SYSTEM FOR MOUNTING A PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE TO A SURFACE

• US 20100293874A1
• Filed: 08/02/2010
• Published: 11/25/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 07/20/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Unirac Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Unirac Incorporated
• Inventors: Liebendorfer, John E.
• Granted Patent: US 8,128,044 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 52/173.3
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 2025/6008 by using toothed elements
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 2025/801 having hollow parts with closed cross-section
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 2025/807 having undercut grooves
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 25/33 forming substantially planar assemblies, e.g. of coplanar or stacked profiles
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 25/613 in the form of bent strips or assemblies of strips; Hook-like connectors; Connectors to be mounted between building-covering elements
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 25/636 clamping by screw-threaded elements
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 25/65 for coupling adjacent supporting elements, e.g. for connecting profiles together
• CPC Class Codes: H02S 20/00 Supporting structures for PV modules
• CPC Class Codes: H02S 20/23 specially adapted for roof structures
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 10/10 Photovoltaic [PV]
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 10/20 Solar thermal
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/47 Mountings or tracking
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/50 Photovoltaic [PV] energy

Abstract

A system for removably and adjustably mounting a device on an object is provided. The system for removably and adjustably mounting a device on an object, according to the present invention, includes an apparatus and method useful for removably and adjustably mounting one or more photovoltaic modules on an object such as a pole or roof, and includes one or more triple track rails. Also included are one or more connector brackets that are demountably attachable to the one or more triple track rails and to the object.

Claims

1. A system for removably and adjustably mounting a photovoltaic module or flat panel to a surface, comprising:

a rail formed with two or more tracks,

wherein the rail is formed of extruded aluminum and further comprises a cavity substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rail; and

means for connecting the rail to the said photovoltaic module or flat panel,

wherein the rail is formed with a body having a proximal end, a distal end, opposing sides, and a hollow chamber extending the length of the rail substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rail,

and further wherein the cavity is formed in the side of the hollow chamber through one of the opposing sides,

and further wherein the means for connecting the rail to said photovoltaic module or flat panel is one or more connector brackets demountably attachable to the rail and to the object, and monolithically formed with a first flange and a second flange substantially at a right angle, wherein the first flange is formed with a lip.

2. A system for removably and adjustably mounting a photovoltaic module or flat panel on a surface as recited in claim 6, wherein the first flange is formed with a bore.

3. A system for removably and adjustably mounting a photovoltaic module or flat panel on a surface as recited in claim 6, wherein the one or more connector brackets are removably engageable with said cavity formed in the side of said hollow chamber.