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  Solar panel roof mounting systemUSPTO Application #: 20070266672Title: Solar panel roof mounting system Abstract: Apparatus is provided for securing solar energy collection devices to a roof. A plurality of rails (103, 104) are provided. Each rail is attachable to a roof (102) at mutually displaced positions and defines a rail slot (702, 915). Attachment devices (917) are provided, each configured to engage with a rail slot (702, 915) such that in a first condition the devices are free to move along the slot and in the second condition the devices are secured within the slot. The attachment devices (917) include an engaging portion (919) that protrudes from the slot to engage with a solar energy collection device. (end of abstract)
Agent: James C. Wray - Mclean, VA, US Inventors: Lachlan Samuel Bateman, Daniel Gower Davies, Shay Donald Brazier, Martyn John Charles Berry USPTO Applicaton #: 20070266672 - Class: 527471 (USPTO) The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070266672. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001]This application claims priority from United Kingdom Patent Application No. 06 10 031.7, filed 19 May 2006, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD [0002]The present invention relates to securing solar energy collection devices to a roof. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003]Mounting systems for supporting solar energy collection devices are known, many of which are configured to place the collection devices at a particular orientation, while at the same time providing a firm anchoring. [0004]Many known systems have been attached to buildings and on the whole the collection panels are effectively treated as part of the building, being in common ownership such that an occupant or owner may be responsible both for the solar energy collection systems and the fabric of the building itself. [0005]Increasingly, in the future, it is likely that alternative relationships may be developed in which a separate organisation is responsible for the ownership, maintenance and operation of solar energy collection systems, without having any direct relationship with the ownership or control of the building on which the devices are situated. Consequently, under these circumstances, it is preferable for solar energy devices to be installed and maintained on a roof while at the same time minimising the actual physical impact upon the roof itself. Consequently, the roof should not be damaged and opportunities for mechanical attachment to the roof may be limited. Thus, under these circumstances, any approach which facilitates the attachment of solar collection devices to a roof while at the same time enhancing the structural integrity of the roof (as distinct from degrading the structural integrity) would be advantageous. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006]According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for securing solar energy collection (SEC) devices to a roof, comprising a plurality of rails, each said rail attachable to a roof at mutually displaced positions and defining a rail slot. Attachment devices are each configured to engage with a rail slot such that in a first condition the devices are free to move along the rail slot and in a second condition the devices are secured within a rail slot. The attachment devices include an engaging portion that protrudes from the slot to engage with an SEC. [0007]In a preferred embodiment, the rail includes a cavity for receiving one or more transmission cables. [0008]According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of installing solar energy collection devices (SECs) onto the roof of a building, comprising the step of fixing a plurality of rails to a roof at mutually displaced positions, wherein each said rail includes a rail slot. The method further comprises placing a first SEC device over at least one rail and attaching the SEC device to a first rail, using an attachment device that includes an engagement portion that engages with the rail slot of the first rail and a protruding portion that secures the first solar energy collection device. [0009]In a preferred embodiment, the rail is located at an intersection of adjacent roof membranes and includes a securing step for securing the membranes. In a preferred embodiment, the securing step includes locating a first channel section of the rail that defines a channel onto the roof, placing the adjacent rail member over the channel and securing the membrane by forcing a second slot section of said rail into said channel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS [0010]FIG. 1 shows a commercial building; [0011]FIG. 2 shows a building embodying an aspect of the present invention; [0012]FIG. 3 shows a first stage in the installation of a solar energy collection device on to a roof; [0013]FIG. 4 shows a mounting plate; [0014]FIG. 5 shows how solar arrays can be attached to mounting plates; [0015]FIG. 6 illustrates an entire solar energy collection system secured to rails on a roof; [0016]FIG. 7 shows a first example of an embodiment of the present invention; [0017]FIG. 8 shows a second example of an embodiment of the present invention; [0018]FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment of the present invention incorporating a rail with a more complex cross-section; [0019]FIG. 10 shows an example of an embodiment of the present invention suitable for retro-fitting; Continue reading... Full patent description for Solar panel roof mounting system Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Solar panel roof mounting system patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Solar panel roof mounting system or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Beam for screened enclosure Next Patent Application: Clamp for use with metal bar joists and beams Industry Class: Synthetic resins or natural rubbers -- part of the class 520 series ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Solar panel roof mounting system patent info. 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