Patents Assigned to IRONRIDGE, INC.
  • Publication number: 20160285177
    Abstract: In various representative aspects, an apparatus for securing solar panels to a rail support guide, while facilitating grounding by a common grounding wire. The apparatus is an electrically conductive lay-in-lug fastener, which facilitates multiple rows of solar panels to be electrically bonded to each other. The apparatus includes a lug member for securing the grounding wire. In doing so, the structure for securing the grounding wire is at an acute angle to the frame, enabling a wrench to be used even in space-challenged locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Applicant: IRONRIDGE, INC.
    Inventors: Shawn Meine, Jon Ash, Scott Ochenreider
  • Patent number: 9455662
    Abstract: In various representative aspects, an assembly for securing array skirts and solar panel modules in an array on a roof by utilizing rotatable locking mechanisms that both secure the solar panel modules to mounting plates and splices as well as providing a grounding path between the solar panel modules and the entire array. A method of installation of the assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Ironridge, Inc.
    Inventor: Shawn Meine
  • Publication number: 20160268959
    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: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: IronRidge, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn Meine, Jon Ash, Dave Taggart, Willie Kim, Clayton Robert Reitz, William Anthony Pereira
  • Publication number: 20160218661
    Abstract: In various representative aspects, an assembly for securing array skirts and solar panel modules in an array on a roof by utilizing semi-rigid and resilient spring tabs as locking mechanisms that both secure the solar panel modules to mounting plates and splices as well as provide a grounding path between the solar panel modules and the entire array. A method of installation of the assembly is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Applicant: IronRidge, Inc.
    Inventor: Shawn Meine
  • Publication number: 20160218660
    Abstract: In various representative aspects, an assembly for securing array skirts and solar panel modules in an array on a roof by utilizing rotatable locking mechanisms that both secure the solar panel modules to mounting plates and splices as well as providing a grounding path between the solar panel modules and the entire array. A method of installation of the assembly is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Applicant: IronRidge, Inc.
    Inventor: Shawn Meine
  • Publication number: 20160142006
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a roof attachment assembly for mounting a solar panel on a roof without the use of rails. The assembly includes a flashing member, a pivot bracket member, a clamp member, an array skirt and a splice member. The flashing member anchors the roof attachment assembly to the roof. The pivot bracket member is rotatably connected to the flashing member. The clamp member is connected to the pivot bracket member and is rotatably connected thereto. The clamp member includes grounding elements for electrically grounding the solar panel. The array skirt is removably connected to the clamp member. The splice member includes grounding elements for electrically grounding the solar panel and is removably connected to the array skirt. Also disclosed is a method of using the assembly and an assembly kit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Applicant: Ironridge, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn Meine, Jon Ash, William Kim, David Taggart, William Pereira
  • Publication number: 20160134230
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel and improved roof flashing assembly for use in supporting hardware needed to install solar panel arrays on shingle roofs. The assembly is both easy to install and provides an improved watertight seal at the location where the assembly is secured to the rafters of the roof over the state of the art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Applicant: IRONRIDGE, INC.
    Inventors: Shawn Meine, Jon Ash, Bryan Lester, David Taggart
  • Patent number: 9223907
    Abstract: Systems, methods and user interfaces for graphical configuration for ballasted roof mounts of non-rectangular solar arrays. A graphical interface may be provided to allow a user to view a roof grid, and place solar modules within the roof grid where desired, to account for various obstacles on a roof, to create a non-rectangular solar array. Using the layout of the array and various site parameters (building height, wind speed, etc.) and solar module parameters (wide, length, thickness, etc.), the system may calculate a complete bill of materials, customer pricing, ballasting requirements and overall roof loads for a complete solar project.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: IRONRIDGE, INC.
    Inventors: Steven Chanin, Elliot Larson, William Kim, Jonathan Ash
  • Publication number: 20150311606
    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: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: IRONRIDGE, INC.
    Inventors: Shawn Meine, Jon Ash, Bryan Lester
  • Patent number: 9142700
    Abstract: In various representative aspects, an assembly for supporting and penetrating metallic solar panel frames to provide a grounding path between the panels, holding ballast of various masses to stabilize the solar panels, and allowing the solar panels to tilt to an adjustable angle is disclosed herein. The assembly has a support member with a pair of vertical components, a ballast holder and a mounting member with at least a raised portion to penetrate a surface of a solar panel and form a grounding path between the assembly and the solar panel. The mass of ballast is adjustable by placing various number of ballast blocks in the ballast holder to stabilize the attached solar panel. The mounting member is pivotally coupled to at least one of the vertical components of the support member so that the angle between the solar panel and the assembly may be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Ironridge, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn J. Meine, John S. Ash
  • Patent number: 9080792
    Abstract: Solar panel array with a plurality of solar panels on support system attached at corners or off such corners for foundation structure needs and irregularities secured to roof by lag bolt with mount channel and flashing pre-assembled into mount by crimp for positive seal and mount riser height adjustable can include bilateral or quadrilateral mounts, a coupler seat to affix panel to mount and lateral movement seat for solar panel. An intercalative junction piece, nut, or washer has tines for grounding, a dissociation guide and flexture and keeps off the surface for association and perforation to clamp panel firmly via different clamps including wedge clamps, top restraints, lip end clamps, side support clamps, compression clamps, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: IronRidge, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Patton, Todd Lindstrom, Eric Hafter
  • Publication number: 20150081255
    Abstract: Systems, methods and user interfaces for graphical configuration for ballasted roof mounts of non-rectangular solar arrays. A graphical interface may be provided to allow a user to view a roof grid, and place solar modules within the roof grid where desired, to account for various obstacles on a roof, to create a non-rectangular solar array. Using the layout of the array and various site parameters (building height, wind speed, etc.) and solar module parameters (wide, length, thickness, etc.), the system may calculate a complete bill of materials, customer pricing, ballasting requirements and overall roof loads for a complete solar project.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: IRONRIDGE, INC.
    Inventors: Steven Chanin, Elliot Larson, William Kim, Jonathan Ash
  • Publication number: 20140298657
    Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for splicing solar panel racks. Solar panel racks may include one, two, or more solar rack sections that may be connected to one another with an internal splice. The internal splice may internally support the adjoining solar racks. The solar rack may be secured to a support surface using one or more feet. The solar panel racks may be configured to support the weight of one or more solar modules. One or more solar module securing component may be used to secure the solar modules to a solar rack surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: IRONRIDGE, INC.
    Inventors: William Kim, Craig Carni, Victor Zuidema
  • Patent number: 8826163
    Abstract: Systems, methods and user interfaces for graphical configuration for ballasted roof mounts of non-rectangular solar arrays. A graphical interface may be provided to allow a user to view a roof grid, and place solar modules within the roof grid where desired, to account for various obstacles on a roof, to create a non-rectangular solar array. Using the layout of the array and various site parameters (building height, wind speed, etc.) and solar module parameters (wide, length, thickness, etc.), the system may calculate a complete bill of materials, customer pricing, ballasting requirements and overall roof loads for a complete solar project.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Ironridge, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Chanin, Elliot Larson, William Kim, Jonathan Ash
  • Publication number: 20140102517
    Abstract: In various representative aspects, an assembly for supporting and penetrating metallic solar panel frames to provide a grounding path between the panels, holding ballast of various masses to stabilize the solar panels, and allowing the solar panels to tilt to an adjustable angle is disclosed herein. The assembly has a support member with a pair of vertical components, a ballast holder and a mounting member with at least a raised portion to penetrate a surface of a solar panel and form a grounding path between the assembly and the solar panel. The mass of ballast is adjustable by placing various number of ballast blocks in the ballast holder to stabilize the attached solar panel. The mounting member is pivotally coupled to at least one of the vertical components of the support member so that the angle between the solar panel and the assembly may be adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: IRONRIDGE, INC.
    Inventors: Shawn J. Meine, John S. Ash
  • Patent number: 8695290
    Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for splicing solar panel racks. Solar panel racks may include one, two, or more solar rack sections that may be connected to one another with an internal splice. The internal splice may internally support the adjoining solar racks. The solar rack may be secured to a support surface using one or more feet. The solar panel racks may be configured to support the weight of one or more solar modules. One or more solar module securing component may be used to secure the solar modules to a solar rack surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Ironridge, Inc.
    Inventors: William Kim, Craig Carni, Victor Zuidema
  • Publication number: 20140010616
    Abstract: In various representative aspects, an apparatus for clamping and grounding an upper and lower solar panel 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 mounting rail and the sharp protrusions of the washer penetrate the other mounting rail while at the same time creating a grounding path through the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: IRONRIDGE, INC.
    Inventors: Shawn J. Meine, John S. Ash