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US-12624760-B2 - Gap cover

US12624760B2US 12624760 B2US12624760 B2US 12624760B2US-12624760-B2

Abstract

A gap sealing structure operable to create a water-resistant seal of a gap between adjacent solar panels is provided. The gap sealing structure has an elongate body which may fit in the gap between adjacent solar panels. In operation, the gap sealing structure may be useful to, among other applications, prevent excess water leakage through a solar panel array positioned over parking areas, seating areas, walkways, and the like.

Inventors

  • Eli Delozier
  • Daniel Clinton

Assignees

  • Eli Delozier
  • Daniel Clinton

Dates

Publication Date
20260512
Application Date
20240923

Claims (20)

  1. 1 . A weather stripping comprising: a body and a bracket; the bracket having a top and a bottom, wherein the top of the bracket is connected to a bottom area of the body; wherein the bracket comprises two L-shaped prongs that define a T-shaped keyed slot; wherein the T-shaped keyed slot is defined at a center area of the body; wherein the T-shaped keyed slot comprises a widened opening along a length of the body; and wherein the body and the bracket, including the two L-shaped prongs, are formed of one material.
  2. 2 . The weather stripping of claim 1 wherein the body comprises a flange extending away from each lengthwise edge of the body.
  3. 3 . The weather stripping of claim 2 wherein each flange is also formed of the one material.
  4. 4 . The weather stripping of claim 2 further comprising a gasket attached to and extending away from a bottom surface of each flange.
  5. 5 . The weather stripping of claim 4 wherein the gasket extends beyond the bottom of the bracket.
  6. 6 . The weather stripping of claim 4 wherein a top surface of each flange tapers at a downward angle towards the bottom surface.
  7. 7 . The weather stripping of claim 6 wherein both the bottom surface and the top surface of each flange extends from each lengthwise edge of the body towards the center of the body.
  8. 8 . The weather stripping of claim 4 wherein the bottom surface of each flange is flat.
  9. 9 . The weather stripping of claim 4 wherein the gasket is formed of a compressible or deformable material.
  10. 10 . The weather stripping of claim 4 wherein the gasket is rubberized.
  11. 11 . The weather stripping of claim 4 wherein the gasket comprises a plurality of teeth at a bottom surface.
  12. 12 . The weather stripping of claim 4 wherein the bottom surface of the flange comprises a groove, and the gasket is fitted within the groove.
  13. 13 . The weather stripping of claim 4 wherein the body is connectable to a plurality of solar panels such that the gasket on one flange engages with a top surface of a first solar panel, and the gasket on the other flange engages with a top surface of a second solar panel.
  14. 14 . The weather stripping of claim 1 wherein the bracket is connectable to an anchor.
  15. 15 . The weather stripping of claim 1 wherein the bracket is a threaded opening operable to receive a threaded connector.
  16. 16 . The weather stripping of claim 1 wherein the bottom of the bracket is a bottom-most part of the body.
  17. 17 . The weather stripping of claim 1 wherein the T-shaped keyed slot is configured to slideably receive a head of a bolt.
  18. 18 . The weather stripping of claim 1 wherein the T-shaped keyed slot is smooth.
  19. 19 . The weather stripping of claim 1 wherein the T-shaped keyed slot extends along a length of the body.
  20. 20 . A weather stripping comprising: a body and a bracket; the bracket having a top and a bottom, wherein the top of the bracket is connected to a bottom area of the body; wherein the bracket comprises two planar prongs that define an I-shaped slot; wherein the I-shaped slot is defined at a center area of the body; wherein the I-shaped slot comprises a narrow opening along a length of the body; and wherein the body and the bracket, including the two planar prongs, are formed of one material.

Description

BACKGROUND Technical Field The present disclosure relates generally to gap covers. More particularly the present disclosure relates to a gap cover, also referred to as a weather stripping, for gaps in solar panel installations. Description of Related Art Solar panel installations have rapidly expanded in recent years. Increasingly, solar panels are being installed for the dual use of both solar collection as well as a covering to provide shade and weather protection. Such installations are used for covering walkways, parking areas, and the like. However, the modular nature of solar panels cause them to be installed in panel units, with spacing inevitably between the different panels. This leads to substantial water, debris, and wind infiltration through the gaps between the panels which falls below onto the surfaces which are intended to be sheltered from the elements. Therefore, what is needed is a device that may seal gaps between solar panels. SUMMARY The subject matter of this application may involve, in some cases, interrelated products, alternative solutions to a particular problem, and/or a plurality of different uses of a single system or article. In one aspect, weather stripping is provided for fitting across gaps between solar panels. The weather stripping has an elongate body having a flange extending away from each lengthwise edge of the body. A gasket is attached to and extends downwardly away from a bottom surface of each flange. The weather stripping further has a bracket at a center bottom area of the body. This bracket is connectable to an anchor by, for example, a bolt. In a particular example, a bolt head may be engaged with the bracket and the distal threaded end of the bolt may be connected to the anchor by, for example, threading on the anchor or a nut holding anchor to the bolt. In another aspect, a solar panel assembly is provided. The solar panel assembly has a plurality of solar panels attached to a support structure, with gaps between each adjacent of the plurality of solar panels. A weather stripping is positioned across the gaps. The weather stripping has an elongate body having a flange extending away from each lengthwise edge of the body. A gasket is attached to and extends downwardly away from a bottom surface of each flange. The weather stripping further has a bracket at a center bottom area of the body. This bracket is connected to an anchor which is engaged either directly or indirectly with the support structure, first solar panel, second adjacent solar panel, and combinations thereof. The weather stripping thus creates a water-resistant seal of the gap between the first solar panel and the second solar panel In yet another aspect, a method of sealing a gap between two solar panels is provided. The method involves positioning a weather stripping across the gap. As positioned, the weather stripping has a first flange positioned over a first of the two solar panels, and a second flange positioned over a second of the two solar panels. A gasket of the first flange contacts a top surface of the first of the two solar panels, and a second gasket of the second flange contacts a top surface of the second of the two solar panels. The method further involves positioning a bolt head into a bracket at a center of the body. As positioned, the bolt head is limited from movement in a direction parallel to a minor axis of the weather stripping but movable in a direction parallel to a major axis of the weather stripping. This allows the bolt head to pull the weather stripping and gaskets towards the top surface of the solar panel, while also allowing the bolt to slide along the bracket when tension is not being applied to it. The method further involves securing the bolt to an anchor plate at a distal end of the bolt, and tightening the bolt to the plate. The anchor plate engages with a back side of both of the two solar panels, and the tightening of the bolt to the plate thereby holding the weather stripping in place by urging the gasket and plate to the top and bottom surfaces, respectively, of each solar panel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 provides a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of an underside of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of an assembly of the present invention. FIG. 4a provides a side cross sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4b provides a side cross sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 provides a side cross sectional view of yet another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 provides a perspective view of still another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 provides an underside view of an embodiment of an assembly of the present invention. FIG. 8 provides a view of yet another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The detailed description set forth below