Patents by Inventor Brian Cecil Stearns

Brian Cecil Stearns has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20240120874
    Abstract: A roof mount system supports a solar panel above a roof and includes a base positioned on the roof and a first fastener connected to the base and extending away from the roof and moveable along the base in a direction generally parallel to the roof. A first clamp supports a bottom surface of a solar panel frame and adjusts the height of the solar panel above the roof by moving the first clamp along a first fastener in a direction perpendicular to the roof. A second clamp is connected to a second fastener and moves with respect to the first clamp perpendicular to the roof. The solar panel is clamped between the first clamp and the second clamp portion. A protrusion extends from the first or second clamp to form an electrical bond between the solar panel frame and the respective first or second clamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2023
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Alexander Grant Bornemann
  • Publication number: 20240084600
    Abstract: A mount assembly is provided for mounting a structure to a roof having a top surface. The mount includes a flashing including an aperture; a bracket including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having an opening and a countersink extending around the opening, the second portion extending at an angle away from the flashing, the second portion including a slot configured to be coupled to the structure; a fastener extending through the aperture and through the opening of the bracket; and a seal extending around the aperture and positioned between the flashing and the first portion of the bracket, the seal engaging the countersink of the bracket and being compressed against the flashing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Alexander Grant Bornemann
  • Patent number: 11863117
    Abstract: A roof mount system supports a solar panel above a roof and includes a base positioned on the roof and a first fastener connected to the base and extending away from the roof and moveable along the base in a direction generally parallel to the roof. A first clamp supports a bottom surface of a solar panel frame and adjusts the height of the solar panel above the roof by moving the first clamp along a first fastener in a direction perpendicular to the roof. A second clamp is connected to a second fastener and moves with respect to the first clamp perpendicular to the roof. The solar panel is clamped between the first clamp and the second clamp portion. A protrusion extends from the first or second clamp to form an electrical bond between the solar panel frame and the respective first or second clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: EcoFasten Solar, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Alexander Grant Bornemann
  • Patent number: 11851884
    Abstract: A mount assembly is provided for mounting a structure to a roof having a top surface. The mount includes a flashing including an aperture; a bracket including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having an opening and a countersink extending around the opening, the second portion extending at an angle away from the flashing, the second portion including a slot configured to be coupled to the structure; a fastener extending through the aperture and through the opening of the bracket; and a seal extending around the aperture and positioned between the flashing and the first portion of the bracket, the seal engaging the countersink of the bracket and being compressed against the flashing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Ecofasten Solar, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Alexander Grant Bornemann
  • Publication number: 20230407639
    Abstract: A roof mount assembly mounts a structure to a roof having a rafter and a substrate supported by the rafter. The roof mount assembly includes a piece of flashing positioned on the substrate. The flashing includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface and an aperture extending through the flashing. A fastener extends through the flashing aperture. A bracket is connected to the flashing via the fastener, and the bracket is sized to support at least one roof-mounted structure on the roof. A seal is positioned between the flashing aperture and the fastener. The seal is sized to form a water-tight seal with the aperture to inhibit flow of fluid through the aperture. The seal includes a first portion and a second portion, in which the first portion is positioned to abut the flashing first surface and the second portion is positioned to extend through the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Douglas Timothy Lounsbury
  • Patent number: 11773597
    Abstract: A roof mount assembly mounts a structure to a roof having a rafter and a substrate supported by the rafter. The roof mount assembly includes a piece of flashing positioned on the substrate. The flashing includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface and an aperture extending through the flashing. A fastener extends through the flashing aperture. A bracket is connected to the flashing via the fastener, and the bracket is sized to support at least one roof-mounted structure on the roof. A seal is positioned between the flashing aperture and the fastener. The seal is sized to form a water-tight seal with the aperture to inhibit flow of fluid through the aperture. The seal includes a first portion and a second portion, in which the first portion is positioned to abut the flashing first surface and the second portion is positioned to extend through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: EcoFasten Solar, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Douglas Timothy Lounsbury
  • Publication number: 20230261606
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a stabilization assembly may comprise a shaft, a foot, a snap plate and a nut. The foot may be operatively coupled to the shaft. The snap plate may be configured to surround and retain the shaft. The nut may be installable on the shaft and engageable to raise and lower a foot. The stabilization assembly may be installed in a solar panel coupling. The foot may be driven to engagement with a roof surface in response to the coupling being installed on the roof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2023
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Alexander Grant Bornemann
  • Patent number: 11692352
    Abstract: A mount assembly is provided for mounting a structure to a roof having a top surface. The mount includes a flashing including an aperture; a bracket including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having an opening and a countersink extending around the opening, the second portion extending at an angle away from the flashing, the second portion including a slot configured to be coupled to the structure; a fastener extending through the aperture and through the opening of the bracket; and a seal extending around the aperture and positioned between the flashing and the first portion of the bracket, the seal engaging the countersink of the bracket and being compressed against the flashing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: EcoFasten Solar, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Alexander Grant Bornemann
  • Patent number: 11664761
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a stabilization assembly may comprise a shaft, a foot, a snap plate and a nut. The foot may be operatively coupled to the shaft. The snap plate may be configured to surround and retain the shaft. The nut may be installable on the shaft and engagable to raise and lower a foot. The stabilization assembly may be installed in a solar panel coupling. The foot may be driven to engagement with a roof surface in response to the coupling being installed on the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Ecofasten Solar, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Alexander Grant Bornemann
  • Publication number: 20230160209
    Abstract: A snowguard comprises a shaft, an attachment point, a support member, and a snow catcher. The shaft has a first end and a second end. The shaft has a first body disposed between the first end and the second end. The attachment point is disposed at the first end of the shaft. The support member has a third end and a fourth end. The support member has a second body defined between the third end and the fourth end. The third end of the support member is operatively coupled to the second end of the shaft. The support member extends away from the shaft at a first angle. The snow catcher is operatively coupled to the fourth end of the support member and the first body at a point between the first end and the second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2022
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Kris Michaud, Crystal Fletcher
  • Patent number: 11522490
    Abstract: A roof mount system supports a solar panel above a roof and includes a base positioned on the roof and a first fastener connected to the base and extending away from the roof and moveable along the base in a direction generally parallel to the roof. A first clamp supports a bottom surface of a solar panel frame and adjusts the height of the solar panel above the roof by moving the first clamp along a first fastener in a direction perpendicular to the roof. A second clamp is connected to a second fastener and moves with respect to the first clamp perpendicular to the roof. The solar panel is clamped between the first clamp and the second clamp portion. A protrusion extends from the first or second clamp to form an electrical bond between the solar panel frame and the respective first or second clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Ecofasten Solar, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Alexander Grant Bornemann
  • Patent number: 11374531
    Abstract: A roof mount system supports a solar panel above a roof and includes a base positioned on the roof and a first fastener connected to the base and extending away from the roof and moveable along the base in a direction generally parallel to the roof. A first clamp supports a bottom surface of a solar panel frame and adjusts the height of the solar panel above the roof by moving the first clamp along a first fastener in a direction perpendicular to the roof. A second clamp is connected to a second fastener and moves with respect to the first clamp perpendicular to the roof. The solar panel is clamped between the first clamp and the second clamp portion. A protrusion extends from the first or second clamp to form an electrical bond between the solar panel frame and the respective first or second clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Ecofasten Solar, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Alexander Grant Bornemann
  • Publication number: 20220145634
    Abstract: A mount assembly is provided for mounting a structure to a roof having a top surface. The mount includes a flashing including an aperture; a bracket including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having an opening and a countersink extending around the opening, the second portion extending at an angle away from the flashing, the second portion including a slot configured to be coupled to the structure; a fastener extending through the aperture and through the opening of the bracket; and a seal extending around the aperture and positioned between the flashing and the first portion of the bracket, the seal engaging the countersink of the bracket and being compressed against the flashing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2022
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Alexander Grant Bornemann
  • Publication number: 20220140771
    Abstract: A roof mount assembly mounts a structure to a roof having a rafter and a substrate supported by the rafter. The roof mount assembly includes a piece of flashing positioned on the substrate. The flashing includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface and an aperture extending through the flashing. A fastener extends through the flashing aperture. A bracket is connected to the flashing via the fastener, and the bracket is sized to support at least one roof-mounted structure on the roof. A seal is positioned between the flashing aperture and the fastener. The seal is sized to form a water-tight seal with the aperture to inhibit flow of fluid through the aperture. The seal includes a first portion and a second portion, in which the first portion is positioned to abut the flashing first surface and the second portion is positioned to extend through the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2022
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Douglas Timothy Lounsbury
  • Publication number: 20220136242
    Abstract: A retention system may comprise a bracket, a bar system, a seal and a bonded washer. The bracket may have a first portion and a second portion. The first portion and the second portion may be operatively coupled together at an angle ?. The bracket may also have a texture. The bracket may define a mounting surface. The bar system may comprise a bar installable in the bracket. The seal may be installable in the bracket and disposed beneath the mounting surface. The bonded washer may be installable on and compressible against the mounting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2021
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Kris Michaud, Michael Robert Carter
  • Patent number: 11271516
    Abstract: A roof mount assembly mounts a structure to a roof having a rafter and a substrate supported by the rafter. The roof mount assembly includes a piece of flashing positioned on the substrate. The flashing includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface and an aperture extending through the flashing. A fastener extends through the flashing aperture. A bracket is connected to the flashing via the fastener, and the bracket is sized to support at least one roof-mounted structure on the roof. A seal is positioned between the flashing aperture and the fastener. The seal is sized to form a water-tight seal with the aperture to inhibit flow of fluid through the aperture. The seal includes a first portion and a second portion, in which the first portion is positioned to abut the flashing first surface and the second portion is positioned to extend through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Ecofasten Solar, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Douglas Timothy Lounsbury
  • Patent number: 11255086
    Abstract: A retention system may comprise a bracket, a bar system, a seal and a bonded washer. The bracket may have a first portion and a second portion. The first portion and the second portion may be operatively coupled together at an angle ?. The bracket may also have a texture. The bracket may define a mounting surface. The bar system may comprise a bar installable in the bracket. The seal may be installable in the bracket and disposed beneath the mounting surface. The bonded washer may be installable on and compressible against the mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Vermont Slate and Copper Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Michael Robert Carter, Kris Michaud
  • Patent number: 11205990
    Abstract: A roof mount assembly mounts a structure to a roof having a rafter and a substrate supported by the rafter. The roof mount assembly includes a piece of flashing positioned on the substrate. The flashing includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface and an aperture extending through the flashing. A fastener extends through the flashing aperture. A bracket is connected to the flashing via the fastener, and the bracket is sized to support at least one roof-mounted structure on the roof. A seal is positioned between the flashing aperture and the fastener. The seal is sized to form a water-tight seal with the aperture to inhibit flow of fluid through the aperture. The seal includes a first portion and a second portion, in which the first portion is positioned to abut the flashing first surface and the second portion is positioned to extend through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Ecofasten Solar, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Douglas Timothy Lounsbury
  • Publication number: 20210388618
    Abstract: A mount assembly is provided for mounting a structure to a roof having a top surface. The mount includes a flashing including an aperture; a bracket including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having an opening and a countersink extending around the opening, the second portion extending at an angle away from the flashing, the second portion including a slot configured to be coupled to the structure; a fastener extending through the aperture and through the opening of the bracket; and a seal extending around the aperture and positioned between the flashing and the first portion of the bracket, the seal engaging the countersink of the bracket and being compressed against the flashing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2021
    Publication date: December 16, 2021
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Alexander Grant Bornemann
  • Patent number: RE49185
    Abstract: An accessory for a solar panel assembly includes a bracket defining an elongated portion extending in a first direction and including a slot, a connector coupled to the bracket and configured to engage at least one panel frame of the solar panel assembly, and a fence member including a first portion and a second portion. The first portion including a planar surface oriented at an angle relative to the bracket portion, and the second portion includes a projection that removably engages the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Vermont Slate & Copper Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Cecil Stearns