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A bracket for coupling frames of solar panels includes a spacer for positioning between frames. An elongated body passes through a slot in the spacer and is positionable within channels formed in the frames. A clamp secures to the spacer and is biased toward the slot and elongated body, such as by m

A bracket for coupling frames of solar panels includes a spacer for positioning between frames. An elongated body passes through a slot in the spacer and is positionable within channels formed in the frames. A clamp secures to the spacer and is biased toward the slot and elongated body, such as by means of a spring. The clamp defines seats for receiving portions of the frames of the solar panels. Sloped portions on end portions of the clamp facilitate insertion of the frames between the elongated body and the clamp. Another type of bracket includes a spacer and clamp, the spacer having protuberances for insertion into channels in the frames. A flange extends from the spacer such that it extends between the frames when the protuberances are positioned within the channels. An L-foot or other fixture may secure to the flange to secure the solar panels to a structure.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An article of manufacture for use in a solar panel installation having at least first and second solar panels, wherein each solar panel comprises a frame encircling a perimeter of the solar panel, a first channel disposed along a portion of the frame and being configured to affix the solar panel

1. An article of manufacture for use in a solar panel installation having at least first and second solar panels, wherein each solar panel comprises a frame encircling a perimeter of the solar panel, a first channel disposed along a portion of the frame and being configured to affix the solar panel to one or more mounting points, and a second channel disposed along one of an internal and external surface of the frame, the second channel configured to retain a widened portion of a fastener positioned within the channel, the article comprising: an elongated body having a first end, and a second end opposite the first end, each of the respective first and second ends being shaped to match a configuration of the second channel and to be received and retained in the second channel of the respective first solar panel and the second solar panels;a spacer defining opposing surfaces for engaging the first and second solar panels, a fastener aperture, and a slot having the elongated body positioned within the slot;a fastener positioned in the fastener aperture; anda clamp secured to the spacer by the fastener and defining first and second seats each configured to receive a lower portion of the frames of the first and second solar panels, respectively;wherein the elongated body is slidable through the spacer along a horizontal direction;the clamp is positioned to exert a clamping force in a vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction; andthe fastener and fastener aperture are offset from the elongated body in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the horizontal and vertical directions. 2. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein the fastener is configured to maintain the first and second seats in engagement with portions of the frames of the first and second solar panels. 3. The article of manufacture of claim 2, wherein the fastener is at least one of a bolt, screw, lynch pin, and detent. 4. The article of manufacture of claim 2, wherein the fastener is spring loaded. 5. The article of manufacture of claim 2, wherein the fastener comprises a bolt engaging the spacer and clamp. 6. The article of manufacture of claim 5, wherein the bolt includes a head and a threaded portion and at least one of: the clamp is captured between the head and the spacer and the threaded portion threadably engages the spacer; andthe spacer is captured between the head and the clamp and the threaded portion threadably engages one of (a) the clamp and (b) a nut positioned having the clamp positioned between the spacer and the nut. 7. The article of manufacture of claim 6, further comprising a biasing member positioned at least one of between the head and the spacer and between the head and the clamp. 8. The article of manufacture of claim 7, wherein the biasing member is a spring encircling the bolt. 9. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein the clamp further defines a scoring member configured to penetrate coatings on frames of the first and second solar panels. 10. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein the clamp further defines sloped end portions configured to engage the frame on sliding of the elongated body into the channels of one of the first and second channels of the first and second solar panels. 11. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein the first and second seats are sized to permit movement of the portions of the first and second solar frames inserted therein by at least 1 mm. 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the clamp defines a channel and a bottommost surface of the spacer seats within the channel. 13. An article of manufacture for use in a solar panel installatioin having at least first and second solar panels, wherein each solar panel comprises a frame encircling a perimeter of the solar panel, a first channel disposed along a portion of the frame and being configured to affix the solar panel to one or more mounting points, and a second channel disposed along one of an internal and external surface of the frame, the second channel configured to retain a widening portion of a fastener positioned within the channel, the article comprising; an elongated body having a first end, and a second end opposite the first end, each of the respective first and second ends being shaped to match a configuration of the second channel and to be received and retained in the second channel of the respective first solar panel and the second solar panels;a spacer defining opposing surfaces for engaging the first and second solar panels, a fastener aperture, and a slot having the elongated body positioned within the slot;a fastener positioned in the fastener aperture; anda clamp secured to the spacer by the fastener and defining first and second seats each configured to receive a lower portion of the frames of the first and second solar panels, respectively;wherein the slot includes a first slot surface and a second slot surface having the elongated body positioned therebetween, the second slot surface being defined on a flexible flange portion of the spacer. 14. The article of manufacture of claim 13, further comprising a fastener selectively securing the elongated body within the slot. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a lip secured to the flexible flange portion and extending inwardly into the slot toward the first slot surface, the elongated body defining a notch having the lip inserted therein. 16. An article of manufacture for use in a solar panel installation having at least first and second solar panels, wherein each solar panel comprises a frame encircling a perimeter of the solar panel, a first channel disposed along a portion of the frame and being configured to affix the solar panel to one or more mounting points, and a second channel disposed along one of an internal and external surface of the frame, the second channel configured to retain a widened portion of a fastener positioned within the channel, the article comprising: an elongated body having a first end, and a second end opposite the first end, each of the respective first and second ends being shaped to match a configuration of the 6 a spacer defining opposing surfaces for engaging the first and second solar panels, a fastener aperture, and a slot having the elongated body positioned within the slot, the elongated body being slidable completely through the slot and of sufficient length to extend on either side of the slot when positioned in the slot; a fastener positioned in the fastener aperture; and a clamp secured to the spacer by the fastener and defining first and second seats each configured to receive a lower portion of the frames of the first and second solar panels, respectively.