US 12,451,624 B2
Assembly for clamping and grounding objects
Jon Ash, Phoenix, AZ (US); and Shawn J. Meine, Phoenix, AZ (US)
Assigned to IronRidge, Inc., Hayward, CA (US)
Filed by IronRidge, Inc., Hayward, CA (US)
Filed on Feb. 1, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/429,871.
Application 18/429,871 is a continuation of application No. 17/586,307, filed on Jan. 27, 2022, granted, now 11,929,583.
Application 17/586,307 is a continuation of application No. 16/227,145, filed on Dec. 20, 2018, abandoned.
Application 16/227,145 is a continuation of application No. 14/796,016, filed on Jul. 10, 2015, granted, now 10,186,791.
Application 14/796,016 is a continuation in part of application No. 13/542,570, filed on Jul. 5, 2012, granted, now 9,689,411, issued on Jun. 27, 2017.
Prior Publication US 2024/0170865 A1, May 23, 2024
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. F16B 7/18 (2006.01); F16B 2/12 (2006.01); F24S 25/636 (2018.01); H01R 9/18 (2006.01); H01R 13/648 (2006.01); F16B 43/00 (2006.01)
CPC H01R 9/18 (2013.01) [F16B 2/12 (2013.01); F16B 7/187 (2013.01); F24S 25/636 (2018.05); H01R 13/648 (2013.01); F16B 43/00 (2013.01)] 7 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An assembly for affixing a first object to a second object and a third object and providing a grounding path between the first, second, and third objects comprising:
a first frame and a second frame, the first frame and the second frame comprising an elongated channel for receiving a solar panel;
a rail guide;
an electrically conductive fastener comprising:
a shank extending from an enlarged end such that the shank terminates at an opposite end and the enlarged end comprises a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the top surface comprises at least one raised portion for penetrating a surface of the rail guide; and
a nut configured to receive the shank; and
an electrically conductive piercing member comprising:
a base with a central opening configured to receive the shank of the electrically conductive fastener therethrough;
a pair of opposing ears with each respective ear being on an edge of the base of the piercing member such that the pair of opposing ears extend downward in a direction of the enlarged end and act as spacers between the first frame and the second frame; and
at least one raised portion adjacent each ear disposed on the edge of the piercing member for penetrating a surface of the first frame and the second frame respectively.