Double-jointed mounting for solar panel

• US 20070084500A1
• Filed: 08/31/2006
• Published: 04/19/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 09/01/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: International Development LLC
• Original Assignee: International Development LLC
• Inventors: Chen, Chi
• Application Number:
  US11/515,094
• Publication Number:
  US 20070084500A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 136/244
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/14 with ball-joint ball-jointed hinges F16C11/06 ; adjustable mountings employing universal joints for lighting devices F21V21/26 - F21V21/30
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/2078 with ball-joint ball-jointed hinges F16C11/06
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 9/035 the solar unit being integrated within the support for the lighting unit, e.g. within or on a pole
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 17/02 with provision for adjustment F21V17/04 - F21V17/08 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 21/0824 Ground spikes
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 21/29 employing universal joints
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2111/02 for roads, paths or the like
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2131/109 of gardens
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 2030/17 Spherical joints
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 30/48 with three or more rotation axes or with multiple degrees of freedom
• CPC Class Codes: H02S 20/30 Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment
• CPC Class Codes: H02S 40/38 Energy storage means, e.g. batteries, structurally associated with PV modules
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 20/72 in street lighting
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/47 Mountings or tracking
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/50 Photovoltaic [PV] energy
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 70/30 Systems combining energy storage with energy generation of non-fossil origin

Abstract

The device disclosed herein is a double jointed mounting for a solar panel which enables the solar panel to move so that its orientation with the sun is optimal for the collection of sunlight for the subsequent conversion to electrical energy. The double jointed mounting consists of a mount housing which contains two ball and socket joints located at either end of the mount housing. The solar panel can rotate independently about either ball and socket joint to maintain the optimal position for the collection of solar energy.

Claims

1. A mounting system for a solar panel comprising:

a first ball positioned on an object to be powered by energy originating as solar energy;

a second ball positioned on a solar panel assembly;

a mounting bar having two sections connected by a threaded fastener, said mounting bar having a first socket and a second socket on each end constructed and arranged to surround said first ball and said second ball respectively;

whereby said solar panel assembly may be positioned to receive direct sunlight for a substantial portion of each day.

2. The mounting system for a solar panel defined in claim 1 wherein said object to be powered is a lamp.

3. A device for adjusting the orientation of a substantially planar object comprising:

a first ball positioned on the base supporting said substantially planar object;

a second ball positioned on said substantially planar object;

a mounting bar having two sections connected by a threaded fastener, said mounting bar having a first socket and a second socket on each and constructed and arranged to surround said first ball and said second ball respectively;

whereby said substantially planar object may be positioned in any orientation relative to said base.