Ground nail installation apparatus and method

Abstract

A mobile base for moving across a land surface to (x y) locations designated for installation of ground nails to a predetermined height for coupling rails and photovoltaic modules vertically spaced from a ground surface for an energy generation system, guided by a locating system having a receiver for receiving a location signal and a controller configured for using the received location signal to direct the mobile base to move to a location for installation of a ground nail and a holding assembly having a pair of spaced-apart grips for holding a ground nail oriented relative to a horizon line in a lateral direction, and a driver for installing the ground nail into the land surface at the location. A bracket couples the elongated rail to the ground nail and supports extending from the elongated rail connect to and support the photovoltaic module spaced vertically from the ground surface.

Description

GROUND NAIL INSTALLATION APPARATUS AND METHODTechnical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for installing a plurality of ground-engaging supports for solar photovoltaic modules of a solar energy generation system on a land site. More particularly, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods for installing a plurality of ground-engaging nails for supporting a plurality of rails with connected plurality of solar photovoltaic modules in a plane vertically spaced from a ground surface of a solar energy generation system on a land site.Background Of The Invention

[0002] In recent years, companies engaged in the electricity generation and distribution industry have developed systems for generating electricity using renewable energy sources to replace or to supplement electricity generation using fossil fuels. Renewal energy sources include hydroelectric, pumped storage hydroelectric systems, tide and ocean current systems to drive generators of electrical current, and large area installations or “farms” using a plurality of solar photovoltaic panels for generating electricity from ambient sunlight.

[0003] The large area farms use supporting structures or racking systems to which the solar photovoltaic panels connect.

[0004] Large area land sites provide for long term filling and holding with waste, trash, and other disposable items. As the landfill is filled, areas may be closed for further infill to allow for subsidence and degradation of infill. Filled areas may be covered for long term closure. These closed landfills offer site-availability for large area solar photovoltaic energy generation farms. A4905-1161-9864vl2171320-00017504 / 14 / 2026significant drawback to such sites involves the restriction of ground penetrations for securing the racking system that supports the solar photovoltaic panels. Massive ballasting thus is required to secure the racking systems on the closed landfill site. Installation of ballasting is labor-intensive activity.

[0005] While landfills have restrictions on closure penetrations to restrict inflow of ambient environmental precipitation such as rain or snow, to prevent ground water contamination, other large area landsites are open to surface penetration for supporting racking structure for solar installations.

[0006] Conventional fossil fuel electricity generation plants, particularly coal-fired production facilities, Eire suitable for supplementEd solar energy generation farms. Such plants typically have large areas of land available for soleir panel farm site installation because of having land area for laydown storage. Also, the sites include substation installations for connection of the generation plant to the electricity transmission and distribution grid, and thus readily connectable to a supplemental renewable source of electricity for providing to the grid.

[0007] Additionally, large land areas referred to as “greenfields” are open to ingress of ambient environments water. Such sites thus are site-available for evaluating for possible solar energy generation farms using racking systems having ground penetrating supports. While such greenfield sites eliminate the laborious task of ballast installation, there is a need for installation of numerous spaced-apart ground-engaging supports to anchor the racking system that couple and support the solar photovoltaic panels.

[0008] Accordingly, there is need in the art for an improved method and apparatus for installation of ground-engaged racking supports for solar energy generation systems to position4905-1161-9864vl2171320-00017504 / 14 / 2026the plurality of solar photovoltaic panels in a plane vertically spaced from a ground surface on a land site. It is to such that the present invention is directed.Brief Summary Of The Invention

[0009] The present invention meets the need in the art by providing an apparatus for installation of a ground nail in a land site, comprising a mobile base for moving across a land surface and a locating system having a receiver for receiving a location signal and a controller configured for using the received location signal to direct the mobile base to move to a location for installation of a ground nail. A holding assembly has a pair of spaced-apart grips for holding a ground nail oriented relative to a horizon line in a lateral direction. A driver operates for installing the ground nail into the land surface at the location.

[0010] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of installing a ground nail on a land site, comprising the steps of:(a) receiving by a locating system a location signal and a controller configured for using the received location signal to direct the mobile base to move to a location for installation of a ground nail; mobile base for moving across a land surface;(b) directing by a controller a mobile base to move to a predetermined location for installation of a ground nail, said controller configured for using the received location signal to direct the mobile base to move to the location;(c) holding the ground nail by a holding assembly having a pair of spaced-apart grips for gripping the ground nail oriented to a horizon line in a lateral direction; and(d) installing the ground nail into the land surface at the location.4905-1161-9864vl2171320-00017504 / 14 / 2026

[0011] In another aspect, the present invention provides a bracket for coupling an elongated rail and a ground nail for supporting a solar photovoltaic module at a ground site, comprising an elongated plate defining a longitudinal slot intermediate a first end and an opposing second end for seating on an elongated rail. A first flange extends from the first end in a first direction from the elongated plate, said flange defining a pair of openings for receiving a respective threaded fastener therethrough. A second flange extends from the second end in a second direction from the elongated plate, the second direction opposite the first direction. The first flange for coupling with a ground nail and the second flange for abutting a side of the elongated rail, and said longitudinal slot receiving a fastener for securing the bracket to the elongated rail.

[0012] Objects, advantages, and features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon a reading of the following detailed description in reference to the drawingsBrief Description Of The Drawings

[0013] Fig. 1 illustrates in perspective view a mobile apparatus for installation of ground nails into a land site in spaced-apart relation for coupling with rails as a racking system for connected plurality of solar photovoltaic panels for a large area solar energy generation system.

[0014] Fig. 2 illustrates in elevational view a large area land site at which ground nails embedded by the mobile apparatus illustrated in Fig. 1 couple to rails that support a plurality of solar photovoltaic modules for a large area solar energy generation system.

[0015] Fig. 3 illustrates in perspective view the large area solar energy generation system illustrated in Fig. 2 with the spaced-apart ground nails embedded by the mobile apparatus illustrated in Fig. 1 couple to rails that support the plurality of solar photovoltaic modules for generation of electricity by the solar energy generation system.4905-1161-9864vl2171320-00017504 / 14 / 2026

[0016] Fig. 4 illustrates in perspective view a bracket for coupling a solar photovoltaic panel to an elongated rail and ground nail as illustrated in Fig. 2.

[0017] Fig. 5 illustrates in detailed perspective view a solar photovoltaic panel coupled to an elongated rail and a ground nail as illustrated in Fig. 2.

[0018] Fig. 6 illustrates in detailed perspective view a solar photovoltaic panel coupled to an elongated rail and a ground nail for supporting the solar photovoltaic panel elevated relative to a ground surface.

[0019] Fig. 7A - 7E illustrate alternate embodiments of ground-engaging supports for anchoring a racking system for coupling with and supporting solar photovoltaic panels spaced from a ground according to the present invention.Detailed Description

[0020] With reference to the drawings, in which like parts have like reference numerals, Fig. 2 illustrates in elevational view a solar photovoltaic electricity generation system 10 installed on a large area land site 12 using a plurality of ground-engaging supports 14 referenced herein as ground nails 14 or nails 14 in a spaced-apart grid 16 and supporting a plurality of rails 18 forming a racking system 19 with connected solar photovoltaic modules 20 in a plane 22 vertically spaced 23 from a ground surface 24 of the land site. As illustrated, the plane 22 may be arcuate for tracking the slope of the land site 12 to facilitate the installation and adjacent positioning of the coupled solar photovoltaic modules 20.

[0021] Fig. 2 illustrates a mobile apparatus 30 in accordance with the present invention for installation of the plurality of ground nails 14 in the spaced-apart grid 16 on the land site 12 as supports to facilitate coupling of the rails 18 and the supported connected solar photovoltaic4905-1161-9864vl2171320-00017504 / 14 / 2026modules 20 disposed within the plane 22 vertically spaced 23 from the ground surface 24 of the land site.

[0022] Fig. 3 illustrates in perspective view the large area solar energy generation system 10 illustrated in Fig. 2 with the spaced-apart ground nails 14 embedded by the mobile apparatus 30 illustrated in Fig. 1. The ground nails 14 couple to elongate rails 18 that support the plurality of solar photovoltaic modules 20 vertically spaced from the ground surface 24 for generation of electricity by the solar energy generation system.

[0023] The mobile apparatus 30 comprises a mobile base 32 having drivers generally 34 such as wheels or as illustrated with elongated belt tracks and an internal drive motor (not illustrated). A controller 36 communicates through a receiver and antenna 38 for location signals 39 such as GPS 40 or in the illustrated embodiment for local location signals such a provided by a RTK receiver / transmitter 42. The controller 36 includes a grid database 37 having a plurality of land site locations (x, y) at which a ground nail 14 is to be installed and an associated height (z) between the ground surface and a distal end of the ground nail for coupling the ground nail to a respective rail 18 that supports a respective solar photovoltaic module 20 vertically spaced uniformly with adjacent solar photovoltaic modules. The mobile apparatus 30 includes a storage bin 50 for holding a plurality of the ground nails 14 and an operator’s platform 52.

[0024] An installer 60 mounts to a front platform 62. The installer 60 includes an elongated support arm 64 having a pair of spaced-apart grips 66 for gripping and holding one of the ground nail 14 for installation at a selected location at the land site 12. The support arm 64 operatively connects to the mount for angled orientation of the longitudinal axis of the ground nail 14 during installation, whereby the ground nail is installed in the ground relative to a horizon line of the land site in a direction towards an opposing ground nail in a laterally spaced line of ground nails. In4905-1161-9864vl2171320-00017504 / 14 / 2026the illustrated embodiment, the angled orientation is provided by the support arm 64 connecting through a gimbal generally 68 interconnected to the support arm and a mount 70 attached to the platform 62. The ground nail 14 may be oriented at an angle relative to a horizon line in a direction 71 towards a laterally adjacent line of ground nails 14 as shown in Fig. 3, preferably as illustrated at an orientation in planar alignment on the line 71 relative to the opposing ground nails 14a, 14b, preferably at an angle perpendicular to the horizon line in a lateral direction. In some embodiments, the orientation may angle the ground nail 14 in a direction opposing a direction of the opposing ground nail in the laterally adjacent line of ground nails. A level 73 attaches to the mobile apparatus 30, for example, to the base 62, for sensing the angular orientation of the mobile apparatus 30 relative to the ground 12. The level 73 may display the angular orientation, and a signal communicates with the controller 36 for operating the gimbal 68 in order to orient the support arm 64 for orienting the ground nail at the orientation angle.

[0025] The installer 60 further includes a nail driver operative to drive the ground support ground nail 14 into the ground at the location on the land site. The nail driver may comprise a hammer system having a weighted head and a reciprocating mover for repeatedly driving the head firmly against a distal end of the ground nail 14 held by the grips 66. A sensor monitors the relative vertical movement of the ground nail into the ground whereby the installation movement is completed when the length of the ground nail above the ground reaches the predetermined height of the distal end associated with the particular location for the ground nail. In an alternate embodiment, the nail driver comprises a rotatable connector that engages a machined distal end of the ground nail, for example, the hex head 70 as illustrated. The rotatable connector may include a downward pressing force for pushing the rotating ground nail 14 into the ground at the location. In some embodiments, the ground nail 14 may further comprise as a ground support member a4905-1161-9864vl2171320-00017504 / 14 / 2026threaded screw 120 or an elongated shaft 132 with one or more helical flight 136 attached proximate a driving tip of the ground nail (discussed below as shown in Figs. 7A and 7B), and in which the driver comprises a rotatable coupler for engaging an upper distal end of the threaded fastener ground support for rotatingly driving the threaded fastener ground support into the ground with the threads or helical flight engaging the ground.

[0026] Fig. 7A - 7E illustrate alternate embodiments of ground-engaging ground nails 14 for anchoring the rails 18 of the racking system 19 for coupling with and supporting the solar photovoltaic panels 20 spaced from a ground 12 according to the present invention. Fig. 7A illustrates an elongated threaded screw 120 with a tapered tip 122 and threads 124 for being rotated during installation for threadingly engaging the ground. Fig. 7B illustrates a ground anchor 130 having an elongated shaft 132 with a tapered tip 134 and helical flights 136 proximate the tapered tip. The ground anchor 130 being rotated, drives with the helical flights into the ground 12 with helical flights 136 upon installation resisting pull-out movement. Fig. 7C illustrates a groundengaging rebar 140 having an elongated member 142 with a plurality of spaced-apart ridges 144 extending laterally from the member. Figs. 7D and 7E illustrate a ground-engaging mechanical anchor 150 having an elongated driving member 152 detachably attached to a toggle member 154 that pivotably couples with an elongated support 156. A distal end of the support 156 detachably attaches to a handle 158. The mechanical anchor 150 is driven into the ground 12 for seating the toggle member 154 below grade. The driving member 152 detaches from the toggle member 154, and the installer than pulls the handle 158 longitudinally upwardly. The toggle member 154 pivots and the support 156 extends to a selected height outwardly of the ground 12. Rails 18 attach to the distal ends of the ground-engaging supports for supporting solar photovoltaic modules 20 vertically spaced from the ground.4905-1161-9864vl2171320-00017504 / 14 / 2026

[0027] As the grid 16 of the plurality of ground nails 14 is being installed, other technicians then couple the rails 18 to adjacent installed ground nails 14 that support the rails. The rails 18 are elongated tubular members and interconnect to the ground nails for support stability. The rails 18 are held rigidly by connectors to the respective distal ends of the ground nails. The technicians further attach the solar photovoltaic modules 20 to the rails 18 using rail / module connectors.

[0028] Upon installation of the ground nail 14, the grippers 66 release the ground nail from engagement with the support arm 64. The mobile apparatus 30 backs away and then moves forwardly to the next location indicated in the location database for installation of the next ground nail 14 in the grid 16. The controller 36 receives and evaluates location (x, y) signals 39 and moves to the next location. At the next location, the installing technician obtains one of the ground nail 14 fin the supply held in the storage bin 50 and attaches the ground nail to the grippers 66. The installer 60 then operates the nail driver as discussed above for installation of the ground nail into the ground at the designated location.

[0029] Fig. 4 illustrates in perspective view a bracket 70 for coupling a solar photovoltaic panel 20 to an elongated rail 18 and the ground nail 14 as illustrated in Fig. 2. The bracket 70 comprises an elongated base plate 72 with opposing flanges 74, 76 extending in opposite directions at respective opposing ends of the base plate 72. The base plate 72 defines an elongated slot 78 extending longitudinally intermediate the opposing flanges 74, 76. A threaded fastener 80 extends through the slot 78 for coupling the bracket 70 to the elongated rail 18. The flange 74 defines a pivot opening 82 and an arcuate slot 84. Threaded legs of a C-shaped connector 86 extend through the pivot opening 82 and the arcuate slot 84 as discussed below in reference to Fig. 5 for coupling the bracket 70 to the ground nail 14 with threaded nuts 87. The opposing flange 76 provides a plate for abutting a side of the elongated rail 18.4905-1161-9864vl2171320-00017504 / 14 / 2026

[0030] Fig. 5 illustrates in detailed perspective view a respective solar photovoltaic panel 20 coupled with the bracket 70 to a respective elongated rail 18 and a respective ground nail 14. The bracket 70 seats on an upper surface of the elongated rail 18. The illustrated embodiment uses a wire rope clip 90 for coupling the bracket 70 to the ground nail 14. The clip 90 defines a U-shaped side for receiving the ground nail 14. The C-shaped connector 86 extends through respective passages in the clip 90 and through the aligned pivot opening 82 and the arcuate slot 84 of the plate 74. The nuts 87 attach to the respective threaded legs of the connector 86 to secure the bracket 70 to the ground nail 14. The flange 76 bears against a side wall of the elongated rail 18. The threaded fastener 80 extends through the slot 78 for securing the bracket 70 to the rail 14. The bracket 70 couples the elongated rail 18 and the ground nail 14. The illustrated embodiment includes a pair of support plates 100 that connect to the elongated rail 18 and to the solar photovoltaic panel 20 at opposing ends. The support plates 100 connect with threaded fasteners to the rail 18, or alternatively, a bracket may connect to the rail and to the solar photovoltaic panel 20. In the event of sloped or uneven ground, the arcuate slot 84 allows the bracket 70 to orient about the pivot opening 82 relative to the elongated rail 18.

[0031] Fig. 6 illustrates in detailed perspective view the solar photovoltaic panel 20 coupled with the bracket 70 to the elongated rail 18 and the ground nail 14 for supporting the solar photovoltaic panel 20 elevated by the support plates 100 relative to the ground surface 24. Fig.6A shows Fig. 6 presented in a photograph.

[0032] With reference to Figs. 1 and 3, the ground nails 14 install into the grid 16 by placing the mobile base 30 at the land site 12. The controller 36, receiving communications of the gps signal received by the receiver and antenna 38, determines a present location and the next (first) location for installing the ground nail 14 of a line of ground nails for the grid. The mobile base 304905-1161-9864vl2171320-00017504 / 14 / 2026moves the (x, y) location for the installation. A ground nail 14 is placed into engagement with the grips 66. Using orientation information from the level 73, the controller 36 operates the gimbal 68 to orient the support arm at an angle relative to the ground and to a horizon line in a direction 71 towards a laterally adjacent line of ground nails 14 as shown in Fig. 3. Preferably, the ground nail 14a will be in alignment with (a to-be-positioned) ground nail 14b for an adjacent line of nails. In some embodiments the ground nail 14 preferably installs oriented at an angle perpendicular to the horizon line in a lateral direction 71. The nail driver operates with driving motion for installing the ground nail 14 into the ground 12.

[0033] Upon installation of the ground nail 14, the grippers 66 release the ground nail from engagement with the support arm 64. The mobile apparatus 30 backs away and then moves forwardly to the next location indicated in the location database 37 for installation of the next ground nail 14 in the grid 16. The controller 36 receives and evaluates location (x, y) signals 39 and moves to the next location. At the next location, the installing technician obtains one of the ground nail 14 in the supply held in the storage bin 50 and attaches the ground nail to the grippers 66. The installer 60 then operates the nail driver as discussed above for installation of the ground nail into the ground at the designated location. At an end installation of a plurality of ground nails 14 in spaced-apart relation along a line, the mobile apparatus 30 moves laterally for installation of ground nails along an adjacent spaced-apart line for further forming the grid 16.

[0034] As the grid 16 of the plurality of ground nails 14 is being installed, other technicians couple the rails 18 to adjacent installed ground nails 14 that support the rails. The rails 18 are held rigidly by connectors 70 to the respective distal ends of the ground nails 14. The technicians further attach the solar photovoltaic modules 20 to the rails 18 using rail / module connectors such as the supports 100 and / or rail to module connectors.4905-1161-9864vl2171320-00017504 / 14 / 2026

[0035] With reference to Fig. 5, the rails 18 couple to the respective ground nail 14 with the bracket 70. The bracket 70 is positioned on the rail 18 with the flange 76 abutting a side of the rail and the opposing flange 74 extending upwardly on an opposing side. The fastener 80 extends through the slot 78 for coupling the bracket 70 to the elongated rail 18. Threaded legs of the C-shaped connector 86 extend through respective openings in the clip 90 and through the pivot opening 82 and the arcuate slot 84 of the flange 74. Threaded nuts 87 engage the threaded ends of the connector 86.

[0036] A respective solar photovoltaic panel 20 then couples with the supports 100 to the elongated rail 18 and couples through the bracket 70 to the ground nail 14.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 6, the solar photovoltaic panel 20 supported by the support plates 100 connected to the elongated rail 18 couples through the bracket 70 to the ground nail 14 for supporting the solar photovoltaic panel 20 elevated relative to the ground surface 24. Fig. 6A shows Fig. 6 presented in a photograph.

[0038] The foregoing discloses illustrative embodiments of apparatus and methods for installation of ground nails in the land site with attached rails and connected solar photovoltaic modules held vertically spaced from the ground surface for generation of electricity for supply to an electricity distribution and transmission network or grid. Many variations and changes may be made to the disclosed apparatus and methods within the scope of the following claimed subject matter.4905-1161-9864vl2171320-00017504 / 14 / 2026

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for installation of a ground nail in a land site, comprising:a mobile base for moving across a land surface;a locating system having a receiver for receiving a location signal and a controller configured for using the received location signal to direct the mobile base to move to a location for installation of a ground nail;a holding assembly having a pair of spaced-apart grips for holding a ground nail oriented at an angle relative to a horizon line in a lateral direction; anda driver for installing the ground nail into the land surface at the location.

2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising a storage container attached to the mobile base for holding a plurality of ground nails for supply to the holding assembly.

3. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 , further comprising a platform for a worker installing ground nails.

4. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising a level for orienting the support arm for the pair of spaced-apart grips for installing the ground nail at a selected angle.

5. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the holding assembly includes a frame member with the pair of grips attached in spaced-apart relation.4905-1161-9864vl2171320-00017504 / 14 / 20266. The apparatus as recited in claim 5, further comprising a gimbal attached to the frame member and movable for orienting the frame member for installation of the ground nail.

7. The apparatus as recited in claim 6, further comprising a sensor for detecting the orientation of the mobile base at the location and directing movement of the gimbal for orienting the frame member for installation of the ground nail.

8. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising a high precision location device placed local to the land site and having a transmitter for transmitting the location signal as a high precision signed.

9. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the driver comprises an axially rotatable connector for engaging an end of the ground nail for rotating the ground nail into the ground at the location.

10. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 , wherein the driver comprises a vertically movable hammer for driving the ground nail into the ground at the location.

11. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising a digital instruction set listing a plurality of locations and for each location a respective length of the ground nail relative to the ground surface for installing a respective one of the ground nails thereat.4905-1161-9864vl2171320-00017504 / 14 / 202612. A method of installing a ground nail on a land site, comprising the steps of:(a) receiving by a locating system a location signal and a controller configured for using the received location signal to direct the mobile base to move to a location for installation of a ground nail; mobile base for moving across a land surface;(b) directing by a controller a mobile base to move to a predetermined location for installation of a ground nail, said controller configured for using the received location signal to direct the mobile base to move to the location;(c) holding the ground nail by a holding assembly having a pair of spaced-apart grips for gripping the ground nail oriented relative to a horizon line in a lateral direction; and(d) installing the ground nail into the land surface at the location.

13. The method as recited in claim 12, further comprising the step of removing the ground nail from a storage container attached to the mobile base for holding a plurality of the ground nails.

14. The method as recited in claim 12, further comprising the step of providing a platform for a worker installing ground nails.

15. The method as recited in claim 12, further comprising the step of providing a level attached to the mobile base for orienting the pair of spaced-apart grips.

16. The method as recited in claim 12, further comprising the step of moving a gimbal attached to a frame member to which the grips attach for orienting the frame member for installation of the ground nail.4905-1161-9864vl2171320-00017504 / 14 / 202617. The method as recited in claim 16, further comprising the step of detecting the orientation of the mobile base at the location and directing movement of the gimbal for orienting the frame member for installation of the ground nail.

18. The method as recited in claim 12, further comprising the step of placing a high precision location device local to the land site, said location device having a transmitter for transmitting the location signal as a high precision signed.

19. The method as recited in claim 12, further comprising an axially rotatable connector for engaging an end of the ground nail, and wherein the driving step comprises rotating the driver for driving the ground nail into the ground at the location.

20. The method as recited in claim 12, further comprising a vertically movable hammer for driving the ground nail into the ground at the location , and wherein the driving step comprises repeatedly moving the hammer into contact with an end of the ground nail for driving the ground nail into the ground at the location.

21. The method as recited in claim 12, further comprising the step of providing a digital instruction set listing a plurality of locations and for each location a respective length of the ground nail relative to the ground surface for installing a respective one of the ground nails thereat.

22. The method as recited in claim 21, further comprising the steps of:4905-1161-9864vl2171320-00017504 / 14 / 2026(e) defining a course extending in a first direction from a starting point to an ending point; (f) moving the mobile base to a respective one of the locations;(g) driving a ground nail normal to horizontal into the ground at the respective one of the locations to a distal end of the ground nail a respective predetermined distance from the ground surface;(h) repeat steps (f) and (g), until reaching the ending point of the course.whereby the distal ends of the ground nails extend to a plane vertically spaced from the ground surface.

23. The method as recited in claim 22, further comprising the steps of defining an adjacent course spaced apart from the course and repeating steps (f), (g), and (h).

24. A bracket for coupling an elongated rail and a ground nail for supporting a solar photovoltaic module at a ground site, comprising:an elongated plate defining a longitudinal slot intermediate a first end and an opposing second end;a first flange extending from the first end in a first direction from the elongated plate, said flange defining a pair of openings for receiving a respective threaded fastener therethrough; and a second flange extending from the second end in a second direction from the elongated plate, the second direction opposite the first direction,whereby the first flange couples with a ground nail, the second flange abuts a side of an elongated rail, and said longitudinal slot receives a fastener to secure the bracket to the elongated rail.4905-1161-9864vl2171320-00017504 / 14 / 2026

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