By Cam Or Wedge Patents (Class 248/228.2)
  • Patent number: 11897568
    Abstract: An accessory mounting system for mounting an accessory on a vehicle is provided. The accessory mounting system includes a mounting assembly which has an elongated rail removably connectable to the vehicle. The elongated rail is provided with a slot extending therealong and which opens on a top surface of the elongated rail. The mounting assembly also includes a connector having a head portion slidably mounted within the slot, and a shank portion extending from the head and vertically above the top surface of the elongated rail. The mounting assembly also has a mounting fixture connectable to the connector and adapted to selectively have a portion of the accessory be connected thereto, the mounting fixture is connected to the connector in a manner such that moving the connector along the slot correspondingly displaces the mounting fixture along the elongated rail to adjust the position of the accessory on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: KIMPEX INC.
    Inventors: Louis-Frédéric Marchildon, Patrick L'Hérault, Nicolas Bouchard-Fortin
  • Patent number: 11824483
    Abstract: Single-piece hinged-clamps employed used in assemblies used to mount solar power modules to surface installation are disclosed. In some embodiments, a clamp with a right portion with a right notch having a right platform, a left portion with a left notch having a left platform, and a base portion with a flexible hinge is disclosed. The left portion also includes a threaded aperture extending downwardly from the left platform. In some embodiments, a method of securing a component with the clamp is disclosed in which a right member of a component is inserted into a right notch of a clamp, an applied force imparts movement of a left notch away from the right notch, and a buildup of potential energy in the flexible hinge during the application of the force moves the left notch in the opposite direction to engage the left member of the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Sunrun Inc.
    Inventor: Martin John Affentranger, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11808399
    Abstract: A sliding track connector for mounting objects to a track member using a twist or zip ties. The connector includes a body with a bottom surface, outer sidewalls, a center void, and a plurality of transversely aligned holes. In one embodiment, a post extends downward from the body's bottom surface and slides freely inside the slot formed on the track member. Attached to the post is a wide cap that, when twisted, presses against the inside surfaces of the flanges formed on opposite sides of the slot. In one embodiment, the post and cap are integrally formed on the body so that when the body is rotated, the post rotates inside the channel, and the cap becomes wedged against the flanges on opposite sides of the slot. One or two twist ties are inserted through the holes on the body to hold an object on the track member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Inventor: Kurt Vilhelmsen
  • Patent number: 11575345
    Abstract: Single-piece hinged-clamps employed used in assemblies used to mount solar power modules to surface installation are disclosed. In some embodiments, a clamp with a right portion with a right notch having a right platform, a left portion with a left notch having a left platform, and a base portion with a flexible hinge is disclosed. The left portion also includes a threaded aperture extending downwardly from the left platform. In some embodiments, a method of securing a component with the clamp is disclosed in which a right member of a component is inserted into a right notch of a clamp, an applied force imparts movement of a left notch away from the right notch, and a buildup of potential energy in the flexible hinge during the application of the force moves the left notch in the opposite direction to engage the left member of the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Sunrun Inc.
    Inventor: Martin John Affentranger, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11463040
    Abstract: Single-piece hinged-clamps employed used in assemblies used to mount solar power modules to surface installation are disclosed. In some embodiments, a clamp with a right portion with a right notch having a right platform, a left portion with a left notch having a left platform, and a base portion with a flexible hinge is disclosed. The left portion also includes a threaded aperture extending downwardly from the left platform. In some embodiments, a method of securing a component with the clamp is disclosed in which a right member of a component is inserted into a right notch of a clamp, an applied force imparts movement of a left notch away from the right notch, and a buildup of potential energy in the flexible hinge during the application of the force moves the left notch in the opposite direction to engage the left member of the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Sunrun Inc.
    Inventor: Martin John Affentranger, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11022148
    Abstract: A fan mounting system (30) may include supplemental mounting components for installations where fan (10) will be located in a geographic region that encounters frequent seismic activity. These supplemental components may provide additional reinforcement and stability to fan (10), enabling fan (10) to remain secured to a ceiling or other structure during seismic events. Such a supplemental system may comprise cables (410) extending between and connecting the fan (10) to structures, such as ceiling joists (450). Related methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: DELTA T, LLC
    Inventor: C. Jason Hollan
  • Patent number: 9819302
    Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods described herein can be used to secure a rail to a module or the rail to a support using a nut that can be inserted at a desired point of mounting. Another exemplary system describes a flashing to be inserted under a roof shingle, wherein the flashing is secured to a support for a rail or module. Yet another exemplary system describes a clamp that secures a rail or module and is adjustable along the length of a post. Spacers can be added to the post to extend the adjustment range of the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Sunrun South LLC
    Inventors: Greg McPheeters, Chris Oestreich, Ethan Miller
  • Patent number: 9397607
    Abstract: A photovoltaic module mounting assembly including a photovoltaic module lever lock and base portion for attaching photovoltaic modules to a roof surface. The base portion includes one or more parallel channels that provide access to one or more corresponding recesses formed in a top surface of the base portion. The lever lock includes a lobe at one end, a torque lever at the other and supports a photovoltaic module connector. The lobe is dimensioned to fit into the channel at a first orientation, and upon rotation of approximately 90 degrees, to fit into the recess at a second orientation. The module connector may support two or more photovoltaic modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Atchley, Tyrus Hudson, David Molina, Jack Raymond West
  • Patent number: 9057195
    Abstract: A clamp described herein can secure a solar cell array to a seam of a standing seam metal roof. The clamp has a cam that is rotated by the tightening of a bolt to cause the cam to engage the seam. The clamp also has a receiver for receiving the seam and the rotated cam. By installing the clamp on the seam, the solar cell array can be secured to the standing seam metal roof without drilling into the roof. Because no screws are required to be drilled into the rooftop, the damage to the rooftop is substantially reduced. Also, by reversing the process described above, the clamp can be uninstalled in a similar fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Sunrun South LLC
    Inventor: Greg McPheeters
  • Patent number: 8794583
    Abstract: Device for supporting photovoltaic cell panels, which is formed from a section with a height between 5 and 25 cm, comprising a central portion (1), two gutters (2) symmetrical with respect to the support and running along the section over the entire length thereof, a retaining rail (3) at the base, fastening means (4), for fastening two photovoltaic cell panels (5), a thermal insulation, and a complementary sealing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: KBFX LLC
    Inventors: Alain Poivet, Eric Chameau
  • Patent number: 8783416
    Abstract: A clamp device for mounting a rail device onto a railroad rail includes a clamp body having an upper section and a lower section. The clamp body defines a recess portion between the upper and lower sections and a bore extending through the lower section of the clamp body. A bolt having a first end and a second end extends through the bore of the clamp body. The clamp device also includes a quick release mechanism having a lever arm and a cam member pivotally connected to the second end of the bolt. The lever arm is connected to the cam member and has a clamped position and a released position whereby pivoting the lever arm from the released position to the clamped position draws the first end of the bolt and the clamp body together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: L.B. Foster Rail Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. Singleton, W. Thomas Urmson, Jr., Charles A. Petrie, Christopher Alan Lucke
  • Patent number: 8608122
    Abstract: A clamp assembly is provided for securing a panel or fairing to an I-beam, and comprises a pair of side blocks and a clamping block, together with a single bolt to secure them in place. Each of the side blocks as an inclined wedge surface, and the T-shaped clamping block has similarly sloped wedge surfaces along the sides of the leg of the T. When a bolt this passed through side legs of the side blocks, and through or under the clamping block, a sliding and wedging action between the inclined and sloped wedge surfaces occurs. Moreover, a clamping action between the top surface of the clamping block and the lower surface of the lower flanges of the I-beam is also induced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Laydon Composites Ltd.
    Inventors: Joseph Mancina, James D. Haws, Miroslav Vukovic, Andriy N. Prokudin
  • Patent number: 8585000
    Abstract: A clamp has a body, a wedged channel nut, and a bolt. The body has a first component extending from the body and configured to engage a module and a second component having a tapered body surface. The wedged channel nut has a first flange and a second flange extending from opposing sides of the nut and configured to engage a rail and a tapered nut surface having an angle substantially identical to the angle of the tapered body surface of the second component, wherein the tapered nut surface engages the tapered body surface. A bolt extends through the wedged channel nut and the body. When the bolt is tightened, the nut and the body secure the module and rail together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Mainstream Energy Corporation
    Inventor: Greg McPheeters
  • Patent number: 8528870
    Abstract: A retaining device for a stand includes a base, a shaft inserted in the base, a handle pivotally mounted on the shaft, and a retainer sleeved on a cam portion of the handle. When the handle is pivotally moved downwards, the retainer can be driven to move toward an extending rod of the stand by actuation of the cam portion of the handle for stopping against the extending rod of the stand and retaining the extending rod of the stand in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Durq Machinery Corp.
    Inventors: Chia-Sheng Liu, Chen-Yuan Chen
  • Patent number: 8505863
    Abstract: A clamp described herein can secure a solar cell array to a seam of a standing seam metal roof. The clamp has a cam that is rotated by the tightening of a bolt to cause the cam to engage the seam. The clamp also has a receiver for receiving the seam and the rotated cam. By installing the clamp on the seam, the solar cell array can be secured to the standing seam metal roof without drilling into the roof. Because no screws are required to be drilled into the rooftop, the damage to the rooftop is substantially reduced. Also, by reversing the process described above, the clamp can be uninstalled in a similar fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Mainstream Energy Corporation
    Inventor: Greg McPheeters
  • Patent number: 8424820
    Abstract: A universal clamp for use on a crib and a method of securing the clamp to the crib. The clamp includes a first base and a second base removeably coupled to a crib. The first base includes an aperture and is configured to receive a strap and a recess. The second base includes a shaft configured to be received within the recess of the first base, a spring coupled to the shaft and being biased to retain the shaft within the recess, and a cam buckle connected to and pivotable with respect to the second base. The second base is configured to rotate with respect to the first base, and the cam buckle is configured to receive the strap to secure the clamp to the crib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Learning Curve Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Adrian Cristian Cotirla, Joseph J. Grasso
  • Patent number: 8387926
    Abstract: A support arrangement, operable to clamp a cam tube for a drum brake assembly in position relative to an adjacent vehicle component, includes a first jaw having a first pair of arms, each of which has an one opening in an inclined end section, a second jaw having a second pair of arms, each of which has an opening in an inclined end section, and a base associated with the vehicle component and having a third pair of arms. Each of the third pair of arms also has an opening in its end section. Bolts or other such fastener elements are receivable within aligned sets of openings in the first, second, and third pairs of arms, permitting displacement of the first and second jaws relative to the base upon adjustment of the fasteners so that the jaws grip the tube and clamp the tube in its proper position. A clamping process is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC
    Inventors: Thomas L. Runels, Troy A. Flodin
  • Publication number: 20120312945
    Abstract: A clamp described herein can secure a solar cell array to a seam of a standing seam metal roof. The clamp has a cam that is rotated by the tightening of a bolt to cause the cam to engage the seam. The clamp also has a receiver for receiving the seam and the rotated cam. By installing the clamp on the seam, the solar cell array can be secured to the standing seam metal roof without drilling into the roof. Because no screws are required to be drilled into the rooftop, the damage to the rooftop is substantially reduced. Also, by reversing the process described above, the clamp can be uninstalled in a similar fashion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: MAINSTREAM ENERGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Greg McPheeters
  • Patent number: 8251326
    Abstract: A clamp described herein can secure a solar cell array to a seam of a standing seam metal roof. The clamp has a cam that is rotated by the tightening of a bolt to cause the cam to engage the seam. The clamp also has a receiver for receiving the seam and the rotated cam. By installing the clamp on the seam, the solar cell array can be secured to the standing seam metal roof without drilling into the roof. Because no screws are required to be drilled into the rooftop, the damage to the rooftop is substantially reduced. Also, by reversing the process described above, the clamp can be uninstalled in a similar fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Mainstream Energy Corporation
    Inventor: Greg McPheeters
  • Patent number: 8096515
    Abstract: A hanging apparatus is provided that facilitates the attachment of a medical instrument to a support structure. The mechanism includes a generally longitudinal, telescoping assembly that extends outward from the back of the medical instrument and positions a rotatable arm to serve as one face of a clamp, opposing the back of the medical instrument as the second face of the clamp. The mechanism assembly includes a cylindrical shaft that extends outward against the tension force of a spring from a housing component of the assembly. A cam mechanism within the hanging apparatus allows for locking and tightening of the clamp against the support structure after closure of the clamp under the influence of the tensioning spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Locke, Aidan Marcus Tout
  • Patent number: 7926773
    Abstract: An apparatus designed to provide quick connect capability between a frame straightener and a vehicle chassis comprising a plurality of varying clamp members designed to secure to the various apertures within the chassis frame and tubular inter frame-rail cross members according to the restrictions of varying attachment points thereof and thereby enabling rapid installation and removal of multiple anchors and torsion tethers thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: Todd Duke
  • Patent number: 7896301
    Abstract: A clamping device of unitary construction comprising a tubular bridge secured between an inverted U-shaped clamping member with a vertically-extending slot and two rail plates placed in a back-to-back configuration. The dual rail plate structure permits the mounting of a pivotally-deployable float switch within the lowermost corner of a tilted fluid collection pan, when expedited response time is needed for stopping fluid flow into a collection container after only a minimal amount of fluid has accumulated in the lowered corner. The unitary construction of the clamping device, use of thumbscrews to secure its clamping member over the top edge of a fluid collection container wall, and its simple rail plate construction allow for rapid installation of a float switch within a fluid collection pan or other fluid collecting container. Vertically-extending internal ribs strengthen the clamping member. Preferred plastic materials also make the clamping device impervious to corrosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventor: Christopher Ralph Cantolino
  • Patent number: 7878469
    Abstract: A novel adjustable screed bar holder used to support screed bars used in concrete finish work. The holder moves along a supporting device such as a stake, pin, or post. A lever on the holder is coupled to a cam wheel such that movement of the lever will disengage the cam wheel from the stake. When the cam wheel is in the disengaged position the holder is free to move along the stake until the lever is released and the cam wheel secures against the stake. Typically the holder will be used to hold a piece of lumber, pipe, rebar, or tubing parallel to the forms used in concrete placement. A screed may then be run over the concrete while it rides on the screed bar supported by the adjustable holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventors: Bryan Hasenoehrl, Kevin Gordon
  • Patent number: 7621497
    Abstract: Described is a ceiling mount for a device comprising a channel member and a latch. The channel member includes a side surface extending upward a first predetermined distance from a top surface of a housing of the device and a horizontal surface extending for a second predetermined distance away from the side surface in a direction substantially parallel to the top surface to define a first ceiling member receiving channel between the horizontal surface and the top surface. The latch is rotatably attached to the top surface. The latch defines a second ceiling member receiving channel between the latch and the top surface, so that when rotated, the latch covers the second ceiling member receiving channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Wallace
  • Patent number: 7614590
    Abstract: An attachment device comprises a metal part obtained by cutting and folding a metal plate or sheet, and shaped as a rider designed to be fitted astride a metal support in the form of a beam or a bar. The metal part comprises a U-shaped flange having two side faces forming a jaw equipped with a series of spigots staggered along the top arms and with a pair of flexible teeth acting as springs at the ends of the bottom arms. The holding strength is enhanced, and the two flexible teeth coming into contact against the bottom face of the support enables several thicknesses of the support to be managed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: A. Raymond et Cie
    Inventor: Daniel Boville
  • Patent number: 7543784
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a clamp (18) for an elongate member (16) comprising a housing (25) through which an elongate member may extend, a clamping member (33) to engage the elongate member and a locking mechanism for pressing the clamping member against the elongate member. The locking mechanism has a rotatable input (37, 41) about a defined axis and a rotary cam means (35, 39) for converting rotation of the input into linear movement of the clamping member in said axis to effect and release engagement of the clamping member with the elongate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Vitec Group PLC
    Inventor: Richard Arthur Lindsay
  • Patent number: 7210657
    Abstract: A clamp holder to be suspended in an opening of vertical. The clamp holder includes a cantilever beam, a pillar, and a clamp slider. The cantilever beam is vertically at the beam end on an upper end of the pillar, on the back of the pillar. A beam extension is angled upward from the beam on the front of the pillar. A clamp slider, in a U-shape is on a free leg end vertically at a lower end of the pillar. A beam-like holding element is molded onto a free end of the beam extension. A cuboid support element is molded onto the free end of the holding element, with a cuboid transverse surface of the holding element placed in front of the pillar, and is angled upward from the support element molding. The support element has a mutual relationship with a cuboid pressure element. The latter is positioned removably attached to the support element. The pressure element has a receiver region with a chamber open to the base and the cover faces of the pressure element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Georg Plate, Lutz Schapke, Doris Zyrull
  • Patent number: 6779766
    Abstract: A securing device for releasable attachment of a tissues box to a car console. The device includes a trapezoidal template having a pair of opposite lateral side edge portions each with a lengthwise groove. Hook and loop fasteners releasably interconnect the template to the tissues box underface. A pair of arcuate wedge members are provided, to engage the opposite side upper wall corner portions of the car console. The first arcuate wedge member further includes a lateral side edge portion thereof forming a slider lip sized for complementary sliding engagement with the lengthwise groove of the first side edge portion of the template. The second arcuate wedge member further includes a lateral side edge portion thereof forming a slider lip sized for complementary sliding engagement with the lengthwise groove of the second side edge portion of the template.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventors: Alain Hade, René Hade
  • Publication number: 20030154837
    Abstract: A frame assembly for a lower blanking tool of a carton die cutting machine. The frame assembly includes a rigid outer frame, an inner grid comprised of a plurality of lengthwise and crosswise extending bars, and a plurality of clamp devices attaching the bars to the outer frame. Each clamp device includes an upright plate member in which is formed a substantially U-shaped upper cavity. A wedge is disposed within the cavity for sliding movement between clamped and released positions to rigidly hold the ends of the bars of the inner grid to the outer frame. In an alternate embodiment, the clamp has an upper and lower cavity together with upper and lower wedges which are simultaneously moved between clamped and released positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Frank E. Oetlinger