Mounting bracket for solar panel applications
First Claim
1. A bracket, comprising:
- first, second and third bracket portions oriented along a bracket longitudinal axis;
the first portion having first and second ends and an upper surface;
the second portion having first and second ends and an upper surface; and
the third portion having first and second ends and an upper surface;
wherein the second end of the first portion is connected to the first end of the second portion, and the second end of the second portion is connected to the first end of the third portion such that the upper surface of the second portion is disposed at an oblique angle with respect to the upper surfaces of the first and third portions;
wherein the first and second portions further comprise a first reinforcing member that spans the connection between the first and second portions, the first reinforcing member having an apex disposed above the upper surfaces of the first and second portions;
wherein the second and third portions further comprise a second reinforcing member that spans the connection between the second and third portions, the second reinforcing member having an apex disposed below the upper surfaces of the second and third portions; and
wherein the apex of the second reinforcing member defines a line oriented at an oblique angle with respect to the upper surface of at least one of the second and third portions.
10 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A bracket is disclosed for attaching solar panels to roof structures. The bracket may comprise first, second and third planar portions, the first and third portions generally parallel to each other, and the second planar portion disposed at an oblique angle with respect to first and third portions. The first portion may have a plurality of elongated stiffening members disposed at oblique angles with respect to a longitudinal axis of the bracket. Gussets may be provided across the transition between the first and second portions, and the transition between the second and third portions. The gussets and stiffening members are shaped, sized and oriented to enhance the strength of the bracket. The bracket may have a drain hole to allow water to pass through the bracket, and a plurality of fastener holes are provided to enable the bracket to attach to a variety of different solar panels and roof structures.
29 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A bracket, comprising:
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first, second and third bracket portions oriented along a bracket longitudinal axis; the first portion having first and second ends and an upper surface; the second portion having first and second ends and an upper surface; and the third portion having first and second ends and an upper surface; wherein the second end of the first portion is connected to the first end of the second portion, and the second end of the second portion is connected to the first end of the third portion such that the upper surface of the second portion is disposed at an oblique angle with respect to the upper surfaces of the first and third portions; wherein the first and second portions further comprise a first reinforcing member that spans the connection between the first and second portions, the first reinforcing member having an apex disposed above the upper surfaces of the first and second portions; wherein the second and third portions further comprise a second reinforcing member that spans the connection between the second and third portions, the second reinforcing member having an apex disposed below the upper surfaces of the second and third portions; and wherein the apex of the second reinforcing member defines a line oriented at an oblique angle with respect to the upper surface of at least one of the second and third portions. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A solar panel bracket comprising:
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first, second and third portions oriented along a bracket longitudinal axis; the first portion having first and second ends and an upper surface, the first portion further having an elongated stiffening member having a longitudinal axis oriented at an oblique angle with respect to the bracket longitudinal axis; the second portion having first and second ends and an upper surface; and the third portion having first and second ends and an upper surface; wherein the second end of the first portion is connected to the first end of the second portion, and the second end of the second portion is connected to the first end of the third portion; wherein the first and second portions further comprise a first reinforcing member that spans the connection between the first and second portions, the first reinforcing member having an apex disposed above the upper surfaces of the first and second portions; wherein the second and third portions further comprise a second reinforcing member that spans the connection between the second and third portions, the second reinforcing member further having an apex disposed below the upper surfaces of the second and third portions; and wherein the apex of the second reinforcing member defines a line oriented at an oblique angle with respect to the upper surface of at least one of the second and third portions. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A solar panel support, comprising:
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a bracket having first, second and third portions oriented along a bracket longitudinal axis;
the first portion having first and second ends and an upper surface;
the second portion having first and second ends and an upper surface; and
the third portion having first and second ends and an upper surface;wherein the second end of the first portion is connected to the first end of the second portion, and the second end of the second portion is connected to the first end of the third portion; wherein the first and second portions further comprise a first reinforcing member that spans the connection between the first and second portions, the first reinforcing member having an apex disposed above the upper surfaces of the first and second portions; wherein the second and third portions further comprise a second reinforcing member that spans the connection between the second and third portions, the third reinforcing member further having an apex disposed below the upper surfaces of the second and third portions; wherein the first and second portions further comprise a third reinforcing member that spans the connection between the first and second portions, the third reinforcing member having an apex disposed above the upper surfaces of the first and second portions; and wherein the apices of the first and third reinforcing members define respective lines that intersect with the upper surface of the second portion at first and second intersection points, the first, second and third reinforcing members positioned such that a line connecting the first and second intersection points intersects the third reinforcing member. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification