NZ599360B2 - Corrugated panel mounting bracket - Google Patents
Corrugated panel mounting bracket Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NZ599360B2 NZ599360B2 NZ599360A NZ59936012A NZ599360B2 NZ 599360 B2 NZ599360 B2 NZ 599360B2 NZ 599360 A NZ599360 A NZ 599360A NZ 59936012 A NZ59936012 A NZ 59936012A NZ 599360 B2 NZ599360 B2 NZ 599360B2
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- panel
- mounting bracket
- mounting
- engagement section
- valley
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 22
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 19
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 17
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 17
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 12
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 12
- 229910001092 metal group alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 8
- 238000012512 characterization method Methods 0.000 description 6
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910000838 Al alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000002028 premature Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920002943 EPDM rubber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000004378 air conditioning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004873 anchoring Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009924 canning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011120 plywood Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F13/00—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings
- E04F13/07—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor
- E04F13/08—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor composed of a plurality of similar covering or lining elements
- E04F13/0801—Separate fastening elements
- E04F13/0803—Separate fastening elements with load-supporting elongated furring elements between wall and covering elements
- E04F13/081—Separate fastening elements with load-supporting elongated furring elements between wall and covering elements with additional fastening elements between furring elements and covering elements
- E04F13/0816—Separate fastening elements with load-supporting elongated furring elements between wall and covering elements with additional fastening elements between furring elements and covering elements the additional fastening elements extending into the back side of the covering elements
- E04F13/0817—Separate fastening elements with load-supporting elongated furring elements between wall and covering elements with additional fastening elements between furring elements and covering elements the additional fastening elements extending into the back side of the covering elements extending completely through the covering elements
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F13/00—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings
- E04F13/07—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor
- E04F13/08—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor composed of a plurality of similar covering or lining elements
- E04F13/0801—Separate fastening elements
- E04F13/0803—Separate fastening elements with load-supporting elongated furring elements between wall and covering elements
- E04F13/081—Separate fastening elements with load-supporting elongated furring elements between wall and covering elements with additional fastening elements between furring elements and covering elements
- E04F13/0821—Separate fastening elements with load-supporting elongated furring elements between wall and covering elements with additional fastening elements between furring elements and covering elements the additional fastening elements located in-between two adjacent covering elements
- E04F13/0828—Separate fastening elements with load-supporting elongated furring elements between wall and covering elements with additional fastening elements between furring elements and covering elements the additional fastening elements located in-between two adjacent covering elements engaging the outer surface of the covering elements, e.g. at the corners
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F13/00—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings
- E04F13/07—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor
- E04F13/08—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor composed of a plurality of similar covering or lining elements
- E04F13/0801—Separate fastening elements
- E04F13/0832—Separate fastening elements without load-supporting elongated furring elements between wall and covering elements
- E04F13/0833—Separate fastening elements without load-supporting elongated furring elements between wall and covering elements not adjustable
- E04F13/0835—Separate fastening elements without load-supporting elongated furring elements between wall and covering elements not adjustable the fastening elements extending into the back side of the covering elements
- E04F13/0837—Separate fastening elements without load-supporting elongated furring elements between wall and covering elements not adjustable the fastening elements extending into the back side of the covering elements extending completely through the covering elements
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F13/00—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings
- E04F13/07—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor
- E04F13/08—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor composed of a plurality of similar covering or lining elements
- E04F13/0801—Separate fastening elements
- E04F13/0832—Separate fastening elements without load-supporting elongated furring elements between wall and covering elements
- E04F13/0853—Separate fastening elements without load-supporting elongated furring elements between wall and covering elements adjustable perpendicular to the wall
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F13/00—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings
- E04F13/07—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor
- E04F13/08—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor composed of a plurality of similar covering or lining elements
- E04F13/0801—Separate fastening elements
- E04F13/0832—Separate fastening elements without load-supporting elongated furring elements between wall and covering elements
- E04F13/0857—Supporting consoles, e.g. adjustable only in a direction parallel to the wall
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F13/00—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings
- E04F13/07—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor
- E04F13/08—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor composed of a plurality of similar covering or lining elements
- E04F13/12—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor composed of a plurality of similar covering or lining elements of metal or with an outer layer of metal or enameled metal
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
- F24S25/60—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
- F24S25/61—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for fixing to the ground or to building structures
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
- F24S25/60—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
- F24S25/61—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for fixing to the ground or to building structures
- F24S25/615—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for fixing to the ground or to building structures for fixing to protruding parts of buildings, e.g. to corrugations or to standing seams
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
- F24S25/60—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
- F24S25/63—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for fixing modules or their peripheral frames to supporting elements
- F24S25/634—Clamps; Clips
- F24S25/636—Clamps; Clips clamping by screw-threaded elements
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
- H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
- H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
- H02S20/20—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object
- H02S20/22—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings
- H02S20/23—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
- Y02B10/10—Photovoltaic [PV]
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
- Y02E10/47—Mountings or tracking
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy
Abstract
mounting bracket (210) for a corrugated panel (202) is disclosed. The mounting bracket (210) includes an upper wall (216) in the form of an at least substantially flat surface for supporting various types of attachments. This upper wall (216) is disposed above and spaced from a panel valley engagement section (232) for engaging a panel valley (208) of the corrugated panel (202). A panel crown engagement section (224) is positioned on each side of the panel valley engagement section (232) for engaging different panel crowns (204) of a corrugated panel (202). An attachment may be secured relative to the mounting bracket (210) utilizing a mounting hole (218) on the bracket upper wall (216). ment section (232) for engaging a panel valley (208) of the corrugated panel (202). A panel crown engagement section (224) is positioned on each side of the panel valley engagement section (232) for engaging different panel crowns (204) of a corrugated panel (202). An attachment may be secured relative to the mounting bracket (210) utilizing a mounting hole (218) on the bracket upper wall (216).
Description
CORRUGATED PANEL MOUNTING BRACKET
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This patent application claims priority to pending U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Serial No. 61/454,011, that is entitled "CORRUGATED PANEL
MOUNTING BRACKET," that was filed on March 18, 2011, and the entire disclosure of
which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to installing structures on a building
surface and, more particularly, to a mounting bracket for use with corrugated panels.
BACKGROUND
Metal panels are being increasingly used to define building surfaces such as roofs
and sidewalls. One type of metal panel is a standing seam panel, where the edges of
adjacent standing seam panels of the building surface are interconnected in a manner that
defines a standing seam. Standing seam panels are expensive compared to other metal
panels, and building surfaces defined by metal panels may be more costly than other
types of building surface constructions.
It is often desirable to install various types of structures on building surfaces, such
as heating, air conditioning, and ventilation equipment. Installing structures on standing
seam panel building surfaces in a manner that punctures the building surface at one or
more locations is undesirable in a number of respects. One is simply the desire to avoid
puncturing what is a relatively expensive building surface. Another is that puncturing a
metal panel building surface can present leakage and corrosion issues.
Photovoltaic or solar cells have existed for some time, and have been installed on
various building roofs. A photovoltaic cell is typically incorporated into a perimeter
frame of an appropriate material (e.g., aluminum) to define a photovoltaic module or solar
cell module. Multiple photovoltaic modules may be installed in one or more rows (e.g., a
string) on a roofing surface to define an array.
Figure 1 illustrates one prior art approach that has been utilized to mount a solar
cell module to a standing seam. A mounting assembly 10 includes a mounting device 74,
a bolt 14, and a clamping member 142. Generally, the mounting device 74 includes a slot
90 that receives at least an upper portion of a standing seam 42. A seam fastener 106 is
directed through the mounting device 74 and into the slot 90 to forcibly retain the
standing seam 42 therein. This then mounts the mounting device 74 to the standing seam
A threaded shaft 22 of the bolt 14 from the mounting assembly 10 passes through
an unthreaded hole in a base 154 of a clamping member 142, and into a threaded hole 98
on an upper surface 78 of the mounting device 74. This then mounts the clamping
member 142 to the mounting device 74. The clamping member 142 is used to
interconnect a pair of different solar cell module frames 62 with the mounting assembly
. In this regard, the clamping member 142 includes a pair of clamping legs 146, where
each clamping leg 146 includes an engagement section 152 that is spaced from the upper
surface 78 of the mounting device 74. The bolt 14 may be threaded into the mounting
device 74 to engage a head 18 of the bolt with the base 154 of the clamping member 142.
Increasing the degree of threaded engagement between the bolt 14 and the mounting
device 74 causes the engagement sections 152 of the clamping legs 146 to engage the
corresponding solar cell module frame 62 and force the same against the upper surface 78
of the mounting device 74.
SUMMARY
The present invention is directed to a mounting bracket for corrugated panels.
This mounting bracket includes an upper wall having at least one mounting hole, at least
one panel valley engagement section, and at least one panel crown engagement section.
The mounting hole extends completely through the upper wall, and accommodates
securing an attachment relative to the mounting bracket. When the mounting bracket is
positioned on a corrugated panel: 1) each panel valley engagement section is positioned
to engage a panel valley of the corrugated panel; and 2) each panel crown engagement
section is positioned to engage a panel crown of the corrugated panel.
A number of feature refinements and additional features are applicable to the
present invention. These feature refinements and additional features may be used
individually or in any combination. Any feature of the present invention that is intended
to be limited to a "singular" context or the like will be clearly set forth herein by terms
such as "only," "single," "limited to," or the like. Merely introducing a feature in
accordance with commonly accepted antecedent basis practice does not limit the
corresponding feature to the singular (e.g., indicating that a mounting bracket includes "a
mounting hole" alone does not mean that the mounting bracket includes only a single
mounting hole). Moreover, any failure to use phrases such as "at least one" also does not
limit the corresponding feature to the singular (e.g., indicating that a mounting bracket
includes "a mounting hole" alone does not mean that the mounting bracket includes only
a single mounting hole). Use of the phrase "at least generally" or the like in relation to a
particular feature encompasses the corresponding characteristic and insubstantial
variations thereof (e.g., indicating that components are at least generally mirror image of
each other encompasses the components being the mirror image of each other). Finally, a
reference of a feature in conjunction with the phrase "in one embodiment" does not limit
the use of the feature to a single embodiment.
The mounting bracket of the present invention is adapted for use with corrugated
panels (e.g., panels having a sinusoidal configuration in an end view). Corrugated panels
are typically fabricated from a metal or metal alloy of any appropriate type. A corrugated
panel may be defined by a plurality of crowns and valleys, for instance where a panel
valley is disposed between each adjacent pair of panel crowns (e.g., the panel crowns and
panel valleys may be disposed in alternating relation). Typically a corrugated panel will
be installed in a roofing application such that the length dimension of its crowns and
valleys each extend along the roof pitch (e.g., the elevation of each crown and valley of
the corrugated panel may continually change proceeding along their respective length
dimension). A "crown" of a corrugated panel may also be referred to as a "rib" or "the
high." A "valley" of a corrugated panel may also be referred to as a "trough" or "the
low." As such, each panel valley engagement section of the mounting bracket could also
be referred to as a "panel trough engagement section," while each panel crown
engagement section of the mounting bracket could also be referred to as a "panel rib
engagement section."
The portion of each panel valley engagement section that engages a corresponding
panel valley may be spaced from a portion of each panel crown engagement section that
engages a corresponding panel crown, where such a spacing or offset is in a vertical
dimension when the mounting bracket is in an upright position. Such an "upright
position" may be defined as when each panel valley engagement section and each panel
crown engagement section of the mounting bracket is positioned on its own individual,
horizontal reference surface. In a roofing application, the pitch of the roof may define the
baseline for what is "upright" for purposes of the mounting bracket. For instance, the
noted vertical dimension may be characterized as being the dimension that is orthogonal
to the pitch of the roof.
The mounting bracket of the present invention may be of one-piece construction,
where the mounting bracket lacks any joint of any kind between adjacent portions of the
mounting bracket. In one embodiment, the entire mounting bracket is in the form of an
extrusion, and which provides the noted one-piece construction. In any case, each of the
upper wall, each panel valley engagement section, and each panel crown engagement
section may be structurally interconnected in any appropriate manner. Moreover, the
mounting bracket may be formed from any appropriate material or combination of
materials, such as an appropriate metal alloy.
The mounting bracket may be characterized as having first and second ends. The
spacing between these two ends may define a length dimension for the mounting bracket.
When the mounting bracket is positioned on a corrugated panel, the length dimension of
the mounting bracket may coincide with the length dimensions of the corrugated panel's
crowns and valleys (e.g., the length dimension of the mounting bracket may be collinear
or parallel with the length dimension of each crown and valley of the corresponding
corrugated panel).
The upper wall of the mounting bracket may be characterized as extending
between the first and second ends of the mounting bracket, and where the entirety of this
upper wall is in the form of an at least substantially flat surface that incorporates at least
one mounting hole. In one embodiment, a perimeter of this at least substantially flat
surface of the bracket upper wall defines an area of at least 2.5 inches . The upper wall of
the mounting bracket may also be characterized as defining an uppermost extreme of the
mounting bracket when disposed in an upright position, where the entirety of this upper
wall is in the form of an at least substantially flat surface that incorporates at least one
mounting hole and where the perimeter of this surface encompasses an area of at least 2.5
inches .
The upper wall of the mounting bracket may include a single mounting hole (e.g.,
centered between the opposite ends of the mounting bracket). More than one mounting
hole could be incorporated by the upper wall. Each such mounting hole in the upper wall
extends completely through the entire thickness of the upper wall. Each mounting hole
may be of any appropriate configuration (e.g., round; in the form of an elongated slot or a
"slotted hole"). Finally, each mounting hole may be one of threaded or unthreaded.
Any appropriate attachment fastener (e.g., a threaded stud having at least one nut
threaded thereon; a threaded bolt) may be directed at least into a particular mounting hole
on the upper wall of the mounting bracket to secure an attachment of any appropriate type
relative to the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket may include an open space
directly below each mounting hole utilized by the upper wall to allow a free end of a
corresponding attachment fastener to extend therein without contacting an internal
structure of the mounting bracket (or a corrugated panel on which the mounting bracket is
positioned). A given attachment fastener could be threadably engaged with the upper
wall (e.g., by a corresponding mounting hole being threaded). Such a threaded
attachment fastener could terminate within the wall thickness, or could extend completely
through the entire thickness of the upper wall. A given attachment fastener could extend
completely through a corresponding mounting hole without being threadably engaged
with the upper wall. For instance, a nut could be threaded onto a portion of such an
attachment fastener that extends beyond the upper wall.
The mounting bracket is supported on a corrugated panel on which it is positioned
at a minimum of two locations – at the location of a panel crown engagement section and
at the location of a panel valley engagement section. A first panel valley engagement
section and a first panel crown engagement section of the mounting bracket could provide
the entirety of the support for the mounting bracket on a corrugated panel.
One characterization of a first embodiment is that the mounting hole in the upper
wall of the mounting bracket is aligned with a first panel valley engagement section in the
vertical dimension when the mounting bracket is in an upright position. Another
characterization of this first embodiment is that the upper wall of the mounting bracket is
aligned with and spaced from a first panel valley engagement section in the vertical
dimension when the mounting bracket is in an upright position. The following discussion
pertains to this first embodiment of the present invention, up to the start of a discussion of
a second embodiment of the present invention.
In the first embodiment, an underside of the upper wall and the first panel valley
engagement section may be separated by a distance of at least about 1 inch, measured in
the vertical dimension. A first open space may extend from the underside of the upper
wall to the first panel valley engagement section. In the case where the vertical
dimension defines what is "up" or "above" and what is "down" or "below," the first open
space may be characterized as being disposed below the mounting hole in the upper wall.
The mounting bracket of the first embodiment again includes a first panel valley
engagement section. The first panel valley engagement section may include a convex
panel interface surface (e.g., a surface of the first panel valley engagement section that
contacts a corrugated panel when the mounting bracket is positioned on a corrugated
panel). The entirety of the interface between the first panel valley engagement section
and a corrugated panel (when the mounting bracket is positioned on the corrugated panel)
may be limited to this convex panel interface surface.
The mounting bracket of the first embodiment may be characterized as including a
valley section, which in turn includes the noted upper wall. The entirety of the valley
section of the mounting bracket could be in the form of the upper wall. In any case, the
mounting bracket may include first and second legs that extend from opposite sides of the
valley section. For instance, the first leg could extend toward a first crown of a
corrugated panel on which the mounting bracket is positioned, while the second leg could
extend toward a second crown of such a corrugated panel.
An included or interior angle between the upper wall (e.g., its underside) and the
first leg may be greater than 90° in the case of the first embodiment. Similarly, an
included or interior angle between the upper wall (e.g., its underside) and the second leg
may be greater than 90°. The first and second legs may be oriented as the mirror image
of each other (e.g., having the same magnitude for their respective included/interior
angles).
The upper wall, along with the above-noted first and second legs of the mounting
bracket, may collectively define a hollow interior in the case of the first embodiment.
This hollow interior may be "under" the upper wall and the first and second legs when the
mounting bracket is disposed in an upright position. In any case, the mounting bracket
may further include third and fourth legs that are disposed within the hollow interior.
The above-noted third leg may extend from the first leg at least generally in the
direction of the fourth leg, while the above-noted fourth leg may extend from the second
leg at least generally in the direction of the third leg. Again, these third and fourth legs
may be characterized as being disposed within a hollow interior of the mounting bracket
(e.g., located within a space collectively defined by the upper wall and the first and
second legs when the mounting bracket is disposed in an upright position). In one
embodiment, the third and fourth legs intersect within the hollow interior of the mounting
bracket to define the first panel valley engagement section, and this intersection is what
engages a panel valley when the mounting bracket is positioned on a corrugated panel
(e.g., the intersection may be in the form of the above-noted convex panel interface
surface). An included or interior angle between the third and fourth legs may be less than
90°. The third and fourth legs may be oriented as the mirror image of each other (e.g.,
having the same magnitude for their respective included/interior angles).
The mounting bracket of the first embodiment may include first and second panel
crown engagement sections. The above-noted first leg of the mounting bracket may be
characterized as extending between the valley section (e.g., the upper wall) and the first
panel crown engagement section, while the above-noted second leg of the mounting
bracket may be characterized as extending between the valley section (e.g., the upper
wall) and the second panel crown engagement section. For instance, one end of the first
leg may adjoin the valley section, while an opposite end of the first leg may adjoin the
first panel crown engagement section. Similarly, one end of the second leg may adjoin
the valley section, while an opposite end of the second leg may adjoin the second panel
crown engagement section. In any case, the first and second panel crown engagement
sections may be the only two panel crown engagement sections utilized by the first
embodiment of the present invention.
The mounting bracket of the first embodiment may be supported on the corrugated
panel on which it is positioned at a minimum of three locations. For instance, the
mounting bracket could utilize at least one panel valley engagement section (e.g., the
noted first panel valley engagement section for the first embodiment), and at least two
panel crown engagement sections (e.g., first and second panel crown engagement
sections). When the mounting bracket is positioned on a corrugated panel and where the
first panel valley engagement section engages a first panel valley of the corrugated panel,
the noted first panel crown engagement section may engage a first panel crown of the
corrugated panel on one side of this first panel valley, and the noted second panel crown
engagement section may engage a second panel crown of the corrugated panel on the
opposite side of this same first panel valley. The first and second panel crowns of the
corrugated panel (engaged by the first and second panel crown engagement sections,
respectively) could be the adjacent-most panel crowns to the first panel valley (engaged
by the first panel valley engagement section). However, one or more panel crowns could
be positioned between the first panel crown (engaged by the first panel crown
engagement section) and the first panel valley (engaged by the first panel valley
engagement section), one or more panel crowns could be positioned between the second
panel crown (engaged by the second panel crown engagement section) and the first panel
valley (engaged by the first panel valley engagement section), or both. In one
arrangement, there is a single panel valley engagement section (the noted first panel
valley engagement section) and a single panel crown engagement section positioned on
each side thereof (the noted first and second panel crown engagement sections).
The mounting bracket of the first embodiment could also utilize at least two panel
valley engagement sections (e.g., the noted first panel valley engagement section for the
first embodiment, along with a second panel valley engagement section), and at least one
panel crown engagement section (e.g., a first panel crown engagement section). When
the mounting bracket is positioned on a corrugated panel and where the first panel crown
engagement section engages a first panel crown of the corrugated panel, the noted first
panel valley engagement section may engage a first panel valley of the corrugated panel
on one side of this first panel crown, and the noted second panel valley engagement
section may engage a second panel valley of the corrugated panel on the opposite side of
this same first panel crown. The first and second panel valleys of the corrugated panel
(engaged by the first and second panel valley engagement sections, respectively) could be
the adjacent-most panel valleys to the first panel crown (engaged by the first panel crown
engagement section). However, one or more panel valleys could be positioned between
the first panel valley (engaged by the first panel valley engagement section) and the first
panel crown (engaged by the first panel crown engagement section), one or more panel
valleys could be positioned between the second panel valley (engaged by the second
panel valley engagement section) and the first panel crown (engaged by the first panel
crown engagement section), or both. In one arrangement, there is a single panel crown
engagement section (the noted first panel crown engagement section) and a single panel
valley engagement section positioned on each side thereof (the noted first and second
panel valley engagement sections). In another arrangement, there are at least three panel
crown engagement sections (the noted first panel crown engagement section, along with
second and third panel crown engagement sections), and there are at least two panel
valley engagement sections (the noted first and second panel valley engagement sections),
where the first panel crown engagement section again is located between the first and
second panel valley engagement sections, where the first panel valley engagement section
is located between the second and first panel crown engagement sections, and where the
second panel valley engagement section is positioned between the first and third panel
crown engagement sections.
With further regard to the case where the mounting bracket of the first
embodiment utilizes at least two panel valley engagement sections (the noted first and
second panel valley engagement sections) and at least one panel crown engagement
section (the noted first panel crown engagement section), the mounting bracket may
further an additional upper wall for each additional panel valley engagement section. The
relationships described in the first embodiment between the first panel valley engagement
section and the upper wall are equally applicable to each additional panel valley
engagement section and its corresponding upper wall. As such, the first embodiment of
the mounting bracket of the present invention may actually incorporate at least two
laterally-spaced upper walls to facilitate securing one or more attachments relative to the
mounting bracket.
One characterization of a second embodiment of the present invention is that the
mounting hole in the upper wall of the mounting bracket is aligned with a first panel
crown engagement section in the vertical dimension when the mounting bracket is in an
upright position. Another characterization of this second embodiment is that the upper
wall of the mounting bracket is aligned with and spaced from a first panel crown
engagement section in the vertical dimension when the mounting bracket is in an upright
position. The following discussion pertains at least to this second embodiment of the
present invention unless otherwise noted.
An underside of the upper wall and the first panel crown engagement section in
the second embodiment may be separated by a distance of at least about ½ inch, measured
in the vertical dimension. A first open space may extend from the underside of the upper
wall to the first panel crown engagement section. In the case where the vertical
dimension defines what is "up" or "above" and what is "down" or "below," the first open
space may be characterized as being disposed below the mounting hole in the upper wall.
The upper wall in the case of the second embodiment may include at least one
bracket fastener hole. The first panel crown engagement section may include a separate
bracket fastener hole for each bracket fastener hole in the upper wall. In one
embodiment, the upper wall of the mounting bracket includes first and second bracket
fastener holes (e.g., with the mounting hole being located between the first and second
bracket fastener holes), and the first panel crown engagement section includes third and
fourth bracket fastener holes, where the first bracket fastener hole (upper wall) is
vertically aligned with the third bracket fastener hole (first panel crown engagement
section), and where the second bracket fastener hole (upper wall) is vertically aligned
with the fourth bracket fastener hole (first panel crown engagement section). Each
bracket fastener hole in the upper wall and the first panel crown engagement section may
be unthreaded. A bracket fastener may be directed through a bracket fastener hole in the
upper wall, through an aligned bracket fastener hole in the first panel crown engagement
section, and through the corresponding crown of a corrugated panel on which the
mounting bracket of this second embodiment is positioned.
The second embodiment of the mounting bracket may be characterized as
including a crown section, which in turn includes both the upper wall and the first panel
crown engagement section. In this regard, the mounting bracket may include first and
second panel valley engagement sections that extend from opposite sides of the crown
section. For instance, the first panel valley engagement section could extend toward a
first panel valley of a corrugated panel on which the mounting bracket is positioned,
while the second panel valley engagement section could extend toward a second panel
valley of such a corrugated panel. The first and second panel engagement sections may
be oriented as the mirror image of each. A free end of each of the first and second panel
engagement sections may be convexly-shaped to engage a corresponding panel valley of
a corrugated panel on which the mounting bracket is positioned.
The mounting bracket of the noted second embodiment could utilize at least one
panel crown engagement section (e.g., the noted first panel crown engagement section for
the second embodiment), and at least two panel valley engagement sections (e.g., first and
second panel valley engagement sections) to support the mounting bracket on a
corrugated panel at a minimum of three locations. When the mounting bracket is
positioned on a corrugated panel and where the first panel crown engagement section
engages a first panel crown of the corrugated panel, the noted first panel valley
engagement section may engage a first panel valley of the corrugated panel on one side of
this first panel crown, and the noted second panel valley engagement section may engage
a second panel valley of the corrugated panel on the opposite side of this same first panel
crown. The first and second panel valleys of the corrugated panel (engaged by the first
and second panel valley engagement sections, respectively) could be the adjacent-most
panel valleys to the first panel crown (engaged by the first panel crown engagement
section). However, one or more panel valleys could be positioned between the first panel
valley (engaged by the first panel valley engagement section) and the first panel crown
(engaged by the first panel crown engagement section), one or more panel valleys could
be positioned between the second panel valley (engaged by the second panel valley
engagement section) and the first panel crown (engaged by the first panel crown
engagement section), or both. In one arrangement, there is a single panel crown
engagement section (the noted first panel crown engagement section) and a single panel
valley engagement section positioned on each side thereof (the noted first and second
panel valley engagement sections).
The mounting bracket of the noted second embodiment could also utilize at least
one panel valley engagement section (e.g., a first panel valley engagement section), and at
least two panel crown engagement sections (e.g., the noted first panel engagement section
for the second embodiment, along with a second panel crown engagement section) to
support the mounting bracket on a corrugated panel at a minimum of three locations.
When the mounting bracket is positioned on a corrugated panel and where the first panel
valley engagement section engages a first panel valley of the corrugated panel, the noted
first panel crown engagement section may engage a first panel crown of the corrugated
panel on one side of this first panel valley, and the noted second panel crown engagement
section may engage a second panel crown of the corrugated panel on the opposite side of
this same first panel valley. The first and second panel crowns of the corrugated panel
(engaged by the first and second panel crown engagement sections, respectively) could be
the adjacent-most panel crowns to the first panel valley (engaged by the first panel valley
engagement section). However, one or more panel crowns could be positioned between
the first panel crown (engaged by the first panel crown engagement section) and the first
panel valley (engaged by the first panel valley engagement section), one or more panel
crowns could be positioned between the second panel crown (engaged by the second
panel crown engagement section) and the first panel valley (engaged by the first panel
valley engagement section), or both. In one arrangement, there is a single panel valley
engagement section (the noted first panel valley engagement section) and a single panel
crown engagement section positioned on each side thereof (the noted first and second
panel crown engagement sections). The first panel valley engagement section could be
interconnected with each of the first and second panel crown engagement sections. In
another arrangement, there are at least three panel valley engagement sections (the noted
first panel valley engagement section, along with second and third panel valley
engagement sections), and at least two panel crown engagement sections (the noted first
and second panel crown engagement sections), where the first panel valley engagement
section again is located between the first and second panel crown engagement sections,
where the first panel crown engagement section is located between the second and first
panel valley engagement sections, and where the second panel crown engagement section
is located between the first and third panel valley engagement sections.
With further regard to the case where the mounting bracket of the second
embodiment utilizes at least two panel crown engagement sections (the noted first and
second panel crown engagement sections) and at least one panel valley engagement
section (the noted first panel valley engagement section), the mounting bracket may
further include an additional upper wall for each additional panel crown engagement
section. The relationships described in the second embodiment between the first panel
crown engagement section and the upper wall are equally applicable each additional panel
crown engagement section and its corresponding upper wall. As such, the second
embodiment of the mounting bracket of the present invention may actually incorporate at
least two laterally-spaced upper walls to facilitate securing one or more attachments
relative to the mounting bracket.
The following discussion pertains to each of the above-noted first and second
embodiments of the present invention, but is not limited to these first and second
embodiments. Each panel crown engagement section may include a gasket pocket or
receptacle that faces or projects toward the corrugated panel on which the mounting
bracket is positioned. An appropriate gasket may be positioned within each of these
gasket pockets. Each such gasket pocket may be configured so as to at least substantially
confine a gasket positioned therein. In one embodiment, the under-side of each panel
crown engagement section includes a pair of rails, projections, or dimples that are spaced
from one another and that may extend along at least part of the length of the mounting
bracket (e.g., in a dimension coinciding with the spacing between its oppositely disposed
ends, noted above). The noted gasket pockets may be defined by the space between each
corresponding pair of projections.
Additional functions may be provided by the above-noted projections on the
under-side of each panel crown engagement section of the mounting bracket. These
projections may contact the corresponding crown of a corrugated panel when the
mounting bracket is secured to this corrugated panel. As such and for the above-noted
embodiment, there may be two discrete zones of contact between each panel crown
engagement section of the mounting bracket and the corresponding crown of the
corrugated panel. This reduces the overall contact between each panel crown engagement
section and the corresponding panel crown, which should reduce the potential for what is
referred to in the art as "capillary entrapment" (e.g., reduces the potential of moisture
"wicking" into interfacing surfaces between the mounting bracket and the panel crown,
where such moisture may lead to premature failure of the corrugated panel due to
corrosion or the like). Another function provided by these projections is that they should
reduce the potential of the above-noted gaskets being over-compressed when the
mounting bracket is secured to a panel crown using one or more bracket fasteners.
One or more bracket fastener holes may extend through each of the panel crown
engagement sections of the mounting bracket. These bracket fastener holes may be un-
threaded. Although any appropriate number of bracket fastener holes may be associated
with each panel crown engagement section, two bracket fastener holes per panel crown
engagement section will be appropriate for at least some applications. These bracket
fastener holes may accommodate the use of rivets, sheet metal screws, or the like (e.g.,
bracket fasteners) to secure the mounting bracket on/relative to a corrugated panel.
There are a number of options for using one or more bracket fasteners to secure
the mounting bracket of the present invention on or relative to a corrugated panel. In one
installation configuration, each bracket fastener used by the mounting bracket only
engages the corrugated panel. That is, each bracket fastener terminates within the hollow
interior of a corresponding panel crown of the corrugated panel. As such, the mounting
bracket is secured to only the sheeting of the corrugated panel. In another installation
configuration where a corrugated panel is supported by an underlying deck or substrate
(e.g., having a planar upper surface on which the underside of each panel valley may be
disposed), each bracket fastener may extend through a corresponding panel crown and
into/through the underlying deck. In another installation configuration where a
corrugated panel is supported by underlying purlins, each bracket fastener may extend
through a corresponding panel crown and into/through an underlying purlin. In the last
two noted installation configurations (where each bracket fastener engages either an
underlying deck or purlin), each panel valley engagement section utilized by the
mounting bracket should reduce the potential that tightening the bracket fasteners
(extending through a panel crown engagement section, through a corresponding panel
crown, and into/through and underlying support structure) will crush or collapse the
corresponding panel crown of the corrugated panel.
The above-described mounting bracket of the present invention may be part of an
attachment assembly. The mounting bracket may be positioned on a corrugated panel.
An attachment fastener may be directed at least into a mounting hole on the upper end of
the mounting bracket to secure an attachment relative to the mounting bracket. Various
types of attachments may be utilized, and either may be directly secured to the mounting
bracket by at least one attachment fastener and a corresponding mounting hole in upper
wall, or may be indirectly secured to the mounting bracket by at least one attachment
fastener and a corresponding mounting hole in upper wall.
In one embodiment, the attachment assembly may be embodied by a photovoltaic
system. A mounting assembly of this photovoltaic system includes the above-described
mounting bracket, a mounting plate, a clamping member or a pull-down grab member,
and a clamp fastener. The mounting plate is positioned on an upper wall(s) of the
mounting bracket. The clamping member includes first and second clamping legs, where
the first clamping leg is available for engaging one photovoltaic module, and where the
second clamping leg is available for engaging an adjacent photovoltaic module. The
clamp fastener extends through the clamping member, then through the mounting plate,
and then an least into a mounting hole on the upper wall of the mounting bracket to
secure at least one photovoltaic module (an attachment) relative to the mounting bracket
(indirectly in the noted embodiment). Each of the mounting plate and clamping member
could also be viewed as "attachments" that are secured relative to the mounting bracket.
A number of feature refinements and additional features are applicable to the
above-described photovoltaic system, and which may utilize one or more mounting
brackets of the present invention as described herein. These feature refinements and
additional features may be used individually or in any combination. The remainder of
this Summary pertains to this photovoltaic system.
The clamp fastener may be threaded into a mounting hole (e.g., the mounting hole
may be threaded prior to receipt of the clamp fastener) on the upper wall of the mounting
bracket of the present invention. Any appropriate threaded clamp fastener may be
utilized to activate a clamping action for the clamping member in relation any
photovoltaic module positioned on the mounting plate (e.g., a threaded stud having at
least one nut threaded thereon; a bolt). A threaded stud as the threaded clamp fastener
may include a nut whose position is fixed on the stud. A single nut may be threaded onto
such a threaded stud, or a pair of threaded nuts may be threaded onto the stud so as to be
disposed on each side of the clamping member, depending upon the circumstances. A
clamp fastener could also extend through a corresponding mounting hole on the upper
wall (without any threaded engagement between the clamp fastener and the upper wall),
and a nut could be threaded onto an end of the clamp fastener that extends beyond the
upper wall (within the hollow interior of the mounting bracket). For instance, the portion
of the clamp fastener that extends through the mounting hole could be un-threaded in this
case, the mounting hole could be un-threaded in this case, or both.
The mounting plate may be a structure having first and second oppositely
disposed and planar surfaces. However, various features may be incorporated by the
mounting plate to facilitate one or more aspects of the installation of a photovoltaic
system. For instance, the mounting plate may incorporate one or more features to
facilitate the alignment/positioning of one or more photovoltaic modules relative to the
mounting assembly for/during installation. The mounting plate may incorporate one or
more features to facilitate the grounding of a photovoltaic module that is engaged/secured
by the corresponding mounting assembly. The mounting plate may incorporate one or
more wire management features. Each of these three overall/general features may be
individually incorporated by the mounting plate. Any and all combinations of these three
overall/general features may be incorporated by the mounting plate as well.
The mounting plate may be of any appropriate size, shape, and/or configuration
(e.g., a circular outer perimeter; a square outer perimeter; a rectangular outer perimeter),
may be formed from any appropriate material or combination of materials (e.g., a metal
or metal alloy), or both. The mounting plate may include an upper surface and an
oppositely disposed lower surface, with the lower surface being in contact with the
mounting bracket (e.g., its upper wall) when the mounting assembly is installed on a
building surface.
The upper surface of the mounting plate may include first and second PV module
positional registrants. These first and second PV module positional registrants may be
utilized to dispose first and second PV modules on the upper surface of the mounting
plate in a position for proper engagement by the clamping member. In one embodiment,
the first PV module is positioned in at least adjacent relation to the first PV module
positional registrant and the second PV module is positioned in at least adjacent relation
to the second PV module positional registrant. In one embodiment, the first PV module
actually butts up against the first PV module positional registrant (e.g., the first PV
module positional registrant disposes the first PV module in a certain position on the
mounting plate), while the second PV module actually butts up against the second PV
module positional registrant (e.g., the second PV module positional registrant disposes the
second PV module in a certain position on the mounting plate).
Each of the above-noted first and second PV module positional registrants may be
of any appropriate size, shape, configuration, and/or type, and furthermore may be
disposed in any appropriate arrangement on the upper surface of the mounting plate. In
one embodiment the upper surface of the mounting plate includes what may be
characterized as a raised structure (e.g., of a continuous or unitary nature). First and
second portions on a perimeter of this raised structure may be characterized as the noted
first and second PV module positional registrants.
The clamp fastener may extend through a center of the raised structure on the
upper surface of the mounting plate. An outer perimeter of the raised structure may be
circular in a plan view. The raised structure may be centrally disposed relative to an outer
perimeter of the mounting plate. An outer perimeter of the raised structure and an outer
perimeter of the mounting plate may be concentric or concentrically disposed relative to
the clamp fastener. The raised structure may be characterized as annular, doughnut-
shaped, ring or ring-like, or any combination thereof. In any case, the raised structure
may be integrally formed with a remainder of the mounting plate, such that the need to
separately attach the raised structure to the mounting plate may be alleviated (e.g., the
mounting plate and the raised structure may be a one-piece structure).
The raised structure may be a configuration that alleviates the need to position the
mounting plate on the mounting bracket in any particular orientation. Consider the case
where a first reference line extends from the clamp fastener and remains in a fixed
position relative to the mounting plate, where a second reference line extends from the
clamp fastener and moves along with the mounting plate as the mounting plate is rotated
relative to the mounting bracket about the clamp fastener, and where the first and second
reference lines are contained within a common plane. The raised structure may be of a
configuration that allows for any angle between the first and second reference lines
(including the case where there is no angle at all or a "zero angle"), and yet still allows the
raised structure to be used to positionally register each of first and second photovoltaic
modules relative to the mounting plate (e.g., by the first and second PV modules engaging
oppositely disposed portions on the perimeter of the raised structure).
The first and second PV module positional registrants may be separate and
discrete structures (i.e., not different portions of a common structure, such as the above-
noted raised structure). The first and second PV module positional registrants in this case
may be disposed along a common reference line that passes through the clamp fastener.
Although the first and second PV module positional registrants may be disposed at
different distances from the clamp fastener, in one embodiment the first and second PV
module positional registrants are disposed the same distance from the clamp fastener.
An installer could visually determine the proper orientation for the mounting plate
on the mounting bracket when the first and second PV module positional registrants are
separate and discrete structures. However, it may be desirable to include at least one
mounting bracket positional registrant on a lower surface of the mounting plate for
purposes of establishing a desired positioning of the mounting plate on the mounting
bracket (e.g., such that the clamping member should sufficiently engage each of a pair of
adjacently disposed photovoltaic modules). Each such mounting bracket positional
registrant may be of any appropriate size, shape, configuration, and/or type (e.g., tabs,
pins, posts, or the like). In one embodiment, a pair of mounting bracket positional
registrants is utilized to engage oppositely disposed portions of the mounting bracket
(e.g., a pair of oppositely disposed ends of the mounting bracket) to dispose the mounting
plate in a desired position relative to the mounting bracket.
The upper surface of the mounting plate may include what may be characterized
as a plurality of "grounding projections." Each such grounding projection may be of any
appropriate size, shape, configuration, and/or type. The grounding projections may be
integrally formed with a remainder of the mounting plate, such that the need to separately
attach each grounding projection to the mounting plate is alleviated (e.g., the mounting
plate and the plurality of grounding projections may be a one-piece structure).
The various grounding projections may be of a configuration that facilitates
establishing an electrical connection with and/or providing a grounding function for a
photovoltaic module (e.g., by engaging a frame of such a photovoltaic module, and which
may require that the grounding projection(s) pierce or penetrate a surface or surface
coating of this frame). For instance, each grounding projection could incorporate one or
more edges to desirably interface with a corresponding photovoltaic module. One or
more of the grounding projections could be in the form of a tooth or a tooth-like structure.
One or more of the grounding projections could be in the form of a hollow cylinder that
incorporates at least one edge on a free end thereof.
The grounding projections may be characterized as providing electrical continuity
between adjacent photovoltaic modules that are positioned on a common mounting plate
(e.g., an electrical path may encompass the frame of one photovoltaic module, one or
more grounding projections engaged therewith, an associated mounting plate, one or
more additional grounding projections, and the frame of another photovoltaic module
engaged by such an additional grounding projection(s)). This may be referred to in the art
as "bonding." In any case, the grounding projections may be used in providing a
grounding function for a corresponding photovoltaic module(s). The noted electrical
connection provided by the grounding projections may be used to electrically connect
adjacent photovoltaic modules (e.g., those positioned on a common mounting plate), and
which may be used to provide an electrical path to ground a string or collection of
photovoltaic modules.
The plurality of grounding projections may be characterized as being spaced about
the clamp fastener. The plurality of grounding projections may be equally spaced about
the clamp fastener (e.g., located every 90° in the case where there are four grounding
projections). In one embodiment, each grounding projection on the upper surface of the
mounting plate is located further from the clamp fastener than each of the first and second
PV module positional registrants.
Any appropriate number of grounding projections may be utilized on the upper
surface of the mounting plate, and multiple grounding projections may be disposed in any
appropriate arrangement. One embodiment has at least one grounding projection engaged
with each photovoltaic module (e.g., its frame) that is placed on the mounting plate. It
should be appreciated that a first grounding projection or a first set of grounding
projections could engage a first photovoltaic module placed on the mounting plate, and
that a second grounding projection or a second set of grounding projections could engage
a second photovoltaic module placed on the mounting plate, where the first and second
grounding projections are different ones of the plurality of grounding projections, and
where the first and second sets of grounding projections do not include any common
grounding projections.
The number and/or arrangement of the plurality of grounding projections may be
selected so as to alleviate the need to position the mounting plate on the mounting bracket
in any particular orientation, and yet still allow one or more of the grounding projections
to be in contact with each photovoltaic module positioned on the mounting plate.
Consider the case where a first reference line extends from the clamp fastener and
remains in a fixed position relative to the mounting plate, where a second reference line
extends from the clamp fastener and moves along with the mounting plate as the
mounting plate is rotated relative to the mounting device about the clamp fastener, and
where the first and second reference lines are contained within a common plane. The
number and/or arrangement of the plurality of grounding projections may be selected
such that any angle may exist between the first and second reference lines (including the
case where there is no angle at all or a "zero angle"), and yet still allow one or more
grounding projections to be in contact with each photovoltaic module positioned on the
mounting plate.
The lower surface of the mounting plate may include at least one wiring clip,
including where this lower surface includes a plurality of wiring clips. Any appropriate
number of wiring clips may be utilized. Multiple wiring clips may be spaced about the
clamp fastener, and including in equally-spaced relation (e.g., every 90° in the case where
there are four of such wiring clips). In one embodiment, each wiring clip on the lower
surface of the mounting plate is located further from the clamp fastener than each of the
first and second PV module positional registrants.
The wiring clips may be of any appropriate configuration that allows one or more
wires to be retained in the space between the wiring clip and the lower surface of the
mounting plate. A portion of each wiring clip may be disposed in at least generally
parallel and spaced relation to the lower surface of the mounting plate, and this portion
may include a recessed region to facilitate the retention of one or more wires, quick-
connect leads, or the like therein.
Multiple wiring clips may be disposed in any appropriate arrangement on the
lower surface of the mounting plate. Although each mounting clip could be separately
attached to the mounting plate, in one embodiment each mounting clip is integrally
formed with the remainder of the mounting plate (e.g., such that the mounting plate and
each of its mounting clips is a one-piece structure). Consider the case where the
mounting clips are "stamped" from the body of the mounting plate. The resulting
aperture in the mounting plate may also be utilized in the installation of photovoltaic
modules. For instance, an installer may direct a cable or zip tie through such an aperture
to bundle a plurality of wires or the like together that are located underneath the mounting
assembly or in the space between an adjacent pair of PV modules.
The present invention further provides and a mounting bracket for corrugated
panels, including:
- a valley section which in turn includes an upper wall, wherein a mounting
hole extends completely through said upper wall;
- first and second panel crown engagement sections;
- a first leg that extends from said first panel crown engagement section to a
first side of said valley section;
- a second leg that extends from said second panel crown engagement
section to a second side of said valley section that is opposite of said first side;
- a first panel valley engagement section;
- a third leg that extends from said first panel valley engagement section to
said first leg; and
- a fourth leg that extends from said first panel valley engagement section to
said second leg;
wherein when said first and second panel crown engagement sections are positioned on a
first reference plane to dispose said mounting bracket in an upright position:
a). said first and second panel crown engagement sections are spaced from one
another in a lateral dimension that coincides with said first reference plane;
b). said valley section positioned above said first reference plane and is spaced
upwardly relative to each of said first and second crown engagement sections;
c). said valley section is located between said first panel crown engagement
section and said second panel crown engagement section in said lateral dimension and
furthermore is spaced from each of said first and second panel crown engagement
sections in said lateral dimension;
d). said first panel valley engagement section is located between said first panel
crown engagement section and said second panel crown engagement section in said
lateral dimension and furthermore is spaced from each of said first and second panel
crown engagement sections in said lateral dimension;
e). said first panel valley engagement section is positioned below said first
reference plane;
f). said third leg extends from said first panel valley engagement section and
proceeds through said first reference plane to intersect said first leg at a location that is
spaced above said first reference plane and that is also spaced further from said first
reference plane than an entirety of said first panel crown engagement section; and
g). said fourth leg extends from said first panel valley engagement section and
proceeds through said first reference plane to intersect said second leg at a location that is
spaced above said first reference plane and that is also spaced further from said first
reference plane than an entirety of said second panel crown engagement section;
wherein said first panel valley engagement section is positioned to engage a panel valley
of a corrugated panel and each of said first and second panel crown engagement sections
is positioned to engage a different panel crown of a corrugated panel, all when said
mounting bracket is disposed on a corrugated panel in said upright position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Figure 1 is a side view of a prior art mounting assembly for interconnecting solar
cell modules with a standing seam roof.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a plurality of solar cell modules installed on a
standing seam building surface using a plurality of adjustable mounting assemblies.
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional schematic of a representative standing seam defined
by interconnecting a pair of panels.
Figure 4 is a top view of one of the solar cell modules illustrated in Figure 2.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of one of the mounting devices that is installed on a
standing steam in Figure 2.
Figure 6 is an exploded, perspective view of one of the adjustable mounting
assemblies from Figure 2.
Figure 7A is a side view of one of the adjustable mounting assemblies from Figure
2, and which is engaging a pair of solar cell module frames.
Figure 7B shows the mounting assembly of Figure 7A being used for solar cell
module frames having a different thickness than those illustrated in Figure 7A.
Figure 7C is a side view of one of the adjustable mounting assemblies from Figure
2 that is disposed adjacent to an edge of the building surface, and which is engaging a
single solar cell module frame.
Figure 8A is one side-based perspective view of another embodiment of a
mounting assembly for photovoltaic modules.
Figure 8B is one top-based perspective view of the mounting assembly of Figure
Figure 8C is another one top-based perspective view of the mounting assembly of
Figure 8A.
Figure 8D is a bottom-based perspective view of the mounting assembly of Figure
Figure 8E is a plan view of a bottom of the mounting assembly of Figure 8A.
Figure 8F is another side-based perspective view of the mounting assembly of
Figure 8A, and schematically illustrating the engagement of a pair of photovoltaic
modules.
Figure 9A is a plan view of one embodiment of a photovoltaic system using a
plurality of the mounting assemblies of Figures 8A-F, and with the clamping members
being removed to illustrate a positional registration function incorporated by the
mounting plate of such mounting assemblies.
Figure 9B is a plan view of a photovoltaic system using a plurality of the
mounting assemblies of Figure 6, and with the clamping members being removed
therefrom to illustrate how a misaligned mounting assembly can affect the ability of the
same to clamp onto one or more photovoltaic modules.
Figure 10A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mounting plate that
incorporates a discrete pair of PV module positional registrants.
Figure 10B is a side view of the mounting plate of Figure 10 disposed on a
mounting device, where the mounting plate includes a pair of mounting device positional
registrants.
Figure 11 is an end view of part of a representative corrugated panel.
Figure 12A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mounting bracket for
use with corrugated panels.
Figure 12B is a cross-sectional view of the mounting bracket of Figure 12A.
Figure 12C is a top view of the mounting bracket of Figure 12A.
Figure 12D is a cross-sectional view of the mounting bracket of Figure 12A when
installed on a corrugated panel for a first installation configuration, where bracket
fasteners are anchored only in the sheeting of the corrugated panel.
Figure 12E is a cross-sectional view of the mounting bracket of Figure 12A when
installed on a corrugated panel for a second installation configuration, where bracket
fasteners are anchored in a deck that supports the corrugated panel.
Figure 12F is a cross-sectional view of the mounting bracket of Figure 12A when
installed on a corrugated panel for a third installation configuration, where bracket
fasteners are anchored in a Z-shaped purlin that supports the corrugated panel.
Figure 12G is an end view of the Z-shaped purlin shown in Figure 12F.
Figure 12H is a perspective view of another embodiment of a purlin that may be
used to support a corrugated panel, and that may be engaged by one or more bracket
fasteners that secure the mounting bracket of Figures 12A-F on/relative to a corrugated
panel.
Figure 13 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket of Figures 12A-F
positioned on a corrugated panel, and when incorporated by the mounting assembly 70a
from Figures 7A-B.
Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a variation of the mounting bracket of
Figures 12A-F, and when positioned on a corrugated panel.
Figure 15A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mounting bracket
for use with corrugated panels.
Figure 15B is a cross-sectional view of the mounting bracket of Figure 15A, and
when positioned on a corrugated panel.
Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of a variation of the mounting bracket of
Figures 15A-B, and when positioned on a corrugated panel.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Figure 2 illustrates an assembly 30 in the form of a building surface 34, a
photovoltaic or solar cell array 54 defined by a plurality of photovoltaic modules or solar
cell modules 58 (only schematically shown in Figure 2), and a plurality of mounting
assemblies 70a, 70b. The building surface 34 is defined by interconnecting a plurality of
panels 38. Although the panels 38 may be formed from any appropriate material or
combination of materials, typically they are in the form of metal panels 38. In any case,
each adjacent pair of panels 38 is interconnected in a manner so as to define a standing
seam 42 (only schematically shown in Figure 2). A base 46 is disposed between the
opposing edges of each panel 38 (e.g., Figure 3). The entirety of the base 46 may be flat
or planar. However, one or more small structures may be formed/shaped into the base 46
of one or more panels 38 of the building surface 34 to address oil canning. These
structures are commonly referred to as crests, minor ribs, intermediate ribs, pencil ribs,
striations, fluting, or flutes.
A cross-sectional schematic of one of the standing seams 42 is illustrated in
Figure 3. There it can be seen that a pair of interconnected panels 38 define a standing
seam 42. Generally, an edge or edge section 50 of one panel 38 is "nested" with the
opposing edge or edge section 50 of the adjacent panel 38 to define a standing seam 42.
Typically each the two opposing edges 50 of a given panel 38 will be of a different
configuration. That way, one edge 50 (one configuration) of one panel 38 will be able to
"nest" with one edge 50 (another configuration) of the adjacent panel 38. Various
configurations may be employed for the edges 50 of the panels 38, and which may
provide different configurations/profiles for the corresponding standing seam 42.
A more detailed view of one of the photovoltaic modules or solar cell modules 58
from Figure 2 is presented in Figure 4. Each solar cell module 58 includes a frame 62
that is disposed about the corresponding solar cell 66. The frame 62 may be of any
appropriate size, shape, configuration, and/or type, and may be formed from any
appropriate material or combination of materials. In the illustrated embodiment, the
frame 62 is of a rectangular profile, and may be formed from an appropriate metal or
metal alloy (e.g., aluminum). Similarly, the photovoltaic cell or solar cell 66 may be of
any appropriate size, shape, configuration and/or type to convert light into electricity.
Typically the solar cell 66 will be in the form of a substrate having a stack of a plurality
of layers. Any number of solar cell modules 58 may be used for the solar cell array 54 of
Figure 2, and multiple solar cell modules 58 may be disposed in any appropriate
arrangement.
The mounting assemblies 70a, 70b that are used to install the solar cell array 54
onto the building surface 34 in Figure 2 utilize a mounting device 74 that may be of any
appropriate size, shape, configuration, and/or type. One configuration of a mounting
device that may be installed on a standing seam 42 is illustrated in Figure 5 and is
identified by reference numeral 74. This mounting device 74 includes an upper surface
78 and an oppositely disposed bottom surface 86, a pair of oppositely disposed side
surfaces 82, and a pair of oppositely disposed ends 94. The upper surface 78 includes a
threaded hole 98, as does at least one of the side surfaces 82, while the bottom surface 86
includes a slot 90 that extends between the two ends 94 of the mounting device 74.
The slot 90 on the bottom surface 86 of the mounting device 74 includes a base
92a and a pair of sidewalls 92b that are spaced apart to receive at least an end section of a
standing seam 42. One or more seam fasteners 106 may be directed through a threaded
hole 102 of the mounting device 74 and into the slot 90 to engage the standing seam 42
and secure the same against the opposing slot sidewall 92b. A cavity of any appropriate
type may be on this opposing slot sidewall 92b to allow the aligned seam fastener 106 to
deflect a corresponding portion of the standing seam 42 into this cavity, although such
may not be required in all instances. In any case and in one embodiment, the seam
fastener 106 only interfaces with an exterior surface of the standing seam 42. For
instance, the end of the seam fastener 106 that interfaces with the standing seam 42 may
be convex, rounded, or of a blunt-nosed configuration to provide a desirable interface
with the standing seam 42.
Other mounting device configurations may be appropriate for mounting on
standing seam 42 and that may be used in place of the mounting device 74 shown in
Figure 5. Various mounting device configurations are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos.
,228.248; 5,483,772; 5,941,931; 5,694,721; 5,715,640; 5,983,588; 6,164,033; 6,718,718;
7,100,338; and 7,013,612, and which may be utilized by either of the mounting
assemblies 70a, 70b.
The mounting assembly 70a that is used in the installation of a pair of adjacent
solar cell modules 58 in Figure 2, and that may use a mounting device 74, is illustrated in
Figure 6. The mounting assembly 70a includes a mounting device 74, along with a
mounting plate 110, a clamping member 142, a stud 114, and a nut 128. The mounting
plate 110 is disposed on the upper surface 78 of the mounting device 74, and includes a
hole or aperture 112 that allows the stud 114 to pass therethrough. The mounting plate
110 may be utilized when it may be desirable to enhance the stability of the mounting
assembly 70a, and in any case may be of any appropriate size, shape, configuration and/or
type. The surface area of the mounting plate 110 is at least about 5 in in one
embodiment, and is at least about 7 in in another embodiment. It may be possible to
eliminate the mounting plate 110 from the mounting assembly 70a, for instance when the
surface area of the upper surface 78 of the mounting device 74 is sufficiently large.
The stud 114 provides an interface between the clamping member 142 and the
mounting device 74, and includes a first stud end 118 and an oppositely disposed second
stud end 122. A nut 126 is disposed between the first stud end 118 and the second stud
end 122, and is fixed to the stud 114 in any appropriate manner (e.g., welded). That is,
the nut 126 does not move relative to the stud 114, such that the nut 126 and stud 114 will
move together as a single unit. In one embodiment, the nut 126 is threaded onto the stud
114, and is then fixed in the desired location.
A first threaded section 130a extends from the first stud end 118 toward the
second stud end 122, while a second threaded section 130b extends from the second stud
end 122 toward the first stud end 118. An unthreaded section 134 is disposed between
the fixed nut 126 and the first threaded section 130a in the illustrated embodiment.
However, the first threaded section 130a could extend all the way to the fixed nut 126
(e.g., the entire stud 114 could be threaded). In one embodiment, the length of the first
threaded section is at least about 1.5 inches.
The second stud end 122 may be directed through the hole 112 in the mounting
plate 110 if being utilized, and in any case into a threaded hole 98 of the mounting device
74. It should be appreciated that the mounting device 74 could also be disposed in a
horizontal orientation on a standing seam having a horizontally disposed end section
versus the vertically disposed orientation of the end section of the standing seam 42, and
that in this case the second stud end 122 would be directed into the threaded hole 98 on a
side surface 82 of the mounting device 74 (e.g., the mounting plate 110 could then be
disposed on such a side surface 82 if desired/required). In any case, the stud 114 may be
tightened onto the mounting device 74 by having an appropriate tool engage the fixed nut
126 to rotate the stud 114 relative to the mounting device 74 and into a desired forcible
engagement with the mounting plate 110 or with the corresponding surface of the
mounting device 74 if the mounting plate 110 is not being used. In one embodiment, the
fixed nut 126 is located along the length of the stud 114 such that the second stud end 122
does not extend into the slot 90 of the mounting device 74 when the stud 114 is tightened
onto the mounting device 74. Having this stud end 122 extend into the slot 90 could
potentially damage the standing seam 42.
The clamping member 142 includes a base 154 that is disposed on the fixed nut 26
of the stud 114. A hole 158 extends through the base 154 and is aligned with a threaded
hole 98 of the mounting device 74. In the illustrated embodiment, the hole 156 in the
clamping member 142 is not threaded such that the clamping member 142 may "slide"
along the stud 114.
A pair of clamping legs 146 that are disposed in opposing relation extend
upwardly from the base 154 in a direction that is at least generally away from the
mounting device 74 when the mounting assembly 70a is installed, such that the base 154
and clamping legs 146 define an at least generally U-shaped structure. Each clamping leg
146 includes an extension 150 and an engagement section 152. The engagement sections
152 are disposed in a different orientation than the extensions 150, and function to
provide a surface to engage and clamp a structure to the mounting assembly 70a. In the
illustrated embodiment, the engagement sections 150 include teeth, serrations, or like to
enhance the "grip" on the structure being clamped to the mounting assembly 70a. The
clamping legs 146 may be of any appropriate size, shape, and/or configuration for
clamping a structure to the mounting assembly 70a. Generally, a pocket 160 is defined
between each engagement section 152 and the underlying mounting plate 110/mounting
device 74 for receiving a structure to be clamped to the mounting assembly 70a.
Figure 7A illustrates one of the mounting assemblies 70a from Figure 2, and
which again interfaces with a pair of solar cell modules 58. Installation of such a
mounting assembly 70a could entail directing at least the upper portion of the standing
seam 42 into the slot 90 of the mounting device 74. Thereafter, the mounting device 74
may be secured to the standing seam 42 using at least one seam fastener 106. Once again,
the seam fastener 106 may be directed through the mounting device 74 and into the slot
90 to force a corresponding portion of the standing seam 42 against the opposing slot
sidewall 92b.
The mounting plate 110 may be disposed on the upper surface 78 of the mounting
device 74 such that its hole 112 is aligned with a threaded hole 98 on the mounting device
74 that will receive the stud 114. The second stud end 122 may then be directed through
the hole 112 of the mounting plate 110 such that the stud 114 may be threaded to the
mounting device 74 (e.g., using a wrench on the fixed nut 126 to clamp the mounting
plate 110 between the fixed nut 126 and the mounting device 74). At this time, the lower
surface of the fixed nut 126 engages the upper surface of the mounting plate 110 or a
corresponding surface of the mounting device 74 if the mounting plate 110 is not used.
As previously noted, and as illustrated in Figure 7A, in one embodiment the second stud
end 122 does not pass into the slot 90 of the mounting device 74. It should be appreciated
that the mounting plate 110 and stud 114 could be installed on the mounting device 74
prior to its installation on the standing seam 42.
A frame 62 from one of the solar cell modules 58 may be positioned on one side
of the mounting plate 110, while a frame 62 from another of the solar cell modules 58
may be positioned on the opposite side of the mounting plate 110. The clamping member
142 may or may not be positioned on the stud 114 at the time the solar cell module frames
62 are positioned on the mounting plate 110. In any case, the first stud end 118 may be
directed through the hole 158 on the base 154 of the clamping member 142. At this time
a portion of one solar cell module frame 62 will then be positioned between the mounting
plate 110 and the engagement section 152 of one of the clamping legs 146, while a
portion of another solar cell module frame 62 will then be positioned between the
mounting plate 110 and the engagement section 152 of the other clamping leg 146. The
nut 128 may then be threaded onto the first stud end 118 of the stud 114 until the
engagement sections 152 of the clamping member 142 exert a desired force on the two
solar cell module frames 62 (e.g., to clamp these frames 62 between the engagement
sections 152 of the clamping member 142 and the mounting plate 110, or between the
engagement sections 152 of the clamping member 142 and the mounting device 74 if the
mounting plate 110 is not being used). That is, turning the nut 128 may move the
clamping member 142 along the stud 114 and toward the mounting device 74 (e.g., by the
clamping member 142 "sliding" along the stud 114) to generate the desired clamping
action. It should be appreciated that the clamping member 142 and possibly the nut 128
could be positioned on the stud 114 at the time when the solar cell module frames 62 are
disposed on the mounting plate 110, although this may require that the clamping member
142 be lifted to a degree at this time to accommodate positioning the frames 62 under the
engagement sections 152 of the clamping member 142.
As evident by a review of Figure 7A, the stud 114 may extend beyond the nut 128
in the installed configuration. Preferably the first threaded section 130a of the stud 114 is
of a length that allows the mounting assembly 70a to be used to clamp structures of
various thicknesses to the mounting assembly 70a. For instance, Figure 7B illustrates a
pair of solar cell module frames 62' being clamped to the mounting assembly 70a, where
these frames 62' are thicker than the frames 62 presented in Figure 7A. In one
embodiment, the length of the first threaded section 130a is at least about 1.5 inches, and
which accommodates using the mounting assembly 70a to clamp solar cell modules of a
number of different thicknesses (e.g., the fixed nut 126 may be spaced from the first stud
end 118 by a distance of at least about 1.5 inches, the first threaded section 130a may
extend all the way to the fixed nut 126, or both).
The above-described mounting assemblies 70a may be used to simultaneously
engage the frame 62 of a pair of solar cell modules 58. In at least some cases, there may
only be a need to engage a single solar cell 58, such as in the case of those solar cells 58
that are disposed closest to an edge 36 of the building surface 34 (Figure 2). Figure 7C
illustrates a configuration for this situation, and which is identified by reference numeral
70b. Corresponding parts of the mounting assemblies 70a and 70b are identified by the
same reference numeral. The only difference between the mounting assembly 70b and
the mounting assembly 70a is that an additional nut 128 is used by the mounting
assembly 70b. Therefore, the remainder of the discussion presented above also applies to
the mounting assembly 70b.
Generally, one nut 128 is threaded onto the first stud end 118, followed by
positioning a clamping member 142 over the first stud end 118 and onto the stud 114,
then followed by a second nut 128 that is threaded onto the first stud end 118. The lower
nut 128 may be threaded down a sufficient distance on the stud 114. Thereafter, the top
nut 128 may be threaded to clamp a solar cell module frame 62" between the mounting
plate 110 and the engagement section 152 of one of the clamping members 142. The
lower nut 128 may then be threaded upwardly on the stud 118 to engage the underside of
the base 154 of the clamping member 142.
Another embodiment of a mounting assembly, which may be used for mounting
photovoltaic or solar cell modules to a building surface having a plurality of standing
seams defined by a plurality of interconnected panels, is illustrated in Figures 8A-F and is
identified by reference numeral 70c. Corresponding components between the mounting
assembly 70c and the above-discussed mounting assembly 70a are identified by the same
reference numerals. Those corresponding components between these two embodiments
that differ in at least some respect are identified by the same reference numeral, but with a
"single prime" designation in relation to the mounting assembly 70c.
The mounting assembly 70c of Figures 8A-F utilizes the above-discussed
mounting device 74, clamping member 142, and stud 114. All of the features discussed
above in relation to each of these components remain equally applicable to the mounting
assembly 70c. The mounting assembly 70c does utilize a mounting plate 110' that is
positioned on an upper surface 78 of the mounting device 74, and that is located between
the clamping member 142 and the mounting device 74 in a dimension corresponding with
the length dimension of the stud 114. However, the mounting place 110' is of a different
configuration than the mounting plate 110 utilized by the mounting assembly 70a, and
therefore the noted "single prime" designation is utilized.
The mounting plate 110' includes an upper surface 170 and an oppositely disposed
lower surface 176. The upper surface 170 includes a plurality of grounding projections
172. The grounding projections 172 may be integrally formed with a remainder of the
mounting plate 110' (e.g., the mounting plate 110' and grounding projections 172 may be
of one-piece construction, such that the individual grounding projections 172 do not need
to be separately attached to the mounting plate 110'). Any appropriate number of
grounding projections 172 may be utilized. Each grounding projection 172 may be of
any appropriate size, shape, and/or configuration. The various grounding projections 172
may be equally spaced from the stud 114, may be equally spaced about the stud 114, or
both.
In one embodiment, the number of grounding projections 172 is selected and the
grounding projections 172 are arranged such that at least one grounding projection 172
will engage each photovoltaic module being mounted to a building surface by the clamp
assembly 70c, regardless of the angular position of the mounting plate 110' relative to the
stud 114. "Angular position" does not mean that the mounting plate 110' is disposed at an
angle relative to the upper surface 78 of the mounting device 74. Instead, "angular
position" means a position of the mounting plate 110' that may be realized by rotating the
mounting plate 110' relative to the stud 114 and/or the mounting device 74. Consider the
case where the ends 94 of the mounting device 74 define the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock
positions. The mounting plate 110' may be positioned on the mounting device 74 with
each of its grounding projections 172 being disposed at any angle relative to the 12
o'clock position (e.g., in the 1 o'clock position, in the 2 o'clock position, in the 8 o'clock
position, etc), and yet at least one grounding projection 172 will engage each photovoltaic
module being mounted to a building surface by the clamp assembly 70c. The "angle" of
each such grounding projection 172 is the angle between first and second reference lines
that are disposed within a common plane, the first reference line remaining in a fixed
position relative to the mounting plate 110' and extending from the stud 114, for instance,
to the noted 12 o'clock position. The second reference line may also extend from the stud
114 to a particular grounding projection 172, and thereby may rotate along with the
mounting plate 110' as its angular position is adjusted relative to the stud 114 and/or
mounting device 74.
The grounding projections 172 may facilitate establishing an electrical connection
with and/or assisting in grounding one or more photovoltaic modules. The grounding
projections 172 may be characterized as providing electrical continuity between adjacent
photovoltaic modules that are positioned on the same mounting plate 110' (e.g., an
electrical path may encompass the frame of one photovoltaic module, one or more
grounding projections 172 engaged therewith, the mounting plate 110', one or more
additional grounding projections 172, and the frame of another photovoltaic module
engaged by such an additional grounding projection(s) 172). This may be referred to in
the art as "bonding." In any case, the grounding projections 172 may be used in
providing a grounding function for a corresponding photovoltaic module(s). The noted
electrical connection provided by the grounding projections 172 may be used to
electrically connect adjacent photovoltaic modules (e.g., those positioned on a common
mounting plate 110'), and which may be used to provide an electrical path to ground a
string or collection of photovoltaic modules.
The mounting device 110' also includes a raised structure 174 on its upper surface
170. The raised structure 174 may be disposed about the un-threaded hole 112 in the
mounting plate 110' and through which the stud 114 passes. Generally and as will be
discussed in more detail below, the raised structure 174 may be used to determine where a
photovoltaic module should be positioned on the upper surface 170 of the mounting plate
110' to ensure that the clamping member 142 will adequately engage not only this
photovoltaic module, but an adjacently disposed photovoltaic module as well. As such,
the raised structure 174 may be characterized as a positional registrant or alignment
feature for each an adjacent pair of photovoltaic modules being clamped by a common
mounting assembly 70c.
The raised structure 174 may be integrally formed with a remainder of the
mounting plate 110' (e.g., the mounting plate 110' and raised structure 174 may be of one-
piece construction, such that the raised structure 174 does not need to be separately
attached to the mounting plate 110'). The raised structure 174 may be characterized as
being doughnut-shaped. The raised structure 174 may extend completely about the stud
114, the stud 114 may extend through a center of the raised structure 174, or both. The
raised structure 174 may be circular in a plan view. This alleviates the requirement to
have the mounting plate 110' be in a certain angular position on the upper surface 78 of
the mounting device 74 to provide its positional registration or alignment function in
relation to the photovoltaic modules to be clamped. An outer perimeter of the raised
structure 174 and an outer perimeter of the mounting plate 110' may be concentrically
disposed relative to the stud 114. The raised structure 174 may be centrally disposed
relative to an outer perimeter of the mounting plate 110'.
The lower surface 176 of the mounting plate 110' includes a plurality of wiring
tabs or clips 178. The wiring clips 178 may be integrally formed with a remainder of the
mounting plate 110' (e.g., the mounting plate 110' and wiring clips 178 may be of one-
piece construction, such that the individual wiring clips 178 do not need to be separately
attached to the mounting plate 110'). For instance, the wiring clips 178 could be
"stamped" from the body of the mounting plate 110'. In this regard, the mounting plate
110' includes an aperture 184 for each such wiring clip 178. Any appropriate number of
wiring clips 178 may be utilized. The various wiring clips 178 may be equally spaced
from the stud 114, may be equally spaced about the stud 114, or both.
In one embodiment, the number of wiring clips 178 is selected and the wiring
clips 178 are arranged such that at least one wiring clip 178 should be available for
holding/retaining one or more wires from/for each photovoltaic module being mounted to
a building surface by the clamp assembly 70c, regardless of the angular position of the
mounting plate 110' relative to the stud 114 and/or mounting device 74.
Each wiring clip 178 may be of any appropriate size, shape, and/or configuration.
In the illustrated embodiment, each wiring clip 178 includes a first segment 180a that
extends away from the lower surface 176 of the mounting plate 110', along with a second
segment 180b that extends from a distal end of the first segment 180a. The second
segment 180b may be disposed at least generally parallel with the lower surface 176 of
the mounting plate 110'. In any case, the second segment 180b may include a recessed
region 182 (e.g., a concave area) to facilitate retention of one or more wires and/or quick-
connect leads.
A wiring clip 178 may be used the support and/or retain the quick-connect lead(s)
associated with one of the photovoltaic modules being clamped by the corresponding
mounting assembly 70c (e.g., by being positioned within the space between the second
segment 180b of a given wiring clip 178 and the lower surface 176 of the mounting plate
110', for instance by resting in a concave portion of the second segment 180b in the form
of the noted recessed region 182). Other wires could be directed into the space between
the second segment 180b of a given wiring clip 178 and the lower surface 176 of the
mounting plate 110'.
Another function is indirectly provided by the wiring clips 178. The aperture 184
associated with each wiring clip 178 provides a space through which an installer may
direct cable or zip tie or the like to bundle together various wires that may be located at a
lower elevation than the mounting plate 110' (e.g., wires underneath the mounting
assembly 70c; wires underneath a photovoltaic module being clamped by the mounting
assembly 70c; wires in a space between a pair of photovoltaic modules being clamped by
the mounting assembly 70c).
Figure 8F schematically illustrates the positional registration/alignment function
provided by the raised structure 174 of the mounting plate 110'. Here the frame 62 of one
photovoltaic module 58 being clamped by the mounting assembly 70c abuts one portion
on a perimeter of the raised structure 174, while the frame 62 of another photovoltaic
module 58 being clamped by the mounting assembly 70c is disposed adjacent to (or
possibly abutting with) an oppositely disposed portion on the perimeter of the raised
structure 174. In one embodiment, the width or outer diameter of the raised structure 174
is the same as or slightly larger than the spacing between the two extensions 150 of the
clamping member 142. In any case, the raised structure 174 should be sized such that
when an adjacent pair of photovoltaic modules 58 are positioned to abut oppositely
disposed portions on the perimeter of the raised structure 174, the clamping member 142
should be positionable on the stud 114 and should properly engage these photovoltaic
modules.
At least one grounding projection 172 of the mounting plate 110' shown in Figure
8F should be engaged with the frame 62 of one photovoltaic module 58 shown in Figure
8F, and at least one other grounding projection 172 of this same mounting plate 110'
should be engaged with the frame 62 of the other photovoltaic module 58 shown in
Figure 8F. This again provides electrical continuity between the two modules 58 shown
in Figure 8F – an electrical path exists from one module 58 to the other module 58 via the
mounting plate 110' and each grounding projection 172 that is engaged with either of the
modules 58.
Figure 9A illustrates the positional registration or alignment function provided by
the mounting plate 110' incorporating a raised structure 174 (which thereby may be
referred to as a PV module positional registrant). In Figure 9A, the mounting devices 74
are attached to the standing seams 42 such that the frame 62 of the photovoltaic module
58 engages a portion on the outer perimeter of the raised structure 174. The clamping
member 142 for each such mounting device 74 should not only be in proper position to
adequately engage the frame 62 of the photovoltaic module 58 shown in Figure 9A, but
the clamping member 142 for each such mounting device 74 should also be in proper
position to adequately engage the frame 62 of another photovoltaic module 58 that would
be positioned in the uphill direction A (e.g., the arrow A indicating the direction of
increasing elevation) from the illustrated photovoltaic module 58. The frame 62 of this
"uphill" photovoltaic module 58 would likely engage an opposing portion of the raised
structure 174 (or be disposed in closely spaced relation thereto). Any "downward
drifting" of this uphill photovoltaic module 58 should be stopped by engaging the raised
structure 174 of the "downhill" mounting assemblies 70c.
Now compare Figure 9A to Figure 9B. In Figure 9B, the mounting assembly 70a
has been used, and whose mounting plate 110 does not incorporate the raised structure
174 from the mounting plate 110' of Figures 8A-F. Here it can be seen that the uphill
photovoltaic module 58a (the arrow B in Figure 9B indicating the downhill direction, or
direction of decreasing elevation) has been positioned relative to the three lower
mounting devices 74 such that its frame 62 is quite close to the hole 112 of the three
lower mounting plates 110 (through which the stud 114 is directed to threadably engage
the mounting device 74). The three clamping members 142 associated with these three
"downhill" mounting plates 110 now may not sufficiently engage the downhill
photovoltaic module 58b.
The mounting plate 110' from the mounting assembly 70c of Figures 8A-F uses a
single raised structure 174 to provide a positional registration or alignment function for
each of the two photovoltaic modules that may be clamped by a single mounting
assembly 70c. Other types of positional registration or alignment features may be
incorporated by a mounting plate. One representative embodiment is illustrated in
Figures 10A-B in the form of a mounting plate 110". Generally, the mounting plate 110"
may be used in place of the mounting plate 110' discussed above. Although not shown, it
should be appreciated that the mounting plate 110" may also utilize the grounding
projections 172 and/or wiring clips 178 (and their associated apertures 184).
The mounting plate 110" of Figures 10A and 10B differs from the mounting plate
110' of Figures 8A-F in a number of respects. One is the shape of the mounting plate
110'. Each of these mounting plates 110', 110" may be of any appropriate shape in
relation to their respective outer perimeters (e.g., circular as in the case of the mounting
plate 110'; square as in the case of the mounting plate 110"; rectangular). Another is that
the mounting plate 110" utilizes at least two discrete PV module positional registrants
190. Each of the PV module positional registrants 190 may be of any appropriate size,
shape, and/or configuration. The PV module positional registrants 190 may be integrally
formed with a remainder of the mounting plate 110" as shown where they have been
stamped from the mounting plate 110" (creating corresponding apertures 192), or the PV
module registrants 190 could be separately attached to the mounting plate 110". When
the mounting plate 110" is positioned in the proper orientation on a mounting device 74,
one of the PV module positional registrants 190 may be used to position one photovoltaic
module on the mounting plate 110" (e.g., by this first photovoltaic module butting up
against this first PV module positional registrant 190) such that it should be adequately
engaged by the clamping member 142, and furthermore such that the other or second
photovoltaic module to be positioned on the mounting plate 110" should also be
adequately engaged by this same clamping member 142. In this regard, this second
photovoltaic module may be positioned such that it butts up against the other or second of
the PV module positional registrants 190 of the mounting plate 110".
As there are only two PV module positional registrants 190 in the illustrated
embodiment of Figures 10A and 10B, the mounting plate 110" may need to be in a certain
angular position or orientation on the mounting device 74 such that they provide a
positional registration or alignment function for the two photovoltaic modules to be
clamped by the associated mounting assembly. An installer could be required to place the
mounting plate 110" onto the mounting device 74 in the correct angular position or
orientation. Another option is for the mounting plate 110" to include one or more
mounting device positional registrants 194 that facilitate the positioning of the mounting
plate 110" onto the upper surface 78 of the mounting device 74 such that the PV module
positional registrants 190 should be positioned to provide a positional registration or
alignment function for the two photovoltaic modules to be clamped by the associated
mounting assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting plate 110" includes a
pair of mounting device positional registrants 194 – a separate mounting device positional
registrant 194 for each of the two opposite ends 94 of the mounting device 74 (e.g., one
mounting device positional registrant 194 may engage one end 94 of the mounting device
74, and another mounting device positional registrant 194 may engage the opposite end
94 of the mounting device 74). A pair of mounting device positional registrants could be
utilized by the mounting plate 110" and that engage the two opposite side surfaces 82 of
the mounting device 74 to place the mounting plate 110" in the correct angular position
relative to the mounting device 74. Yet another option would be to have at least one
mounting device positional registrant for the mounting plate 110" that engages an end 94
of the mounting device 74 and at least one mounting device positional registrant for the
mounting plate 110" that engages one of the side surfaces 82 of the mounting device 74.
Any appropriate way of positionally registering the mounting plate 110" relative to the
mounting device 74 may be utilized.
Standing seam panels 38 were addressed above. Other types of panels are
commercially available. Another example of a panel configuration is commonly referred
to as a corrugated panel (e.g., formed from an appropriate metal or metal alloy). A
representative corrugated panel is illustrated in Figure 11 and is identified by reference
numeral 202. A plurality of corrugated panels 202 may be assembled to define a building
surface or a corrugated panel surface 200 (e.g., a roof or roofing surface).
A corrugated panel 202 is defined by a plurality of panel crowns 204 and a
plurality of panel valleys 208. In the illustrated embodiment, a panel valley 208 is
disposed between each adjacent pair of panel crowns 204. The corrugated panel 202 may
be of a sinusoidal or "sine wave" configuration in an end view (Figure 11). In any case,
typically a corrugated panel 202 will be installed in a roofing application such that the
length dimension of its panel crowns 204 and panel valleys 208 each extend along the
roof pitch (e.g., the elevation of each panel crown 204 and each panel valley 208 may
continually change proceeding along its length dimension). A "panel crown" 204 of a
corrugated panel 202 may also be referred to as a "rib" or "the high." A "panel valley"
208 of a corrugated panel 202 may also be referred to as a "trough" or "the low."
One embodiment of a mounting device that is adapted for use with corrugated
panels is illustrated in Figures 12A-C, and may be used to install various types of
attachments on such corrugated panels. The mounting device shown in Figures 12A-C is
in the form of a mounting bracket 210 that may be of one-piece construction (e.g., no
joint of any kind between any adjacent portions of the mounting bracket 210; the
mounting bracket 210 is not an assembly of two or more separately-formed and
separately-joined portions). In one embodiment, the mounting bracket 210 is in the form
of extrusion to provide such a one-piece construction. The mounting bracket 210 may be
formed from any appropriate material or combination of materials (e.g., an aluminum
alloy; other metal alloys).
The mounting bracket 210 includes what may be characterized as a valley section
214 that is positioned above a panel valley 208 when the mounting bracket 210 is
positioned on a corrugated panel 202 (e.g., Figures 12D-F, discussed below). In the
illustrated embodiment, the entirety of the valley section 214 is defined by an upper wall
or mounting surface 216. The upper wall 216 is the uppermost portion of the mounting
bracket 210 when disposed in an upright position (e.g., Figure 12B), extends between a
pair of ends 212 of the mounting bracket 210, and is in the form of an at least
substantially flat surface (e.g., having a rectangular perimeter in the illustrated
embodiment). In one embodiment, the perimeter of the upper wall 216 defines an area of
at least 2.5 inches to provide an appropriate surface for supporting attachments of any
appropriate type (discussed below). In this regard, the upper wall 216 includes a
mounting hole 218 that extends completely through this upper wall 216. One or more
mounting holes 218 may be used to secure at least one attachment relative to the
mounting bracket 210 (e.g., using one or more attachment fasteners of any appropriate
type).
A single mounting hole 218 is shown in the illustrated embodiment (e.g., located
equidistantly from the two ends 212, although such may not be required in all instances).
Multiple mounting holes could be incorporated by the upper wall 216 if required by a
particular application or if otherwise desired. Each given mounting hole 218 may be
threaded or unthreaded. In the case of a threaded mounting hole 218, a threaded
attachment fastener (e.g., a threaded stud or bolt) could have its threads engaged with the
threads of a particular mounting hole 218 to secure at least one attachment relative to the
mounting bracket 210. An attachment fastener could also extend through a particular
mounting hole 218 without having any type of threaded engagement with the mounting
bracket 210, and a nut could be threaded onto an end of this attachment fastener (this end
being disposed within an open space 242 of the mounting bracket 210, discussed below)
to secure at least one attachment relative to the mounting bracket 210.
Any appropriate configuration may be utilized by each mounting hole 218 through
the upper wall 216 of the mounting bracket. Representative configurations for each
mounting hole 218 include circular or round. A given mounting hole could also be in the
form of an elongated slot 218', as shown in Figure 12C.
The above-noted bracket ends 212 may be characterized as being spaced along a
length dimension of the mounting bracket 210 (e.g., the spacing between the bracket ends
212 may define the length of the mounting bracket 210). When the mounting bracket 210
is positioned on a corrugated panel 202 (e.g., Figures 12D-F, discussed below), the length
dimension of the mounting bracket 210 will be aligned or coincide with (e.g., parallel to)
the length dimension of the corresponding panel valley 208 (e.g., one bracket end 212
will be at one location along the length dimension of the corresponding panel valley 208,
while the opposite bracket end 212 will be at a different location along the length
dimension of this same panel valley 208).
The mounting bracket 210 further includes a pair of bracket legs 220a, 220b. The
bracket leg 220a extends from one side of the valley section 214 (the upper wall 216 in
the illustrated embodiment), while the other bracket leg 220b extends from the opposite
side of the valley section 214 (the upper wall 216 in the illustrated embodiment). Each
bracket leg 220a, 220b may be characterized as extending both downwardly and away
from its corresponding side of the valley section 214 when the mounting bracket 220 is in
an upright position (e.g., Figure 12B). Another characterization is that the bracket leg
220a extends from the valley section 214 at least generally in the direction of one panel
crown 204 of a corrugated panel 202 on which the mounting bracket 210 is positioned
(e.g., Figures 12D-F, discussed below), while the bracket leg 220b extends from the
valley section 214 at least generally in the direction of another panel crown 204 of a
corrugated panel 202 on which the mounting bracket 210 is positioned (e.g., Figures 12D-
F, discussed below).
The upper wall 216 and the two bracket legs 220a, 220b may be characterized as
collectively defining a hollow interior 240 for the mounting bracket 210. An included
angle 222 is defined between the underside of the upper wall 216 and each of the bracket
legs 220a, 220b. In the illustrated embodiment, the included angle 222 associated with
each of the bracket legs 220a, 220b is greater than 90°. The bracket legs 220a, 220b may
be the mirror image of each other with regard to their respective orientations (e.g., the
included angle 222 associated with the bracket leg 220a may be of the same magnitude as
the included angle 222 associated with the other bracket leg 220b).
The mounting bracket 210 further includes a third bracket leg 234a that extends
from the first bracket leg 220a within the hollow interior 240 of the mounting bracket
210, along with a fourth bracket leg 234b that extends from the second bracket leg 220b
within the hollow interior 240 of the mounting bracket 210. The bracket legs 234a, 234b
may converge to define a panel valley engagement section 232. Stated another way, the
intersection of the third bracket leg 234a and the fourth bracket leg 234b may define a
panel valley engagement section 232 for the mounting bracket 210. This defines an
included angle 236 between the third bracket leg 234a and the fourth bracket leg 234b. In
the illustrated embodiment, the magnitude of this included angle 236 is less than 90°.
The panel valley engagement section 232 includes what may be characterized as a
panel valley interface surface 238 - the surface of the panel valley engagement section
232 that interfaces with a panel valley 208 of a corrugated panel 202 when the mounting
bracket 210 is positioned on such a corrugated panel 202. In the illustrated embodiment,
the panel valley interface surface 238 is convex or of a "rounded" configuration.
The upper wall 216 of the mounting bracket 210 may be characterized as being
disposed in overlying relation to the panel valley engagement section 232. The upper
wall 216 may also be characterized as being separated from the panel valley engagement
section 232 by an open space 242 (the open space 242 being within or part of the hollow
interior 240 of the mounting bracket 210). In one embodiment, the vertical extent of this
open space 242 (i.e., "vertical" being when the mounting bracket 210 is disposed in an
upright position, and also coinciding with the dimension that is orthogonal/perpendicular
to the pitch of a roofing defined by a corrugated panel 202 on which the mounting bracket
210 is positioned) is at least about 1 inch. That is, the underside of the upper wall 216
may be separated from the panel valley engagement section 232 by a distance of at least
about 1 inch in at least one embodiment.
The mounting hole 218 in the upper wall 216 may be characterized as being
aligned in the vertical dimension with the panel valley engagement section 232 when the
mounting bracket 210 is disposed in an upright position. The open space 242 also
therefore exists between the mounting hole 218 and the panel valley engagement section
232 (e.g., the mounting hole 218 may be aligned with the open space 242 in the vertical
dimension; the open space 242 may be characterized as being below the mounting hole
218). As such, an attachment fastener may be directed within the mounting hole 218,
may extend through the upper wall 216, and may terminate within the open space 242.
That is, such an attachment fastener could extend beyond the underside of the upper wall
216 a distance of at least about 1" in the noted embodiment before contacting another
portion of the mounting bracket 210 (e.g., the side of the panel valley engagement section
232 that is opposite of the panel valley interface surface 238).
The mounting bracket 210 also includes a pair of panel crown engagement
sections 224. Initially, each panel crown engagement section 224 is offset or spaced in
the vertical dimension from the panel valley engagement section 232. Stated another way
and when the mounting bracket 214 is disposed in an upright position, the panel valley
engagement section 232 is disposed at a different elevation than each panel crown
engagement section 224 (each panel crown engagement section 224 being disposed at a
higher elevation than the panel valley engagement section 232). Moreover, the panel
valley engagement section 232 is offset from each panel crown engagement section 224
in a lateral dimension that is orthogonal to the above-noted vertical dimension (e.g., the
lateral dimension coinciding with the horizontal dimension in the view of Figure 12B).
The first bracket leg 220a extends between one of the panel crown engagement
sections 224 and the valley section 214. Similarly, the second bracket leg 220b extends
between the other panel crown engagement section 224 and the valley section 214. As
will be discussed in more detail below, one panel crown engagement section 224 of the
mounting bracket 210 may be positioned on one panel crown 204 of a corrugated panel
202 (located on one side of a panel valley 208 engaged by the panel valley engagement
section 232), while the other panel crown engagement section 224 may be positioned on a
different panel crown 204 of a corrugated panel 202 (located on the opposite side of a
panel valley 208 engaged by the panel valley engagement section 232). In the illustrated
embodiment, each panel crown engagement section 224 engages the adjacent-most panel
crown 204 to the panel valley 208 contacted by the panel valley engagement section 232
of the mounting bracket 210, although such may not be required in all instances.
Each panel crown engagement section 224 may engage a panel crown 204 of a
corrugated panel 202 on which the mounting bracket 210 is positioned. In the illustrated
embodiment, there may be two discrete zones of contact between each panel crown
engagement section 224 and its corresponding panel crown 204. In this regard, each
panel crown engagement section 224 may include a pair of rails, projections, or dimples
228 that may extend between the two ends 212 of the mounting bracket 210. If the
spacing between the two ends 212 is characterized as the length dimension for the
mounting bracket 210, each projection 228 may be characterized as extending along at
least part of the length of the mounting bracket 210. Each projection 228 may be convex
or rounded where engaged with a corresponding panel crown 204.
Each projection 228 may provide a discrete zone of contact (e.g., extending along
a line or axial path) between the corresponding panel crown engagement section 224 and
its corresponding panel crown 204 of a corrugated panel 202. Generally, the use of the
projections 228 reduces the area of contact between the mounting bracket 210 and a panel
crown 204 of a corrugated panel 202, which should reduce the potential for capillary
entrapment (e.g., should reduce the potential of water "wicking" into interfacing surfaces
of the mounting bracket 210 and a corrugated panel 202, which could lead to the
development of corrosion and premature failure of a building surface 200 incorporating
such a corrugated panel 202).
A gasket pocket or receptacle 226 is defined between the projections 228 on each
of the panel crown engagement sections 224. At least one bracket fastener hole 230
extends through each of the panel crown engagement sections 224 and intersects the
corresponding gasket pocket 226. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two bracket
fastener holes 230 that are aligned with the gasket pocket 226 for each of the panel crown
engagement sections 224. Any appropriate number of bracket fastener holes 230 may be
utilized by each panel crown engagement section 224. In one embodiment, each bracket
fastener hole 230 is un-threaded. An appropriate bracket fastener (e.g., threaded screw,
rivet) may be directed through each bracket fastener hole 230 and through the aligned
portion of a corrugated panel 202 to secure the mounting bracket 210 relative to the
corrugated panel 202. Various options in this regard will be discussed in more detail
below in relation to Figures 12D-F.
A gasket of any appropriate type (e.g., an EPDM gasket – not shown) may be
disposed within each of the gasket pockets 226. The projections 228 on each panel crown
engagement section 224 should confine the corresponding gasket therebetween. In one
embodiment, each gasket that is positioned within a gasket pocket 226 is thicker than the
depth of its corresponding gasket pocket 226 prior to the mounting bracket 210 being
secured relative to a corrugated panel 202. As such, the gaskets may be compressed
between the mounting bracket 210 and the corresponding panel crown 204 as the
mounting bracket 210 is secured relative to a corrugated panel 202. The above-described
projections 228 may also provide the function of reducing the potential of these gaskets
being "over-compressed" while securing the mounting bracket 210 relative to a
corrugated panel 202.
Each gasket may be installed within its corresponding gasket pocket 226 prior to
installing the mounting bracket 210 on a corrugated panel 202. Any appropriate way of
maintaining a gasket within its corresponding gasket pocket 226 may be utilized (e.g., by
being press fit within the corresponding gasket pocket 226; adhering a gasket 226 to an
inner surface of its corresponding gasket pocket 226). When the mounting bracket 210 is
secured relative to a corrugated panel 202, each gasket may compress to bring the above-
noted projections 228 into contact with the corresponding panel crown 204 of the
corrugated panel 202. However, the projections 228 should still at least substantially
confine the corresponding gasket within its corresponding gasket pocket 226, and
furthermore should reduce the potential for the gaskets being over-compressed during
installation as noted.
Figure 12D illustrates how the above-described mounting bracket 210 may be
positioned or "seated" on a corrugated panel 202. Generally: 1) the panel valley
engagement section 232 of the mounting bracket 210 is engaged with one panel valley
208 of the corrugated panel 202; 2) one panel crown engagement section 224 of the
mounting bracket 210 is positioned on one panel crown 204 on one side of this same
panel valley 208 (the adjacent-most panel crown 204 in the illustrated embodiment,
although such may not be required in all instances); and 3) the other panel crown
engagement section 224 of the mounting bracket 210 is positioned on one panel crown
204 on the opposite side of this same panel valley 208 (the adjacent-most panel crown
204 in the illustrated embodiment, although such may not be required in all instances).
Figure 12D also illustrates one manner of securing the mounting bracket 210
relative to a corrugated panel 202. A separate bracket fastener 244a (e.g., a threaded
screw) may be directed through each bracket fastener hole 230 of each panel crown
engagement section 224, through a corresponding portion of the panel crown 204 of the
corrugated panel 202, and may terminate within a hollow interior 206 located "under" this
panel crown 204. In this case, the mounting bracket 210 is secured only to the sheeting
that defines the corrugated panel 202.
Figure 12E illustrates another option for securing a mounting bracket 210 relative
to a corrugated panel 202. Here, the corrugated panel 202 is positioned on a deck 246 or
other substrate – the underside of each panel valley 208 of the corrugated panel 202 may
contact the deck 246. This deck 246 may be formed from any appropriate material or
combination of materials (e.g., wood, for instance plywood). In this case, a separate
bracket fastener 244b (e.g., threaded screw) may be directed through each bracket
fastener hole 230 of each panel crown engagement section 224, through a corresponding
portion of the panel crown 204 of the corrugated panel 202, through the corresponding
hollow interior 206, and may be anchored to the deck 246 (e.g., each such bracket
fastener 244b at least extends within the deck 246, and may in fact extend completely
through the deck 246). Here, the mounting bracket 210 may be characterized as being
secured to both the sheeting of the corrugated panel 202, as well as to the underlying deck
246.
The installation configuration shown in Figure 12E provides a number of
advantages over the installation configuration shown in Figure 12D. One is the additional
securement of the mounting bracket 210 relative to the corrugated panel 202 provided by
anchoring the mounting bracket 210 to the underlying deck 246 (versus just to the
sheeting of the corrugated panel 202, as in the Figure 12D configuration). Another is that
the panel valley engagement section 232 should reduce the potential that the two panel
crowns 204 (engaged by the panel crown engagement sections 224 of the mounting
bracket 210) will collapse as the bracket fasteners 244b are anchored to the deck 246 in
the above-described manner. That is, the panel valley engagement section 232 should
reduce the potential of "over-tightening" the bracket fasteners 244b to the extent that
could affect the structural integrity of the corresponding panel crown 204 (e.g., by at least
partially collapsing such a panel crown 204).
Figure 12F illustrates yet another option for securing a mounting bracket 210
relative to a corrugated panel 202. Here, the corrugated panel 202 is positioned on a
plurality of purlins 248 (only one shown in Figure 12F). The length dimension of these
purlins 248 are disposed orthogonal or perpendicular to the length dimension of the panel
crowns 204 and panel valleys 208 of the corrugated panel 202. Each such purlin 248 may
be formed from any appropriate material or combination of materials (e.g., a metal or
metal alloy), and is commonly referred to in the art as being "Z-shaped."
An end view of the purlin 248 from Figure 12F is presented in Figure 12G.
Generally, the purlin 248 includes a pair of flanges 250a, 250b that are spaced from one
another, but that are connected by an intermediate web 252. The flange 250a of the purlin
248 may engage the underside of the corrugated panel 202. That is, the various panel
valleys 208 of the corrugated panel 202 may be positioned on the flange 250a of the
purlin 248. As such, a separate bracket fastener 244b may be directed through each
bracket fastener hole 230 of each panel crown engagement section 224 of the mounting
bracket 210, through a corresponding portion of the panel crown 204 of the corrugated
panel 202, through the corresponding hollow interior 206, and may be anchored to the
upper flange 250a of the purlin 248 (e.g., each such bracket fastener 244b at least extends
within the upper flange 250a, and may in fact extend completely through the upper flange
250a). Here, the mounting bracket 210 may be characterized as being secured to both the
sheeting of the corrugated panel 202, as well as to one or more underlying purlins 248.
The installation configuration shown in Figure 12F provides the same advantages
discussed above in relation to the installation configuration of Figure 12E.
The mounting bracket 210 may be anchored to purlins of any appropriate
configuration. Another representative configuration is presented in Figure 12H in the
form of a purlin 254. This purlin 254 may be formed from any appropriate material or
combination of materials (e.g., wood), and may be of any appropriate dimensions (e.g., a
2"x4" timber). The purlin 254 includes a panel interface surface 256 that is positioned for
contact with the underside of a corrugated panel 202. As such, each bracket fastener
244b would be directed through this panel interface surface 256 and could terminate
within the interior of the purlin 254. However, each bracket fastener 244b could be
directed completely through the purlin 254 as well.
Various types of attachments may be installed on a building surface 200 defined
by one or more corrugated panels 202 using the above-described mounting bracket 210.
One example is shown in Figure 13. One or more bracket fasteners (e.g., fasteners 244a,
244b) may be used to secure the mounting bracket 210 relative to a corrugated panel 202
(e.g., in accordance with Figures 12D-G). Here, a portion of the mounting assembly 70a
(discussed above, and illustrated in Figure 7A - the associated photovoltaic modules 58
not being shown in Figure 13 for clarity) is installed on the mounting bracket 210 (i.e.,
the mounting bracket 210 may be used in place of the above-described mounting device
74 for corrugated panel configurations and for the above-noted photovoltaic module
applications, as well as in conjunction with each of the above-discussed mounting
assemblies (e.g., mounting 70a-c)). The threaded stud 114 of the mounting assembly 70a
is engaged with the mounting hole 218 (threaded in this example) on the upper wall 216
of the mounting bracket 210. The second stud end 122 is disposed within the open space
242 of the mounting bracket 210 (e.g., so as to not contact any structure of the mounting
bracket 210). The mounting assemblies 70b, 70c discussed above may be similarly
mounted to the mounting bracket 210 and at least generally in the above-discussed
manner. It should be appreciated that the clamping member 142 may be rotated 90° from
the position illustrated in Figure 13 to accommodate installation of one or more
photovoltaic modules 58 in the above-described manner.
The clamping member 142 and mounting plate 110/110' of the mounting
assemblies 70a-c addressed above each may be characterized as an "attachment" when
secured to the mounting bracket 210 in the above-noted manner (e.g., a mounting bracket
210 secured to a corrugated panel 202, and having an attachment that is secured relative
to the mounting bracket 210, may be collectively characterized as an "attachment
assembly 260," with such a representative attachment assembly 260 being shown in
Figure 13). Any photovoltaic module 58 that is engaged by any such mounting assembly
70a-c (when incorporating a mounting bracket 210) may also be characterized as an
"attachment" that is secured relative to the mounting bracket 210 using at least one
attachment fastener (e.g., threaded stud 114) that is directed into a mounting hole 218 on
the upper wall 216 of the mounting bracket 210, and collectively may be referred to as an
"attachment assembly" as well.
A variation of the mounting bracket 210 of Figures 12A-F is presented in Figure
14. Corresponding components of these two embodiments are identified by the same
reference numerals, and the discussion presented above remains applicable unless
otherwise noted. Those corresponding components that differ in at least some respect are
identified by a "single prime" designation. In the case of the mounting bracket 210' of
Figure 14, basically two of the above-described mounting brackets 210 have been
combined into a single unit to provide two valley sections 214a, 214b, each having an
upper wall 216. The bracket leg 220b extending from the valley section 214a and the
bracket leg 220a extending from the valley section 214b share a common panel crown
engagement section 224. The mounting bracket 210' may be used in the various
installation configurations discussed above in relation to Figures 12D-H.
The Figure 14 configuration could also be modified to use only a single panel
crown engagement section 224 (the panel crown engagement section located between the
two panel valley engagement sections 232). In this case: 1) for the bracket leg 220a that
extends from the valley section 214a, the portion after its intersection with the third
bracket leg 234a could be eliminated (and its corresponding panel crown engagement
section 224); and 2) for the bracket leg 220b that extends from the valley section 214b,
the portion after its intersection with the fourth bracket leg 234b could be eliminated (and
its corresponding panel crown engagement section 224).
Another embodiment of a mounting device that is adapted for use with corrugated
panels is illustrated in Figures 15A-B, and may be used to install various types of
attachments on such corrugated panels, including in the various installation
configurations discussed above in relation to Figures 12D-H. The mounting device
shown in Figures 15A-B is in the form of a mounting bracket 270 that may be of one-
piece construction (e.g., no joint of any kind between any adjacent portions of the
mounting bracket 270; the mounting bracket 270 is not an assembly of two or more
separately-formed and separately-joined portions). In one embodiment, the mounting
bracket 270 is in the form of extrusion to provide such a one-piece construction. The
mounting bracket 270 may be formed from any appropriate material or combination of
materials (e.g., an aluminum alloy; other metal alloys).
The mounting bracket 270 includes a crown section 274 that is positioned above a
panel crown 204 when the mounting bracket 270 is positioned on a corrugated panel 202.
In the illustrated embodiment, the crown section 274 includes an upper wall or mounting
surface 276. The discussion presented above with regard to the upper wall 216 of the
mounting bracket of Figures 12A-C is equally applicable to the upper wall 276 of the
mounting bracket 270. In this regard, the upper wall 276 is the uppermost portion of the
mounting bracket 270 when disposed in an upright position (e.g., Figure 15B), extends
between a pair of ends 272 of the mounting bracket 270, and is in the form of an at least
substantially flat surface (e.g., having a rectangular perimeter in the illustrated
embodiment). In one embodiment, the perimeter of the upper wall 276 defines an area of
at least 2.5 inches to provide an appropriate surface for supporting attachments of any
appropriate type (as in the case of the mounting bracket 210). In this regard, the upper
wall 276 includes a mounting hole 278 (threaded or un-threaded) that extends completely
through this upper wall 276. Although a single mounting hole 278 is shown, multiple
mounting holes could be incorporated by the upper wall 276 if required by a particular
application or if otherwise desired. The discussion presented above with regard to the
mounting hole(s) 218 used by the mounting bracket 210 are equally applicable to the
mounting hole(s) 278 used by the mounting bracket 210.
The upper wall 276 also includes at least one bracket fastener hole 280 (two in the
illustrated embodiment). Each of the bracket fastener holes 280 may be un-threaded. In
the illustrated embodiment, the mounting hole 278 is located between two bracket
fastener holes 280. In any case, the mounting hole 278 may be centrally located between
the ends 272 of the mounting bracket 270), although such may not be required in all
instances.
The above-noted bracket ends 272 may be characterized as being spaced along a
length dimension of the mounting bracket 270 (e.g., the spacing between the bracket ends
272 may define the length of the mounting bracket 270). When the mounting bracket 270
is positioned on a corrugated panel 202, the length dimension of the mounting bracket
270 will be aligned or coincide with (e.g., parallel to) the length dimension of the
corresponding panel crown 204 (e.g., one bracket end 272 may be at one location along
the length dimension of the corresponding panel crown 204, while the opposite bracket
end 272 may be at a different location along the length dimension of this same panel
crown 204).
The crown section 274 further includes a panel crown engagement section 282
that is positioned below the upper wall 276 when the mounting bracket 270 is disposed in
an upright position (Figure 15B). The panel crown engagement section 282 is of the
same configuration as the panel crown engagement sections 224 utilized by the mounting
bracket 210 of Figures 12A-C. Therefore, the discussion presented above with regard to
the panel crown engagement sections 224 is equally applicable to the panel crown
engagement section 282.
The upper wall 276 of the mounting bracket 270 may be characterized as being
disposed in overlying relation to the panel crown engagement section 282. The upper
wall 276 may also be characterized as being separated from the panel crown engagement
section 282 by an open space 294. In one embodiment, the vertical extent of this open
space 294 (i.e., "vertical" being when the mounting bracket 270 is disposed in an upright
position, and also coinciding with the dimension that is orthogonal/perpendicular to the
pitch of a roofing defined by a corrugated panel 202 on which the mounting bracket 270
is positioned) is at least about ½ inch (e.g., measured in the vertical dimension when the
mounting bracket 270 is disposed in an upright position). That is, the underside of the
upper wall 276 may be separated from the upper surface panel valley engagement section
282 by a distance of at least about ½ inch.
The mounting hole 278 in the upper wall 276 may be characterized as being
aligned in the vertical dimension with the panel crown engagement section 282 when the
mounting bracket 270 is disposed in an upright position. The open space 294 also
therefore exists between the mounting hole 278 and the panel crown engagement section
282 (e.g., the open space 294 may be characterized as being below the mounting hole
278). As such, an attachment fastener may be directed within the mounting hole 278,
may extend through the upper wall 276, and may terminate within the open space 294.
That is, such an attachment fastener could extend beyond the underside of the upper wall
276 a distance of at least about ½" in the above-noted embodiment before contacting
another portion of the mounting bracket 210 (e.g., the upper surface of the panel crown
engagement section 282 - the surface of the panel crown engagement section 282 that is
opposite that which interfaces with a panel crown 204 when the mounting bracket 270 is
positioned on a corrugated panel 202).
Two panel valley engagement sections 290 are also utilized by the mounting
bracket 270 of Figures 15A-B. One panel valley engagement section 290 extends from
one side of the crown section 274 of the mounting bracket 270. The other panel valley
engagement section 290 extends from an opposite side of the crown section 274. Each
panel valley engagement section 290 may be characterized as extending both downwardly
and away from its corresponding side of the crown section 274 (the panel crown
engagement section 282 in the illustrated embodiment) when the mounting bracket 270 is
in an upright position (e.g., Figure 15B). Another characterization is that one panel valley
engagement section 290 extends from one side of the crown section 274 (the panel crown
engagement section 282 in the illustrated embodiment) at least generally in the direction
of one panel valley 208 of a corrugated panel 202 on which the mounting bracket 270 is
positioned, while the other panel valley engagement section 290 extends from the
opposite side of the crown section 274 (the panel crown engagement section 282 in the
illustrated embodiment) at least generally in the direction of another panel valley 208 of a
corrugated panel 202 on which the mounting bracket 270 is positioned. In the illustrated
embodiment, each panel valley engagement section 290 engages the adjacent-most panel
valley 208 to the panel crown 204 contacted by the panel crown engagement section 282
of the mounting bracket 270, although such may not be required in all instances.
Each panel valley engagement section 292 may be of any appropriate
configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, each panel valley engagement section 292
initially proceeds at least generally horizontally from the crown section 274 (when the
mounting bracket 270 is disposed in an upright position – Figure 15B) and then curves
downwardly or in the direction of the underlying panel valley 208 of the corrugated panel
202 on which the mounting bracket 270 is positioned. A free end 292 of each panel
valley engagement section 292 engages a corresponding panel valley 208 of the
corrugated panel 202 on which the mounting bracket 270 is positioned. In the illustrated
embodiment, each such free end 292 is convex or rounded. The free end 292 of each
panel valley engagement section 290 is offset or spaced in the vertical dimension from the
panel crown engagement section 282. Stated another way and when the mounting bracket
270 is disposed in an upright position, the free end 292 of each panel valley engagement
section 290 is disposed at a different elevation than each panel crown engagement section
282. Moreover, the panel crown engagement section 282 is offset from the free end 292
of each panel valley engagement section 290 in a lateral dimension that is orthogonal to
the above-noted vertical dimension (e.g., the horizontal dimension in the view of Figure
15B).
A variation of the mounting bracket 270 of Figures 15A-B is presented in Figure
16. Corresponding components of these two embodiments are identified by the same
reference numerals, and the discussion presented above remains applicable unless
otherwise noted. Those corresponding components that differ in at least some respect are
identified by a "single prime" designation. In the case of the mounting bracket 270' of
Figure 16, basically two of the above-described mounting brackets 270 have been
combined into a single unit to provide two crown sections 274a, 274b, each having an
upper wall 276 and an underlying panel crown engagement section 282. One panel valley
engagement section 290a extends from one side of the crown section 274a, while another
panel valley engagement section 290b extends from the opposite side of the crown
section 274a. Similarly, one panel valley engagement section 290c extends from one side
of the crown section 274b, while another panel valley engagement section 290d extends
from the opposite side of the crown section 274b. The panel valley engagement section
290b (associated with the crown section 274a) merges with the panel valley engagement
section 290c (associated with the crown section 274b) to define a free end 292 that may
contact a corresponding panel valley 208, and may be characterized as a single panel
valley engagement section that is interconnected with each of the crown sections 274a,
274b. The mounting bracket 270' may be used in the various installation configurations
discussed above in relation to Figures 12D-H.
The Figure 16 configuration could also be modified to use only a single panel
valley engagement section (collectively defined by the panel valley engagement sections
290a and 290b that merge to define a single free end 292), along with the two crown
sections 274a, 274b. That is, the panel valley engagement sections 290a and 290d of the
mounting bracket 270' could be eliminated for this variation.
The foregoing description of the present invention has been presented for
purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, the description is not intended to
limit the invention to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and
modifications commensurate with the above teachings, and skill and knowledge of the
relevant art, are within the scope of the present invention. The embodiments described
hereinabove are further intended to explain best modes known of practicing the invention
and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such, or other
embodiments and with various modifications required by the particular application(s) or
use(s) of the present invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to
include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.
Claims (23)
1. A mounting bracket for corrugated panels, including: - a valley section which in turn includes an upper wall, wherein a mounting hole extends completely through said upper wall; 5 - first and second panel crown engagement sections; - a first leg that extends from said first panel crown engagement section to a first side of said valley section; - a second leg that extends from said second panel crown engagement section to a second side of said valley section that is opposite of said first side; 10 - a first panel valley engagement section; - a third leg that extends from said first panel valley engagement section to said first leg; and - a fourth leg that extends from said first panel valley engagement section to said second leg; 15 wherein when said first and second panel crown engagement sections are positioned on a first reference plane to dispose said mounting bracket in an upright position: a). said first and second panel crown engagement sections are spaced from one another in a lateral dimension that coincides with said first reference plane; b). said valley section is positioned above said first reference plane and is spaced 20 upwardly relative to each of said first and second crown engagement sections; c). said valley section is located between said first panel crown engagement section and said second panel crown engagement section in said lateral dimension and furthermore is spaced from each of said first and second panel crown engagement sections in said lateral dimension; 25 d). said first panel valley engagement section is located between said first panel crown engagement section and said second panel crown engagement section in said lateral dimension and furthermore is spaced from each of said first and second panel crown engagement sections in said lateral dimension; e). said first panel valley engagement section is positioned below said first 30 reference plane; f). said third leg extends from said first panel valley engagement section and proceeds through said first reference plane to intersect said first leg at a location that is spaced above said first reference plane and that is also spaced further from said first reference plane than an entirety of said first panel crown engagement section; and g). said fourth leg extends from said first panel valley engagement section and proceeds through said first reference plane to intersect said second leg at a location that is spaced above said first reference plane and that is also spaced further from said first reference plane than an entirety of said second panel crown engagement section; 5 wherein said first panel valley engagement section is positioned to engage a panel valley of a corrugated panel and each of said first and second panel crown engagement sections is positioned to engage a different panel crown of a corrugated panel, all when said mounting bracket is disposed on a corrugated panel in said upright position.
2. The mounting bracket of claim 1, wherein said mounting bracket is of one-piece 10 construction.
3. The mounting bracket of any of claims 1-2, further including: an open space disposed directly below said mounting hole when said mounting bracket is in said upright position.
4. The mounting bracket of any of claims 1-3, wherein said mounting bracket includes 15 first and second ends, wherein said upper wall extends between said first and second ends, and wherein an entirety of said upper wall is in the form of an at least substantially flat surface that incorporates said mounting hole.
5. The mounting bracket of claim 4, wherein a perimeter of said at least substantially flat surface of said upper wall defines an area of at least 16 cm (2.5 in. ). 20
6. The mounting bracket of any of claims 1-3, wherein said upper wall defines an uppermost extreme of said mounting bracket when in said upright position, wherein an entirety of said upper wall is in the form of an at least substantially flat surface that incorporates said mounting hole, and wherein a perimeter of said at least substantially flat surface defines an area of at least 16 cm (2.5 in. ). 25
7. The mounting bracket of any of claims 1-6, wherein said mounting hole is aligned with said first panel valley engagement section in a vertical dimension when said mounting bracket is in said upright position.
8. The mounting bracket of any of claims 1-7, wherein said valley section, said first leg, said second leg, said third leg, and said fourth leg collectively define a closed perimeter 30 for a single continuous space.
9. The mounting bracket of any of claims 1-8, wherein an underside of said upper wall and said first panel valley engagement section are separated by a distance of at least about 2.5cm (1"), with a first open space extending from said underside of said upper wall to said first panel valley engagement section.
10. The mounting bracket of any of claims 1-9, wherein said first panel valley engagement section includes a convex panel interface surface.
11. The mounting bracket of any of claims 1-10, wherein an intersection of said third and fourth legs defines said first panel valley engagement section. 5
12. The mounting bracket of any of claims 1-11, wherein an included angle between an underside of said upper wall and each of said first and second legs is greater than 90°.
13. The mounting bracket of any of claims 1-12, wherein an included angle between said third and fourth legs is less than 90°.
14. The mounting bracket of any of claims 1-13, wherein said first and third legs are the 10 mirror image of said second and fourth legs.
15. The mounting bracket of any of claims 1-14, wherein each of said first and second panel crown engagement sections includes a gasket pocket.
16. The mounting bracket of claim 15, further including: a separate gasket positioned within said each said gasket pocket. 15
17. The mounting bracket of any of claims 15-16, wherein each of said first and second panel crown engagement sections includes first and second projections that are spaced from one another and that extend along an entire length of said mounting bracket, and wherein said first and second projections on each of said first and second panel crown engagement sections defines its corresponding said gasket pocket. 20
18. The mounting bracket of any of claims 15-17, wherein each of said first and second panel crown engagement sections includes at least one bracket fastener hole that intersects with its corresponding said gasket pocket.
19. The mounting bracket of any of claims 15-18, wherein each of said first and second panel crown engagement sections includes first and second bracket fastener holes that 25 each intersect with its corresponding said gasket pocket.
20. The mounting bracket of any of claims 1-19, wherein said mounting hole through said upper wall is threaded.
21. An attachment assembly including the mounting bracket of any of claims 1-20, and further including: 30 a corrugated panel, wherein said mounting bracket is positioned on said corrugated panel with said first panel valley engagement section of said mounting bracket being engaged with a first panel valley of said corrugated panel and with said first and second panel crown engagement sections of said mounting bracket being engaged with first and second panel crowns, respectively, of said corrugated panel; an attachment; and an attachment fastener that extends at least into said mounting hole on said upper wall of said mounting bracket, wherein said attachment is secured relative to said mounting bracket by said attachment fastener. 5
22. The attachment assembly of claim 21, further including: at least one bracket fastener that secures said mounting bracket relative to said corrugated panel.
23. A photovoltaic system including the mounting bracket of any of claims 1-20, and further including: 10 a mounting plate positioned on said upper wall of said mounting bracket; a clamping member including first and second clamping legs, said first clamping leg being engageable with a photovoltaic module and said second clamping leg being engageable with an adjacent photovoltaic module; and a clamp fastener that extends through said clamping member, then through said 15 mounting plate, and then at least into said mounting hole of said mounting bracket.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201161454011P | 2011-03-18 | 2011-03-18 | |
US61/454,011 | 2011-03-18 | ||
PCT/US2012/029160 WO2012129039A2 (en) | 2011-03-18 | 2012-03-15 | Corrugated panel mounting bracket |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ599360A NZ599360A (en) | 2016-02-26 |
NZ599360B2 true NZ599360B2 (en) | 2016-05-27 |
Family
ID=
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