Abstract:
Disclosed is a seam clamp for securing equipment, such as solar PV panels, to standing roofs. The seam clamp includes an outer clamp member, an outer support member, and an inner clamp member. The inner clamp member and outer clamp member both include a clamping jaw projecting inward toward each other. The inner clamping member movably attached to the outer support member allowing the clamping jaws to engage and secure a standing seam. For ease of assembly, the outer clamp member and outer support member are slideably engaged and can be optionally captively slideably engaged. The seam clamp can be configured to accommodate different standing seam shapes by substituting alternative outer clamp members.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for mounting solar panels or other equipment, such as air conditioning units or fans, walkways, signage, facades, or ladders to a seamed metal or fiberglass roof 
         [0002]    Seamed roofs are found in commercial and residential applications. Mounting equipment, such as solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, to standing seam roofs can provide particular challenges. For example, there are variations in the seam peak shape and the seam pitch. Examples of standing seam roof types include L-shaped, I-shaped, bulb shaped, and T-shaped seams of various heights and thicknesses. Because the wide variation of available seam shapes, heights, and thicknesses, some manufacturers offer clamp types for each seam shape. In addition, some seam clamps require two or more fasteners to secure them to the seam in addition to equipment mounting fasteners. Others have complex clamping systems that can potentially make the equipment installation more costly. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    This Summary introduces a selection of concepts in simplified form that are described the Description. The Summary is not intended to identify essential features or limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
         [0004]    Disclosed is a standing seam clamp and standing seam roof equipment mounting apparatus that attempts to overcome the aforementioned challenges. One of the advantages of the disclosed standing seam clamp is that it may be adapted to work with a variety of standing seam roof seam types by simply changing one removable outer clamping section. The standing seam clamp can also be adapted to support rail-mounted equipment; for example one or more rail mounted solar PV panels. For example, the top surface of the seam clamp can be adapted to accept the bottom portion of an L-bracket. The top portion of the L-bracket can be used to engage a mounting rail. 
         [0005]    The standing seam clamp can also be adapted to directly mount the solar PV panels by engaging the solar PV panel against the top surface of the seam clamp. An alignment projection, projecting upward from the top of the seam clamp, can align the panel in a desired orientation with respect to the standing seams. A solar panel end clamp or mid-clamp in combination with a threaded fastener, can be used to secure the solar PV panels to the clamp surface. 
         [0006]    The standing seam clamp includes an outer clamp member, an inner clamp member, and an outer support member. The outer clamp member, the inner clamp member, and the outer support member, each include a top and a side portion; the top portion projecting inwardly away from the side portion. The outer clamp member and inner clamp member each include a clamping portion projecting inwardly away from the side portion and positioned below the top portion. The outer clamp portion includes a shelf portion projecting inwardly away from the side portion and a positioned between the top portion and the clamping portioning of the outer clamp member. The top portions of the outer clamp member and the outer support member are engaged in slideable cooperation for assembly. The top portions can optionally be engaged in slideable captive cooperation for assembly. Both the slideable cooperation and slideable captive cooperation can be accomplished by a tongue and groove arrangement between the top portions of the outer clamp member and the outer support member. 
         [0007]    The side portion of the inner clamp member configured to be movable relative to the side portion outer support member. The top portion of the inner clamp member is positioned above the shelf portion of the outer clamp member. This arrangement provides vertical support for the top portion of the inner clamp member. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1A  shows a solar panel roof system exploded view with a standing seam clamp. 
           [0009]      FIGS. 1B-1C  show detail views illustrating the standing seam clamp of the solar PV panel roof system of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0010]      FIG. 2A  shows solar PV panel roof system where the solar PV panel is mounted directly to a standing seam clamp without rails. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2B  shows a detail view of the standing seam roof equipment mounting apparatus and standing seam clamp of  FIG. 2A . 
           [0012]      FIGS. 3A-3H  show several views of the seam clamp of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0013]      FIGS. 4A-4D  show several alternative tongue and groove arrangement in slideable cooperation shown in side profile. 
           [0014]      FIGS. 5A-5C  show several alternative outer clamping members. 
           [0015]      FIGS. 6A-6B  show several views of the seam clamp of  FIG. 1A  with an alternative arrangement for adjusting the position of the inner clamp member. 
           [0016]      FIGS. 7A-7B  show several views of the seam clamp of  FIG. 1A  in combination with an L-bracket for mounting equipment. 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  shows a perspective partial assembled view of the seam clamp and 
           [0018]    L-bracket of  FIGS. 7A-7B  on an I-shaped standing seam roof 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of the seam clamp and L-bracket of 
           [0020]      FIGS. 7A-7B  secured to an L-shaped standing seam of a standing seam roof. 
           [0021]      FIGS. 10A-10C  show alternative seam clamps and L-brackets in front view showing secured to standing seam roofs using the alternative outer clamping members of  FIGS. 5A-5C  respectively. 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of the seam clamp and L-bracket assembly of  FIG. 10B  secured to a round shaped standing seam. 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of the standing seam clamp and L-bracket assembly of  FIG. 10C  secured to a T-shaped standing seam. 
           [0024]      FIG. 13A  shows the standing seam clamp of  FIG. 2A  assembled with a solar panel end clamp; the standing seam clamp is secured to a standing seam roof 
           [0025]      FIG. 13B  shows the standing seam clamp of  FIG. 2A  assembled with a solar panel mid clamp and solar panel; the standing seam clamp is secured to a standing seam roof. 
           [0026]      FIGS. 14A-14H  shows in several views the seam clamp of  FIG. 2A . 
           [0027]      FIGS. 15A-15B  show a seam clamp with an alternative arrangement of elements. 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  shows a seam clamp, in exploded perspective view, with an inverted L-bracket integrated into an outer bracket member. 
           [0029]      FIG. 17  shows a side exploded view of a seam clamp. The seam clamp includes the outer bracket member with the integrated inverted L-bracket. 
           [0030]      FIG. 18  shows a seam clamp, in exploded perspective view, with a back portion that projects vertically above the horizontal top seating portion. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0031]    Throughout this disclosure, use of the terms “right, “left”, “front”, “back”, “horizontal” or “vertical” are used for clarity in understanding the drawings, refer to the orientation of objects as they appear in the drawings, and denote relative orientation of the elements in combination. They are not meant to limit the disclosed standing steam clamps or standing seam clamp assemblies to a particular absolute orientation. 
         [0032]    The following description is made with reference to figures, where like numerals refer to like elements throughout the several views,  FIG. 1A  shows solar PV panel roof system  100  in partially exploded view.  FIGS. 1B-1C  show detail views illustrating a standing seam clamp  102  and equipment mounting portions of the solar panel roof system of  FIG. 1A . Referring to  FIG. 1A , the standing seam clamp  102  is mounted to a standing seam roof  104 . Referring to  FIG. 1C , the top of the standing seam clamp  102  is secured to an L-bracket  116 . The L-bracket  116  is mounted to the top of the standing seam clamp  102  by a threaded fastener  105 . The threaded fastener  105  can be any threaded fastener suitable for securing the L-bracket  116  to the standing seam clamp  102  and withstand the forces associated with roof mounted equipment. For example, the threaded fastener can be a bolt, cap screw, or machine screw. The L-bracket  116  is shown secured to a mounting rail  108  by a threaded fastener  107  and a nut  109 . 
         [0033]    Referring again to  FIG. 1A , a solar PV panel  106  is secured to the mounting rail  108  by a combination by a threaded fastener  110 , a solar panel end clamp  112  and a nut  114 . The threaded fastener  110  can be any threaded fastener capable of securing the solar panel to a rail slot.  FIG. 1B  shows a detail view of the solar PV panel  106 , the mounting rail  108 , the solar panel end clamp  112 , and the standing seam clamp  102 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 2A  shows solar PV panel roof system  200  where the solar PV panel  106  is mounted directly to a standing seam roof equipment mounting apparatus  202  without the rails of  FIGS. 1A-1C .  FIG. 2B  shows a detail view of the standing seam roof equipment mounting apparatus  202  of  FIG. 2A . Referring to  FIG. 2A , the solar PV panel roof system  200  includes the solar PV panel  106  and the standing seam roof equipment mounting apparatus  202 . The standing seam roof equipment mounting apparatus  202  is secured to the standing seam roof  104 . Referring to  FIG. 2B , the standing seam roof equipment mounting apparatus  202  includes a seam clamp  204 , the solar panel end clamp  112 , and a threaded fastener  206 . The threaded fastener  206  is shown as a bolt. The seam clamp  204  is secured to the standing seam portion of the standing seam roof  104 . The solar panel end clamp  112  and the threaded fastener  206  secure the solar PV panel  106  to the standing seam clamp  204 . The threaded fastener  206  can be any threaded fastener capable withstanding the normal forces associated with a solar PV panel  106  mounted on a rooftop. For example, a bolt, a cap screw, or a machine screw. 
         [0035]      FIGS. 3A-3H  show various views of the standing seam clamp  102  of  FIG. 1A .  FIG. 3A  shows a front perspective view of the standing seam clamp  102 .  FIG. 3B  shows a partially assembled front perspective view of the standing seam clamp  102 .  FIG. 3C  shows a top view of the standing seam clamp  102 .  FIG. 3D  shows a front view of the standing seam clamp  102 .  FIG. 3E  shows a right side view of the standing seam clamp  102 .  FIG. 3F  shows a front cross sectional view of the standing seam clamp  102  of  FIG. 3E .  FIG. 3G  is an exploded view front perspective view of the standing seam clamp  102 .  FIG. 3H  is a front exploded view of the standing seam clamp  102 . 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIGS. 3A-3B ,  3 D, and  3 F- 3 H, the standing seam clamp  102  includes an outer clamp member  304 , an inner clamp member  306 , and an outer support member  308 . Referring to  FIGS. 3G-3H , the outer clamp member  304  includes a side portion  310 ; a top portion  312 , a clamp jaw portion  314 , positioned below the top portion  312 , and a shelf portion  316 , positioned between the top portion  312  and the clamp jaw portion  314 . The top portion  312 , the clamp jaw portion  314 , and the shelf portion  316  each projecting inwardly away from the side portion  310 . The inner clamp member  306  includes a side portion  318 , a top portion  320 , and a clamp jaw portion  322  positioned below the top portion  320 ; each portion projecting inwardly away from the side portion  318 . The outer support member  308  includes a side portion  324 , and a top portion  326  projecting inwardly away from the side portion  324 . The side portion  324  of the outer support member  308  and the side portion  318  of the inner clamp member  306  are adapted to receive a threaded fastener  328 . The threaded fastener  328  and a retainer  330  secure the outer support member  308  and inner clamp member  306  together in a movable relationship. In  FIG. 3G  the threaded fastener  328  is received by an aperture  332  in side portion  324  of the outer support member  308 , and by an aperture  334  in the side portion  318  of the inner clamp member  306 . In the illustrated configuration, the aperture  332  in the side portion  324  of the outer support member  308  is non-threaded while the aperture  334  in the side portion  318  of the inner clamp member  306  is threaded to accept the threaded fastener  328 . The threaded fastener  328  has a non-threaded portion proximate to the head of the fastener. The non-threaded portion of the threaded fastener  328  engages the aperture  332 . In combination with the retainer  330 , this arrangement allows the threaded fastener  328  to rotate freely with respect to outer support member  308  while moving the inner clamp member  306  linearly toward and away from outer support member  308 . The retainer  330  is shown as a retaining ring. Any retainer suitable for holding the threaded fastener  328  in place linearly but allowing for rotational freedom can be used. For example, the retainer  330  can alternatively be a clevis pin, a hitch pin, a cotter pin, or a quick release pin. The threaded fastener  328  is also illustrated in  FIGS. 3A-3D , and  3 F. Referring again to  FIG. 3G , the top portion  326  of the outer support member  308  can include an aperture  336  and the outer clamp member  304  can include an aperture or a recess  338  positioned and sized to receive a threaded fastener, such as a bolt or screw, for retaining roof top mounted equipment. The aperture  336  is also shown in  FIGS. 3A-3C . The recess  338  is also shown in  FIG. 3B . 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIG. 3B , the inner clamp member  306 , the outer support member  308 , the threaded fastener  328 , and the retainer  330  together forms an outer clamp assembly  340 . The top portion  326  of the outer support member  308  and the top portion  312  of the outer clamp member  304  are coupled in slideable cooperation thereby joining the outer clamp assembly  340  to the outer clamp member  304  and forming the standing seam clamp  102  shown in  FIG. 3A . This slideable cooperation facilitates ease of assembly. 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIGS. 3G-3H , the slideable cooperation can be accomplished by a tongue and groove arrangement between the top portion  312  of the outer clamp member  304  and the top portion  326  of the outer support member  308 .  FIGS. 3G-3H  show a plurality of tongues  342  projecting downward from the top portion  326  of the outer support member  308  and corresponding grooves  344  on the top surface of the top portion  312  of outer clamp member  304 . Alternatively, the tongue and corresponding groove positions can be swapped. For example, the tongues  342  could be projecting upward from the top surface of the top portion  312  of the outer clamp member  304  and the corresponding groove portions could be positioned on the downward facing surface of the top portion  326  of the outer support member  308 . 
         [0039]    The combination of the outer clamp member  304 , inner clamp member  306 , and outer support member  308  are arranged so that the top portion  320  of the inner clamp member  306  is aligned and rests within a recess above the shelf portion  316  of the outer clamp member  304  and can be supported by the shelf portion  316  thereto. The clamp jaw portion  322  of the inner clamp member  306  and the clamp jaw portion  314  of the outer clamp member  304  can be arranged to align with each other. Illustrated are a complementary pattern of grooves on the clamping surfaces of clamp jaw portion  322  of the inner clamp member  306  and the clamp jaw portion  314  of the outer clamp member  304  to help facilitate securing the standing seam clamp  102  to a standing seam without slippage. 
         [0040]      FIGS. 4A-4D  show examples of tongue and groove arrangements, in profile, for facilitating slideable cooperation along the top portion  312  of the outer clamp member  304  and along the top portion  326  of the outer support member  308 .  FIG. 4A  shows a tongue and a corresponding groove, the tongue and groove having complementary rectangular profiles. Using this arrangement, the outer clamp member  304  and the outer support member  308  can be assembled from either the top or side profile. The outer clamp member  304  and the outer support member  308  are not secured from lifting without the use of an additional fastener. It may be desirable to secure the outer clamp member  304  and the outer support member  308  together from lifting without the use of an additional fastener.  FIGS. 4B-4D  show a tongue and groove arrangement that can secure the outer clamp member  304  and the outer support member  308  in slideable captive cooperation.  FIG. 4B  shows the tongue and groove arrangement illustrated in the standing seam clamp  102  of  FIGS. 3A-3H . The tongue and groove pair of  FIG. 4B  has a complementary trapezoidal profile. In each of the tongue and groove arrangements of  FIGS. 4B-4D , the tongue and grooves are complementary in shape, with the base of the groove is wider than the surface opening of the groove. This arrangement allows for the outer clamp member  304  and the outer support member  308  to slideable along the groove with tongue being held captive within the groove. 
         [0041]    As stated earlier in this disclosure, there are many styles of standing seam profiles. For example, an I-shaped seam profile, an L-shaped seam profile, a round or bulb-shaped seam profile, and a T-shaped seam profile. The standing seam clamp  102  of  FIG. 3A  can accommodate each of the above mentioned seam profiles by changing out one part, the outer clamp member  304 . This can be advantageous in the manufacturer and inventory of seam clamps because the inner clamp member  306 , outer support member  308 , and the threaded fastener  328  can all be common parts and configured together as the outer clamp assembly  340 . 
         [0042]      FIGS. 5A-5C  show several alternative outer clamping members. The outer clamp member  304  of  FIG. 5A  was disclosed in  FIG. 3A  and can accommodate I-shaped, and L-shaped standing seam profiles. An outer clamp member  502  of  FIG. 5B  can accommodate bulb-shaped standing seam profiles. An outer clamp member  504  of  FIG. 5C  can accommodate T-shaped standing seam profiles. As previously disclosed, when discussing  FIGS. 3G-3H , the outer clamp member  304  of  FIG. 5A  includes the side portion  310 ; the top portion  312 , the clamp jaw portion  314 , positioned below the top portion  312 , and the shelf portion  316 , positioned between the top portion  312  and the clamp jaw portion  314 ; and the top portion  312 , the clamp jaw portion  314 , and the shelf portion  316  each projecting inwardly away from the side portion  310 . Similarly, the outer clamp member  502  of  FIG. 5B  includes a side portion  506 , a top portion  508 , a clamp jaw portion  510  positioned below the top portion  508 , and a shelf portion  512  positioned between the top portion  508  and the clamp jaw portion  510 ; and the top portion  508 , the clamp jaw portion  510 , and the shelf portion  512  each projecting inwardly away from the side portion  506 . The outer clamp member  504  of  FIG. 5C  also includes a side portion  514 , a top portion  516 , a clamp jaw portion  518  positioned below the top portion  516 , and a shelf portion  520  positioned between the top portion  516  and the clamp jaw portion  518 ; and the top portion  516 , the clamp jaw portion  518 , and the shelf portion  520  each projecting inwardly away from the side portion  514 . 
         [0043]      FIGS. 6A-6B  show several views of the seam clamp  602  with an alternative arrangement for adjusting the position of the inner clamp member  306 .  FIG. 6A  shows an assembled front view of the seam clamp  602 .  FIG. 6B  shows a front exploded view of the seam clamp  602 . Referring to  FIGS. 6A-6B , the seam clamp  602  includes the outer clamp member  304 , the inner clamp member  306 , and the outer support member  308  in the same cooperative configuration as previously described. The threaded fastener  328  and the retainer  330  of  FIG. 3G  have been replaced in  FIGS. 6A-6B  by a threaded bolt  604  and a retainer in the form of a threaded nut  608 . The threaded bolt  604  includes a non-threaded portion at least the thickness of the aperture  332  in side portion  324  of the outer support member  308  of  FIG. 3G . In  FIGS. 6A-6B , after the threaded bolt  604  engages the threaded nut  608 , the non-threaded area is free to rotate within the aperture  332 . This arrangement allows the threaded bolt  604  and threaded nut  608  to be retained by the outer support member  308  and the move the inner clamp member  306  either toward or away from outer support member  308  when the head of the threaded bolt  604  is turned. 
         [0044]      FIGS. 7A-B ,  FIG. 8 , and  FIG. 9  show several views of the standing seam clamp  102  assembly of  FIG. 1A  including an L-bracket  702  for mounting equipment, and a threaded fastener  704  for securing the L-bracket  702  to the standing seam clamp  102 .  FIG. 7A  and  FIG. 8  show a partially assembled view including the outer clamp assembly  340 , the outer clamp member  304 , the L-bracket  702 , and the threaded fastener  704 . The threaded fastener  704  secures the outer clamp assembly  340  and the outer clamp member  304  together by passing through the aperture  336  on the outer clamp assembly  340  and screwing into the recess  338  on outer clamp member  304 . The L-bracket  702  includes a first slot  706  for passing through the threaded fastener  704  and a second slot  708  for passing through a fastener for securing roof top mounted equipment or a rail. In  FIG. 8  the standing seam clamp  102  is shown in the process of being assembled and secured to double-lock type standing seam  802 . In  FIG. 9 , the seam clamp assembly is secured to a L-shaped standing seam  902 . 
         [0045]      FIGS. 10A-10C  show alternative seam clamps and L-brackets in front view showing secured to standing seam roofs using the alternative outer clamping members of  FIGS. 5A-5C  respectively.  FIG. 10A  shows standing seam clamp  102  including the L-bracket  702 .  FIG. 10A  is shown in a front sectional view of  FIG. 7B . The standing seam clamp  102  is secured to a standing seam roof  1002  with an I-shaped standing seam  1004 . As previously disclosed, the tongue and groove arrangement between the outer clamp member  304  and the outer support member  308  can be configured for in a slideable captive configuration where one degree of freedom, i.e. movement along the length of the tongue and groove, is permitted. The threaded fastener  704  secures the L-bracket  702  to both the outer clamp member  304  and the outer support member  308  removing this one degree of freedom and securing the clamp the threaded fastener  704  secures the L-bracket  702  to both the outer clamp member  304  and the outer support member  308  together. The inner clamp member  306  is movable by turning the threaded bolt  604  and the threaded bolts is retained to the outer support member  308  by the threaded nut  608 , as previously disclosed. The inner clamp member  306  is shown pushed against the side of the I-shaped standing seam  1004  of the standing seam roof  1002 . The shelf portion  316  of the outer clamp member  304  is positioned above the top of the I-shaped standing seam  1004  and can be used to support the standing seam clamp  102  on top of the standing seamed if desired. 
         [0046]      FIG. 10B  shows a seam clamp  1006  secured to a round or bulb shaped standing seam  1008 . The seam clamp  1006  includes the inner clamp member  306 , the outer support member  308 , the threaded bolt  604  and the threaded nut  608 . To facilitate use of the seam clamp  1006  with bulb shaped standing seam  1008 , the outer clamp member  502  is used in place of the outer clamp member  304  of  FIG. 10A . Similarly, in  FIG. 10C , to facilitate use of a standing seam clamp  1010  with a T-shaped standing seam  1012 , the outer clamp member  504  is used in place of outer clamp member  304  of  FIG. 10A  or  502  of  FIG. 10B . 
         [0047]      FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of the seam clamp  1006  of  FIG. 10B  and L-bracket  702  secured to the bulb shaped standing seam  1008 .  FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of the standing seam clamp  1010  of  FIG. 10C  and the L-bracket  702  secured to the T-shaped standing seam  1012 . 
         [0048]    The standing seam roof equipment mounting apparatus  202  of  FIG. 2B , as previously disclosed, can be use to secure the solar PV panel  106  to a standing seam roof without any need for a rail or other intermediary brackets.  FIG. 13A  shows the standing seam roof equipment mounting apparatus  202  secured to a standing seam roof  1302 . The standing seam roof equipment mounting apparatus  202  includes the seam clamp  204 , threaded fastener  206 , and the solar panel end clamp  112 . The solar panel end clamp  112  is secured to the seam clamp  204  by the threaded fastener  206 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 13B  shows the seam clamp  204  of  FIG. 2B  assembled with a solar panel mid clamp  1304  and the solar PV panel  106 ; the seam clamp  204  is secured to the standing seam  1306  of a standing seam roof  1302 . The solar PV panel  106  rests on the top surface of the seam clamp  204  and is aligned in proper position and orientation by an alignment projection  1308 . Using a square shape for the alignment projection  1308 , as illustrated, the solar PV panel  106  can be aligned either perpendicular or parallel to the direction of the standing seams. 
         [0050]      FIGS. 14A-14H  shows in several views the seam clamp  204  of  FIG. 2A .  FIG. 14A  shows the seam clamp  204  in left side perspective view,  FIG. 14B  shows the seam clamp  204  in front perspective view,  FIG. 14C  the seam clamp  204  in top view,  FIG. 14D  the seam clamp  204  in front profile view,  FIG. 14E  shows the seam clamp  204  in right side view.  FIG. 14F  shows the seam clamp  204  in sectional view of  FIG. 14E .  FIG. 14G  shows the seam clamp  204  in a partially assembled view.  FIG. 14H  shows the seam clamp  204  in exploded perspective view. 
         [0051]    The clamping mechanism of the seam clamp  204  operates in the same manner as previously described for the standing seam clamp  102  of  FIG. 3A . The difference in construction of the seam clamp  204  of  FIGS. 14A-14H  and the standing seam clamp  102  of  FIG. 3A  is mainly the addition of the alignment projection  1308  of  FIGS. 14A-14H .  FIGS. 14A ,  14 D, and  14 F- 14 H show the outer clamp member  304 , inner clamp member  306 , the threaded fastener  328 , and an outer support member  1402 .  FIGS. 14D and 14H  show the retainer  330 .  FIG. 14B  shows the outer clamp member  304 , the inner clamp member  306  and the outer support member  1402 . The outer clamp member  304 , inner clamp member  306 , the threaded fastener  328 , outer support member  1402  of  FIGS. 14A ,  14 D, and  14 F- 14 H, and the retainer  430  of  FIGS. 14D and 14H  all have the cooperative relationship and operate in the same manner as described for the outer clamp member  304 , inner clamp member  306 , the outer support member  308 , the threaded fastener  328 , and the retainer  330  as described for  FIGS. 3G-H . 
         [0052]      FIGS. 14A-14C , and  14 F- 14 H, show a recess  1404  through the top portion of the alignment projection  1308 . The recess  1404  is threaded to receive the threaded fastener  206 , and secure the solar panel end clamp  112  of  FIG. 13A  or the threaded fastener  206 , and secure the solar panel mid clamp  1304  of  FIG. 13B . The threaded fastener  206  of  FIGS. 13A-13B  engages the recess  1404  shown in  FIG. 14F  and secures the outer clamp member  304  to the outer support member  1402 . 
         [0053]    The seam clamp  204  of  FIGS. 14A-14H  can be configured to secure several types of standing seam shapes. The outer clamp member  304  can accommodate, for example, L-shaped, I-shaped, overlap, single lock, and double lock types. The outer clamp member  502  of  FIG. 5B  can be used in place of the outer clamp member  304  to secure bulb shaped or round shaped standing seams. The outer clamp member  504  of  FIG. 5C  can be used to secure t-shaped standing seams. 
         [0054]    The outer clamp member  304  and the outer support member  1402  shown in  14 A- 14 B,  14 D, and  14 F- 14 H can be configured to be engaged in slideable cooperation by a tongue and groove arrangement as described previously and shown in  FIG. 4A . The outer clamp member  304  and the outer support member  1402  shown in  14 A- 14 B,  14 D, and  14 F- 14 H can be configured to be engaged in slideable captive cooperation by a tongue and groove arrangement as described previously and shown in  FIGS. 4B-4D . 
         [0055]    The outer support member  308  of the standing seam clamp  102  of  FIG. 3A  and the outer support member  1402  of seam clamp  204  of  FIG. 14A  are configured to include the top outer surface of the seam clamps. It is possible to configure the outer clamp members to include the top outer surface of the seam clamps.  FIGS. 15A-15B  shows a seam clamp  1502  with an alternative arrangement of elements where outer clamp member  1504  in configured to include the top outer surface of the seam clamp  1502 . The inner clamp member  306 , the threaded bolt  604 , and the threaded nut  608  engage the outer clamp member  1504  and an outer support member  1508  in a similar manner as previously described. 
         [0056]      FIG. 16  shows a seam clamp  1602 , in exploded perspective view, with an inverted L-bracket integrated into an outer bracket member  1604 . The outer bracket member  1604  cooperatively engages the outer support member  1508  as previously described. The outer support member  1508  adjustably engages the inner clamp member  306  using the threaded bolt  604  as previously described, with the threaded nut  608  captivity holding the threaded bolt  604 . The top of the inverted L-bracket portion includes a slot  1606  for receiving and holding a fastener for either directly engaging roof mounted equipment, or engaging roof mounting equipment indirectly through an intermediary such as the mounting rail  108  of  FIG. 1C . 
         [0057]      FIG. 17  shows a side exploded view of a seam clamp  1702 . The seam clamp  1702  includes the outer bracket member  1604  with the integrated inverted L-bracket. The seam clamp  1702  includes an outer support member  1704  that includes a threaded aperture  1705  indicated by broken lines. The inner clamp member  306  is adjustably engaged to the outer support member  1704 . A threaded fastener  1710  includes a non-threaded portion  1712  forming the tip of the fastener. The non-threaded portion  1712  includes a groove for receiving a retainer clip. A spring clip bushing  1706  is inserted into a recess  1708  in the inner clamp member  306 . The recess  1708  is adapted to receive and hold the spring clip bushing  1706 . The non-threaded portion  1712  of the threaded fastener  1710  can be captivity engaged by the spring clip bushing  1706  within the inner clamp member  306  but free to rotate. This arrangement allows the threaded fastener  1710  to captivity engages both outer support member  1704  and the inner clamp member  306 , allowing the inner clamp member  306  to move toward and away from the outer support member  1704  as the threaded fastener  1710  is rotated. 
         [0058]      FIG. 18  shows a seam clamp  1802  including an outer clamp member  1804 , the outer support member  1508 , the threaded bolt  604 , the threaded nut  608 , and inner clamp member  306 . The outer clamp member  1804  includes a back portion that projects vertically above the horizontal top seating surface  1806  of the seam clamp  1802 . The back portion includes a slot  1808  for receiving a fastener to secure the seam clamp  1802  directly to a rail. The seam clamp  1802  is cooperatively configured, as previously described, with the outer support member  1508  and the outer clamp member  1804  engagable in slideable captive cooperation by a tongue and groove arrangement. The inner clamp member  306  and the outer support member  1508  are adjustably engaged through the combination of the threaded bolt  604  and the threaded nut  608  as previously described. 
         [0059]    A standing seam roof clamp and a standing seam roof equipment mounting apparatus have been described. It is not the intent of this disclosure to limit the claimed invention to the examples, and variations described in the specification. Those skilled in the art will recognize that variations will occur when embodying the claimed invention in specific implementations and environments. For example, it is possible to implement certain features described in separate embodiments in combination within a single embodiment. 
         [0060]    Similarly, it is possible to implement certain features described in single embodiments either separately or in combination in multiple embodiments. For example, the manner of adjustable cooperation described between the various inner clamp members and outer clamp members can easily be exchanged in the various disclosed seam clamps. As a further example, the features disclosed for mounting the various seam clamps to external equipment can be exchange or combined with other features demonstrated. 
         [0061]    It is the intent of the inventor that these variations fall within the scope of the claimed invention. While the examples, exemplary embodiments, and variations are helpful to those skilled in the art in understanding the claimed invention, it should be understood that, the scope of the claimed invention is defined solely by the following claims and their equivalents.