초록 ▼

Precise parameters are maintained in a support system for solar panels or other panel-like structures through use of a collapsible folding, support frame which is preassembled to precise tolerances at a convenient staging site before being collapsed for shipment. Installation on flat roofs is also f

Precise parameters are maintained in a support system for solar panels or other panel-like structures through use of a collapsible folding, support frame which is preassembled to precise tolerances at a convenient staging site before being collapsed for shipment. Installation on flat roofs is also facilitated through the use of a roof interface frame which rotatably supports the panel support frame of the support system and folds along with it at the assembly, staging site.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A collapsible panel support system having a unitarily foldable and unfoldable bi-directional panel support array of intersecting structural members including a first group of lower support joists and a second group of upper panel rails, said first group being rotatably connected to said second gr

1. A collapsible panel support system having a unitarily foldable and unfoldable bi-directional panel support array of intersecting structural members including a first group of lower support joists and a second group of upper panel rails, said first group being rotatably connected to said second group, said collapsible panel support system comprising: a) a substrate interface framework having longitudinal members configured to extend on a substrate for supporting said panel support system and to at least partially contain at least two said lower support joists;b) at least one pivoting connector, pivotally attaching one end of at least one said lower support joist to a first end of at least one longitudinal member of said substrate interface framework, facilitating vertical rotation of said bi-directional support array with respect to said substrate interface framework and,c) a bolt connecting each intersection of said upper panel rails and said lower support joists, and non-conductive washers at each said bolt, between said lower support joists and said upper panel rails. 2. The collapsible panel support system of claim 1, still further comprising at least one rotation stop located at one of said bolts between coupled lower support joist and upper panel rail, said rotation stop comprising a first flange overlapping a side of said coupled lower support joist, and a second flange overlapping a side of said coupled upper panel rail. 3. The collapsible panel support system of claim 1, wherein said substrate interface framework comprises at least two of said longitudinal members, each comprising a U-shaped channel. 4. The collapsible panel support system of claim 3, wherein each longitudinal member of said substrate interface framework further comprises a first pivoting vertical support structure arranged at a second end of said longitudinal member. 5. The collapsible panel support system of claim 4, wherein each longitudinal member of said substrate interface framework further comprises a second pivoting vertical support located between said first vertical support and said pivoting connector. 6. The collapsible panel support system of claim 5, wherein said second vertical support is located in an off-center position between said pivoting connector and said first vertical support, along said lower support joist. 7. The collapsible panel support system of claim 6, wherein each longitudinal member further comprises a pivoting extension leg at said second end of said longitudinal member. 8. The collapsible panel support system of claim 7, wherein each longitudinal member further comprises a second extension leg at said first end of said longitudinal member. 9. The collapsible panel support system of claim 6, further comprising at least one lateral support member adapted to connect to adjacent substrate interface frameworks. 10. A collapsible panel support system having a unitarily foldable and unfoldable bi-directional panel support array of intersecting structural members including a first group of lower support joists and a second group of upper panel rails, said first group being rotatably connected to said second group, said collapsible panel support system comprising: a) a substrate interface framework having longitudinal members configured to extend on a substrate for supporting said panel support system and to at least partially contain at least two said lower support joists;b) at least one pivoting connector, pivotally attaching one end of at least one said lower support joist to a first end of at least one longitudinal member of said substrate interface framework, facilitating vertical rotation of said bi-directional support array with respect to said substrate interface framework; wherein, said substrate interface framework comprises at least two of said longitudinal members, each comprising a U-shaped channel;wherein, each longitudinal member of said substrate interface framework further comprises a first pivoting vertical support structure arranged at a second end of said longitudinal member;wherein, each longitudinal member of said substrate interface framework further comprises a second pivoting vertical support located between said first vertical support and said pivoting connector;wherein, said second vertical support is located in an off-center position between said pivoting connector and said first vertical support, along said lower support joist; and,c) at least one lateral support member adapted to connect to adjacent substrate interface frameworks.