Patent · US Active

Module clamp and fastener apparatus

US8702335B2 · kind B2 · utility

10Cited by
25References
18Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJun 3, 2010
Grant dateApr 22, 2014
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 25, 2032

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T403/7005
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus and method of employing modified twist-to-engage bolts that attach a photovoltaic (PV) module to an extrusion rail or channel within a rail are disclosed. In addition to a modified twist-to-engage bolt (e.g., “t-bolt”), a complementary bracket portion having alignment tabs locks in place and clamps the modules to the rail. The anti-rotation locking system prevents twist-to-engage bolts from disengaging without the removal of the complementary bracket.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.