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).

  • Patent number: 11201581
    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: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Ecofasten Solar, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Douglas Timothy Lounsbury
  • Publication number: 20210376782
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the mounting systems described herein may be configured to mount a solar panel array to a flat concrete roof like those found throughout the Caribbean and Central and South America. Other systems described herein may be configured to facilitate mounting structures on standing seam metals roofs. Still other systems described herein may be configured to facilitate mounting structures on composite shingle, slate, or tile roofs. The mounting systems described herein may be configured as rail-less or rails free roof mounting systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Inventors: BRIAN CECIL STEARNS, ALEXANDER GRANT BORNEMANN
  • Publication number: 20210376781
    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: August 16, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Alexander Grant Bornemann
  • Patent number: 11118353
    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: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Alexander Grant Bornemann
  • Patent number: 11121669
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the mounting systems described herein may be configured to mount a solar panel array to a flat concrete roof like those found throughout the Caribbean and Central and South America. Other systems described herein may be configured to facilitate mounting structures on standing seam metals roofs. Still other systems described herein may be configured to facilitate mounting structures on composite shingle, slate, or tile roofs. The mounting systems described herein may be configured as rail-less or rails free roof mounting systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Alexander Grant Bornemann
  • Publication number: 20210265940
    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: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Inventors: BRIAN CECIL STEARNS, ALEXANDER GRANT BORNEMANN
  • Publication number: 20210167720
    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: February 3, 2021
    Publication date: June 3, 2021
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Alexander Grant Bornemann
  • Publication number: 20210159843
    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: February 1, 2021
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Douglas Timothy Lounsbury
  • Patent number: 11012023
    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: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Ecofasten Solar, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Alexander Grant Bornemann
  • Publication number: 20210104973
    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 15, 2020
    Publication date: April 8, 2021
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Alexander Grant Bornemann
  • Publication number: 20210067085
    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: November 16, 2020
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Douglas Timothy Lounsbury
  • Publication number: 20210028741
    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: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2020
    Publication date: January 28, 2021
    Inventors: BRIAN CECIL STEARNS, ALEXANDER GRANT BORNEMANN
  • Patent number: 10897223
    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: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: EcoFasten Solar, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Alexander Grant Bornemann
  • Publication number: 20200362565
    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: April 30, 2020
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Alexander Grant Bornemann
  • Publication number: 20200318349
    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: March 13, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Michael Robert Carter, Kris Michaud
  • Patent number: 10763777
    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 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Ecofasten Solar, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Douglas Timothy Lounsbury
  • Publication number: 20200259449
    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: April 30, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Douglas Timothy Lounsbury
  • Publication number: 20200252023
    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: March 31, 2020
    Publication date: August 6, 2020
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Alexander Grant Bornemann
  • Patent number: 10676929
    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: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Ecofasten Solar, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Alexander Grant Bornemann
  • Publication number: 20200162013
    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 26, 2020
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Douglas Timothy Lounsbury