Patent ID: 8534007
Filing Date: 2013-09-17
Classification: F24S,H02S,Y02B,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A photovoltaic assembly comprising: framework including a perimeter frame defining a length of at least 10 feet, a width of at least 5 feet and a height, the perimeter frame including: one or more PV laminates assembled to the perimeter frame to collectively define a PV front surface and a PV rear surface, the PV front surface being proximate the first PV support face plane and the PV rear surface being spaced from the second PV support face plane to define a receiving zone bounded by the perimeter frame and the second PV support face plane; wherein the receiving zone defines a depth in a direction of the height of not more than 8 inches; and a stiffening device associated with the framework and configured to provide: wherein the second state of the stiffening device enhances a stiffness of the perimeter frame as compared to a stiffness in the first state, wherein the stiffening device includes a plurality of rods that define at least one truss structure in at least the second state, wherein the perimeter frame includes opposing, first and second side frame members defining the length, and opposing, first and second end frame members defining the width, and further wherein the plurality of rods includes: a first rod set comprising first and second rods each having a base end and a leading end, wherein the base ends are coupled to the first side frame member in a spaced apart fashion in at least the second state; a second rod set comprising first and second rods each having a base end and a leading end, wherein the base ends of the rods of the second rod set are coupled to the second side frame member in a spaced apart fashion in at least the second state; wherein in the second state, the leading ends of the rods of the first and second rod sets are coupled to one another, and wherein the first rod set further includes: a fourth rod having a leading end and a base end coupled to the first side frame member in at least the second state at a location spaced from the base end of the second rod in a direction opposite the base end of the first rod; and a support rod interconnecting the leading ends of the first and second rods with the leading end of the fourth rod.