Flexible clamp

Abstract

A flexible clamp for clamping and spacing solar panel modules, including a captive flange forming a top portion, which includes a top face, a bottom face, a right side, a left side, a front side, a back side, a substantially planar underside to engage the modules upper surface. It also includes a longitudinal axis and an aperture disposed generally along that axis. First, second, and third horizontal members are disposed under the captive flange and include substantially planar surfaces generally parallel to the underside of the captive flange. Each horizontal member includes a right side, a left side, a front side, a back side, a width slightly less than the width of the captive flange, and an aperture coaxial with the aperture in the captive flange. A first vertical member connects the right side of the first horizontal member with the captive flange at a point slight right of the longitudinal axis and left of the right side, thus forming a right overhang for engaging a first solar panel. A second vertical member connects the left sides of the second and third horizontal members in such manner that a left overhang is formed, and this is adapted for engaging a second solar panel adjacent to the first panel. A third vertical member coplanar with the first vertical member connects the right sides of the second and third horizontal members. When a bolt is passed through the coaxial apertures and tightened, the clamp flexes and bows slightly outwardly.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 911,134, filed Apr. 11, 2007 (Apr. 11, 2007).STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not applicable.THE NAMES OR PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT[0003]Not applicable.INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC[0004]Not applicable.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0005]1. Field of the Invention[0006]The present invention relates generally to flexible clamps, and more particularly to a flexible clamp adapted to affix adjoining structures in a coplanar fashion. It accomplishes this through a flexible compression of the clamp so as to engage a flange upon the planar structures and engagement of the sides on the clamp with the surface of a frame channel.[0007]2. Discussion of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR §1.97, 1.98[0008]Clamping devices are well known a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0023]The clamp of the present invention provides sufficient flexibility to clamp panels that may vary in height. Because of its folded configuration, the flexible clamp of the present invention has a small enough profile to allow it to fit within tight spaces and in channels between panels. Also, because of its folded configuration and its side profile, the present inventor has dubbed the inventive with the proprietary name of the “waffle clamp.”

[0024]The flexible clamp of the present invention may be oriented so that it can be clamped by leaning it in the direction of a first panel placed on a structural support beam while still providing sufficient clearance on the opposite flange so that a second panel may be slidably placed under the flange and clamped. A central screw compresses the flexible clamp much like a bellows spring and can therefore adjust to match the part or edge being clamped. This spring-like quality also provides the ability to partially compress the clamp to hold it in position while the panel is brought into place under the clamp.

[0025]In summary the flexible clamp of the present invention eliminates improper clamping due incorrect panel height, allows pre-loading the clamp to hold it in position while bringing the panels in place, allows securing the first panel in place while the second panel is brought into position, and minimizes the space needed for securing adjacent panels

[0027]It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved flexible clamp that allows compression of the flexible clamp within a space to provide as little separation between the clamped objects as possible.

[0028]A further object or feature of the present invention is a new and improved flexible clamp that allows the secure fixation of materials of differing thicknesses.

Problems solved by technology

However, when employed in the field an installer normally needs both hands free to position the panel and cannot simultaneously raise the clamp's capturing flange while also positioning the panel for attachment.

This necessitates the help of an assistant, increasing labor costs and related overhead, and thereby increasing the total costs for the installation of a solar panel system.

While good in concept, in practice panels may have small variations in edge thickness that may either cause the clip to be too short, thereby requiring the clip be lifted, or too long, which prevents the clip from effectively stabilizing an adjoining panel.

When so installed, however, it places a stress on the line of contact on the clamped member.

Notably, most single piece clamps simply cannot be adjusted in height while simultaneously maintaining a proper angular position on the part being clamped.

The “C-clip,” however, has a wide profile due to the arcuate configuration of its side element, and it thus requires additional space between panels for installation.

Other methods have been developed to hold clamps in a raised condition including springs or retaining clips, but these solutions add components, thus complicating the clamping process and increasing the overall cost of clamping materials and labor.

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