Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02740264 2011-05-13
SYSTEM AND KIT FOR ADJUSTABLY MOUNTING AN ARTICLE
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to mounting systems and related kits. More
specifically, the
present invention relates to systems and kits for mounting an article, such as
a photovoltaic
panel.
Background of the Invention
Certain articles that are routinely mounted onto a structure, such as
billboards and photovoltaic
panels, can benefit from the ability to be adjusted in response to various
factors.
For example, billboards are often situated roadside to appeal to oncoming
motorists. If, for
example, the billboard is moved to a different location, based upon the nature
of the terrain, the
angle of inclination of the billboard may need to be adjusted to increase its
visibility to the target
audience. Additionally, as billboards are constantly exposed to the elements,
adjustments may
be needed to decrease wind resistance and/or to diminish direct exposure to
harsh conditions.
Also, photovoltaic panels, which are often used as components in a larger
photovoltaic system to
convert sunlight to electricity for commercial and residential applications,
are often mounted in
order to be appropriately positioned toward the sun. In order to optimize
electricity generation,
the panels are mounted in locations that historically have sun exposure, and
specifically pointed
in the direction that captures the most sun, which is typically true south in
the Northern
Hemisphere, and true north in the Southern Hemisphere. Since the position of
the sun changes
during the day and according to the season, often the position of the
photovoltaic panels is
adjusted to capture maximum sunlight. In depth evaluation of sun position and
corresponding
adjustment to the angle of inclination of the photovoltaic panels can gain
further efficiency of
electricity generation.
Photovoltaic panel mounts are typically fixed, adjustable, or are tracking
capable. The fixed
mount is the simplest and least expensive, and in such a system, the
photovoltaic panels are
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CA 02740264 2011-05-13
completely stationary. The lack of ability to adjust the panels in response to
the movement of the
sun or the change of seasons results in the least efficient system. Tracking
mounts can be
elaborate and are typically the most expensive. This type of mount is often
capable of following
the path of the sun during the day and across the seasons in order to maximize
the amount of
solar radiation that the panels receive. An adjustable mount allows for the
angle of inclination
(or tilt) of the photovoltaic panels to be adjusted, manually or otherwise,
and can be relatively
simplistic or quite complex. Accordingly, the price of such adjustable
mounting systems varies,
and their level of efficiency in capturing the sun's energy often falls
between that of the fixed
mount and the tracking mount systems.
Such photovoltaic systems are typically used for on- or off-grid applications.
In an off-grid
application, the generated electricity is typically consumed by the user to
meet some or all of
their electricity requirements.
In an on-grid application, the user enters into an agreement with a regulating
government
authority or power company resulting in a connection between the user's
photovoltaic system
and the local electricity grid, thereby allowing for the photovoltaic system's
generated power to
flow into the grid. In return, the user typically receives a set fee for each
kilowatt-hour or other
unit of electricity, that is transferred to the grid. This type of arrangement
has provided a
revenue generating venture for both the individual homeowner as well as for
businesses.
In either the on- or off-grid application, the user is intent on maximizing
their Return on
Investment, by maximizing the ratio between the amount of generated
electricity versus the cost
to install and operate the system. This often leads to the selection of
adjustable mount systems,
due to their typical increased efficiency over fixed mount systems, and
inexpensive cost relative
to tracking systems.
However, known versions of adjustable mounting systems are often limited in
the number of
positions that are offered. This will ultimately decrease the amount of time
the photovoltaic
panels spend in optimal positions, which negatively impacts the amount of
generated electricity.
For example, a system may only offer two possible positions that correspond
with predetermined
inclination angles; however, these angles may not be sufficient to meet the
needs of the user.
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Furthermore, a limited number of predetermined angles would not provide the
manufacturer with
the flexibility to produce and sell the same mounting system across various
locations, such as for
example, the southern United States of America and northern Canada. The
disparity in latitudes
between these two locations would call for considerably different optimal
angles of inclination
for the photovoltaic panel systems, which a mounting system with a limited
range would not be
able to accommodate.
Finally, by virtue of their materials and sheer size, mounting systems are
often quite heavy.
Accordingly, prior art mounting systems that are adjusted manually, such as by
pushing or lifting
movements, often require extensive strength and effort to actuate and operate,
making it difficult
for an individual to change the angle of inclination.
For example, the company iSolara Solar Power, which is located in Ottawa,
Canada, offers a
mounting system entitled Quick-Track. The angle of inclination of the mounted
article in the
Quick-TrackTM mounting system is limited to two positions, and the adjustment
of this system
occurs via a pushing or lifting movement.
In addition, certain systems are mounted on substructures, such as flat or
inclined roofs. Prior art
systems are typically fixed directly to the top of the substructure such as by
bolts or nails at the
base of the system, which compromise the substructure's watertight feature,
thereby increasing
the likelihood of substructure damage and repair costs. There is a need to
couple systems to
structures without the need to penetrate the substructure at the base of the
system or otherwise
compromise the substructure's integrity.
Summary of the Invention
It is an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable mounting
system that addresses
some or all of the deficiencies found in the prior art.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system
for adjustably
mounting an article, comprising a base; a skyward facing panel support
pivotally attached to the
base; and an adjustment assembly connecting the panel support and the base;
wherein
manipulation of the adjustment assembly causes the panel support to move about
the base.
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Brief Description of the Drawing
The present invention will now be described in greater detail with reference
to the drawings in
which:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a ground mounted embodiment of the present
invention, where the
panel support has been adjusted at 126 to an angle of inclination greater than
45 .
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a ground mounted embodiment of the present
invention, where the
panel support has been adjusted at 126 to an angle of inclination of about 45
.
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a ground mounted embodiment of the present
invention, where the
panel support has been adjusted at 126 to an angle of inclination less than 45
.
Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a roof mounted embodiment of the
present invention,
depicting a plurality of systems located adjacent to each other and connected
with a common
attachment means.
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a roof mounted embodiment of the present
invention.
Fig. 6 is a partial side elevation view of a roof mounted embodiment of the
present invention,
depicting two adjacent systems and a coupling post.
Fig. 7 is a close-up view from Fig. 4 of one embodiment of a connector in
accordance with the
present invention.
Fig. 8 is a close-up view from Fig. 4 of one embodiment of a parapet
connection in accordance
with the present invention.
Fig. 9 is a close-up side view of a coupling post base mounted on a framing
channel in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 10 is a close-up top view of a securing assembly comprising a coupling
post, cable and cable
clips in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
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Detailed Description of the Invention
As used throughout the specification, "ground mounted system" generally refers
to embodiments
illustrated in Figs. 1-3 and "roof mounted system" generally refers to
embodiments illustrated in
Figs. 4-10.
Ground mounted has a broad meaning and is not limited to systems that must be
mounted on the
ground. Ground mounted systems can be mounted anywhere, including on the
ground, where
the system's base, as defined below, can be stabilized, such as within
concrete posts.
Roof mounted also has a broad meaning and is not limited to systems that must
be mounted on a
building roof. Roof mounted systems can be mounted on any substructure,
including on a roof,
where the system's coupling posts, as defined below, can be secured with
attachment means to
an underlying structure, as described below.
One embodiment of the present invention is an adjustable mounting system 100
illustrated in
Figs. 1-3. The adjustable mounting system 100 comprises a base 102 that serves
to stabilize the
structure. The embodiment of the base 102 as illustrated has front vertical
base members 104a,
and back vertical base members 104b situated at the front and rear of the
adjustable mounting
system 100, respectively. The number of vertical base members 104a, 104b is
dependent upon
the width of the adjustable mounting system 100. Typically four vertical base
members 104a,
104b situated at the corners of the base 102 are sufficient; however, other
embodiments are
contemplated where the adjustable mounting system 100 is constructed at a size
that requires six,
eight, ten etc. vertical base members 104a, 104b, with the additional vertical
base members 104a,
104b spaced along the length of the base 102. The illustrated embodiment
depicts the front and
back vertical base members 104a, 104b as having the same height; however, they
may be of
differing heights.
Optionally, cross beams 106 are placed between the vertical base members 104a,
104b to provide
further support and strengthen the base 102. The embodiment shown in Figs. 1-3
illustrate the
cross beams 106 in an X-pattern, however, the cross beams 106 can also extend
between the
vertical base members 104a, 104b in a horizontal fashion, such as along the
top, bottom or
middle of the vertical base members 104a, 104b. In another embodiment, a
unitary beam
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extends along the perimeter of the base 102 to provide additional support and
preset mounting
positions.
In this embodiment, the base 102 primarily serves the function of supporting
the remainder of the
structure while also providing rotatable connection points to the adjustable
portions of the
mounting system 100. Accordingly, types or styles of bases 102 other than the
scaffold-type as
illustrated in Figs. 1-3 are contemplated, provided that they are able to
serve these functions. For
example, the base 102 may be a unitary solid square or rectangular shaped
structure, whereas in
another embodiment, the base 102 comprises a pole with a platform-type
structure mounted
thereon.
The adjustable mounting system 100 comprises a panel support 108, which serves
as the point of
attachment for the mounted article, not shown. According to one embodiment,
the panel support
108 comprises a combination of support members, such as metal tubing, that are
arranged in
vertical, horizontal and/or diagonal positions to form, e.g. a lattice or grid
pattern. The exact
orientation of the support members is not limiting, however, the support
members are of a
number and in an arrangement such that they are able to provide sufficient
support to the
mounted article. The nature of the mounted article is also taken into
consideration. For
example, if the adjustable mounting system is for a pre-fabricated
photovoltaic panel, at least a
portion of the panel support 108 will need to correspond with the attachment
points available on
the photovoltaic panel or other attachment mechanism disposed therebetween,
such that the
mounted article is sufficiently retained and fastened to the panel support 108
of the mounting
system 100.
As the panel support 108 serves as the attachment/connection point between the
mounted article,
such as a photovoltaic panel, and the adjustable mounting system 100, various
additional designs
and structures of the panel support 108 are contemplated aside from the
scaffold-type
constructions as illustrated in Figs. 1-3, provided that these additional
embodiments can
adequately carry out these functions. For example, in another embodiment, the
panel support
108 is of a flat, planar, unitary construction, and may have the dimensions of
the article to be
mounted, or may be substantially smaller and attach to the middle of the
mounted article.
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As can be seen in Fig. 1, the front portion of a panel support 108 is
pivotally connected to the
front portion of the base 102 by, for example, a panel hinge 110. For example,
the illustrated
embodiment shows the panel support 108 pivotally connected to the front
vertical base members
104a at panel hinge 110. In another embodiment, not illustrated, the panel
support 108 is
pivotally connected to a cross beam 106 that extends between the top of the
front vertical base
members 104a. When the angle of inclination 126 of the panel support 108 is
adjusted through
an adjustment assembly 112, it pivots about panel hinge 110.
In one embodiment, the article to be mounted, such as a photovoltaic panel, is
attached to the
panel support 108 through the use of fasteners. The article may also be a
billboard or other
article that requires mounting in accordance with the present invention. For
example, the rear
side of a pre-fabricated photovoltaic panel will typically have pre-defined
connection points.
The panel support 108 has corresponding connection points to allow fasteners,
such as screws,
bolts, brackets etc., to secure the photovoltaic panel to the panel support
108. However, it is to
be understood that the exact nature of how the article is secured to the panel
support 108 is
typically dependent upon the specific features of the article, such as pre-
existing connection
points.
The adjustment of the angle of inclination 126 of the support panel 108 occurs
via the actions of
an adjustment assembly 112. In the embodiment as illustrated in Figs. 1-3, the
adjustment
assembly 112 comprises a swing arm 114, a connector arm 120 and a locking arm
122.
The adjustable mounting system 100 of this embodiment may contain a single
adjustment
assembly 112, provided that one assembly 112 is sufficient to operably adjust
the panel support
108 and the mounted article. In such an embodiment, the adjustment assembly
112 might
optimally be situated in the middle of the panel support 108. If the size of
the adjustable
mounting system 100 dictates, embodiments are envisioned that have a plurality
of adjustment
assemblies 112 arranged along the length thereof. Typically an adjustment
assembly 112 is
situated at each edge of the panel support 108 to provide stability, with
additional adjustment
assemblies 112 dispersed throughout the middle of the panel support as
required. The
adjustment assemblies 112 may be interconnected by, e.g. lateral members, such
that they act in
unison, or alternatively, each adjustment assembly 112 operates independently
of the others.
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A swing arm 114 is pivotally connected to the upper portion of the back of the
base 102 as
shown in Figs. 1-3. For example, the illustrated embodiment has the swing arm
114 pivotally
connected to a back vertical base member 104b at connection 116, whereas in
another
embodiment, not illustrated, the swing arm 114 is pivotally connected to a
cross beam 106 that
extends between the top of the back vertical base members 104b.
Optionally, a first end of the swing arm 114 has a handle 118 to aid a user to
manipulate the
adjustment assembly 112 as described herein. In the case of a single
adjustment assembly 112, a
simple handle 118 such as a T-handle is envisioned, whereas in the case of a
plurality of
adjustment assemblies 112, a continuous handle 118 that connects and
consolidates some or all
of the swing arms 114 of the a plurality of systems 100 can be configured
accordingly. The
swing arm 114 effectively produces a simple lever, where the base 102, by
virtue of its pivotable
connection to the swing arm 114, acts as a fulcrum. The effort is applied to a
first end of the
swing arm 114, and the load (the panel support 108 with or without a mounted
article) is picked
up through a connector arm 120 pivotally connected to the second end of the
swing arm 114.
One end of the connector arm 120 is rotatably attached to the support panel
108, while the
opposing end is rotatably attached to the swing arm 114 at locking pin 128.
When the handle
118 of the swing arm 114 is raised or lowered, the angle of inclination 126 of
the support panel
108, through the associated movement of the connector arm 120, is decreased as
shown in Fig. 3,
or increased as shown in Fig. 1, respectively.
The adjustment assembly also comprises a locking arm 122, best illustrated in
Fig. 3. In the
illustrated embodiment, locking arm 122 comprises two parallel arms secured by
stabilizer bar
125. The locking arm 122 is rotatably connected to the rear portion of the
panel support 108,
such as through a hinge, and serves to lock the panel support 108 in various
positions. The
locking arm 122 moves freely from the rear portion of the panel support 108.
When the swing
arm 114 and connector arm 120 have placed the panel support 108 in its desired
position, the
locking arm 122 is attached to the swing arm 114, effectively securing the
adjustment assembly
112 and the panel support 108 in a locked position.
In one embodiment, the swing arm 114 and the locking arm 122 have securing
means 124 such
as 3/8" x 4" stainless steel bolt with nylock nut, that when utilized, are
able to lock the panel
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support 108 at certain predetermined angles of inclination 126, such as an
angle less than 45
(eg: 30 ), 45 and an angle greater than 45 (eg: 60). Fig. 1 illustrates an
embodiment of the
invention where the angle of inclination 126 of the panel support 108 is 60 .
Fig. 2 illustrates an
embodiment where the angle of inclination 126 is 45 . Fig. 3 illustrates an
embodiment where
the angle of inclination 126 is 30 . Other angles of inclination 126 are
contemplated, such that
the system 100 can be mounted in various conditions. For example, if the
article is a
photovoltaic panel, the latitude of the area where the system 100 is used will
be a primary factor
in determining optimum angles of inclination.
Additionally, fastening members may be required to secure the locking arm 122
to the swing arm
114. For example, in one embodiment, the swing arm 114 and locking arm 122
have a certain
number of pre-drilled holes along their lengths. The pre-drilled holes
correspond with desired
angles of inclination 126 of the support panel 108. When the swing arm 114 has
been
manipulated to place the panel support 108 in the desired position, the
locking arm 122 is
brought into contact with the swing arm 114. At the point of contact, a pre-
drilled hole in the
locking arm 122 will align with a pre-drilled hole in the swing arm 114, and a
fastening member,
such as a screw or a pin, is inserted to secure the connection.
In another embodiment, not illustrated, the adjustment assembly 112 does not
comprise a locking
arm 122. Rather, alternative means for securing the panel support 108 at
certain predetermined
positions is contemplated. For example, a slotted plate that attaches to the
leg allows locking of
the swing ann in unlimited positions. According to one embodiment, the
movement of the
adjustment assembly 112 is mechanically actuated, and therefore, the machinery
is able to lock
and retain the panel support 108 at the desired angle of inclination 126.
When placed in its desired location, the adjustable mounting system 100 is
typically secured to
the ground. If the adjustable mounting system 100 is positioned on a solid
ground surface, such
as metal or concrete, it can be secured by fastening means known in the art,
such as welding,
screwing, latching, strapping etc. In such an embodiment, the bottom of the
vertical base
members 104a, 104b can have foot members or pads, not illustrated.
When the adjustable mounting system 100 is destined to be situated on earth,
such as in a field or
a yard, one embodiment of the system 100 has extended vertical base members
104a, 104b. The
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CA 02740264 2011-05-13
extensions of the vertical base members 104a, 104b allow a portion of the base
102 to be sunk
into the ground. This process is akin to sinking a fence post in the ground,
and is known to one
of skill in the art. Often, various strengthening agents, such as concrete or
stones, are deposited
into the ground with the vertical base members 104a, 104b, in order to
strengthen and stabilize
the connection with the ground.
The materials that comprise the adjustable mounting system 100 are not to be
considered
limiting. It is contemplated that the components of the adjustable mounting
system 100 are made
from a lightweight metal, such as aluminum, however, other materials, such as
steel or plastics
may be used provided that they have the strength to support the article that
is to be mounted.
According to a further ground mounted embodiment, at least one of the
components of the
adjustable mounting system 100, such as the components, i.e. support members,
of the panel
support 108, are extruded with a hollow cavity or channel extending along at
least a portion
thereof. For example, the inclusion of an extruded channel, such as a T-slot
or a similar type
channel, in the support members of the panel support 108, combined with the
use of fasteners
that are adapted to be received by the channel, constitutes a universal
connection for the articles
that can be mounted by a given assembly 100.
Similarly, in another embodiment, an extruded channel, such as a T-slot or a
similar type
channel, is included in the swing arm 114 and/or the locking arm 122. When
combined with the
use of fasteners that are adapted to be received by the channel, the angle of
inclination 126 of the
support panel 108 can be adjusted and set precisely as desired, and then
subsequently locked in
at that position, as opposed to being limited to a few predetermined angles.
According to a further embodiment, the adjustment assembly 112 comprises one
swing arm 114,
and a plurality of connector arms 120. In this embodiment, the swing arm 114
is pivotally
connected to the upper portion of the back of the base 102 as shown in Figs. 1-
3, typically in a
centralized location with respect to the panel support 108. An end of each of
the plurality of
connector arms 120 is rotatably attached to the same swing arm 114. The
opposing ends of the
plurality of connector arms 120 are rotatably connected to the support panel
108, such as in a
splayed manner. For example, a first connector arm 120 extends to and connects
at the left edge
of the panel support 108; a second connector arm 120 extends to and connects
at the central
CA 02740264 2011-05-13
portion of the panel support 108; and a third connector arm extends to and
connects at the right
edge of the panel support 108.
Additionally, the shape of the components of the adjustable mounting system
100, such as their
cross section is not to be considered limiting. For example, the cross section
of the components
of the adjustable mounting system 100 may be circular, square, rectangular,
oval, or any other
shape.
According to another ground mounted embodiment, the adjustable mounting system
100 of the
present invention is mounted on a rotatable platform. The rotation of the
platform can be
performed manually, although automated rotation of the platform is also
contemplated.
Furthermore, automation of the rotation of the platform can be computerized.
In such an
embodiment, not only will the angle of inclination 126 of the mounted article
be capable of
adjustment, but the direction the assembly 100 and therefore the mounted
article faces can also
be adjusted. This is particularly beneficial when a photovoltaic panel is
mounted on the
adjustable mounting system 100, as the photovoltaic panel will be able to
track the sun across the
sky, increasing the capture of the sun's radiation and the overall efficiency
of the system.
In another embodiment, the handle 118 on the adjustable mounting assembly 100
is equipped
with a counterweight or ballast. The addition of such a counterweight to the
handle 118
decreases the resistance a user encounters when trying to manipulate the angle
of inclination 126
of the panel support 108 through actuation of the adjustment assembly 112.
According to
another embodiment, the adjustable mounting assembly 100 comprises a lift
support to aid in the
adjustment of the angle of inclination 126 of the panel support 108. For
example, struts
connecting the panel support 108 and the base 102 alleviate some of the force
required to adjust
the panel 108.
According to a roof mounted embodiment of the present invention, the
adjustable mounting
assembly 100 as described above is adapted for installation on substructures
including rooftops,
preferably on flat roofs. Roof mounted embodiments of the adjustable mounting
assembly 100
as described above typically have smaller dimensions than their ground-mounted
counterparts to
compensate for such factors as limited space on a roof, and harsh weather
conditions (e.g. snow,
wind) at higher elevation. For example, the vertical base members 104a, 104b
of the roof-
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mounted embodiments of the adjustable mounted assembly 100 are shortened to
minimize the
extension of the assembly above the rooftop. Although, the base 102 must still
be of a size to
allow the adjustment assembly 112 to rotate, thereby adjusting the panel
support 108 through its
predetermined angles of inclination 126.
The adjustable mounting assembly 100 can be secured to the substructure in a
variety of known
ways, such as through welding or the use of fastening members (e.g. clamps,
seam clamps,
screws, nails etc.). In many cases, however, it is not desirable to pierce the
substructure as the
integrity of the substructure is impacted.
As such, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, shown
in Figs. 4-10,
there is provided one or more mounting assemblies 300 which are secured to the
substructure
500 without piercing the top of the substructure 500
Fig. 4 depicts a series 200 of systems 300 located adjacent to each other and
connected with a
common attachment means 315 and coupling posts 305 of different heights,
depending on the
number of systems 300. The systems 300 rest on, but are not attached to the
top of the
substructure 500. The length of the attachment means 315 depends on the width
of the
substructure 500. The raised end walls or parapets 510 of the substructure 500
are typically
perpendicular to the top of the substructure 500.
Parapet connections are secured to studs in the parapets 510. Close-up views
of one embodiment
of the connectors 7 and parapet connections 8 in Fig. 4 are depicted in Figs.
7 and 8,
respectively, further described below.
Fig. 5 is perspective view of a roof mounted embodiment of the present
invention. System 300
is sitting on the top of substructure 500, but it is not attached to it with
screws or other piercing
attachments.
Panel support 335 is configured to support an article, not illustrated, such
as a billboard or
photovoltaic panel. Adjustable or fixed mounting structures may be used in
accordance with this
embodiment of the invention. Adjustable assemblies, similar to those described
above and
illustrated in Figs. 1-3 may be used, although base 102 from system 100 is
replaced with mounts
405, further illustrated in Fig. 9. The base of coupling post 305 and front
and rear legs 330 are
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mounted on to framing channel 310 with mounts 405 such as with bolts. As
depicted in Fig. 10,
at the top of coupling posts 305 is a securing assembly, comprising coupling
post 305,
attachment means 315 and clips 365. Attachment means can include cable, such
as '/4 inch steel
cable, chain, rope or other suitable mechanism which can attach coupling posts
305 to parapets
510.
System 300 comprises a base, having a front portion and a rear portion. The
base sits on the top
of substrate 500 and is therefore parallel to the horizontal plane of the
substructure. A skyward
facing panel support 335 is attached to the front portion of the base with
post 330. An assembly
connects the panel support 335 and the base. One or more coupling posts 305
are attached to the
base proximate the rear portion of the base and extend about perpendicularly
outwardly
therefrom. Attachment means 315 such as steel cable attach the one or more
coupling posts to
the substructure's parapets, thereby securing system 300 to the substructure's
horizontal plane
without piercing the substructure.
Fig. 6 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention depicting two
adjacent systems and a
coupling post secured to a base, such as plywood which sits on top of the
substructure. The base
is not attached to the substructure. The coupling post in this embodiment,
which can be made of
aluminum or other suitable material, is positioned between the two systems so
as to optimally
maximize the tension of attachment means 315. The height of coupling post is
dependent on the
height of the adjacent systems. For example, Fig. 4 depicts seven coupling
posts 305 wherein
the outer coupling posts are relatively shorter than the central coupling
post. In one embodiment,
the height of the two outer coupling posts is 1455 mm, the next two coupling
posts is 1680 mm,
the next two coupling posts is 1790 mm and the central post is 1829 mm tall.
The parabolic
shape of attachment means 315 provides more tension onto the series 300 of
systems.
Fig. 7 is a close-up view from Fig. 4 of one embodiment of a connector in
accordance with the
present invention. Attachment means, such as steel cable 315, is coupled with
suitable cable
clips 316 known in the art and terminate with heavy duty wire rope thimbles
317 to suit the steel
cable. Within the thimble is secured more steel cable 318.
Fig. 8 is close-up view from Fig. 4 of one embodiment of a parapet connection
in accordance
with the present invention. Steel cable 318 further attaches with known
connectors such as
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suitable cable clips 319 and ultimately connects to the parapet, not
illustrated, with a U-bolt and
nut assembly through aluminum tube 320. Tube 320 is secured to existing studs
in the parapet
with a lag screw in this embodiment.
The skilled worker will appreciate that the roof mounted system 300 of Figs. 4-
10 eliminates the
need to pierce the top of substrate 500 yet secures system 300 or series 200
of systems 300 to the
substrate 500. The top of substrate 500 is typically flat and unobstructed in
a first horizontal
plane, whereas the parapets 510, also typically flat and unobstructed are in a
second plane,
typically perpendicular to the first horizontal plane.
14
