US 2,010,192,505 · Filed 2010-02-04
The Modular Building Block Patent Behind Rooftop Solar Rigs
This patent describes interlocking support posts that snap together like LEGO, letting you mount solar panels, wind turbines, or other equipment on roofs without damaging them. The clever design uses matching male-and-female connectors molded from a single piece, so you can stack and combine them in endless configurations.
The plain-English version
What it protects
The claim covers an interlocking post system where identical support members lock together using complementary male and female joinder shapes. What's protected is the specific geometry of these interlocking connectors, the roof standoff assembly that creates a waterproof gap between the post and roof surface, and the two-recess mounting bracket that lets you attach panels directly to the locked-together posts. Anyone manufacturing or selling interlocking support racks with this same joinery design without permission would be infringing.
Why it matters
This patent creates a modular building system that makes it faster and cheaper to install rooftop equipment like solar panels. Before this, contractors had to use custom brackets or multiple fastening methods for each job. The interlocking design standardizes the process—one mold produces posts that work together in hundreds of configurations. The standoff assembly also solves a real problem: keeping water from pooling under mounted equipment and rotting the roof underneath.
Real-world use
When a solar installation company mounts panels on a residential roof, they're likely using interlocking posts like these to create a stable, waterproof platform that works whether the roof is flat or pitched.
Original USPTO abstract
Interlocking support posts form an interlocking rack system which may have a single mold which provides both a male and a female joinder member. Between the support posts can be mounted panels such as solar panels. Under the support posts can be installed a roof stand off assembly which prevents water from weakening the roof. Various combinations of construction members offer a cost effective building block array of mounting panels, wind turbines, and any appliance on a roof and/or anywhere in a building. A two recess mounting bracket is ideally suited to mount solar panels on a roof. A lower recess can be fastened to a bolt anchor on the roof. The opposing recess can secure a mounting clip which attaches directly to the solar panel. Identical support posts can interlock. Various embodiments include conduit clasps, slider tracks, mounts for cabinets, sign posts, and thru roof screwed anchors.
Patent details
- Publication number
- US 2,010,192,505
- Filing date
- 2010-02-04
- Grant date
- Application — not yet granted
- Assignee
- D Three Enterprises, Llc
- Inventor(s)
- SCHAEFER RICHARD F., KREUTZMAN DAVID, TAMM DON N.
- CPC class
- A47B96/14
Want to file your own patent?
If you're designing a mounting system or modular furniture component, search the patent database to see what locking mechanisms already exist before you finalize your prototype.
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