Patents Assigned to IRONRIDGE, INC.
  • Patent number: 11929583
    Abstract: Assembly for Clamping and Grounding Objects In various representative aspects, an apparatus for clamping and grounding solar panel frames to a mounting rail is disclosed herein. The apparatus comprises a fastener with an enlarged end, and a shank, with the enlarged end having one or more sharp protrusions that resemble teeth, and a washer with one or more sharp protrusions, and an opening. When installed, the shank is inserted through the opening of the washer, the sharp protrusions of the enlarged end penetrate either the lower or upper surface of the mounting rail and the sharp protrusions of the washer penetrate the other surface of the solar panel frames while at the same time creating a grounding path through the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: IronRidge, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Ash, Shawn J. Meine
  • Patent number: 11746820
    Abstract: In various representative aspects, an assembly for securing a solar panel rail and rail-less support structures to a shingle roof. More specifically, the apparatus includes a connection bracket and flashing device for use in installing solar panel rail support structures. The connection bracket is secured to the flashing device by rotating its base around a threaded connection until it locks in place so that a solar panel rail support guide can be connected to a generally U-shaped connection on the top of the bracket. The apparatus also offers an improved means to cover the penetration point on the flashing to protect it and prevent water from leaking into the roof as well as an improved way to install the apparatus over existing products. An alternate embodiment of the apparatus is offered to support a rail-less pivot mount as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: IronRidge, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Ash, Shawn J. Meine, Clayton Rietz, David Taggart, Anumeha Justice
  • Patent number: 11601087
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a covering for a clamping assembly used to connect and ground solar panel modules to a mounting rail. The covering comprises a sleeve including an outer cover for connecting to the solar panel module and a connector shaped to be contained within the outer cover and connected to the outer cover through two or more flanges. The connector has an opening there through to receive a female member of the clamping assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: IronRidge, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Ash, David Briggs, Shawn Meine, Bryan Lester
  • Patent number: 11368005
    Abstract: In various representative aspects, an assembly for securing array skirts and solar panel modules in an array on a roof by providing a leveling system that utilizes a barrel bolt and barrel nut to vertically adjust the assembly. Improved electrical bonding by utilizing bonding pins installed in mounting plates of a support clamp are also provided. Additionally, an improved array skirt design that is installed on the outer row of the array, as well as improved designs in the support clamp and splice mechanisms are also provided. Finally, an improved wire management system is included as well as a method of installation of the array assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: IronRidge, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn Meine, Jon Ash, David F. Taggart, Willie Kim, Clayton Robert Rietz, William Anthony Pereira
  • Patent number: 11255369
    Abstract: In various representative aspects, an assembly for securing a solar panel rail and rail-less support structures to a shingle roof. More specifically, the apparatus includes a connection bracket and flashing device for use in installing solar panel rail support structures. The connection bracket is secured to the flashing device by rotating its base around a threaded connection until it locks in place so that a solar panel rail support guide can be connected to a generally U-shaped connection on the top of the bracket. The apparatus also offers an improved means to cover the penetration point on the flashing to protect it and prevent water from leaking into the roof as well as an improved way to install the apparatus over existing products. An alternate embodiment of the apparatus is offered to support a rail-less pivot mount as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: IronRidge, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Ash, Shawn Meine, Anumeha Justice, Clayton Rietz, David Taggart
  • Patent number: 11239577
    Abstract: In various representative aspects, an apparatus for clamping and grounding solar panel frames to a mounting rail is disclosed herein. The apparatus comprises a fastener with an enlarged end, and a shank, with the enlarged end having one or more sharp protrusions that resemble teeth, and a washer with one or more sharp protrusions, and an opening. When installed, the shank is inserted through the opening of the washer, the sharp protrusions of the enlarged end penetrate either the lower or upper surface of the mounting rail and the sharp protrusions of the washer penetrate the other surface of the solar panel frames while at the same time creating a grounding path through the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Ironridge, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Ash, Shawn Meine
  • Patent number: 11196187
    Abstract: In various representative aspects, the present invention relates generally to providing an apparatus for securing a solar panel module to a solar panel rail guide structure. More specifically, the invention relates to providing an end clamp that mounts a bottom flange of a solar panel module to a solar panel rail guide structure. The end clamp does not require any tools for insertion. It mechanically fastens and electrically bonds the solar panel module to a solar panel rail guide structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Ironridge, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Ash, Anumeha Narain, Joseph Sirochman
  • Patent number: 11189941
    Abstract: In various representative aspects, an apparatus for clamping and grounding solar panel frames to a mounting rail is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a fastener with an enlarged end, and a shank, with the enlarged end having one or more sharp protrusions that resemble teeth, and a washer with one or more sharp protrusions, and an opening. When installed, the shank is inserted through the opening of the washer, the sharp protrusions of the enlarged end penetrate either the lower or upper surface of the mounting rail and the sharp protrusions of the washer penetrate the other surface of the solar panel frames while at the same time creating a grounding path through the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: IronRidge, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Ash, Shawn Meine
  • Patent number: 11121484
    Abstract: In various representative aspects, an apparatus for clamping and grounding solar panel frames to a mounting rail is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a fastener with an enlarged end, and a shank, with the enlarged end having one or more sharp protrusions that resemble teeth, and a washer with one or more sharp protrusions, and an opening. When installed, the shank is inserted through the opening of the washer, the sharp protrusions of the enlarged end penetrate either the lower or upper surface of the mounting rail and the sharp protrusions of the washer penetrate the other surface of the solar panel frames while at the same time creating a grounding path through the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: IronRidge, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Ash, Shawn Meine
  • Publication number: 20210194158
    Abstract: In various representative aspects, an apparatus for clamping and grounding solar panel frames to a mounting rail is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a fastener with an enlarged end, and a shank, with the enlarged end having one or more sharp protrusions that resemble teeth, and a washer with one or more sharp protrusions, and an opening. When installed, the shank is inserted through the opening of the washer, the sharp protrusions of the enlarged end penetrate either the lower or upper surface of the mounting rail and the sharp protrusions of the washer penetrate the other surface of the solar panel frames while at the same time creating a grounding path through the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Applicant: IronRidge, Inc.
    Inventors: John Ash, Shawn Meine
  • Publication number: 20210194157
    Abstract: In various representative aspects, an apparatus for clamping and grounding solar panel frames to a mounting rail is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a fastener with an enlarged end, and a shank, with the enlarged end having one or more sharp protrusions that resemble teeth, and a washer with one or more sharp protrusions, and an opening. When installed, the shank is inserted through the opening of the washer, the sharp protrusions of the enlarged end penetrate either the lower or upper surface of the mounting rail and the sharp protrusions of the washer penetrate the other surface of the solar panel frames while at the same time creating a grounding path through the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Applicant: IronRidge, Inc.
    Inventors: John Ash, Shawn Meine
  • Patent number: 11009262
    Abstract: In various representative aspects, an assembly for securing a solar panel rail support structure to a tile roof. More specifically, the apparatus includes a base plate that is secured to the roof beneath various shapes of tiles on the tile roof and a generally L-shaped bracket that is then coupled to a rail support guide. The bracket is then capable of being adjusted in various locations along the base plate by using screws in various locations along slotted apertures within the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Ironridge, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Ash, Shawn Meine, Anumeha Narain, Clayton Rietz, David Taggart
  • Publication number: 20210079947
    Abstract: In various representative aspects, an assembly for securing a solar panel rail and rail-less support structures to a shingle roof. More specifically, the apparatus includes a connection bracket and flashing device for use in installing solar panel rail support structures. The connection bracket is secured to the flashing device by rotating its base around a threaded connection until it locks in place so that a solar panel rail support guide can be connected to a generally U-shaped connection on the top of the bracket. The apparatus also offers an improved means to cover the penetration point on the flashing to protect it and prevent water from leaking into the roof as well as an improved way to install the apparatus over existing products. An alternate embodiment of the apparatus is offered to support a rail-less pivot mount as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2020
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Applicant: IronRidge, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Ash, Shawn Meine, Anumeha Justice, Clayton Rietz, David Taggart
  • Patent number: 10851826
    Abstract: In various representative aspects, an assembly for securing a solar panel rail and rail-less support structures to a shingle roof. More specifically, the apparatus includes a connection bracket and flashing device for use in installing solar panel rail support structures. The connection bracket is secured to the flashing device by rotating its base around a threaded connection until it locks in place so that a solar panel rail support guide can be connected to a generally U-shaped connection on the top of the bracket. The apparatus also offers an improved means to cover the penetration point on the flashing to protect it and prevent water from leaking into the roof as well as an improved way to install the apparatus over existing products. An alternate embodiment of the apparatus is offered to support a rail-less pivot mount as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Ironridge, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Ash, Shawn Meine, Anumeha Narain, Clayton Rietz, David Taggart
  • Publication number: 20200313611
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a covering for a clamping assembly used to connect and ground solar panel modules to a mounting rail. The covering comprises a sleeve including an outer cover for connecting to the solar panel module and a connector shaped to be contained within the outer cover and connected to the outer cover through two or more flanges. The connector has an opening there through to receive a female member of the clamping assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: IronRidge, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Ash, David Briggs, Shawn Meine, Bryan Lester
  • Publication number: 20200274258
    Abstract: In various representative aspects, the present invention relates generally to providing an apparatus for securing a solar panel module to a solar panel rail guide structure. More specifically, the invention relates to providing an end clamp that mounts a bottom flange of a solar panel module to a solar panel rail guide structure. The end clamp does not require any tools for insertion. It mechanically fastens and electrically bonds the solar panel module to a solar panel rail guide structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2020
    Publication date: August 27, 2020
    Applicant: IronRidge, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Ash, Anumeha Narain, Joseph Sirochman
  • Publication number: 20200232681
    Abstract: In various representative aspects, an assembly for securing a solar panel rail support structure to a tile roof. More specifically, the apparatus includes a base plate that is secured to the roof beneath various shapes of tiles on the tile roof and a generally L-shaped bracket that is then coupled to a rail support guide. The bracket is then capable of being adjusted in various locations along the base plate by using screws in various locations along slotted apertures within the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Publication date: July 23, 2020
    Applicant: IronRidge, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Ash, Shawn Meine, Anumeha Narain, Clayton Rietz, David Taggart
  • Patent number: 10686401
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a covering for a clamping assembly used to connect and ground solar panel modules to a mounting rail. The covering comprises a sleeve including an outer cover for connecting to the solar panel module and a connector shaped to be contained within the outer cover and connected to the outer cover through two or more flanges. The connector has an opening there through to receive a female member of the clamping assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Ironridge, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Ash, David Briggs, Shawn Meine, Bryan Lester
  • Patent number: 10673151
    Abstract: In various representative aspects, the present invention relates generally to providing an apparatus for securing a solar panel module to a solar panel rail guide structure. More specifically, the invention relates to providing an end clamp that mounts a bottom flange of a solar panel module to a solar panel rail guide structure. The end clamp does not require any tools for insertion. It mechanically fastens and electrically bonds the solar panel module to a solar panel rail guide structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: IronRidge, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Ash, Anumeha Narain, Joseph Sirochman
  • Patent number: 10663195
    Abstract: In various representative aspects, an assembly for securing a solar panel rail support structure to a tile roof. More specifically, the apparatus includes a base plate that is secured to the roof beneath various shapes of tiles on the tile roof and a generally L-shaped bracket that is then coupled to a rail support guide. The bracket is then capable of being adjusted in various locations along the base plate by utilizing a spring lock mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: IronRidge, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Ash, Shawn Meine, Anumeha Narain, Clayton Rietz, David Taggart