US 12,292,075 B2
Twist-lock solar module clamp
Erich Kai Stephan, Richmond, CA (US); Glenn Harris, Richmond, CA (US); Peter Wilke, Richmond, CA (US); Nicholas Wenzel, Richmond, CA (US); and James Hsieh, Richmond, CA (US)
Assigned to PEGASUS SOLAR INC, Richmond, CA (US)
Filed by PEGASUS SOLAR INC, Richmond, CA (US)
Filed on Nov. 24, 2020, as Appl. No. 17/102,749.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/940,119, filed on Nov. 25, 2019.
Prior Publication US 2021/0156413 A1, May 27, 2021
Int. Cl. F16B 37/04 (2006.01); F16B 5/00 (2006.01); H01R 4/44 (2006.01); H02S 30/00 (2014.01); F24S 25/60 (2018.01)
CPC F16B 37/045 (2013.01) [F16B 5/0068 (2013.01); H01R 4/44 (2013.01); H02S 30/00 (2013.01); F24S 25/60 (2018.05); F24S 2025/6006 (2018.05)] 18 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A twist-lock clamp for attaching a solar module to a rail, comprising:
a threaded fastener that includes raised rings for electrical contact;
a top clamp having:
a first planar member;
a first aperture in the first planar member, the first aperture to accept the threaded fastener in an assembled configuration; and
a second planar member orthogonal to the first planar member and connected to the first planar member inset from a distal end of the first planar member;
a spring having:
a second aperture to accept the threaded fastener in the assembled configuration; and
a first planar surface including an angled protrusion that is configured to engage with a second planar surface of the rail in a locked configuration; and
a threaded t-nut to engage with the threaded fastener placing the spring in compression between the top clamp and the threaded t-nut in the assembled configuration.