Wire management clips for between solar modules

Abstract

A device for securing one or more wires in a solar array includes a clip member comprised of a first portion having a first flange and a post holding portion having an aperture, and an elongate post member comprised of a body having one or more extension. The aperture is sized and configured to receive the post member, and at least one of the one or more extension is configured to secure one or more wires. A method for securing one or more wires in a solar array includes providing the device, inserting the post member into the aperture, locating wires beneath adjacent solar modules, inserting the extension between the solar modules, hooking the wires with the extension, retracting the post member until the wires contact the bottom of the solar modules, inserting the clip member between the solar modules, and bending the post member over the post holding portion.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 09062-2503879WIRE MANAGEMENT CLIPS FOR BETWEEN SOLAR MODULESCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 692,350, which was filed September 9, 2024, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUNDField of the Disclosure

[0002] The present disclosure relates to devices, assemblies, and methods for securing wires in a solar array, and specifically to wire management clips for between adjacent solar modules for securing one or more wires to the underside of adjacent solar modules, which allow for use with multiple wire sizes, rail and rail-free solar mounting assemblies, multiple solar module thicknesses, and flanged and flangeless solar module frames.Description of Related Art

[0003] Cable management related to solar arrays is critical for maintaining low maintenance, safe, and efficient photovoltaic systems. Loose, unsecured wires can be hazardous in that the opportunity for accidental yet potentially catastrophic events such as fires, electrocutions, undesirable electrification of components, surges, and system failures are greatly amplified.

[0004] Several solutions for wire management in solar arrays are known, however, they are not without drawbacks. For example, conduit-based wire management is costly and cumbersome to install and adjust. Wire clamps are often unreliable as they require complicated fastening means that may unintentionally become unfastened and clamping can be fastidious in that the right amount of pressure is required to secure wires without over clamping such that wires may be pierced or cut. Wire clips are often similarly unreliable as the clip holding the wires and / or fastening between the clip and the system may be too loose to ensure adequate security to the rest of the system. Additionally, each of these exemplary cable management means for application in solar arrays are often system specific such that they may only be used6742578.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09062-2503879 on a specific rail, for a specific mount, for a specific module thickness, and / or for a specific module or module frame type.

[0005] In view of the foregoing, there exists a need for wire management clips for between adjacent solar modules for securing one or more wires to the underside of adjacent solar modules, which allow for use with multiple wire sizes, rail and rail-free solar mounting assemblies, multiple solar module thicknesses, and flanged and flangeless solar module frames.SUMMARY

[0006] Accordingly, provided are devices, assemblies, and methods for between adjacent solar modules for securing one or more wires to the underside of adjacent solar modules, which allow for use with multiple wire sizes, rail and rail-free solar mounting assemblies, multiple solar module thicknesses, and flanged and flangeless solar module frames.

[0007] According to non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the disclosure, a device for securing one or more wires in a solar array includes a clip member comprised of a first portion having a first flange and a post holding portion having an aperture, and an elongate post member comprised of a body having one or more extension. The aperture is sized and configured to receive the post member, and at least one of the one or more extension is configured to secure one or more wires.

[0008] According to other non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the disclosure, a method for securing one or more wires in a solar array includes providing a device for securing one or more wires in a solar array. The device includes a clip member comprised of a first portion having a first flange and a first arm, a second portion having a second flange and a second arm, and a post holding portion having an aperture, and an elongate post member comprised of a body having one or more extension. The post member is comprised of a body having one or more extension configured to secure one or more wires. The method further includes inserting the post member into the aperture such that the extension extends below the post holding portion, locating one or more wires disposed beneath two adjacent solar modules, inserting the extension between the two adjacent solar modules, hooking the one or more wires with the extension, retracting the post member such that the one or more wires are held by the extension and the post member until the one or more wires contact the bottom of the two adjacent solar modules, inserting the clip member between the two6742578.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09062-2503879 adjacent solar modules such that the first arm and the second arm move closer to each other and contact a frame of each of the two adjacent solar modules, and bending the post member over the post holding portion such that one or more wires are held in contact between the extension and the bottom of the two adjacent solar modules.

[0009] Further non-limiting illustrative examples of embodiments of the present disclosure will now be set forth in the following numbered clauses.

[0010] Clause 1 : A device for securing one or more wires in a solar array, comprising: a clip member comprised of a first portion having a first flange and a post holding portion having an aperture; and an elongate post member comprised of a body having one or more extension, wherein the aperture is sized and configured to receive the post member, and wherein at least one of the one or more extension is configured to secure one or more wires.

[0011] Clause 2: The device of clause 1 , wherein the first portion comprises a first arm between the first flange and the post holding portion, and the clip member further comprises a second portion having a second flange and a second arm between the second flange and the post holding portion.

[0012] Clause 3: The device of clause 1 or 2, wherein a first tab is disposed at a first angle with respect to the first flange and the first arm is disposed at second angle with respect to the first flange.

[0013] Clause 4: The device of any of clauses 1 -3, wherein the first tab extends from a first end of the first flange and the first arm extends from a second end of the first flange to the post holding portion.

[0014] Clause 5: The device of any of clauses 1 -4, wherein the second portion comprises a second tab disposed at a third angle with respect to the second flange and the second arm is disposed at fourth angle with respect to the second flange.

[0015] Clause 6: The device of any of clauses 1 -5, wherein the second tab extends from a first end of the second flange and the second arm extends from a second end of the second flange to the post holding portion.

[0016] Clause 7: The device of any of clauses 1 -6, wherein the post holding portion comprises one or more walls, wherein the first arm extends from a second end of the first flange to a first wall of the one or more walls of the post holding portion, and wherein the second arm extends from a second end of the second flange to a second wall of the one or more walls of the post holding portion.6742578.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09062-2503879

[0017] Clause 8: The device of any of clauses 1 -7, wherein the third angle is the same as the first angle and the fourth angle is the same as the second angle.

[0018] Clause 9: The device of any of clauses 1 -8, wherein the first portion is symmetrical to the second portion such that the second portion mirrors the first portion across a plane extending through the post holding portion.

[0019] Clause 10: The device of any of clauses 1 -9, wherein the first arm comprises one or more projections extending at an angle from the first arm and the second arm comprises one or more projections extending at an angle from the second arm.

[0020] Clause 1 1 : The device of any of clauses 1 -10, wherein the one or more projections are configured to pierce a surface layer of a solar module and a solar module frame.

[0021] Clause 12: The device of any of clauses 1 -1 1 , wherein the first arm comprises at least two projections of the one or more projections and the second arm comprises at least two projections of the one or more projections.

[0022] Clause 13: The device of any of clauses 1 -12, wherein the aperture is at least semi-circular and extends through a top surface of the post holding portion.

[0023] Clause 14: The device of any of clauses 1 -13, wherein the post holding portion comprises a support tab extending from the post holding portion and the aperture.

[0024] Clause 15: The device of any of clauses 1 -14, wherein the post holding portion comprises one or more support extending from the first wall toward the second wall or from the second wall toward the first wall.

[0025] Clause 16: The device of any of clauses 1 -15, wherein the clip member is configured to receive the post member such that one or more support contacts and supports the post member.

[0026] Clause 17: The device of any of clauses 1 -16, wherein the clip member is configured to be flexible such that a width between the first portion and the second portion where the clip member is in a static state is greater than the width between the first portion and the second portion where a force is applied to either the first portion, the second portion, or the first portion and the second portion.

[0027] Clause 18: The device of any of clauses 1 -17, wherein the clip member is unflexed in a first state where no force is applied to the clip member.6742578.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09062-2503879

[0028] Clause 19: The device of any of clauses 1 -18, wherein the clip member is flexed in a second state where a force is applied to either the first portion, the second portion, or the first portion and the second portion.

[0029] Clause 20: The device of any of clauses 1 -19, wherein the body of the post member has a first axis and a first extension of the one or more extension has a second axis at an angle with respect to the first axis.

[0030] Clause 21 : The device of any of clauses 1 -20, wherein a second extension of the one or more extension has a third axis at an angle with respect to the first axis.

[0031] Clause 22: The device of any of clauses 1 -21 , wherein the body of the post member is bendable such that at least a portion of the post member may be bent around at least a portion of the clip member.

[0032] Clause 23: The device of any of clauses 1 -22, wherein the post member is inserted into the aperture of the post holding portion and wherein at least a portion of the post member is bent above the post holding portion and around the post holding portion

[0033] Clause 24: A method for securing one or more wires in a solar array, comprising: providing a device for securing one or more wires in a solar array, the device comprising: a clip member comprised of a first portion having a first flange and a first arm, a second portion having a second flange and a second arm, and a post holding portion having an aperture; and an elongate post member comprised of a body having one or more extension configured to secure one or more wires; inserting the post member into the aperture such that the extension extends below the post holding portion; locating one or more wires disposed beneath two adjacent solar modules; inserting the extension between the two adjacent solar modules; hooking the one or more wires with the extension; retracting the post member such that the one or more wires are held by the extension and the post member until the one or more wires contact the bottom of the two adjacent solar modules; inserting the clip member between the two adjacent solar modules such that the first arm and the second arm move closer to each other and contact a frame of each of the two adjacent solar modules; and bending the post member over the post holding portion such that one or more wires are held in contact between the extension and the bottom of the two adjacent solar modules.

[0034] Clause 25: The method of clause 24, wherein inserting the clip member between the two adjacent solar modules includes: applying force to the first arm such6742578.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09062-2503879 that the first arm flexes toward a first wall of the post holding portion; applying force to the second arm such that the second arm flexes toward a second wall of the post holding portion; and pushing the clip member down such that the first portion contacts the frame of the first solar module, the second portion contacts the frame of the second solar module, and the clip member is friction fit between the first solar module and the second solar module.

[0035] Clause 26: The method of clause 24 or 25, wherein one or more projections extending from each the first arm and the second arm pierce a surface of a frame of each of the two adjacent solar modules.

[0036] Clause 27: The method of any of clauses 24-26, wherein at least one support laterally supports a lower portion of the post member during the bending of the post member over the post holding portion.

[0037] Further details and advantages of the various examples described in detail herein will become clear upon reviewing the following detailed description of the various examples in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Additional advantages and details are explained in greater detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying schematic figures, in which:

[0039] FIGS. 1 A-1 C are various views of a device according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure;

[0040] FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective and front views of a clip member of a device according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure;

[0041] FIGS. 3A-3C are various views of a device according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure;

[0042] FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective and front views of a clip member of a device according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure;

[0043] FIGS. 5A-5C are various views of a device according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure;6742578.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09062-2503879

[0044] FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective and front views of a clip member of a device according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure;

[0045] FIG. 7 is a front view of a post member of a device according to some nonlimiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure;

[0046] FIG. 8 is a front view of a post member of a device according to some nonlimiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure;

[0047] FIGS. 9 is a front view of a post member of a device according to some nonlimiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure;

[0048] FIGS. 10A and 10B are perspective and front views of a post member of a device according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure;

[0049] FIGS. 11 -17C are various views of implementations of a device and method steps for securing one or more wires in a solar array according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure;

[0050] FIG. 18 is a front view of a device according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure;

[0051] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a clip member of a device according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure;

[0052] FIG. 20 is a front view of an implementation of a device according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure;

[0053] FIG. 21 is a front view of a device according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure;

[0054] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a clip member of a device according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure; and

[0055] FIG. 23 is a front view of an implementation of a device according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure.

[0056] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, and such embodiment are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure in any manner.6742578.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09062-2503879DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] It is to be understood that the present disclosure may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary and non-limiting embodiments or aspects. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments or aspects disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

[0058] For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “end,” “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “lateral,” “longitudinal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to embodiments or aspects as they are oriented in the drawing figures. Some non-limiting embodiments or aspects may be described herein in connection with thresholds. As used herein, satisfying a threshold may refer to a value being greater than the threshold, more than the threshold, higher than the threshold, greater than or equal to the threshold, less than the threshold, fewer than the threshold, lower than the threshold, less than or equal to the threshold, equal to the threshold, etc.

[0059] No aspect, component, element, structure, act, step, function, instruction, and / or the like used herein should be construed as critical or essential unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with “one or more” and “at least one.” Furthermore, as used herein, the term “set” is intended to include one or more items (e.g., related items, unrelated items, a combination of related and unrelated items, and / or the like) and may be used interchangeably with “one or more” or “at least one.” As used in the specification and the claims, the singular form of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents, such as unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Where only one item is intended, the term “one” or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the terms “has,” “have,” “having,” or the like are intended to be open-ended terms. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based at least partially on” unless explicitly stated otherwise. In addition, reference to an action being “based on” a condition may refer to the action being “in response to” the condition.

[0060] Non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure are generally directed to devices, assemblies, and methods for securing wires in a solar array, and6742578.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09062-2503879 specifically to wire management clips for between adjacent solar modules for securing one or more wires to the underside of adjacent solar modules, which allow for use with multiple wire sizes, rail and rail-free solar mounting assemblies, multiple solar module thicknesses, and flanged and flangeless solar module frames. According to nonlimiting embodiments, a device for securing one or more wires in a solar array may include a clip member comprised of a first portion having a first flange and a post holding portion having an aperture, and an elongate post member comprised of a body having one or more extension. The aperture may be sized and configured to receive the post member, and at least one of the one or more extension may be configured to secure one or more wires.

[0061] In some non-limiting embodiments, the first portion may include a first arm between the first flange and the post holding portion, and the clip member may further include a second portion having a second flange and a second arm between the second flange and the post holding portion. In some non-limiting embodiments, a first tab may be disposed at a first angle with respect to the first flange and the first arm may be disposed at second angle with respect to the first flange. The first tab may extend from a first end of the first flange and the first arm may extend from a second end of the first flange to the post holding portion. The second portion may include a second tab disposed at a third angle with respect to the second flange and the second arm may disposed at fourth angle with respect to the second flange. The second tab may extend from a first end of the second flange and the second arm may extend from a second end of the second flange to the post holding portion. The third angle may be the same as the first angle and the fourth angle may be the same as the second angle.

[0062] In some non-limiting embodiments, the post holding portion may include one or more walls, and the first arm may extend from a second end of the first flange to a first wall of the one or more walls of the post holding portion, and the second arm may extend from a second end of the second flange to a second wall of the one or more walls of the post holding portion.

[0063] In some non-limiting embodiments, the first portion may be symmetrical to the second portion such that the second portion mirrors the first portion across a plane extending through the post holding portion.

[0064] In some non-limiting embodiments, the first arm may include one or more projections extending at an angle from the first arm and the second arm may include6742578.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09062-2503879 one or more projections extending at an angle from the second arm. The one or more projections may be configured to pierce a surface layer of a solar module and a solar module frame. In some non-limiting embodiments, the first arm may include at least two projections of the one or more projections and the second arm may include at least two projections of the one or more projections.

[0065] In some non-limiting embodiments, the aperture may be circular and extends through a top surface of the post holding portion. In some non-limiting embodiments, the aperture may be at least semi-circular and the post holding portion may include a support. In some non-limiting embodiments, a first support may extend from the first wall toward the second wall and a second support may extend from the second wall toward the first wall. The clip member may be configured to receive the post member between the first support and the second support.

[0066] In some non-limiting embodiments, the clip member may be configured to be flexible such that a width between the first portion and the second portion where the clip member is in a static state may be greater than the width between the first portion and the second portion where a force is applied to either the first portion, the second portion, or the first portion and the second portion. The clip member may be unflexed in a first state where no force is applied to the clip member. The clip member may be flexed in a second state where a force is applied to either the first portion, the second portion, or the first portion and the second portion.

[0067] In some non-limiting embodiments, the body of the post member may have a first axis and a first extension of the one or more extension may have a second axis at an angle with respect to the first axis. In some non-limiting embodiments, a second extension of the one or more extension may have a third axis at an angle with respect to the first axis. The body of the post member may be bendable such that at least a portion of the post member may be bent around at least a portion of the clip member. The post member may be inserted into the aperture of the post holding portion and at least a portion of the post member may be bent above the post holding portion and around the post holding portion.

[0068] In this way, embodiments of the present disclosure provide wire management clips for between adjacent solar modules for securing one or more wires to the underside of adjacent solar modules, which allow for use with multiple wire sizes, rail and rail-free solar mounting assemblies, multiple solar module thicknesses, and flanged and flangeless solar module frames.6742578.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09062-2503879

[0069] Referring now to FIGS. 1 A-8B, FIGS. 1 A-8B are various views of device 100, for securing one or more wires in a solar array, and various components and assemblies thereof according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure.

[0070] Referring now to FIGS. 1 A-1 C, FIGS. 1 A-1 C are various views of device 100 for securing one or more wires in a solar array according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 1 A-1 C, device 100 may include clip member 102 and elongate post member 1 12. Clip member 102 may be comprised of first portion 104 having first flange 106 and post holding portion 108. Post holding portion 108 may have an aperture 1 10, and aperture 1 10 may be sized and configured to receive post member 1 12.

[0071] Post member 1 12 may be comprised of body 114 having one or more extension 1 16. At least one of one or more extension 1 16 may be configured to secure one or more wires. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 A, post member 1 12 may include two extensions 116, where the extension 1 16 shown on the bottom portion of post member 1 12 may be configured to secure the wires.

[0072] In some non-limiting embodiments, aperture 1 10 may be circular and may extend through a top surface of post holding portion 108. In some non-limiting embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1 A, aperture 110 may be at least semi-circular and post holding portion 108 may include support tab 136, as shown in FIG. 1 B, which may extend from aperture 110. In some non-limiting embodiments, as shown for example in FIGS. 1 A-1 C, aperture 1 10 may correspond to support tab 136 and may be formed where support tab 136 is punched or cut out from a top surface of post holding portion 108. In some non-limiting embodiments, support tab 136 may be bent to extend upward from a top surface of post holding portion 108. In some non-limiting embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 A-1 C, support tab 136 may be bent to extend downward from a top surface of post holding portion 108. Support tab 136 may be configured to provide lateral support to a portion of post member 1 12 where post member 1 12 is extending through aperture 1 10. The lateral support provided by support tab 136 may also assist in securing post member 1 12 within aperture 1 10 during a bending step of a method for securing one or more wires in a solar array with device 100. In this way, support tab 136 may be or may provide a “backstop” to post member 1 12 or a portion thereof during bending.6742578.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09062-2503879

[0073] In some non-limiting embodiments, first portion 104 may include first arm 1 18 between first flange 106 and post holding portion 108. In some non-limiting embodiments, first portion 104 may further include first tab 120. In some non-limiting embodiments, post holding portion 108 may further include one or more walls 132a, 132b, and one or more walls 132a, 132b may be positioned on opposite sides of aperture 1 10.

[0074] In some non-limiting embodiments, as further shown in FIGS. 1A-1 C, clip member 102 may further include second portion 124 having second flange 126 and second arm 128. Second arm 128 may be between second flange 126 and post holding portion 108. In some non-limiting embodiments, second portion 124 may further include second tab 130.

[0075] Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective and front views of clip member 102 of device 100 according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, first tab 120 may extend from a first end of first flange 106, and first arm 118 may extend from a second end of first flange 106 to post holding portion 108. Similarly, in some non-limiting embodiments, second tab 130 may extend from a first end of second flange 126 and second arm 128 may extend from a second end of second flange 126 to post holding portion 108. In some non-limiting embodiments where post holding portion 108 includes one or more walls 132a, 132b, first arm 1 18 may extend from a second end of first flange 106 to first wall 132a of one or more walls 132a, 132b of post holding portion 108, and second arm 128 may extend from a second end of second flange 126 to second wall 132b of one or more walls 132a, 132b, of post holding portion 108.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 2B, first tab 120 may be disposed at a first angle a’ with respect to first flange 106 and first arm 118 may be disposed at second angle a” with respect to first flange 106. Second tab 130 may be disposed at a third angle a’” with respect to second flange 126 and second arm 128 may disposed at fourth angle a”” with respect to second flange 126. In some non-limiting embodiments, third angle a’” may be the same as first angle a’ and fourth angle a”” may be the same as second angle a”.

[0077] With continued reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, in some non-limiting embodiments of device 100, first portion 104 of clip member 102 may be symmetrical6742578.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09062-2503879 to second portion 124, such that second portion 124 mirrors first portion 104 across plane P extending through the center of the post holding portion.

[0078] With reference to FIGS. 1A-4B, first arm 1 18 may include one or more projections 134 extending at an angle from first arm 1 18, and second arm 128 may include one or more projections 134 extending at an angle from second arm 128. In some non-limiting embodiments, for example as shown in FIGS. 1 A-2B, first arm 118 and second arm 128 may each include a set of two projections 134. In other embodiments, for example as shown in FIGS. 3A-6B first arm 1 18 and second arm 128 may each include four projections 134, and the four projections 134 may be provided as two sets of two projections. In some non-limiting embodiments, at least one of the one or more projections 134 may have a sharp, jagged or pointed tip such that projections 134 are configured to pierce an exterior surface of a component of a solar array. For example, in some non-limiting embodiments, one or more projections 134 may be configured to pierce a surface layer of a solar module and a solar module frame. In some non-limiting embodiments, projections 134 may be formed by cutting and bending a portion of first arm 1 18 and second arm 128. In some non-limiting embodiments, projections 134 may provide additional friction by which clip member 102 of device 100 is securely mounted to a component of a solar array, such as between two adjacent solar modules or the frames thereof. In some non-limiting embodiments, one or more projections 134 of first arm 1 18 and / or of second arm 128 may provide electrical grounding between device 100 and one or more components of a solar array. In exemplary embodiments, projections 134 may pierce an anodized or coated layer of such component to reach and pierce bare metal underneath the coating.

[0079] Referring now to FIGS. 3A-4B, FIGS. 3A-3C are various views of device 100 and FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective and front views of clip member 102 of device 100 according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 3A-4B, in some non-limiting embodiments, first arm 1 18 may include one or more projections 134 which may be at least two sets of two projections 134 and second arm 128 may similarly include at least two sets of two projections 134. Accordingly, in some non-limiting embodiments, where first arm 1 18 and second arm 128 each include at least two sets of two projections 134, the respective sets of projections 134 may contribute to the ability of device 100 to be installed with respect to various solar module / solar module frame sizes and / or varying gap sizes between6742578.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09062-2503879 adjacent solar modules or the frames thereof. For example, two sets of two projections 134 disposed on each first arm 1 18 and second arm 128 of clip member 102 may allow for use of device 100 in gaps between adjacent solar modules of various sizes, for example, at least two or more different module gap size ranges.

[0080] For example, in an implementation where clip member 102 is installed in a larger (e.g., wider) module gap, relative to the size (e.g., overall width and / or height) of the clip member 102, an upper set of two projections 134 may engage the adjacent solar modules or frames thereof. Similarly, for example, in an implementation where clip member 102 is installed in a smaller (e.g., narrower) module gap, relative to the size (e.g., overall width and / or height) of the clip member 102, a lower set of two projections 134 may engage the adjacent solar modules or frames thereof. However, in certain implementations, regardless of whether clip member 102 is installed in a larger module gap or a smaller module gap, both an upper set of two projections 134 and a lower set of two projections 134 on each first arm 1 18 and second arm 128 may engage the adjacent solar modules or frames thereof. In other implementations, for example due to imperfections or irregularities in the module gap and / or the adjacent modules or frames, or due to flexing of the clip member 102 or other environmental factors, engagement with one or more particular projections 134, or a particular set or sets of projections 134, may not necessarily correspond to the given gap size. Accordingly, the inclusion of two sets of two projections 134 disposed on each first arm 1 18 and second arm 128 provides redundancy and additional and ample opportunities for at least one projection 134 or one set of projections 134 on each first arm 1 18 and second arm 128 to engage the adjacent solar modules or the frames thereof, and thus may provide a secure engagement of the clip member 102 within the gap and sufficient electrical grounding. Other features of device 100 that contribute to the ability of device 100 to be used in solar module gaps of various sizes are discussed below.

[0081] In some non-limiting embodiments, clip member 102 may further include one or more support 138 for laterally (i.e., horizontally) securing post member 1 12. As further shown in FIGS. 3B-4B, a first support 138 may extend from first wall 132a toward second wall 132b and a second support 138 may extend from second wall 132b toward first wall 132a. Clip member 102 may be configured to receive post member 1 12 through aperture 110 of post holding portion 108 and between the first support 138 and the second support 138. In some non-limiting embodiments, first and6742578.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09062-2503879 second supports 138 may be configured to provide lateral support to a portion of post member 1 12 where post member 1 12 is extending through aperture 1 10. The lateral support provided by first and second supports 138 may also assist in securing post member 1 12 within aperture 110 during a bending step of a method for securing one or more wires in a solar array with device 100.

[0082] Referring now to FIGS. 5A-6B, FIGS. 3A-3C are various views of device 100 and FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective and front views of clip member 102 of device 100 according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 5A-6B, in some non-limiting embodiments, first arm 1 18 may include two sets of two projections 134 and second arm 128 may similarly include two sets of two projections 134. As mentioned above, the respective sets of two projections 134 may contribute to the ability of device 100 to be installed with respect to various solar module / solar module frame sizes and / or varying gap sizes between adjacent solar modules or the frames thereof.

[0083] In some non-limiting embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5A-6B, clip member 102 may include support tab 136 extending from aperture 1 10 and / or extending upward from a top surface of post holding portion 108. Aperture 1 10 and support tab 136 may be formed where support tab 136 is punched or cut out from a top surface of post holding portion 108. In some non-limiting embodiments, clip member 102 may further include only one support 138 for laterally (i.e., horizontally) securing post member 1 12. As further shown in FIGS. 5A-6B, one or more support 138 may extend from first wall 132a toward second wall 132b and may be positioned below the upwardly extending support tab 136. This configuration including only one support 138 may allow for easier insertion of post member 1 12 into clip member 102 as compared to embodiments including two or more supports 138 as there is a larger area in which to position a lower extension 1 16 after insertion into aperture 1 10.

[0084] Clip member 102 may be configured to receive post member 1 12 through aperture 1 10 of post holding portion 108 and such that post 1 12 contacts and is supported by both support tab 136 and support 138. In this configuration, the combination of support tab 136, support 138, and a top and bottom edge of post holding portion 108 defined by aperture 1 10 may be configured to provide lateral support to a various portions of post member 1 12 where post member 1 12 is extending through aperture 1 10, such that there are at least two points of contact between the post member 1 12 and clip member 102 during a bending step of a method for securing6742578.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09062-2503879 one or more wires in a solar array with device 100. This configuration may allow for bending of post member 1 12 in multiple directions with respect to clip member 102. For example, where bending of post member 1 12 is accomplished by bending an upper extension 116 in a direction toward the support tab 136, the two points of contact occur between the post member 112 and the support tab 136, and between the post member 1 12 and a bottom edge of post holding portion 108 defined by aperture 1 10. Additionally, for example, where bending of post member 1 12 is accomplished by bending an upper extension 1 16 in a direction away from the support tab 136, the two points of contact occur between the post member 1 12 and a top edge of post holding portion 108 defined by aperture 1 10 and the support 138. In this way, the post member 1 12 may be supported by two points of contact during bending.

[0085] With continued reference to FIGS. 3A-6B, in some non-limiting embodiments, clip member 102 may include one or more window 140. As shown in FIGS. 3C, 4A, 5C, and 6A, one or more window 140 may correspond to one or more support tab 138 and may be formed where one or more support 138 is punched or cut out from first wall 132a and / or second wall 132b. In some non-limiting embodiments, one or more window 140 may be provided above a respective corresponding one or more support 138 such that one or more support 138 may be bent downward. In some non-limiting embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3C, 4A, 5C, and 6A, one or more window 140 may be provided below a respective corresponding one or more support 138 such that one or more support 138 may be bent upward. In some non-limiting embodiments, for example as shown in FIGS. 5A-6B, where only one of first wall 132a and second wall 132b includes a support such as support 138, a window such as window 140 may still be provided on each of first wall 132a and second wall 132b to ensure load symmetry across the two sides of the clip member 102 during use.

[0086] In some non-limiting embodiments, clip member 102 may be constructed from any suitable material including metallic and polymeric materials and may be constructed of a single piece of material (i.e., monolithic construction). A suitable material may be one that is flexible enough to flex under force to allow for manipulation such as for clip member 102 to be inserted between adjacent solar modules and / or the frames thereof but resilient enough to apply a force such as a spring force to hold clip 102 between the adjacent solar modules and / or the frames thereof.

[0087] Accordingly, clip member 102 may be configured to be flexible such that, where clip member 102 is in a static state, a width between first portion 104 and6742578.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09062-2503879 second portion 124, is greater than the width between first portion 104 and second portion 124 where a force is applied to either first portion 104, second portion 124, or first portion 104 and second portion 104. In this way, clip member 102 may be unflexed in a first state where no force is applied to clip member 124 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1 A-4B and 13A), and clip member 102 may be flexed in a second state where a force is applied to either first portion 104, second portion 124, or first portion 104 and second portion 124 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 13B-15C).

[0088] Where clip member 102 is constructed from metal such as stainless steel, aluminum, steel, a combination thereof, or another suitable metal or metal alloy, clip member 102 may be constructed by stamping a portion of a sheet of the metal to form the cuts and folds of clip member 102. Further bending of the portion of metal may also be implemented to achieve the shape and geometries of clip member 102. In other non-limiting embodiments, where clip member 102 is constructed from a polymer such as vinyl, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene (PE), a combination thereof, or another suitable polymer, clip member 102 may be constructed by injection molding or compression molding, among other suitable manufacturing techniques. The construction of clip member 102 obviates the need for machining or casting and thus greatly reduces manufacturing costs. However, clip member 102 may of course also or alternatively be manufactured by machining, casting, 3-D printing, or any other manufacturing practice.

[0089] Referring now to FIGS. 7-10B, FIGS. 7-10A are front views of post member 1 12 of device 100. according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, and FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the post member of FIG. 10A. As shown in FIGS. 7-10B, post member 1 12 may include body 1 14 having one or more extension 1 16a, 1 16b. At least one of one or more extension 1 16a, 116b may be configured to secure one or more wires. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7-10B, post member 1 12 may include two extensions 1 16a, 116b, where extension 1 16a shown on the bottom portion of post member 112 may be configured to secure the wires.

[0090] In some non-limiting embodiments, body 1 14 of post member 1 12 may have first axis A’ and first extension 1 16a of one or more extension 1 16a, 1 16b may have second axis A” at an angle with respect to first axis A’. In some non-limiting embodiments, second extension 1 16b of one or more extension 1 16a, 1 16b may have6742578.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09062-2503879 a third axis A’” at an angle with respect to the first axis A’. In some non-limiting embodiments, the angle between first axis A’ and second axis A” may be the same as the angle between first axis A’ and second as A’”, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9. In other non-limiting embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, the angle between first axis A’ and second axis A” may be the same as the angle between first axis A’ and second as A’”. In other embodiments, for example, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, extensions 1 16a and 1 16b may be curvilinear such that either extension 1 16a, extension 1 16b, or both extensions 1 16a, 1 16b form a hook or a loop.

[0091] In some non-limiting embodiments, body 1 14 of post member 1 12 may be bendable such that at least a portion of the post member may be bent around at least a portion of clip member 102 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 17A-17C). In the exemplary embodiments, post member 1 12 is shown as cylindrical rod (i.e., having a circular cross section). However, it is to be understood that post member 102 may also comprise any conceivable shape, such as a cuboid or elongate cubical shape having a square or rectangular cross section, a rhomboid prism having a rhomboidal cross section, a triangular prism having a triangular cross section, or another shape of the like. Further, it is considered that post member 1 12 may be an elongated thin strip or sheet, or a wire of any desirable thickness.

[0092] In some non-limiting embodiments, post member 112 may be constructed from any suitable material including metallic and polymeric materials and may be constructed of a single piece of material (i.e., monolithic construction). A suitable material may be one that is bendable enough to bend under force without breaking or cracking while maintaining such bend to allow for manipulation such as for post member 1 12 to be inserted into aperture 1 10 of clip member 102 and bent around at least a portion of clip member 102.

[0093] Where post member 1 12 is constructed from metal such as stainless steel, aluminum, steel, a combination thereof, or another suitable metal, post member 1 12 may be constructed by extrusion of an elongate portion of metal. Further bending of the portion of metal may also be implemented to achieve the shape and geometries of post member 1 12 such as body 1 14 and extensions 1 16a, 1 16b. In some nonlimiting embodiments, post member 1 12 may be stamped from a sheet or portion of metal. In some non-limiting embodiments, post member 112 may be coated with an insulative material and / or a non-metal material which may be a polymer such as vinyl, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Polypropylene (PP),6742578.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09062-2503879Polyethylene (PE), a combination thereof, or another suitable polymer. The construction of post member 1 12 obviates the need for machining or casting and thus greatly reduces manufacturing costs. However, post member 1 12 may of course also or alternatively be manufactured by machining, casting, 3-D printing, or any other manufacturing practice.

[0094] In some non-limiting embodiments, as shown for example in FIGS. 1A-1 C and 3A-3C, post member 102 may be inserted into aperture 1 10 of post holding portion 108. Then, during use for securing one or more wires in a solar array, at least a portion of post member 1 12 may be bent above post holding portion 108 and around post holding portion 108, as shown for example in FIGS. 17A-17C. In some nonlimiting embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2A, post holding portion 108 of clip member 102 may further include indicia I to indicate which direction post member 112 should be bent (i.e., away from support tab 136). However, in some non-limiting embodiments, such as those shown in FIGS. 3A-4B, post member 1 12 may be bent in either direction.

[0095] The materials discussed herein allow for near universal implementation of device 100 with respect to various solar module / solar module frame sizes and / or varying gap sizes between adjacent solar modules or the frames thereof. For example, the size, flexibility and resiliency of clip member 102 allows for use in gaps between adjacent solar modules of various sizes. Similarly, for example, post member 1 12 may be bent at any conceivable position which allows for reaching and securing wires beneath solar modules / solar module frames of various thicknesses or frame heights. However, in some non-limiting embodiments, device 100, clip member 102, and post member 1 12 may be provided (i.e., manufactured) in various sizes. Common solar module frame heights range from 30mm to 40mm. Accordingly, device 100 may be sized and configured to accommodate various solar module dimensions, including frame heights, such that post member 1 12 is long enough and / or short enough to reach and secure wires beneath solar modules without being cumbersome or obtrusive. Similarly, the gap between adjacent solar modules and / or the frames thereof may vary between solar arrays. Accordingly, clip member 102 may be wide enough and / or condensed enough such that it may accommodate a range of gap sizes. For example, in some non-limiting embodiments, clip member 102 may be sized and configured to accommodate gap sizes in the range of approximately 0.5 inches to 1 .1875 inches. It is considered that device 100 may be sized and configured6742578.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09062-2503879 to accommodate any solar module frame height, or the thickness or dimension of any other component of a solar array.

[0096] Referring now to FIGS. 11 -170, FIGS. 1 1 -17C are various views of implementations of device 100 and various steps of method 900 for securing one or more wires in a solar array, according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1 1 , method 900 may include providing a device for securing one or more wires in a solar array. The device may be the same as or similar to any of devices 100, 200, 300 as described herein. In some non-limiting embodiments, device 100 may include clip member 102 and elongate post member 1 12. Clip member 102 may be comprised of first portion 104 having first flange 106 and first arm 1 18, second portion 124 having second flange 126 and second arm 128, and post holding portion 108. Post holding portion 108 may have an aperture 1 10, and aperture 1 10 may be sized and configured to receive post member 1 12. Post member 1 12 may be comprised of body 1 14 having one or more extension 1 16. At least one of one or more extension 1 16 may be configured to secure one or more wires.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 12, method 900 may further include inserting post member 1 12 into aperture 1 10 such that extension 1 16a extends below post holding portion 108. As shown in FIG. 13, method 900 may further include locating one or more wires W disposed beneath two adjacent solar modules M. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, method 900 may further include inserting extension 1 16a between two adjacent solar modules M. As shown in FIG. 14, method 900 may further include hooking the one or more wires W with extension 116a.

[0098] As shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, method 900 may further include retracting post member 1 12 such that the one or more wires W are held by extension 1 16a and post member 112 until one or more wires W contact the bottom of the two adjacent solar modules M (e.g., as shown in FIG. 16B).

[0099] As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, method 900 may further include inserting clip member 102 between the two adjacent solar modules M such that first arm 1 18 and second arm 128 move closer to each other and contact a frame F of each of the two adjacent solar modules. In some non-limiting embodiments of method 900, inserting clip member 102 between two adjacent solar modules M includes applying a force to first arm 1 18 such that first arm 1 18 flexes toward first wall 132a of post holding portion 108, applying a force to second arm 128 such that second arm 128 flexes6742578.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09062-2503879 toward second wall 132b of post holding portion 108, and pushing clip member 102 down such that first portion 104 contacts frame F of the first solar module M, second portion 124 contacts frame F of the second solar module M, and clip member 102 is friction fit between the first solar module M and second solar module M. In some nonlimiting embodiments, applying force to first arm 1 18 and second arm 128 may include squeezing first tab 120 and / or second tab 130. In some non-limiting embodiments, squeezing tab 120 and / or second tab 130 may additionally and / or alternatively be used to apply force to first arm 118 and second arm 128 for removal of clip member 102 and device 100 from first solar module M and second solar module M and the gap therebetween.

[0100] In some non-limiting embodiments of method 900, applying force to clip member 102 for inserting clip member 102 between the two adjacent solar modules M may be accomplished by only pushing the clip down between the modules. That is, a user may not separately apply force to first arm 118 or second arm 128 to bring first arm 1 18 and second arm 128 closer together. Instead, applying the downward force to clip member 102, such as by pushing down on first flange 106, second flange 126, and / or post holding portion 108 may cause side surfaces of the frames F forming the gap between the modules M to apply force to first arm 1 18 and second arm 128. This force, applied to first arm 1 18 and second arm 128 by the surfaces of frames F, may bring first arm 118 and second arm 128 closer together.

[0101] As further shown in FIG. 16B, in some non-limiting embodiments, one or more projections 134 extending from each first arm 1 18 and second arm 128 may pierce a surface of a frame F of each of the two adjacent solar modules M as clip member 102 is being inserted and after clip member 102 has been inserted. One or more projections 134 may further provide additional friction by which clip member 102 of device 100 is secured between modules M.

[0102] As shown in FIGS. 17A-17C, method 900 may further include bending post member 1 12 over post holding portion 108 such that one or more wires W are held in contact between extension 1 16a and the bottom of the two adjacent solar modules M.

[0103] In some non-limiting embodiments of method 900, where clip member 102 includes supports 138 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 3B-4B), at least one support 138 may laterally support a lower portion of post member 1 12 and may assist in securing post member 1 12 within aperture 1 10 during the bending of post member 1 12 over post holding portion 108.6742578.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09062-2503879

[0104] Referring now to FIGS. 18-20, FIG. 18 is a front view of device 200, FIG. 19 is a perspective view of clip member 202, and FIG. 20 is a front view of an implementation of device 200 according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure. Device 200 and clip member 202 may be the same as or similar to device 100 and clip member 102 as discussed herein, where like reference numbers are used to indicate like parts. In some non-limiting embodiments, as shown in FIG. 18, device 200 may include post member 1 12.

[0105] In some non-limiting embodiments, clip member 202 may include first portion 204 having first flange 206 and post holding portion 208. First portion 204 may further include first arm 218 and first arm 218 may be between first flange 206 and post holding portion 208.

[0106] Post holding portion 208 may have an aperture 210, and aperture 210 may be sized and configured to receive post member 1 12. Post member 1 12 may be comprised of body 1 14 having one or more extension 116. At least one of one or more extension 1 16 may be configured to secure one or more wires. Post member 1 12 may include two extensions 1 16, where the extension 1 16 shown on the bottom portion of post member 1 12 may be configured to secure the wires.

[0107] In some non-limiting embodiments, clip member 202 may further include second portion 224 having second flange 226 and second arm 228. Second arm 228 may be between second flange 226 and post holding portion 208. As shown in FIG. 19, first flange 206 may include two first flange portions 206a and 206b and second flange 226 may include two second flange portions 226a and 226b.

[0108] In some non-limiting embodiments, clip member 202 may further include one or more support 238 for laterally (i.e., horizontally) securing post member 1 12. As shown in FIGS. 18-20, support 238 may be cylindrical and concentric with aperture 210. In some non-limiting embodiments, support 238 may be configured to provide lateral support to a portion of post member 1 12 where post member 1 12 is extending through aperture 210. The lateral support provided by support 238 may also assist in securing post member 1 12 within aperture 210 during a bending step of a method for securing one or more wires in a solar array with device 200.

[0109] In some non-limiting embodiments, clip member 202 may further include one or more support notch 240 for laterally (i.e., horizontally) securing post member 1 12 for and after bending of post member 1 12 over post holding portion 208. As shown in FIGS. 18-20, one or more support notch 240 may be positioned through the center6742578.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09062-2503879 of post holding portion 208 such that one or more support notch 240 is colinear with aperture 210. Additionally, one or more support notch 240 may be positioned between two first flange portions 206a, 206b of first flange 206 and may also be positioned between two second flange portions 326a, 326b of second flange 326. In some nonlimiting embodiments, support notches 240 may be configured to provide lateral support to a portion of post member 1 12 and may assist in securing post member 1 12 during a bending step of a method for securing one or more wires in a solar array with device 200. Accordingly, support notches 240 may provide multiple locations suitable to receive a bent portion of post member 1 12 such that a particular support notch 240 may be utilized depending on the direction of bending of post member 1 12, which may in part be dictated by the orientation of clip member 202 within the gap.

[0110] In some non-limiting embodiments, clip member 202 may be constructed from a polymer such as vinyl, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene (PE), a combination thereof, or another suitable polymer. Clip member 102 may be constructed by injection molding or compression molding, among other suitable manufacturing techniques.

[0111] These materials and the proportional dimensions of device 200 may allow for implementation with respect to various solar module / solar module frame sizes and / or varying gap sizes between adjacent solar modules or the frames thereof. Particularly, the gap between adjacent solar modules and / or the frames thereof may vary between solar arrays. To accommodate for this variation, clip member 202 may be configured such that the total width from the outside edge of first flange 206 to the outside edge of second flange 226 (i.e., the greater width) is wider than a total width from the outside edge of first flange portion 206a to the outside edge of first flange portion 206b and / or from the outside edge of second flange portion 226a to the outside edge of second flange portion 226b (i.e., the lesser width). This configuration may allow clip member 202 to be inserted into the gap between adjacent solar modules in multiple orientations.

[0112] In some non-limiting embodiments, clip member 202 may be inserted into the gap between adjacent solar modules or the frames thereof by positioning the greater width of clip 202 either parallel or perpendicular to the module gap. When the greater width is perpendicular to the gap (and the lesser width is parallel) as shown in FIG. 20, clip member 202 may accommodate a range of wider or larger gaps. For example, first flange portions 206a and 206b may sit on the frame on one side of the6742578.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09062-2503879 gap and second flange portions 226a and 226b may sit on the frame on the other side of the gap. When the greater width is parallel to the gap (and the lesser width is perpendicular) clip member 202 may accommodate a range of narrower gaps. For example, first flange portion 206a and second flange portion 226a may sit on the frame on one side of the gap and first flange portion 206b and second flange portion 226b may sit on the frame on the other side of the gap. In some non-limiting embodiments, device 200 and clip member 102 may further be provided (i.e., manufactured) in various sizes to accommodate additional gap sizes. Accordingly, clip member 200 may be wide enough and / or condensed enough such that it may accommodate a range of gap sizes. It is considered that device 200 may be sized and configured to accommodate any solar module frame height, or the thickness or dimension of any other component of a solar array.

[0113] Referring now to FIGS. 21 -23, FIG. 21 is a front view of device 300, FIG. 22 is a perspective view of clip member 302, and FIG. 23 is a front view of an implementation of device 300 according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure. Device 300 and clip member 302 may be the same as or similar to devices 100, 200 and clip members 102, 202 as discussed herein, where like reference numbers are used to indicate like parts. In some non-limiting embodiments, as shown in FIG. 21 , device 300 may include post member 1 12.

[0114] In some non-limiting embodiments, clip member 302 may include first portion 304 having first flange 306 and post holding portion 308. First portion 304 may further include first arm 318 and first arm 318 may be between first flange 306 and post holding portion 308.

[0115] Post holding portion 308 may have an aperture 310, and aperture 310 may be sized and configured to receive post member 1 12. Post member 1 12 may be comprised of body 1 14 having one or more extension 116. At least one of one or more extension 1 16 may be configured to secure one or more wires. Post member 1 12 may include two extensions 1 16, where the extension 1 16 shown on the bottom portion of post member 1 12 may be configured to secure the wires.

[0116] In some non-limiting embodiments, clip member 302 may further include second portion 324 having second flange 326 and second arm 328. Second arm 328 may be between second flange 326 and post holding portion 308. As shown in FIG. 22, first flange 306 may include two first flange portions 306a, 306b and second flange 326 may include two second flange portions 326a, 326b.6742578.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09062-2503879

[0117] In some non-limiting embodiments, clip member 302 may further include one or more support 338 for laterally (i.e., horizontally) securing post member 1 12 for and after bending of post member 1 12 over post holding portion 308. As shown in FIGS. 21 -22, supports 338 may be positioned between first portion 304 and second portion 324, and / or between first flange 306 and second flange 326 (i.e., between first flange portion 306aand second flange portion 326a, and / or between first flange portion 306b and second flange portion 326b). In some non-limiting embodiments, a first support 338 may extends from first arm 318 toward the second arm 328 and second support 338 may extend from second arm 328 toward first arm 318. In some non-limiting embodiments, supports 338 may be configured to provide lateral support to a portion of post member 1 12 and may assist in securing post member 112 during a bending step of a method for securing one or more wires in a solar array with device 300.

[0118] In some non-limiting embodiments, clip member 302 may further include one or more support notch 340 for laterally (i.e., horizontally) securing post member 1 12 for and after bending of post member 1 12 over post holding portion 308. As shown in FIGS. 21 -23, one or more support notch 340 may be positioned at the center of supports 338 of post holding portion 208 such that one or more support notch 340 is colinear with aperture 310. Additionally, one or more support notch 340 may be positioned between two first flange portions 306a, 306b of first flange 306 and may also be positioned between two second flange portions 326a, 326b of second flange 326. In some non-limiting embodiments, support notches 340 may be configured to provide lateral support to a portion of post member 1 12 and may assist in securing post member 1 12 during a bending step of a method for securing one or more wires in a solar array with device 300. Accordingly, support notches 340 may provide multiple locations suitable to receive a bent portion of post member 1 12 such that a particular support notch 340 may be utilized depending on the direction of bending of post member 1 12, which may in part be dictated by the orientation of clip member 302 within the gap.

[0119] In some non-limiting embodiments, as further shown in FIGS. 21 -23, clip member 302 may include projections 334 extending at an angle from a corner of each of first flange portions 306a, 306b and second flange portions 326a, 326b. In some non-limiting embodiments, at least one of the one or more projections 334 may have a sharp, jagged or pointed tip such that projections 334 are configured to pierce an6742578.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09062-2503879 exterior surface of a component of a solar array. For example, in some non-limiting embodiments, one or more projections 334 may be configured to pierce a surface layer of a solar module and a solar module frame. In some non-limiting embodiments, projections 334 of may be formed by bending a portion such as a corner of first flange 306 and / or second flange 326 (i.e., a corner of first flange portions 306a, 306b and / or second flange portions 326a, 326b). In some non-limiting embodiments, as shown in FIG. 23, projections 334 may provide additional friction by which clip member 302 of device 300 is securely mounted to a component of a solar array, such as between two adjacent solar modules M or the frames thereof F. In some non-limiting embodiments, one or more projections 334 may provide electrical grounding between device 300 and one or more components of a solar array. In exemplary embodiments, projections 334 may pierce an anodized or coated layer of such component to reach and pierce bare metal underneath the coating.

[0120] In some non-limiting embodiments, clip member 302 may be constructed from any suitable material including metallic and polymeric materials and may be constructed of a single piece of material (i.e., monolithic construction). Where clip member 302 is constructed from metal such as stainless steel, aluminum, steel, a combination thereof, or another suitable metal, clip member 302 may be constructed by stamping a portion of a sheet of the metal to form the cuts and folds of clip member 302. Further bending of the portion of metal may also be implemented to achieve the shape and geometries of clip member 302. In other non-limiting embodiments, where clip member 302 is constructed from a polymer such as vinyl, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene (PE), a combination thereof, or another suitable polymer, clip member 302 may be constructed by injection molding or compression molding, among other suitable manufacturing techniques. The construction of clip member 302 obviates the need for machining or casting and thus greatly reduces manufacturing costs. However, clip member 302 may of course also or alternatively be manufactured by machining, casting, 3-D printing, or any other manufacturing practice.

[0121] These materials and the proportional dimensions of device 300 may allow for implementation with respect to various solar module / solar module frame sizes and / or varying gap sizes between adjacent solar modules or the frames thereof. Particularly, to accommodate for the variation in gap sizes between solar arrays, clip member 302 may be configured such that the total width from the outside edge of first6742578.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09062-2503879 flange 306 to the outside edge of second flange 326 (i.e., the greater width) is wider than a total width from the outside edge of first flange portion 306a to the outside edge of first flange portion 306b and / or from the outside edge of second flange portion 326a to the outside edge of second flange portion 326b (i.e., the lesser width). This configuration may allow clip member 302 to be inserted into the gap between adjacent solar modules in multiple orientations.

[0122] In some non-limiting embodiments, clip member 302 may be inserted into the gap between adjacent solar modules or the frames thereof by positioning the greater width of clip 302 either parallel or perpendicular to the module gap. When the greater width is perpendicular to the gap (and the lesser width is parallel) as shown in FIG. 23, clip member 302 may accommodate a range of wider or larger gaps. For example, first flange portions 306a and 306b may sit on the frame on one side of the gap and second flange portions 326a and 326b may sit on the frame on the other side of the gap. When the greater width is parallel to the gap (and the lesser width is perpendicular) clip member 302 may accommodate a range of narrower gaps. For example, first flange portion 306a and second flange portion 326a may sit on the frame on one side of the gap and first flange portion 306b and second flange portion 326b may sit on the frame on the other side of the gap. In some non-limiting embodiments, device 300 and clip member 102 may further be provided (i.e., manufactured) in various sizes to accommodate additional gap sizes. Accordingly, clip member 300 may be wide enough and / or condensed enough such that it may accommodate a range of gap sizes. It is considered that device 300 may be sized and configured to accommodate any solar module frame height, or the thickness or dimension of any other component of a solar array.

[0123] It is to be understood, that while the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with respect to mounting one or more wires to the underside of adjacent solar modules, the devices, assemblies, and methods are applicable for, but not limited to, implementation with regard to mounting wires to the side of and / or beneath a solar module and another component and with regard to mounting of any number of wires and / or any number of other components in a solar array to a solar module, a solar module frame, a rail and / or to any other conceivable mount or device in any conceivable position, and it is considered that there are various other configurations and uses for securely mounting components with the devices, assemblies, and methods of the present disclosure.6742578.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09062-2503879

[0124] While several examples of devices, assemblies, and methods for securing one or more wires to the underside of adjacent solar modules are shown in the accompanying figures and described in detail hereinabove, other aspects will be apparent to, and readily made by, those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly, the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. The disclosure described hereinabove is defined by the appended claims and all changes to the disclosure that fall within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.6742578.DOCX

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 09062-2503879WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:1 . A device for securing one or more wires in a solar array, comprising: a clip member comprised of a first portion having a first flange and a post holding portion having an aperture; and an elongate post member comprised of a body having one or more extension, wherein the aperture is sized and configured to receive the post member, and wherein at least one of the one or more extension is configured to secure one or more wires.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first portion comprises a first arm between the first flange and the post holding portion and the clip member further comprises a second portion having a second flange and a second arm between the second flange and the post holding portion.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein a first tab is disposed at a first angle with respect to the first flange and the first arm is disposed at second angle with respect to the first flange.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the first tab extends from a first end of the first flange and the first arm extends from a second end of the first flange to the post holding portion.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the second portion comprises a second tab disposed at a third angle with respect to the second flange and the second arm is disposed at fourth angle with respect to the second flange.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the second tab extends from a first end of the second flange and the second arm extends from a second end of the second flange to the post holding portion.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the post holding portion comprises one or more walls, wherein the first arm extends from a second end of the first flange to a first wall of the one or more walls of the post holding portion, and6742578.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09062-2503879 wherein the second arm extends from a second end of the second flange to a second wall of the one or more walls of the post holding portion.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the third angle is the same as the first angle and the fourth angle is the same as the second angle.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the first portion is symmetrical to the second portion such that the second portion mirrors the first portion across a plane extending through the post holding portion.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the first arm comprises one or more projections extending at an angle from the first arm and the second arm comprises one or more projections extending at an angle from the second arm.1 1. The device of claim 10, wherein the one or more projections are configured to pierce a surface layer of a solar module and a solar module frame.

12. The device of claim 1 1 , wherein the first arm comprises at least two projections of the one or more projections and the second arm comprises at least two projections of the one or more projections.

13. The device of claim 9, wherein the aperture is at least semi-circular and extends through a top surface of the post holding portion.

14. The device of claim 9, wherein the post holding portion comprises a support tab extending from the post holding portion and the aperture.

15. The device of claim 9, wherein the post holding portion comprises one or more support extending from the first wall toward the second wall or from the second wall toward the first wall.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the clip member is configured to receive the post member such that the one or more support contacts and supports the post member.6742578.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09062-250387917. The device of claim 9, wherein the clip member is configured to be flexible such that a width between the first portion and the second portion where the clip member is in a static state is greater than the width between the first portion and the second portion where a force is applied to either the first portion, the second portion, or the first portion and the second portion.

18. The device of claim 1 , wherein the clip member is unflexed in a first state where no force is applied to the clip member.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein the clip member is flexed in a second state where a force is applied to either the first portion, the second portion, or the first portion and the second portion.

20. The device of claim 1 , wherein the body of the post member has a first axis and a first extension of the one or more extension has a second axis at an angle with respect to the first axis.21 . The device of claim 20, wherein a second extension of the one or more extension has a third axis at an angle with respect to the first axis.

22. The device of claim 1 , wherein the body of the post member is bendable such that at least a portion of the post member may be bent around at least a portion of the clip member.

23. The device of claim 22, wherein the post member is inserted into the aperture of the post holding portion and wherein at least a portion of the post member is bent above the post holding portion and around the post holding portion.

24. A method for securing one or more wires in a solar array, comprising: providing a device for securing one or more wires in a solar array, the device comprising:6742578.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09062-2503879 a clip member comprised of a first portion having a first flange and a first arm, a second portion having a second flange and a second arm, and a post holding portion having an aperture; and an elongate post member comprised of a body having one or more extension configured to secure one or more wires; inserting the post member into the aperture such that the extension extends below the post holding portion; locating one or more wires disposed beneath two adjacent solar modules; inserting the extension between the two adjacent solar modules; hooking the one or more wires with the extension; retracting the post member such that the one or more wires are held by the extension and the post member until the one or more wires contact the bottom of the two adjacent solar modules; inserting the clip member between the two adjacent solar modules such that the first arm and the second arm move closer to each other and contact a frame of each of the two adjacent solar modules; and bending the post member over the post holding portion such that one or more wires are held in contact between the extension and the bottom of the two adjacent solar modules.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein inserting the clip member between the two adjacent solar modules includes: applying force to the first arm such that the first arm flexes toward a first wall of the post holding portion; applying force to the second arm such that the second arm flexes toward a second wall of the post holding portion; and pushing the clip member down such that the first portion contacts the frame of the first solar module, the second portion contacts the frame of the second solar module, and the clip member is friction fit between the first solar module and the second solar module.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein one or more projections extending from each the first arm and the second arm pierce a surface of a frame of each of the two adjacent solar modules.6742578.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 09062-250387927. The method of claim 24, wherein at least one support laterally supports a lower portion of the post member during the bending of the post member over the post holding portion.6742578.DOCX

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