Patents by Inventor Greg McPheeters

Greg McPheeters 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: 9868485
    Abstract: Described herein is a new assembly of components which comprise a support arm on the side of a bicycle or similar mobility device. The structure is capable of carrying long thin items such as a long surfboard, or it can be used to secure a pet such as a dog to allow them to walk or run safely alongside a bicycle. The invention is designed to fit a wide range of devices, and is optimized for maximum ease of installation and quick release removal without any tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Moved By Bikes LLC
    Inventor: Greg McPheeters
  • 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: 9813013
    Abstract: Solar panel installation systems are disclosed that reduce or eliminate the need for large, costly rails for mounting solar panels on an installation surface. The systems may include an array of framed solar modules supported above an installation surface using a number of height-adjustable base members. Adjacent solar modules in the array may be coupled to one another at or near their corners using module links that can structurally couple the frames of the adjacent solar modules together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Sunrun South LLC
    Inventors: Greg McPheeters, Geno Viscuso
  • Patent number: 9742350
    Abstract: Solar panel grounding lug assemblies and systems are disclosed. The grounding lugs may include a top member having a grounding wire channel and an aperture, a bottom member having an aperture, and a fastener inserted through the apertures. The fastener may couple the top member to the bottom member and secure a grounding wire within the grounding wire channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Sunrun South LLC
    Inventor: Greg McPheeters
  • Publication number: 20170074300
    Abstract: The invention is a new stabilized racking system for solar cell panels on a surface through a novel use of ballast weights and a wind optimized design. The system is further optimized to fit a range of sizes and thicknesses of modules through a combination of self adjusting end clamps, adjustable tilt legs, and unique wind screen design. The system can include an array of individual solar panel systems that are reinforced in both lateral directions to reduce the amount of ballast weight required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventor: Greg McPheeters
  • Patent number: 9595911
    Abstract: Tile roof mounting systems are disclosed for installing solar panels on a tile roof. The systems may include a base member that can be installed under a tile of the tile roof having two parallel tracks. A first track may include a channel for receiving an end of a tile hook; and the second track may be used to fasten the tile hook to the base member. The tile hook can include a latching region for latching onto the channel, a fastening region that can be fastened to the fastening track, and a supporting region used to support one or more components of a solar panel installation above the roof tiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Sunrun South LLC
    Inventor: Greg McPheeters
  • Patent number: 9528725
    Abstract: Solar panel frame clamps are disclosed. The clamps can include a clamp body for coupling together a mounting rail of a solar panel frame and a purlin. The clamp body may be c-shaped with ends of the clamp body defining an opening for receiving objects to be clamped. The ends of the clamp body may be provided with threaded apertures for receiving a set screw and a set screw bolt. Tightening the set screw bolt can pull the clamp body towards the objects to be clamped. The set screw, or another suitable feature, may contact the clamped object to facilitate electrical continuity throughout a system incorporating the solar panel frame clamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Sunrun South LLC
    Inventor: Greg McPheeters
  • Patent number: 9439505
    Abstract: Described herein is a new assembly of components which comprise a support structure for hanging or supporting bicycles or similar equipment. The rack is designed using a number of tubes that pack into themselves for an extremely compact, lightweight assembly which is very easy to transport and store. The simple design ensures long term reliability and ease of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: MOVED BY BIKES LLC
    Inventor: Greg McPheeters
  • Patent number: 9341201
    Abstract: Self-adjusting end clamps are disclosed. The clamps may include a top member and a bottom member having vertically arranged holes. As a bolt placed in the vertically arranged holes is tightened, the top and bottom members move toward one another to grip an object therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Sunrun South LLC
    Inventor: Greg McPheeters
  • Publication number: 20160112000
    Abstract: Tile roof mounting systems are disclosed for installing solar panels on a tile roof. The systems may include a base member that can be installed under a tile of the tile roof having two parallel tracks. A first track may include a channel for receiving an end of a tile hook; and the second track may be used to fasten the tile hook to the base member. The tile hook can include a latching region for latching onto the channel, a fastening region that can be fastened to the fastening track, and a supporting region used to support one or more components of a solar panel installation above the roof tiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventor: Greg McPheeters
  • Publication number: 20160043689
    Abstract: Solar panel installation systems are disclosed that reduce or eliminate the need for large, costly rails for mounting solar panels on an installation surface. The systems may include an array of framed solar modules supported above an installation surface using a number of height-adjustable base members. Adjacent solar modules in the array may be coupled to one another at or near their corners using module links that can structurally couple the frames of the adjacent solar modules together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Greg McPheeters, Geno Viscuso
  • Publication number: 20160043688
    Abstract: Solar panel installation systems are disclosed that reduce or eliminate the need for large, costly rails for mounting solar panels on an installation surface. The systems may include an array of framed solar modules supported above an installation surface using a number of height-adjustable base members. Adjacent solar modules in the array may be coupled to one another at or near their corners using module links that can structurally couple the frames of the adjacent solar modules together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Greg McPheeters, Geno Viscuso
  • Publication number: 20160043687
    Abstract: Solar panel installation systems are disclosed that reduce or eliminate the need for large, costly rails for mounting solar panels on an installation surface. The systems may include an array of framed solar modules supported above an installation surface using a number of height-adjustable base members. Adjacent solar modules in the array may be coupled to one another at or near their corners using module links that can structurally couple the frames of the adjacent solar modules together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Greg McPheeters, Geno Viscuso
  • Publication number: 20160010680
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for securing a component to a surface are disclosed. The fastening device can include a base member having a threaded projection extending from a base plate. A base sealing gasket can be provided between the base plate and a surface on which the base plate is mounted to ensure a water-tight fit. A capping nut having a nut aperture can be threadably engaged to the treaded projection, and a structural fastener can be inserted through the nut aperture for securing a structural component of a building-mounted structure. A nut sealing gasket can be disposed between within the capping nut to ensure a water-tight fit between the capping nut and the base member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventor: Greg McPheeters
  • Publication number: 20150365044
    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: May 19, 2015
    Publication date: December 17, 2015
    Inventor: Greg McPheeters
  • Publication number: 20150357964
    Abstract: Snap-in mounting systems for laminate solar panels are provided. The laminate solar panels can include laminate strips that can be snapped into mounting rails. The mounting rails may be coupled to racking rails for structural support and may include locking mechanisms for additional support and theft deterrence. An entire system may include a number of racking rails, mounting rails, and solar panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Inventors: Greg McPheeters, Ethan Miller
  • Patent number: 9151315
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for securing a component to a surface are disclosed. The fastening device can include a base member having a threaded projection extending from a base plate. A base sealing gasket can be provided between the base plate and a surface on which the base plate is mounted to ensure a water-tight fit. A capping nut having a nut aperture can be threadably engaged to the treaded projection, and a structural fastener can be inserted through the nut aperture for securing a structural component of a building-mounted structure. A nut sealing gasket can be disposed between within the capping nut to ensure a water-tight fit between the capping nut and the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Sunrun South LLC
    Inventor: Greg McPheeters
  • Publication number: 20150280334
    Abstract: Solar panel grounding lug assemblies and systems are disclosed. The grounding lugs may include a top member having a grounding wire channel and an aperture, a bottom member having an aperture, and a fastener inserted through the apertures. The fastener may couple the top member to the bottom member and secure a grounding wire within the grounding wire channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventor: Greg McPheeters
  • 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: 9022021
    Abstract: Racking assemblies for solar panel installations are provided. The racking assemblies may include a series of posts arranged in two parallel rows and anchored to the ground or other suitable surface. Purlins may be coupled to and may span the posts of each row. Specialized clamps may be used to attach the purlins to a series of mounting rails. The mounting rails, in turn, may support an array of solar modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Sunrun South LLC
    Inventor: Greg McPheeters