US20050056742A1 - Support structure for mounting a solar panel - Google Patents
Support structure for mounting a solar panel Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050056742A1 US20050056742A1 US10/896,755 US89675504A US2005056742A1 US 20050056742 A1 US20050056742 A1 US 20050056742A1 US 89675504 A US89675504 A US 89675504A US 2005056742 A1 US2005056742 A1 US 2005056742A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- frame
- support structure
- solar panel
- mounting
- support
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000153 supplemental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
- H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
- H02S30/00—Structural details of PV modules other than those related to light conversion
- H02S30/10—Frame structures
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
- Y02B10/20—Solar thermal
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
- Y02E10/47—Mountings or tracking
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy
Definitions
- This invention generally relates to the use of solar panels, and, more particularly, to the mounting of such solar panels for operation.
- solar panels are increasingly capable of powering devices such as vehicle battery chargers, radios, computers, and other personal electronic devices.
- Solar panels are frequently used in both stationary locations, such as the home or office, aid mobile locations, such as vehicles, trailers. They are utilized both indoors and out of doors.
- the primary concern in utilizing solar panels is the exposure of the panel to adequate sunlight to provide power.
- Optimal exposure may involve movement of the panel to a sunny location.
- mounting would be both durable, such that it would not be readily damaged during normal usage, and flexible such that it may be utilized to mount the panel in a variety of locations without the use of extraneous tools.
- such an arrangement would be economically manufactured and comprise a minimum of extraneous components that could be inadvertently separated from the panel.
- the invention provides structure for use in temporarily mounting a solar panel to a window or other smooth surface.
- a solar panel is provided with one or more wing sections that pull out or otherwise pivot outward from under the panel, and one or more suction cups that may be attached to the respective wing sections to the placement of the panel on a smooth surface, facing the strongest light.
- the wing sections pivot outward from one or more corners of the panel such that they provide for a very stable mounting of the panel. Inasmuch as the wing sections pivot outward in a fanning type of arrangement, the wing sections will not block the sunlight, allowing for maximum exposure of the panel to the sunlight. Conversely, as the wing sections may be tucked away under the panel, the panel maintains its practical, rectangular shape for transport, storage, and packaging. Moreover, the wing sections cannot be inadvertently damaged or broken off in handling.
- the mounting structure may be easily incorporated into a solar panel design without considerable additional cost.
- the structure is economical to produce and may be fabricated by known methods of molding and assembly.
- a mount for mounting a solar panel to a surface comprising: a frame for supporting a solar panel; at least one mounting structure for being removably affixed to the surface; and, at least one support structure having a first end for supporting the at least one mounting structure, and having a second end opposite the first end for being adjustably coupled to the frame such that a spacing between the at least one support structure and the frame is variable.
- a mount for mounting a solar panel to a surface comprising: a frame for supporting a solar panel; and, support means coupled to the frame and comprising a plurality of support structures, each support structure comprising a mounting structure for being removably affixed to the surface, and each support structure being independently adjustable for supporting a variable spacing between the mounting structure that is supported thereon and the frame.
- a method for mounting a solar panel to a surface comprising: providing a solar panel supported by a frame; determining a surface to which the solar panel is to be mounted; adjusting an orientation of at least one support structure relative to the frame so as to position at least one mounting structure of the at least one support structure to a predetermined position relative to the frame, the predetermined position selected for making contact with the determined surface; and, removabley affixing the at least one mounting structure to the determined surface.
- FIG. 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of a solar panel with mounting structure constructed in accordance with teachings of the invention.
- FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the solar panel of FIG. 1 , taken along line 2 - 2 in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is an end view of the solar panel of FIG. 1 taken along line 3 - 3 in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the mounting structure taken along line 44 in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 5 is a simplified flow diagram of a method for mounting a solar panel to a surface according to an embodiment of the invention
- FIGS. 1-3 a photovoltaic or solar panel 10 constructed in accordance with teachings of the invention.
- the solar panel 10 includes a centrally disposed active panel 12 supported by a frame 14 .
- Solar panels and their support structures are well known in the art and any suitable solar panel and support structure may benefit if implemented in accordance with the present invention.
- the frame 14 further includes one or more support structures 16 that protrude outward therefrom, and one or more associated mounting structures, in the form of suction cups 18 .
- Four structures 16 are shown, one at substantially each corner of the frame 14 . Fewer or greater number of support structures 16 are optionally provided.
- a pair of support structures 16 is provided at opposite ends of the frame 14 .
- more structures 16 are provided.
- the number of provided structures relates to the mounting surface, the mounting structure form and size, the mounting structure locations, and the mass of the solar panel.
- the frame 14 may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more support structures 16 .
- a support means includes a plurality of support structures, such as for example support structures 16 , each support structure comprising a mounting structure for being removably affixed to the surface.
- a suction cup is one example of a suitable mounting structure of the support means.
- Each support structure of the support means is independently adjustable for supporting a variable spacing between the mounting structure that is supported thereon and the frame.
- spacing between mounting structures supported on different support structures is also variable.
- the term variable should be understood to mean in each instance controllably variable.
- the plurality of support structures may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more support structures 16 .
- a single support structure 16 is of an appropriate design.
- the support structure 16 is in the form of an elongated wing having a central flat portion 20 with a protruding ledge 22 about at least a portion of the periphery of the central flat portion 20 .
- the elongated flat portion 20 is optionally relatively thin, providing a relatively lightweight structure, while the protruding ledge 22 provides added strength to the central flat portion 20 .
- the protruding ledge 22 optionally protrudes from opposite surfaces of the central flat portion 20 . Alternatively, the protruding ledge 22 protrudes from only one surface of the central flat portion 20 .
- the protruding ledge 22 protrudes from one surface of the central flat portion 20 along a portion of the periphery, and the opposite surface of the central flat portion 20 along another portion of the periphery. Yet further alternatively, portions of the periphery of the central flat portion 20 have no protruding ledge whatsoever.
- the support structure 16 is coupled to the frame 14 by an appropriate arrangement.
- the proximal end 24 of the support structure 16 is pivotably connected to the frame 14 such that the distal end 26 may pivot outward from the frame 14 .
- the proximal end 24 of the support structure 16 is pivotably coupled by way of a rivet 28 .
- a button-type arrangement or another pivotable linkage is employed.
- the rivet 28 is received in a bore 30 in the support structure 16 and a bore 32 in a section of the frame 14 .
- the support structure 16 and/or the frame 14 includes a protrusion that is received in a depression in the other of the support structure 16 and/or the frame 14 .
- the support structure 16 and/or the frame 14 optionally limits the travel of the support structure.
- the frame 14 includes a protrusion 34 that extends from the frame 14 toward a surface of the central flat portion 20 of the support structure 16 . In this way, as the support structure 16 pivots outward from the frame 14 , a portion of the protruding ledge 22 along the periphery of the central flat portion 20 abuts the protrusion 34 to prevent the support structure 16 from pivoting beyond a defined position.
- the support structures 16 are attached to the frame 14 , either permanently or temporarily.
- the support structures 16 are removable from the frame 14 , only being attached for mounting purposes.
- the support structures 16 include an appropriate arrangement for attaching the suction cups 18 thereto, either permanently or temporarily.
- the support structure 16 includes an opening 36 therethrough at its distal end 26 for receiving an axial protrusion 38 from the suction cup 18 .
- the opening 36 is a simple rounded opening that presents an interface for pushing the protrusion 38 therethrough.
- the opening 36 has a keyhole-type shape, the larger end of the keyhole being sized to receive an enlarged head of the axial protrusion 38 and the smaller end of the keyhole being sized to receive a smaller sized shaft of the axial protrusion 38 .
- the axial protrusion 38 has a substantially uniform cross-section that is smaller than the larger end of the keyhole opening and larger than the smaller end of the keyhole opening. In this way, when the protrusion 38 is slid through the larger end of the opening, it is then slid over into the smaller end of the opening to compress the sides of the axial protrusion 38 and present an interference fit. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, that other arrangements and structures for temporarily or permanently coupling the suction cup 18 to the support structure 16 are possible. Further, the suction cup 18 or other mounting structure itself may have an alternate construction.
- the support structures 16 are pivoted outward from the frame 14 .
- the mounting structure in the form of suction cups 18 is then mounted to the support structures 16 , and the solar panel 10 is mounted to a surface in the form of a window by mounting the mounting structure 18 to the surface while coupled with the support structures 16 .
- the support structures are shown pivotably connected to the solar panel 10 for rotation within a plane of the solar panel, optionally, the support structures 16 are for rotation outside the plane of the solar panel. Alternatively, the support structures are slidably coupled to the solar panel for sliding relative thereto.
- a solar panel In mounting a solar panel to a car window, the location and spacing between the mounting structures is sometimes critical in that some car windows are not regular in size or shape and, as such, will not support a square or rectangular support with a mounting structure at each corner thereof.
- the present invention has the advantage of supporting asymmetric mounting structure orientations to facilitate mounting to curved windows such as windshields and to support mounting to windows while obstructing areas that are not critical to operation of the motor vehicle.
- a supplemental mounting structure is provided, such as for instance in the form of a clip for being disposed over a top portion of a car window, the clip for being secured in place by pressure when the car window is in a closed position.
- a solar panel is provided supported by a frame.
- a surface is determined to which the solar panel is to be mounted. For instance, the surface is a portion of a car window.
- an orientation of at least one support structure is adjusted relative to the frame, so as to position a mounting structure of the at least one support structure at a predetermined position relative to the frame, the predetermined position selected for making contact with the determined surface.
- the orientation of a support structure may be adjusted so as to position a mounting structure associated therewith for making contact along a narrow portion of the window.
- a narrow portion of a window is the portion that is bordered by the linearly decreasing height of the front driver or passenger side windows, which is typical in modern cars and other vehicles.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Sustainable Development (AREA)
- Sustainable Energy (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This invention generally relates to the use of solar panels, and, more particularly, to the mounting of such solar panels for operation.
- In recent years, the use of photovoltaic or solar panels for harnessing and applying the energy of the sun has greatly expanded. New technologies have increased the versatility of solar panels, thus widening the scope of their application. For example, solar panels are increasingly capable of powering devices such as vehicle battery chargers, radios, computers, and other personal electronic devices. Solar panels are frequently used in both stationary locations, such as the home or office, aid mobile locations, such as vehicles, trailers. They are utilized both indoors and out of doors.
- The primary concern in utilizing solar panels, however, is the exposure of the panel to adequate sunlight to provide power. Optimal exposure may involve movement of the panel to a sunny location. In this regard, it may be desirable to place the panel in an appropriately facing window or other surface. As a result, it would be advantageous to provide a method or structure by which the panel can be easily and temporarily mounted to maintain optimal exposure. It would be advantageous if such mounting would be both durable, such that it would not be readily damaged during normal usage, and flexible such that it may be utilized to mount the panel in a variety of locations without the use of extraneous tools. Preferably, such an arrangement would be economically manufactured and comprise a minimum of extraneous components that could be inadvertently separated from the panel.
- The invention provides structure for use in temporarily mounting a solar panel to a window or other smooth surface. A solar panel is provided with one or more wing sections that pull out or otherwise pivot outward from under the panel, and one or more suction cups that may be attached to the respective wing sections to the placement of the panel on a smooth surface, facing the strongest light.
- Preferably, the wing sections pivot outward from one or more corners of the panel such that they provide for a very stable mounting of the panel. Inasmuch as the wing sections pivot outward in a fanning type of arrangement, the wing sections will not block the sunlight, allowing for maximum exposure of the panel to the sunlight. Conversely, as the wing sections may be tucked away under the panel, the panel maintains its practical, rectangular shape for transport, storage, and packaging. Moreover, the wing sections cannot be inadvertently damaged or broken off in handling.
- Further, because the suction cups are preferably removable, they can be coupled to the panel to mount it on either the inside of a window or on the outside of a window or other smooth surface, providing extreme versatility in placement of the panel for exposure to optimal sunlight. This positioning of the panel along the inside of a window also allows the panel to be protected from theft or environmental elements.
- Additionally, the mounting structure may be easily incorporated into a solar panel design without considerable additional cost. The structure is economical to produce and may be fabricated by known methods of molding and assembly.
- In accordance with an aspect of the instant invention, there is provided a mount for mounting a solar panel to a surface comprising: a frame for supporting a solar panel; at least one mounting structure for being removably affixed to the surface; and, at least one support structure having a first end for supporting the at least one mounting structure, and having a second end opposite the first end for being adjustably coupled to the frame such that a spacing between the at least one support structure and the frame is variable.
- In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, there is provided a mount for mounting a solar panel to a surface comprising: a frame for supporting a solar panel; and, support means coupled to the frame and comprising a plurality of support structures, each support structure comprising a mounting structure for being removably affixed to the surface, and each support structure being independently adjustable for supporting a variable spacing between the mounting structure that is supported thereon and the frame.
- In accordance with still another aspect of the instant invention, there is provided a method for mounting a solar panel to a surface comprising: providing a solar panel supported by a frame; determining a surface to which the solar panel is to be mounted; adjusting an orientation of at least one support structure relative to the frame so as to position at least one mounting structure of the at least one support structure to a predetermined position relative to the frame, the predetermined position selected for making contact with the determined surface; and, removabley affixing the at least one mounting structure to the determined surface.
- These and other advantages of the present invention, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein. Further features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention, are described in detail below with respect to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals indicate identical or functionally similar elements.
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FIG. 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of a solar panel with mounting structure constructed in accordance with teachings of the invention. -
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the solar panel ofFIG. 1 , taken along line 2-2 inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is an end view of the solar panel ofFIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the mounting structure taken along line 44 inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5 is a simplified flow diagram of a method for mounting a solar panel to a surface according to an embodiment of the invention - Turning now to the drawings, there is shown in
FIGS. 1-3 , a photovoltaic orsolar panel 10 constructed in accordance with teachings of the invention. Thesolar panel 10 includes a centrally disposedactive panel 12 supported by aframe 14. Solar panels and their support structures are well known in the art and any suitable solar panel and support structure may benefit if implemented in accordance with the present invention. - In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, the
frame 14 further includes one ormore support structures 16 that protrude outward therefrom, and one or more associated mounting structures, in the form ofsuction cups 18. Fourstructures 16 are shown, one at substantially each corner of theframe 14. Fewer or greater number ofsupport structures 16 are optionally provided. When a panel is supportable withfewer structures 16, a pair ofsupport structures 16, for example, is provided at opposite ends of theframe 14. Alternatively, when the panel requires more structures to be supported,more structures 16 are provided. One of skill in the art will understand that the number of provided structures relates to the mounting surface, the mounting structure form and size, the mounting structure locations, and the mass of the solar panel. Thus, theframe 14 may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten ormore support structures 16. In accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, a support means includes a plurality of support structures, such as forexample support structures 16, each support structure comprising a mounting structure for being removably affixed to the surface. A suction cup is one example of a suitable mounting structure of the support means. Each support structure of the support means is independently adjustable for supporting a variable spacing between the mounting structure that is supported thereon and the frame. Furthermore, spacing between mounting structures supported on different support structures is also variable. Of course, the term variable should be understood to mean in each instance controllably variable. Optionally, the plurality of support structures may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten ormore support structures 16. - A
single support structure 16 is of an appropriate design. InFIG. 1 , thesupport structure 16 is in the form of an elongated wing having a centralflat portion 20 with aprotruding ledge 22 about at least a portion of the periphery of the centralflat portion 20. The elongatedflat portion 20 is optionally relatively thin, providing a relatively lightweight structure, while the protrudingledge 22 provides added strength to the centralflat portion 20. The protruding ledge 22 optionally protrudes from opposite surfaces of the centralflat portion 20. Alternatively, the protruding ledge 22 protrudes from only one surface of the centralflat portion 20. Alternatively, the protruding ledge 22 protrudes from one surface of the centralflat portion 20 along a portion of the periphery, and the opposite surface of the centralflat portion 20 along another portion of the periphery. Yet further alternatively, portions of the periphery of the centralflat portion 20 have no protruding ledge whatsoever. - The
support structure 16 is coupled to theframe 14 by an appropriate arrangement. In the illustrated embodiment, theproximal end 24 of thesupport structure 16 is pivotably connected to theframe 14 such that thedistal end 26 may pivot outward from theframe 14. In the illustrated embodiment, theproximal end 24 of thesupport structure 16 is pivotably coupled by way of arivet 28. Alternatively a button-type arrangement or another pivotable linkage is employed. As shown inFIG. 4 , therivet 28 is received in abore 30 in thesupport structure 16 and abore 32 in a section of theframe 14. Alternatively, thesupport structure 16 and/or theframe 14 includes a protrusion that is received in a depression in the other of thesupport structure 16 and/or theframe 14. - In order to prevent the
support structure 16 from pivoting out too far from theframe 14, thesupport structure 16 and/or theframe 14 optionally limits the travel of the support structure. While any appropriate structure may be provided in this regard, in the illustrated embodiment, theframe 14 includes aprotrusion 34 that extends from theframe 14 toward a surface of the centralflat portion 20 of thesupport structure 16. In this way, as thesupport structure 16 pivots outward from theframe 14, a portion of the protrudingledge 22 along the periphery of the centralflat portion 20 abuts theprotrusion 34 to prevent thesupport structure 16 from pivoting beyond a defined position. - It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that alternatively, the
support structures 16 are attached to theframe 14, either permanently or temporarily. Optionally, thesupport structures 16 are removable from theframe 14, only being attached for mounting purposes. - The
support structures 16 include an appropriate arrangement for attaching thesuction cups 18 thereto, either permanently or temporarily. For example, thesupport structure 16 includes anopening 36 therethrough at itsdistal end 26 for receiving anaxial protrusion 38 from thesuction cup 18. Theopening 36 is a simple rounded opening that presents an interface for pushing theprotrusion 38 therethrough. Alternatively, theopening 36 has a keyhole-type shape, the larger end of the keyhole being sized to receive an enlarged head of theaxial protrusion 38 and the smaller end of the keyhole being sized to receive a smaller sized shaft of theaxial protrusion 38. The enlarged head of theaxial protrusion 38 is advanced through the larger end of the opening and the shaft is then slid over into the smaller end of the opening, disposing thecup 18 along one side of thesupport structure 16 and the enlarged head along the other side. Alternatively, theaxial protrusion 38 has a substantially uniform cross-section that is smaller than the larger end of the keyhole opening and larger than the smaller end of the keyhole opening. In this way, when theprotrusion 38 is slid through the larger end of the opening, it is then slid over into the smaller end of the opening to compress the sides of theaxial protrusion 38 and present an interference fit. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, that other arrangements and structures for temporarily or permanently coupling thesuction cup 18 to thesupport structure 16 are possible. Further, thesuction cup 18 or other mounting structure itself may have an alternate construction. - In this way, during the typical use of the mounting arrangement, the
support structures 16 are pivoted outward from theframe 14. The mounting structure in the form ofsuction cups 18 is then mounted to thesupport structures 16, and thesolar panel 10 is mounted to a surface in the form of a window by mounting the mountingstructure 18 to the surface while coupled with thesupport structures 16. - Other mounting structures suitable to temporary mounting to a transparent surface, such as glass, are also well suited for being used with the present invention.
- Though the support structures are shown pivotably connected to the
solar panel 10 for rotation within a plane of the solar panel, optionally, thesupport structures 16 are for rotation outside the plane of the solar panel. Alternatively, the support structures are slidably coupled to the solar panel for sliding relative thereto. - In mounting a solar panel to a car window, the location and spacing between the mounting structures is sometimes critical in that some car windows are not regular in size or shape and, as such, will not support a square or rectangular support with a mounting structure at each corner thereof. The present invention has the advantage of supporting asymmetric mounting structure orientations to facilitate mounting to curved windows such as windshields and to support mounting to windows while obstructing areas that are not critical to operation of the motor vehicle. Optionally, a supplemental mounting structure is provided, such as for instance in the form of a clip for being disposed over a top portion of a car window, the clip for being secured in place by pressure when the car window is in a closed position.
- Referring now to
FIG. 5 , shown is a simplified flow diagram of a method for mounting a solar panel to a surface according to an embodiment of the invention. At step 100 a solar panel is provided supported by a frame. At step 102 a surface is determined to which the solar panel is to be mounted. For instance, the surface is a portion of a car window. Atstep 104 an orientation of at least one support structure is adjusted relative to the frame, so as to position a mounting structure of the at least one support structure at a predetermined position relative to the frame, the predetermined position selected for making contact with the determined surface. For instance, in the case of an irregularly shaped and/or non-planar car window, the orientation of a support structure may be adjusted so as to position a mounting structure associated therewith for making contact along a narrow portion of the window. One non-limiting example of a narrow portion of a window is the portion that is bordered by the linearly decreasing height of the front driver or passenger side windows, which is typical in modern cars and other vehicles. Atstep 106, the at least one mounting structure is removabley affixed to the determined surface. - While this invention has been described with an emphasis upon preferred embodiments, it will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art that variations of the preferred embodiments may be used, and it is intended that the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention as defied by the following claims:
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/896,755 US20050056742A1 (en) | 2003-07-22 | 2004-07-22 | Support structure for mounting a solar panel |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US48908503P | 2003-07-22 | 2003-07-22 | |
US10/896,755 US20050056742A1 (en) | 2003-07-22 | 2004-07-22 | Support structure for mounting a solar panel |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20050056742A1 true US20050056742A1 (en) | 2005-03-17 |
Family
ID=34079470
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/896,755 Abandoned US20050056742A1 (en) | 2003-07-22 | 2004-07-22 | Support structure for mounting a solar panel |
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US (1) | US20050056742A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1692436A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2475524A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2005008146A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2021195747A1 (en) * | 2020-03-30 | 2021-10-07 | Yellow Mountain Cleantech Capital Corp. | Window- mounted solar charging unit |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2012103858A2 (en) * | 2011-02-05 | 2012-08-09 | Detlef Meyer | Mobile solar thermal collector box for window panes for heating assistance |
GB2510123A (en) * | 2013-01-24 | 2014-07-30 | Holder Solutions Ltd D | Vehicle windscreen solar charger |
DE102015002136A1 (en) | 2015-02-19 | 2016-08-25 | Detlef Meyer | Modular heating system for installation in the window area for heating support by means of solar energy |
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2004
- 2004-07-22 WO PCT/CA2004/001064 patent/WO2005008146A1/en active Application Filing
- 2004-07-22 US US10/896,755 patent/US20050056742A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2004-07-22 CA CA002475524A patent/CA2475524A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2004-07-22 EP EP04737986A patent/EP1692436A1/en not_active Withdrawn
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US5396408A (en) * | 1994-01-03 | 1995-03-07 | Szczech, Iii; John J. | Detachable window decoration |
US5975183A (en) * | 1998-03-23 | 1999-11-02 | Northrop Grumman Corporation | Repair pressure applicator for in the field damaged aircraft |
US6817145B2 (en) * | 2002-08-28 | 2004-11-16 | Chung-Teng Chen | Glasshouse strut |
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Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2021195747A1 (en) * | 2020-03-30 | 2021-10-07 | Yellow Mountain Cleantech Capital Corp. | Window- mounted solar charging unit |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2005008146A1 (en) | 2005-01-27 |
EP1692436A1 (en) | 2006-08-23 |
CA2475524A1 (en) | 2005-01-22 |
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Legal Events
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---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ICP GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES INC., CANADA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:PERESS, SASS M.;LAU, PO K.;REEL/FRAME:017993/0277 Effective date: 20060602 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GEMINI MASTER FUND, LTD., CALIFORNIA Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:ICP SOLAR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.;REEL/FRAME:021127/0878 Effective date: 20080610 Owner name: BRIDGE POINT MASTER FUND LTD., GEORGIA Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:ICP SOLAR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.;REEL/FRAME:021127/0878 Effective date: 20080610 Owner name: PLATINUM LONG TERM GROWTH VI, LLC, NEW YORK Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:ICP SOLAR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.;REEL/FRAME:021127/0878 Effective date: 20080610 |