Connector assemblies for connecting panels

Abstract

In another embodiment, a connector assembly can comprise: a first side collector, comprising a first panel engagement region comprising a first receiving area that has a size to attach onto an edge of a first panel; and a second side collector, comprising a second panel engagement region comprising a second receiving area that has a size to attach onto an edge of a second panel. The first side collector and second side collector can be configured to directly mate with each other to hold to panels together.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A connector assembly, comprising:
 a first side collector, comprising a first panel engagement region comprising a first receiving area that has a size to attach onto an edge of a first panel; and   a second side collector, comprising a second panel engagement region comprising a second receiving area that has a size to attach onto an edge of a second panel;   wherein the first side collector and second side collector are configured to directly mate with each other to hold to panels together.   
     
     
         2 . The connector assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first side collector and the second side collector have a mating geometry selected from the group consisting of tongue and groove, and snap-fit. 
     
     
         3 . The connector assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first side collector further comprises a first wall with two first arms extending therefrom to define the first receiving area and first energy directors extending from the first arms into the first receiving area, and the second side collector further comprises a second wall with two second arms extending therefrom to define the second receiving area and second energy directors extending from the second arms into the second receiving area. 
     
     
         4 . The connector assembly of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first energy directors and the second energy directors staggered with respect to adjacent arms, except for an optional energy director located at an end of each adjacent arms. 
     
     
         5 . The connector assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first side collector and the second side collector have complementary openings configured to receive an engagement of a clip that is configured to secure the first side collector and the second side collector to a support, wherein the engagement extends from an end of a stem that has a length that is less than a height of the first receiving area.