`
`UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFIGE
`
`UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`United States Patent and Trademark Office
`!
`OX.
`Address: COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS
`Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450
`www.uspto.gov
`
`APPLICATION
`NUMBER
`
`FILING or
`371(c) DATE
`
`GRP ART
`UNIT
`
`
`
`
`
`FIL
`
`62/014,054
`
`06/18/2014
`
`FEE REC'D
`
`130
`
`13010
`The Law Office of Patrick F. O'Reilly III], LLC
`
`1614 Lafayette Drive
`
`Columbus, OH 43220-3867
`
`ATTY.DOCKET.NO
`
`ITOT CLAIMSJIND CLAIMS
`
`2013C09-BW-PA2
`
`CONFIRMATION NO. 8908
`
`FILING RECEIPT
`
`NO00010,00000
`
`Date Mailed: 07/01/2014
`
`It will not be examined for patentability and will
`Receipt is acknowledged of this provisional patent application.
`become abandonednotlater than twelve monthsafter its filing date. Any correspondence concerning the application
`mustinclude the following identification information: the U.S. APPLICATION NUMBER, FILING DATE, NAME OF
`APPLICANT, and TITLE OF INVENTION. Feestransmitted by checkor draft are subject to collection. Please verify
`the accuracy of the data presented on this receipt. If an error is noted on this Filing Receipt, please submit
`a written request for a Filing Receipt Correction. Please provide a copy of this Filing Receipt with the
`changes noted thereon. If you received a "Notice to File Missing Parts" for this application, please submit
`any corrections to this Filing Receipt with your reply to the Notice. When the USPTO processesthe reply
`to the Notice, the USPTO will generate another Filing Receipt incorporating the requested corrections
`
`Inventor(s)
`
`Applicant(s)
`
`Brian James Wildes, Boulder, CO;
`
`Ecolibrium Solar, Inc., Athens, OH
`Powerof Attorney:
`Patrick O'Reilly IIl--63347
`
`If Required, Foreign Filing License Granted: 07/01/2014
`The country code and number of your priority application, to be usedfor filing abroad under the Paris Convention,
`is US 62/014,054
`Projected Publication Date: None, application is not eligible for pre-grant publication
`Non-Publication Request: No
`Early Publication Request: No
`** SMALL ENTITY **
`Title
`
`Modular Sloped Roof Mounting System
`
`Statement under 37 CFR 1.55 or 1.78 for AIA (First Inventor to File) Transition Applications: No
`
`PROTECTING YOUR INVENTION OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES
`
`Since the rights granted by a U.S. patent extend only throughoutthe territory of the United States and have no
`effect in a foreign country, an inventor who wishes patent protection in another country must apply for a patent
`in a specific country or in regional patent offices. Applicants may wish to consider the filing of an international
`page 1 of 3
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`application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). An international (PCT) application generally has the same
`effect as a regular national patent application in each PCT-member country. The PCT process simplifies the filing
`of patent applications on the same invention in member countries, but does notresult in a grantof "an international
`patent" and doesnoteliminate the needof applicantsto file additional documents and fees in countries where patent
`protection is desired.
`
`Almost every country has its own patent law, and a person desiring a patent in a particular country must make an
`application for patent in that country in accordancewith its particular laws. Since the laws of many countries differ
`in various respects from the patent law of the United States, applicants are advised to seek guidance from specific
`foreign countries to ensure that patent rights are not lost prematurely.
`
`Applicants also are advised that in the case of inventions madein the United States, the Director of the USPTO must
`issue a license before applicants can apply for a patent in a foreign country. Thefiling of a U.S. patent application
`serves as a request for a foreign filing license. The application's filing receipt contains further information and
`guidance asto the status of applicant's license for foreign filing.
`
`Applicants may wish to consult the USPTO booklet, "General Information Concerning Patents”(specifically, the
`section entitled "Treaties and Foreign Patents") for more information on timeframes and deadlinesfor filing foreign
`patent applications. The guide is available either by contacting the USPTO Contact Center at 800-786-9199, or it
`can be viewed on the USPTO website at http://“www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/doc/general/index.html.
`
`For information on preventing theft of your intellectual property (patents, trademarks and copyrights), you may wish
`to consult the U.S. Government website, http:/Avww.stopfakes.gov. Part of a Department of Commerceinitiative,
`this website includes self-help "toolkits" giving innovators guidance on how to protectintellectual property in specific
`countries such as China, Korea and Mexico. For questions regarding patent enforcementissues, applicants may
`call the U.S. Governmenthotline at 1-866-999-HALT (1-866-999-4258).
`
`LICENSE FOR FOREIGN FILING UNDER
`
`Title 35, United States Code, Section 184
`
`Title 37, Code of Federal Regulations, 5.11 & 5.15
`
`GRANTED
`
`if the phrase "IF REQUIRED, FOREIGN FILING
`The applicant has been granted a license under 35 U.S.C. 184,
`LICENSE GRANTED"followed by a date appears on this form. Such licenses are issuedin all applications where
`the conditions for issuance of a license have been met, regardless of whether or not a license may be required as
`set forth in 37 CFR 5.15. The scope andlimitations of this license are set forth in 37 CFR 5.15(a) unless an earlier
`license has been issued under 37 CFR 5.15(b). The license is subject to revocation upon written notification. The
`date indicatedis the effective date of the license, unless an earlier license of similar scope has been granted under
`37 CFR 5.13 or 5.14.
`
`This licenseis to be retained by the licensee and maybe usedat any time onor after the effective date thereof unless
`it is revoked. This license is automatically transferred to any related applications(s) filed under 37 CFR 1.53(d). This
`license is not retroactive.
`
`The grantof a license doesnot in any way lessen the responsibility of a licensee for the security of the subject matter
`as imposed by any Government contract or the provisions of existing laws relating to espionage and the national
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`ECO
`Exhibit 1010 - Page 2
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`security or the export of technical data. Licensees should apprise themselvesof current regulations especially with
`respect to certain countries, of other agencies, particularly the Office of Defense Trade Controls, Department of
`State (with respect to Arms, Munitions and Implements of War (22 CFR 121-128)); the Bureau of Industry and
`Security, Department of Commerce (15 CFR parts 730-774); the Office of Foreign AssetsControl, Department of
`Treasury (31 CFR Parts 500+) and the Department of Energy.
`
`NOT GRANTED
`
`No license under 35 U.S.C. 184 has been granted at this time, if the phrase "IF REQUIRED, FOREIGN FILING
`LICENSE GRANTED" DOESNOTappear on this form. Applicant maystill petition for a license under 37 CFR 5.12,
`if a license is desired before the expiration of 6 months from thefiling date of the application. If 6 months has lapsed
`from thefiling date of this application and the licensee has not received any indication of a secrecy order under 35
`U.S.C. 181, the licensee mayforeign file the application pursuant to 37 CFR 5.15(b).
`
`
`SelectUSA
`
`The United States represents the largest, most dynamic marketplace in the world and is an unparalleled location for
`businessinvestment, innovation, and commercialization of new technologies. The U.S. offers tremendous resources
`and advantages for those who invest and manufacture goods here. Through SelectUSA, our nation works to
`promote andfacilitate business investment. SelectUSAprovides information assistance to the international investor
`community; serves as an ombudsmanfor existing and potential investors; advocates on behalf of U.S. cities, states,
`and regions competing for global investment; and counsels U.S. economic developmentorganizations on investment
`attraction best practices. To learn more about why the United States is the best country in the world to develop
`technology, manufacture products, deliver services, and grow your business, visit http:/Awww.SelectUSA.govor call
`+1-202-482-6800.
`
`page 3 of 3
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`Exhibit 1010 - Page 3
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`ECO
`Exhibit 1010 - Page 3
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`

`

`Attorney Docket No.: 2013C09-BW-PA2
`Inventor: Brian J. Wildes
`
`Provisional Patent Application
`Specification
`
`TITLE OF THE INVENTION
`
`MODULAR SLOPED ROOF SOLAR MOUNTING SYSTEM
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001] Not Applicable.
`
`STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR
`DEVELOPMENT
`
`[0002] Not Applicable.
`
`NAMESOF 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]
`
`Thefield 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.
`
`BACKGROUNDOF 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 loadsinto the building structure. Although some mounting systemsthat avoid usingrails
`
`attach to the roof decking, they do notattach to the roof rafters because the spacing ofraftersis
`
`different than the length of modules.
`
`[0008]
`
`Rails and struts are long extrusionsor 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.
`
`-|-
`
`ECO
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`Exhibit 1010 - Page 4
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`ECO
`Exhibit 1010 - Page 4
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`

`

`Attorney Docket No.: 2013C09-BW-PA2
`Inventor: Brian J. Wildes
`
`Provisional Patent Application
`Specification
`
`[0009]
`
`There is a need for the system to mount to any solar module on the market, giving
`
`installers the flexibility to choose the moduleof their choice, rather than be required to buy a
`
`module with a custom profile rail to accommodate the mounting system.
`
`BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTSOF THE INVENTION
`
`[0010] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a modular sloped roof solar mounting
`
`system that substantially obviates one or more problemsresulting from the limitations and
`
`deficiencies of the related art.
`
`[0011]
`
`In accordance with one or more embodimentsof the present invention, there is
`
`provided a support surface attachmentdevice configured to attach one or more photovoltaic
`
`modules to a support surface. The support surface attachment device includes a lower support
`
`member configured 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 locked in place
`
`relative to the lower support member withoutthe useoftools.
`
`[0012]
`
`Ina further embodimentof the present invention, the clamp assembly of the support
`
`surface attachment device comprises a lower clamp memberand an upper clamp member, the
`
`upper clamp memberconnected to the lower clamp memberby a threaded fastening device.
`
`[0013]
`
`In yet a further embodiment, the lower clamp memberof the clamp assembly
`
`comprises a pair of generally vertical walls having oppositely disposed outer side surfaces and a
`
`pair of ledges extending outwardly from the oppositely disposed outer side surfaces of the
`
`generally vertical walls, one of the pair of ledges comprising a groove disposedtherein 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 member, the upper support memberconfigured 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, a rotation of the lower clamp memberand the upper
`
`clamp memberrelative to the upper support member, and/ora rotation of the threaded fastening
`
`ECO
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`Exhibit 1010 - Page 5
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`ECO
`Exhibit 1010 - Page 5
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`

`

`Attorney Docket No.: 2013C09-BW-PA2
`Inventor: Brian J. Wildes
`
`Provisional Patent Application
`Specification
`
`device relative to the upper support member, enables the leveling of the one or more photovoltaic
`
`modules when the one or more photovoltaic modules are being installed on the support surface.
`
`[0017]
`
`In yet a further embodiment, the support surface attachment device further comprises a
`
`spring memberdisposed between the upper clamp memberand the lower clamp member, the
`
`spring memberconfigured to be compressedbythe tightening of the threaded fastening device.
`
`[0018]
`
`In still a further embodiment, the support surface attachment device further comprises a
`
`rivet nut disposed in an aperture of the lower clamp member, the threaded fastening device
`
`comprising a plurality of external threads disposed thereon that matingly engage with a plurality
`
`of internal threads on therivet nut.
`
`[0019]
`
`In yet a further embodiment, the clamp assembly is capable of being selectively
`
`positioned along a length of the lower support memberprior to being lockedin place relative to
`
`the lower support memberso as to permit adjustability when the one or more photovoltaic
`
`modules are being attached to the support surface.
`
`[0020]
`
`In still a further embodiment, the clamp assembly further comprises a cam-like locking
`
`mechanism that locks the clamp assembly in placerelative to the lower support member.
`
`[0021]
`
`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 memberincluding at least one flange portion extending
`
`outwardly from the upper coupling member, the upper coupling memberbeing adjustably
`
`connected to the lower coupling memberbyat 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 configured to be clamped betweenthe at least one ledge of the lower
`
`coupling memberandtheat least one flange portion of the upper coupling member.
`
`[0022]
`
`Ina further embodimentof the present invention, the lower coupling memberfurther
`
`includes a pair of generally vertical walls having oppositely disposed outer side 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.
`
`[0023]
`
`In yet a further embodiment, one of the pair of ledges comprises a groove disposed
`
`therein for receiving a portion of a skirt mounting member.
`
`-3-
`
`ECO
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`Exhibit 1010 - Page 6
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`ECO
`Exhibit 1010 - Page 6
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`

`

`Attorney Docket No.: 2013C09-BW-PA2
`Inventor: Brian J. Wildes
`
`Provisional Patent Application
`Specification
`
`[0024]
`
`In still a further embodiment, the at least one flange portion of the upper coupling
`
`member comprisesa pair of flange portions extending outwardly from opposedsides of the
`
`upper coupling member.
`
`[0025]
`
`In yet a further embodiment, the coupling device further comprises a spring member
`
`disposed between the upper coupling member and the lower coupling member,the spring
`
`memberconfigured to be compressedbythe tightening of the at least one fastening device.
`
`[0026]
`
`In still a further embodiment, the coupling device further comprises at least one rivet
`
`nut disposed in an aperture of the lower coupling member,the at least one fastening device
`
`comprising a plurality of external threads disposed thereon that matingly engage with a plurality
`
`of internal threads on theat least one rivet nut.
`
`[0027]
`
`In accordance with yet one or more other embodiments 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 modules to a support surface,
`
`the support surface attachment device including a lower support member and a clamp assembly,
`
`the clamp assembly configured to be locked in place relative to the lower support member; and a
`
`module coupling device, the module coupling device configured to attach one or more
`
`photovoltaic modules to one or more other photovoltaic modules.
`
`[0028]
`
`Ina further embodimentof the present invention, the clamp assembly of the support
`
`surface attachment device comprises a lower clamp memberand an upper clamp member, the
`
`upper clamp memberconnected to the lower clamp memberby a threaded fastening device.
`
`[0029]
`
`In yet a further embodiment, the lower clamp memberof the clamp assembly
`
`comprises a pair of generally vertical walls having oppositely disposed outer side surfaces and a
`
`pair of ledges extending outwardly from the oppositely disposed outer side surfaces of the
`
`generally vertical walls, one of the pair of ledges comprising a groove disposed therein.
`
`[0030]
`
`In still a further embodiment, the mounting system further comprises a skirt member
`
`and a skirt mounting member, the skirt mounting member comprising a downwardly extending
`
`portion configured to engage the groovein the oneofthe pair of ledges of the lower clamp
`
`member, and the skirt member configured to engage the upper clamp memberof the clamp
`
`assembly, the skirt memberconfiguredto at least partially conceal the support surface
`
`attachment device and a side edge of one or more photovoltaic modules.
`
`4.
`
`ECO
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`Exhibit 1010 - Page 7
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`ECO
`Exhibit 1010 - Page 7
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`

`

`Attorney Docket No.: 2013C09-BW-PA2
`Inventor: Brian J. Wildes
`
`Provisional Patent Application
`Specification
`
`[0031]
`
`In yet a further embodiment, the skirt member comprisesa first plurality of protrusions
`
`and the skirt mounting member comprises a secondplurality of protrusions, the first plurality of
`
`protrusions on the skirt memberconfigured to matingly engage the secondplurality of
`
`protrusions on the skirt mounting member.
`
`[0032]
`
`In still a further embodiment, the mounting system further comprises an upper support
`
`member, 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 withoutthe use oftools.
`
`[0033]
`
`In yet a further embodiment, the threaded fastening device further connects the clamp
`
`assembly to the upper support member.
`
`[0034]
`
`In still a further embodiment, a rotation of the lower clamp memberand the upper
`
`clamp memberrelative to the upper support member, and/ora rotation of the threaded fastening
`
`device relative to the upper support member, enables the leveling of the one or more photovoltaic
`
`modules when the one or more photovoltaic modules are being installed on the support surface.
`
`[0035]
`
`In yet a further embodiment, the mounting system further comprises a spring member
`
`disposed between the upper clamp memberand the lower clamp member, the spring member
`
`configured to be compressedbythe tightening of the threaded fastening device.
`
`[0036]
`
`In still a further embodiment, the mounting system further comprises a rivet nut
`
`disposed in an aperture of the lower clamp member, the threaded fastening device comprising a
`
`plurality of external threads disposed thereon that matingly engage with a plurality of internal
`
`threads on the rivet nut.
`
`[0037]
`
`In yet a further embodiment, the clamp assembly is capable of being selectively
`
`positioned along a length of the lower support memberprior to being lockedin place relative to
`
`the lower support memberso as to permit adjustability when the one or more photovoltaic
`
`modules are being attached to the support surface.
`
`[0038]
`
`In still a further embodiment, the clamp assembly further comprises a cam-like locking
`
`mechanism that locks the clamp assembly in placerelative to the lower support member.
`
`[0039]
`
`In yet a further embodiment, the module coupling device includes a lower coupling
`
`memberincluding at least one ledge extending outwardly from a side surface of the lower
`
`coupling member; and an upper coupling memberincludingat least one flange portion extending
`
`outwardly from the upper coupling member, the upper coupling memberbeing adjustably
`
`5-
`
`ECO
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`Exhibit 1010 - Page 8
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`ECO
`Exhibit 1010 - Page 8
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`

`

`Attorney Docket No.: 2013C09-BW-PA2
`Inventor: Brian J. Wildes
`
`Provisional Patent Application
`Specification
`
`connected to the lower coupling memberbyat least one fastening device. The one or more
`
`photovoltaic modules and the one or more other photovoltaic modules are configured to be
`
`clamped between the at least one ledge of the lower coupling memberandtheat least one flange
`
`portion of the upper coupling member.
`
`[0040]
`
`In still a further embodiment, the lower coupling member of the module coupling
`
`device further includes a pair of generally vertical walls having oppositely disposed outer side
`
`surfaces, and wherein the at least one ledge comprisesa pair of ledges extending outwardly from
`
`the oppositely disposed outer side surfaces of the generally vertical walls.
`
`[0041]
`
`In yet a further embodiment, one of the pair of ledges of the lower coupling member
`
`comprises a groove disposed therein for receiving a portion of a skirt mounting member.
`
`[0042]
`
`In still a further embodiment, the at least one flange portion of the upper coupling
`
`member comprisesa pair of flange portions extending outwardly from opposedsides of the
`
`upper coupling member.
`
`[0043]
`
`In yet a further embodiment, the mounting system further comprises a spring member
`
`disposed between the upper coupling member and the lower coupling member,the spring
`
`memberconfigured to be compressedbythe tightening of the at least one fastening device.
`
`[0044]
`
`In still a further embodiment, the mounting system further comprises at least one rivet
`
`nut disposed in an aperture of the lower coupling member,the at least one fastening device of the
`
`module coupling device comprising a plurality of external threads disposed thereon that matingly
`
`engage with a plurality of internal threads on theat least onerivet nut.
`
`[0045]
`
`In yet a further embodiment, the mounting system does not include a mountingrail that
`
`is configured to span multiple photovoltaic modules.
`
`[0046]
`
`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 appendedclaimsin any sense.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0047]
`
`The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the
`
`accompanying drawings, in which:
`
`ECO
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`Exhibit 1010 - Page 9
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`ECO
`Exhibit 1010 - Page 9
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`

`

`Attorney Docket No.: 2013C09-BW-PA2
`Inventor: Brian J. Wildes
`
`Provisional Patent Application
`Specification
`
`[0048]
`
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a support surface attachment device of a photovoltaic
`
`mounting system, according to an 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 showninstalled on a roof;
`
`[0049]
`
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the support surface attachmentdevice 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;
`
`[0050]
`
`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;
`
`[0051]
`
`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;
`
`[0052]
`
`FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of a clamp assembly of the support surface
`
`attachment device of FIGS. 3 and 4;
`
`[0053]
`
`FIG. 6 is a side view of the clamp assembly of FIG. 5;
`
`[0054]
`
`FIG. 7 is an end view of the clamp assembly of FIG. 5;
`
`[0055]
`
`FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an upper clamp memberof the clamp assembly of
`
`FIG. 5;
`
`[0056]
`
`FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the clamp assembly of FIG. 5;
`
`[0057]
`
`FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a lower clamp memberof the clamp assembly of
`
`FIG. 5;
`
`[0058]
`
`FIG. 11 is an end perspective view of a coupling device of the mounting system,
`
`according to the illustrative embodimentof the invention;
`
`[0059]
`
`FIG. 12 is a top view of the coupling device of FIG. 11;
`
`
`
`[0060] FIG. 13 isaside view of the coupling device of FIG. 11;
`
`[0061]
`
`FIG. 14 is an end view of the coupling device of FIG. 11;
`
`[0062]
`
`FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an upper coupling memberof the coupling device of
`
`FIG. 11;
`
`[0063]
`
`FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a lower coupling memberof the coupling device of
`
`FIG. 11;
`
`ECO
`
`Exhibit 1010 - Page 10
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1010 - Page 10
`
`

`

`Attorney Docket No.: 2013C09-BW-PA2
`Inventor: Brian J. Wildes
`
`Provisional Patent Application
`Specification
`
`[0064]
`
`FIG. 17 is a lower support memberof the support surface attachment device of FIGS. 3
`
`and 4;
`
`[0065]
`
`FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the coupling device of FIG. 11;
`
`[0066]
`
`FIG. 19 isa side view of the support surface attachment device of FIGS. 3 and 4,
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`wherein the support surface attachment device is shownillustrated with a lower skirt member
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`and a photovoltaic module attached thereto;
`
`[0067]
`
`FIG. 20 is a front end view of the support surface attachment device and lowerskirt
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`memberof FIG. 19;
`
`[0068]
`
`FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the lower skirt member and skirt mounting bracket of
`
`FIG. 20;
`
`[0069]
`
`FIG. 22 is an end view of the lower skirt member and skirt mounting bracket of
`
`FIG. 21;
`
`[0070]
`
`FIG. 23 is an end view of the lower skirt member of FIG. 21;
`
`[0071]
`
`FIG. 24 is an end view of the skirt mounting bracket of FIG. 21;
`
`[0072]
`
`FIG. 25 is a perspective view ofthe illustrative mounting system described herein
`
`being used to secure an array of photovoltaic modules to a sloped roof;
`
`[0073]
`
`FIG. 26 is a side perspective view of a bracket assembly of the mounting system,
`
`according to the illustrative embodimentof the invention; and
`
`[0074]
`
`FIG. 27 is a side view of the bracket assembly of FIG. 26.
`
`[0075]
`
`Throughoutthe 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 EMBODIMENTSOF THE INVENTION
`
`[0076]
`
`It will be apparentto those skilled in the art, that is, to those who have knowledge or
`
`experience in this area of technology, that many uses and design variations are possible for the
`
`improved mounting systems and methods disclosed herein. The following detailed discussion of
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`various alternative and preferred embodiments will illustrate the general principles of the
`
`invention with regard to the specific application of rooftop mounted photovoltaic (PV) modules
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`that are in the form of rectangular-shaped panels. Other embodiments suitable for other
`
`applications will be apparentto those skilled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure such as
`
`for example, PV modules having different shapes.
`
`-8-
`
`ECO
`
`Exhibit 1010 - Page 11
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1010 - Page 11
`
`

`

`Attorney Docket No.: 2013C09-BW-PA2
`Inventor: Brian J. Wildes
`
`Provisional Patent Application
`Specification
`
`[0077] With initial reference to the perspective view FIG. 25, the constituent components of
`
`the illustrative photovoltaic mounting system will be generally described. FIG. 25 illustrates a
`
`roof-mounted photovoltaic system or array according to an embodimentof the present invention.
`
`The illustrated photovoltaic system or array includesan array of solar panels or PV modules 114
`
`mountedto 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 rowshaving three (3) PV modules 114 disposed therein. The
`
`illustrated mounting system includesa 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
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`rows of PV modules 114. The PV arrayillustrated in FIG. 25 has each of the rectangular-shaped
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`PV modules 114 oriented in a landscape orientation, that is, with the longest axis of the PV
`
`modules 114 extendingin 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 orientation, 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 includesa plurality of coupling devices 60 that rigidly fasten a plurality of PV modules 114
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`to one another. While not visible in FIG. 25, the mounting system may further include a
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`plurality of bracket assemblies 120 for securing one or more respective electrical assemblies to
`
`the underside of one or more PV modules 114.
`
`[0078] As shownin the perspective view of FIG. 25, each illustrated PV module 114 is
`
`supported by a plurality of the support surface attachment devices 100. Each support surface
`
`attachment device 100 is connectedto at least one of the PV modules 114 but someofthe
`
`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 attachment
`
`devices 100 (e.g., there is no rail member connecting one support surface attachment device 100
`
`to another support surface attachment device 100). It is noted that non-load bearing components,
`
`-9-
`
`ECO
`
`Exhibit 1010 - Page 12
`
`ECO
`Exhibit 1010 - Page 12
`
`

`

`Attorney Docket No.: 2013C09-BW-PA2
`Inventor: Brian J. Wildes
`
`Provisional Patent Application
`Specification
`
`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 surface 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 meansofa structural mounting screw 102 (e.g., refer to FIGS. 3 and 4).
`
`[0079]
`
`Now,turning initially to FIGS. 3-7, the components of the support surface attachment
`
`devices 100 (i.e., the mounting assemblies 100)illustrated in FIG. 25 will be described. As
`
`shownin these figures, each support surface attachment device 100 generally comprises a lower
`
`support member42 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 th