shown in FIG . 25 , the five ( 5 )
`support surface attachment devices 100 disposed in the
`middle of the PV array bridge the two rows of PV modules
`114 . The PV array illustrated in FIG . 25 has each of the
`rectangular - shaped PV modules 114 oriented in a landscape
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1008 - Page 30
`
`

`

`US 2019 / 0245477 A1
`
`Aug . 8 , 2019
`
`orientation , that is , with the longest axis of the PV modules
`114 extending in a lateral or side - to - side direction which is
`typically the east - west direction . It is noted , however , that
`the PV modules 114 can alternatively be oriented by the
`support surface attachment devices 114 in a portrait orien
`tation , that is , with the longest axis of the PV modules 114
`extending in a forward - rearward direction which is typically
`the south - north direction . With reference again to FIG . 25 ,
`it can be seen that the illustrated mounting system also
`includes a plurality of coupling devices 60 that rigidly fasten
`a plurality of PV modules 114 to one another . As shown in
`FIG . 25 , the coupling devices 60 connect the corners of
`adjacent PV modules 114 together . While not visible in FIG .
`25 , the mounting system may further include a plurality of
`bracket assemblies 120 for securing one or more respective
`electrical assemblies to the underside of one or more PV
`modules 114 .
`[ 0081 ] As shown in the perspective view of FIG . 25 , in a
`first embodiment , each illustrated PV module 114 is sup
`ported by a plurality of the support surface attachment
`devices 100 . Each support surface attachment device 100 is
`connected to at least one of the PV modules 114 but some
`of the illustrated support surface attachment devices 100 are
`connected to more than one of the PV modules 114 ( e . g . , the
`five ( 5 ) support surface attachment devices 100 connected
`between the two ( 2 ) of PV modules 114 ) . The illustrated PV
`modules 114 are secured to the support surface attachment
`devices 100 ( as described in more detail hereinafter ) but
`each of the support surface attachment devices 100 is not
`directly secured to any of the other support surface attach
`ment devices 100 ( e . g . , there is no rail member connecting
`one support surface attachment device 100 to another sup
`port surface attachment device 100 ) . It is noted that non - load
`bearing components , such as skirt members , and the like can
`also be supported by the support surface attachment devices
`100 as described in more detail hereinafter . Advantageously ,
`the mounting system described herein is capable of being
`used with PV modules 114 of any width and length without
`requiring customization or modification to the support sur
`face attachment devices 100 or the PV modules 114 . Thus ,
`a common support surface attachment device 100 can be
`used in many applications to mount many different models
`of PV modules 114 . In the illustrated embodiment of FIG .
`25 , each support surface attachment device 100 is secured to
`a respective one of the roof rafters 116 by means of a
`structural mounting screw 102 ( e . g . , refer to FIGS . 3 and 4 ) .
`In one or more embodiments , the structural mounting screw
`102 may be self - drilling so as not to require any predrilled
`holes in the roof .
`[ 0082 ] Now , turning initially to FIGS . 3 - 7 , the compo
`nents of the support surface attachment devices 100 ( i . e . , the
`mounting assemblies 100 ) illustrated in FIG . 25 will be
`described . As shown in these figures , in a first embodiment ,
`each support surface attachment device 100 generally com
`prises a lower support member 42 configured to be attached
`to a support surface ( e . g . , the building rooftop 98 of FIG .
`25 ) ; and a clamp assembly 50 configured to engage one or
`more PV modules 114 , the clamp assembly 50 is configured
`to be locked in place relative to the lower support member
`42 without the use of tools . In particular , as best illustrated
`in FIGS . 1 and 2 , when the upper tubular support member 30
`is turned approximately 90 degrees clockwise by a user
`thereof ( i . e . , a PV system installer ) , the clamp assembly 50
`is capable of being locked in place relative to the lower
`
`support member 42 without the use of a tool ( e . g . , wrench ,
`etc . ) . Because the clamp assembly 50 can be locked in place
`anywhere along the length of the lower support member 42 ,
`the necessary mounting location of the PV modules 114 can
`be easily accommodated after the lower support member 42
`has been fixedly attached to the roof rafter 116 by means of
`the structural mounting screw 102 . As such , it is not nec
`essary for the lower support member 42 to be precisely
`located along the length of the roof rafter 116 because the
`support surface attachment device 100 described herein
`advantageously affords generous adjustability in the south
`north installation direction and / or east - west installation
`direction . Also , the support surface attachment devices 100
`can also be flexibly located in the east - west direction on the
`building rooftop 98 such that they correspond with the
`spacing of the roof rafters 116 because the support surface
`attachment devices 100 can be mounted virtually anywhere
`along the length ( i . e . , east - west direction ) of the PV modules
`114 .
`[ 0083 ] As shown in FIG . 17 , the lower support member 42
`generally comprises a base portion 44 , a ledge or shelf
`portion elevated above the base portion 44 , and opposed
`flange portions 46 disposed above the ledge or shelf portion .
`As illustrated in this figure , the opposed flange portions 46
`define a locking mechanism slot 48 for receiving the locking
`cap member 38 of the clamp assembly 50 disposed therein .
`The locking cap member 38 , which operates as a cam - like
`locking mechanism , locks the clamp assembly 50 in place
`relative to the lower support member 42 when the handle
`like tubular member 30 is t