Hinged clip to eliminate rail

Abstract

A panel array support assembly has a lower support joist to which are directly connected panel holding devices or clips. The panel clips are configured so that the length of each clip extends along the length of the lower support joist. The panel clips are preferable configured to have a sliding top arm, which holds the upper edge of the panel, and slides back so that they panel can be placed on a lower holding arm.

1 . A panel array support assembly having a lower support joist and an upper panel holding structure detachably mounted directly to said lower support joist, said upper panel holding structure comprising at least one slidable upper arm. 
     
     
         2 . The panel array support assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one fixed lower arm parallel to said slidable upper arm, and configured to receive a first external panel. 
     
     
         3 . The panel array support assembly of  claim 2 , further comprising a second set of parallel arms arranged to receive a second external panel. 
     
     
         4 . The panel array support assembly of  claim 3 , wherein said second set of parallel arms are extending lateral to a longitudinal length of the upper panel holding structure and opposite the slidable upper arm. 
     
     
         5 . The panel array support assembly of  claim 2 , further comprising a tubular structure supporting said upper and lower parallel arms. 
     
     
         6 . The panel array support assembly of  claim 5 , wherein said slidable upper arm is connected to said tubular support structure with a spring-loaded screw. 
     
     
         7 . The panel array support assembly of  claim 6 , wherein said spring-loaded screw passes through a slot in said slidable upper arm. 
     
     
         8 . The panel array support assembly of  claim 7 , wherein said tubular support structure comprises an upper wall having a threaded receptacle for receiving said spring-loaded screw. 
     
     
         9 . The panel array support assembly of  claim 5 , wherein said tubular support structure further comprises a U-shaped structure arranged to fit over said lower support joist. 
     
     
         10 . The panel array support assembly of  claim 9 , wherein said tubular support structure comprises a bottom wall, said bottom wall comprising a T-slot. 
     
     
         11 . The panel array support assembly of  claim 9 , wherein said U-shaped structure comprises said lower arm arranged for receiving the first external panel. 
     
     
         12 . The panel array support assembly of  claim 5 , wherein said at least one slidable upper arm is adjustable to extend no further than said tubular support structure. 
     
     
         13 . The panel array support assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said upper panel holding structure is less than 4 inches in length extending along a longitudinal side of said lower support joist. 
     
     
         14 . The panel array support assembly of  claim 13 , wherein a single panel is held to said support assembly using multiple ones of said upper panel holding structures. 
     
     
         15 . The panel array support assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said upper panel holding structure extends along a substantial length of said lower support joist. 
     
     
         16 . A panel array support assembly having a lower support joist configured to interface with an external substrate installation, and at least one panel holding clip attached directly to said lower support joist, and extending along the longitudinal length of said lower support joist. 
     
     
         17 . The panel array support assembly of  claim 16 , wherein said upper panel holding structure comprises a U-shaped structure configured to fit over said lower support joist. 
     
     
         18 . The panel array support assembly of  claim 17 , wherein said upper panel holding structure extends along a length of said lower support joist for substantially a major portion of a length of an external panel being held. 
     
     
         19 . The panel array support assembly of  claim 16 , wherein said upper panel holding structure comprises at least one set of parallel arms configured to hold an external panel. 
     
     
         20 . The panel array support assembly of  claim 19 , wherein said upper panel holding structure further comprises at least one slidable upper arm.