US4611090A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Semirigid photovoltaic module assembly and structural support therefor
Assignee: Standard Oil Co
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Filing: 1984-12-28
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Granted: 1986-09-09
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Expires: 2004-12-28
Abstract
Abstract A semirigid support member is provided for deploying flexible photovoltaic modules in a manner that imparts a degree of rigidity and permanence to the deployment. The semirigid support members provide lightweight economical means for lending structural support to flexible photovoltaic modules. The support members may be interconnected and additionally connected to a permanent base foundation.
Inventors
- 👤 Gary C. Catella
- 👤 Ronald C. Cull
- 👤 David A. Dilts
- 👤 Paul E. Koch
- 👤 Robert A. Hartman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 15:04
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02S; H02S20/00; F; F24; F24S; F24S25/00; F24S25/10; F24S25/12; F24S25/20; H10; H10F; H10F19/00; H10F19/80; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/40; Y02E10/47; Y02E10/50
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 41
Claim 1
Independent Claim
95 words
A semirigid photovoltaic module assembly comprising: (a) a flexible photovoltaic module; (b) a semirigid support member having a frame adapted to be in contact with the perimeter of the flexible photovoltaic module, an inwardly facing flange extending upward from the frame which overlaps a portion of the module perimeter said flexible photovoltaic module being gripped by said flange, a skirt depending downward from the frame, and rib stiffeners integral to the frame and extending inward and adapted to contact the flexible photovoltaic module; and (c) means for attaching the photovoltaic module to the support member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
95 words
A semirigid photovoltaic module assembly comprising: (a) a flexible photovoltaic module; (b) a semirigid support member having a frame adapted to be in contact with the perimeter of the flexible photovoltaic module, an inwardly facing flange extending upward from the frame which overlaps a portion of the module perimeter said flexible photovoltaic module being gripped by said flange, a skirt depending downward from the frame, and rib stiffeners integral to the frame and extending inward and adapted to contact the flexible photovoltaic module; and (c) means for attaching the photovoltaic module to the support member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The semirigid photovoltaic module assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein said flexible photovoltaic module comprises an amorphous silicon photovoltaic module.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The semirigid photovoltaic module assembly in accordance with claim 2 wherein said amorphous silicon photovoltaic module comprises a p-i-n structure.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
Ihe semirigid photovoltaic module assembly in accordance with Claim 1 wherein the semirigid support member comprises an electrically insulating material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The semirigid photovoltaic module assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein said semirigid support member comprises a fiber reinforced plastic resin.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The semirigid photovoltaic module assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein said semirigid support member comprises a polycarbonate.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The semirigid photovoltaic module assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein said skirt has spaced, thick-walled portions.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The semirigid photovoltaic module assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein said spaced, thick-walled portions of said skirt have openings therethrough.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The semirigid photovoltaic module assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein said rib stiffeners are interconnected.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
The semirigid photovoltaic module assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein said support member additionally includes means for accepting an electrical junction box.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The semirigid photovoltaic module assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein said support member additionally includes means for accepting a snap-in electrical junction box.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
The semirigid photovoltaic module assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein said inward-facing flange is discontinuous around the frame.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
24 words
The semirigid photovoltaic module assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein a plurality of flange portions are disposed in opposing configurations around the frame.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
34 words
The semirigid photovoltaic module assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein said means for attaching the photovoltaic module to the support member comprises an adhesive material disposed between said module and said support member.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
18 words
The semirigid photovoltaic module assembly in accordance with claim 14 wherein said adhesive material is an epoxy resin.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
17 words
The semirigid photovoltaic module assembly in accordance with claim 14 wherein said adhesive material is a silicone.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
22 words
The semirigid photovoltaic module assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein a gasket is disposed around the periphery of said photovoltaic module.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
29 words
The semirigid photovoltaic module assembly in accordance with claim 17 wherein said gasket material is selected from the group consisting of ethylene propylene dienes, silicones, polyurethanes, and plasticized vinyls.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
18 words
The semirigid photovoltaic module assembly in accordance with claim 18 wherein said gasket material is ethylene propylene diene.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
25 words
The semirigid photovoltaic module assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein a faceplate is disposed between said flexible photovoltaic module and said semirigid support member.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
20 words
The semirigid photovoltaic module assembly in accordance with claim 20 wherein said faceplate is integral to said semirigid support member.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
34 words
The semirigid photovoltaic module assembly in accordance with claim 20 wherein said faceplate is made from a material selected from the group consisting of polyesters, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonates, steel, aluminum, and carbon-loaded ABS polymers.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
17 words
The semirigid photovoltaic module assembly in accordance with claim 22 wherein said faceplate material is polyvinyl chloride.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
157 words
A semirigid array of flexible photovoltaic modules, which semirigid array comprises: (a) individual flexible photovoltaic modules and individual semirigid support members for said modules, each individual support member having a frame adapted to be in contact with the perimeter of a photovoltaic module, an inwardly facing flange extending upward from the frame and which overlaps a portion of the module perimeter, a said flexible photovoltaic module being gripped by said flange, a skirt depending downward from the frame, rib stiffeners integral to the frame and extending inward and adapted to contact the photovoltaic module, and means for attaching the photovoltaic module to the support member to form a photovoltaic assembly; (b) means for fixedly attaching individual semirigid support members to adjacent semirigid support members to form an array; and (c) means for securing at least one semirigid support member to a base so that the array of flexible photovoltaic modules may be displayed in the desired configuration.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
157 words
A semirigid array of flexible photovoltaic modules, which semirigid array comprises: (a) individual flexible photovoltaic modules and individual semirigid support members for said modules, each individual support member having a frame adapted to be in contact with the perimeter of a photovoltaic module, an inwardly facing flange extending upward from the frame and which overlaps a portion of the module perimeter, a said flexible photovoltaic module being gripped by said flange, a skirt depending downward from the frame, rib stiffeners integral to the frame and extending inward and adapted to contact the photovoltaic module, and means for attaching the photovoltaic module to the support member to form a photovoltaic assembly; (b) means for fixedly attaching individual semirigid support members to adjacent semirigid support members to form an array; and (c) means for securing at least one semirigid support member to a base so that the array of flexible photovoltaic modules may be displayed in the desired configuration.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
19 words
The semirigid array in accordance with claim 24 wherein said individual flexible photovoltaic modules comprise amorphous silicon photovoltaic modules.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
18 words
The semirigid array in accordance with claim 24 wherein said semirigid support members comprise an electrically insulating material.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
16 words
The semirigid support in accordance with claim 24 wherein said semirigid support members comprise a polycarbonate.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
15 words
The semirigid array in accordance with claim 24 wherein said skirt has spaced, thick-walled portions.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
19 words
The semirigid array in accordance with claim 28 wherein said spaced, thick-walled portions of said skirt have openings therethrough.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
14 words
The semirigid array in accordance with claim 24 wherein said rib stiffeners are interconnected.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
22 words
The semirigid array in accordance with claim 24 wherein said semirigid support members additionally include means for accepting an electrical junction box.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
18 words
The semirigid array in accordance with claim 24 wherein said inwardly facing flange is discontinuous around the frame.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
29 words
The semirigid array in accordance with claim 24 wherein means for attaching the photovoltaic module to the support member comprises an adhesive material disposed-between said module and said support.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
16 words
The semirigid array in accordance with claim 33 wherein said adhesive material is an epoxy resin.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
24 words
The semirigid array in accordance with claim 24 wherein said means for attaching individual semirigid support modules to adjacent semirigid support modules comprises bolts.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
27 words
The semirigid array in accordance with claim 24 wherein said semirigid support additionally includes at least one stabililizer bar disposed across each photovoltaic assembly and attached thereto.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
41 words
The semirigid array in accordance with claim 24 wherein said means for securing at least one semirigid support member to a base comprises a post attached to said semirigid support member and adapted to be fixedly attached to a permanent base.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
133 words
A semirigid array of flexible photovoltaic modules, which array comprises: (a) individual flexible photovoltaic modules and individual semirigid support members for said modules, each individual support member having a frame adapted to be in contact with the perimeter of a photovoltaic module, an inwardly facing flange extending upward from the frame which overlaps a portion of the module perimeter, a said flexible photovoltaic module being gripped by said flange, a skirt depending downward from the frame, rib stiffeners integral to the frame and extending inward and adapted to contact the photovoltaic module, and means for attaching the photovoltaic module to the support member to form a photovoltaic assembly; (b) means fixedly attaching individual semirigid support members to a common torque bar; and (c) means for securing said common torque bar to a base.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
133 words
A semirigid array of flexible photovoltaic modules, which array comprises: (a) individual flexible photovoltaic modules and individual semirigid support members for said modules, each individual support member having a frame adapted to be in contact with the perimeter of a photovoltaic module, an inwardly facing flange extending upward from the frame which overlaps a portion of the module perimeter, a said flexible photovoltaic module being gripped by said flange, a skirt depending downward from the frame, rib stiffeners integral to the frame and extending inward and adapted to contact the photovoltaic module, and means for attaching the photovoltaic module to the support member to form a photovoltaic assembly; (b) means fixedly attaching individual semirigid support members to a common torque bar; and (c) means for securing said common torque bar to a base.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-09-08 | 1990-03-10 | 1990-09-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-09-08 | 1994-03-10 | 1994-09-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-09-08 | 1998-03-10 | 1998-09-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |