Abstract:
A supporting rack for a solar panel with a framework mountable on a surface such as a roof, this framework including two elongate runners extending parallel to each other and a cross-member extending between and connecting the two runners. Upper and lower clamp assemblies detachably and adjustably mount the solar panel on top of the framework so that the panel extends at an acute angle to the plane of the runners. There are two front clamp assemblies, each mountable on a respective runner and clamped to a front edge of the solar panel. A clevis pin connection pivotally connects the clamping mechanism to its respective runner. Two upper, rear clamp assemblies each have an adjustable J-clamp member and a back plate. After installation of the rack, the panel is pivotable from an operating position at an acute angle to the runners to a greater angle to facilitate maintenance or repair.

Description:
STATEMENT OF RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims foreign priority on Canadian Patent Application No. 2,829,919 having a filing date of 11 Oct. 2014 and Canadian Patent Application No. 2,830,914 having a filing date of 18 Oct. 2014. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Technical Field 
         [0003]    This invention relates to support systems and support racks for solar panels used to generate electrical power from solar radiation. 
         [0004]    2. Prior Art 
         [0005]    It is known to provide a racking system designed to support solar panels on a roof or a flat surface. One such system is sold by SunLink Corporation. One of their roof mount systems includes horizontal runners mounted on support blocks that rest on the roof surface and vertical posts that support the solar panels at a suitable angle to the horizontal. One problem with known systems however is that they may be difficult to repair and maintain or that they may not allow easy access to the underlying roof. 
         [0006]    There is a need for an improved support racking for solar panels that will enable the panel to be readily pivoted from an upright position (where maintenance and repairs can be carried out) to a sloping, operating position and then later back to the upright position, if required. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    According to one embodiment of the invention, a supporting rack for a solar panel comprises a framework adapted for mounting on a support surface, this framework including two elongate runners that are spaced apart and parallel to each other, and an elongate cross-member extending between and connecting the two runners. There is also a mechanism for detachably and adjustably mounting the solar panel on top of the framework so that the solar panel in use extends at an acute angle to a plane defined by the two runners. This mounting mechanism includes two front clamp assemblies, each mountable on a respective one of the runners and clamped to a front edge of the solar panel. Each clamp assembly includes a clamping mechanism for clamping the front edge in a detachable manner and a pivot pin connection for pivotally connecting the clamping mechanism to a respective one of the runners. After installation of the supporting rack on the support surface, the solar panel can be pivoted from the acute angle to the plane of the runners, which is an operating position for generating electrical power from sun radiation, to a greater angle to the plane for facilitating maintenance, repair or inspection of one or more of the solar panel, the support racking and the support surface. 
         [0008]    According to an exemplary form of this supporting rack, there is also a respective second clamping mechanism for mounting another solar panel, pivotally mounted on each pivot pin connection. 
         [0009]    An exemplary version of the present clamping system enables the attached solar panel to be tilted in the range of 0° to 35°. One version of the support racking with its the front clamp assemblies has a locking mechanism that keeps the solar panel upright while installers are wiring the system or performing maintenance. 
         [0010]    There is also disclosed herein an improved upper clamp assembly that enables the top of the solar module to be locked in place against a back plate of the upper clamp assembly. This clamp assembly can engage the solar panel where it is strongest along the profile of the upper frame, thereby providing a strong, rigid connection. 
         [0011]    According to a further aspect of the invention, a supporting rack for a solar panel comprises a framework adapted for mounting on a support surface, this framework including two elongate runners that are spaced-apart and parallel to each other and an elongate cross-member extending between and connecting the two runners. There is also a mounting mechanism for detachably and adjustably mounting the solar panel on top of the framework so that the solar panel in use extends at an acute angle to a plane defined by the two runners. The mounting mechanism include a vertically extending, elongate connecting mechanism extending between and connecting rear sections of the two runners and two rear clamp assemblies, each having a back plate formed with a forwardly extending guideway defining a guide path. Each rear clamp assembly also includes a J-clamp member having a top flange projecting towards the back plate and an integral guide pin slidably mounted in the guideway. In addition, there is a threaded fastening device connecting the J-clamp member to the back plate whereby a tightening of the fastening device pulls the J-clamp member towards its back plate. The rear clamp assemblies are mounted on opposite end sections of the connecting mechanism and are arranged to clamp a top edge frame member of the solar panel. 
         [0012]    In an exemplary version of this supporting rack, the connecting mechanism includes an elongate wind deflecting plate and two end plates each mounted on a respective one of the runners and each connected to a respective bottom corner of the wind deflecting plate. 
         [0013]    According to another embodiment of the invention, a supporting rack for a solar panel includes two separate elongate runners adapted for mounting on a fixed support surface so that the runners are spaced apart from and parallel to each other. Each runner is formed with a longitudinal connecting channel extending along a top of the runner. The rack further includes at least one separate elongate frame member for connecting the two runners and two panel clamping assemblies, each pivotably mounted on a respective one of the two runners. Each of these assemblies includes a connecting device engagable with sides of the respective connecting channel to secure the panel clamping assembly to the top of its runner. In use, each connecting device can be disengaged from the sides of its respective connecting channel to allow the connecting device and the rest of its clamping assembly to be moved in a lengthwise direction along their runner to a desired position for supporting the solar panel. 
         [0014]    There is also disclosed herein an improved runner for solar racking that can be provided with rubber or rubber like pads which can be fastened to the bottom of the runner to protect the roof. Also a sheet metal wire cap can be clipped onto the side of the runner to hide wiring. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    Further features and advantages of the present support racking will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings. 
           [0016]    In the drawings, 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the combination of a support racking constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the invention and a solar panel, this view taken from above and from a rear side; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is another perspective view of the combination of racking and panel of  FIG. 1 , this view being taken from above and from the front end of the racking; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a rear view of the support racking of  FIG. 1 , this view showing a wind deflector; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a side elevation of the combined racking and panel of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a detail view showing a ballast stone mounted on two cross members of the racking; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a detail view in perspective showing a front clamp assembly mounted on a runner and connected to a front edge of a solar panel; 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is another detail view in perspective of the front clamp assembly, this view being taken from above and from the front end; 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a side view of a base clamp member used in the front clamp assembly; 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the base clamp assembly taken along the line IX-IX of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is a top view of a clevis pin bracket used to connect the front clamp assembly to its runner; 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is a longitudinal cross-section taken along the line XI-XI of  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  is a detail view in perspective illustrating how the base clamp member of  FIG. 9  is mounted on a clevis pin, this view showing the transverse profile of the clevis pin; 
           [0029]      FIG. 13  is a detail view in perspective showing how a cross-member can be connected to a flange of a runner by a first version of a clip; 
           [0030]      FIG. 14  is another detail view in perspective showing an end of a cross-member connected to one flange of a runner; 
           [0031]      FIG. 15  is a detail view in perspective showing the end profile for a runner and portions of the first version of the clips to attach cross-members; 
           [0032]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the solar racking and panel taken from below and from the rear, this view showing rubber pads mounted on both the runners and the cross-members; 
           [0033]      FIG. 17  is a detail view of one of the rubber pads showing how it is fastened in place; 
           [0034]      FIG. 18  is a detail view in perspective showing an end support plate mounted on the end of a runner and connected to a corner of a wind deflector; 
           [0035]      FIG. 19  is another detail view but showing the end connecting plate from the rear side; 
           [0036]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view showing the solar panel connected to the wind deflector at its top by J-clamp assemblies; 
           [0037]      FIG. 21  is a side elevation of a rear clamp assembly for connecting a top frame of the solar panel to the wind deflector; 
           [0038]      FIG. 22  is a bottom view of the rear clamp assembly of  FIG. 21 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 23  is a front end view of the rear clamp assembly; 
           [0040]      FIG. 24  is a perspective view of the rear clamp assembly taken from below and from the front end; 
           [0041]      FIG. 25  is a detail view showing how the rear clamp assembly is connected to the wind deflector, this view being taken from above; 
           [0042]      FIG. 26  is another detail view of the rear clamp assembly showing the manner in which the J-clamp is slidably connected to the back plate; 
           [0043]      FIG. 27  is a perspective view taken from above and from the front and showing an elongate wire cap extending along one runner; 
           [0044]      FIG. 28  is a detail elevation view showing the manner in which the wire cap is mounted on one side of the runner; 
           [0045]      FIG. 29  is a side view of a second version of clip usable to attach a cross-member to a runner; 
           [0046]      FIG. 30  is a perspective view of a center pin that can be used to secure in place the clip of  FIG. 29 ; 
           [0047]      FIG. 31  is a detail view in perspective showing two of the clips mounted in bottom flanges of a runner, this view being taken from above and from one end of the runner; and 
           [0048]      FIG. 32  is another detail view in perspective showing a cross-member connected by the clip of  FIG. 29  to the end of the runner. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0049]      FIGS. 1 to 4  illustrate a support racking  10  constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Mounted at an angle on top of the support racking is a standard solar panel  12  having a rectangular shape. The perimeter of the solar panel can be formed by a rectangular metal frame  14 . With the solar panel in the sloping position shown, the metal frame has a bottom frame member  16 , a top frame  18  and two parallel side frame members  20  and  22 . The solar panel with its frame is detachably mounted on top of the racking. The mounting arrangement includes two front clamp assemblies  24 ,  26 . The clamp assembly  24  is shown in more detail in  FIGS. 6 and 7  and it will be understood that the clamp assembly  26  is of similar construction. 
         [0050]    Two major components of the support racking are two elongate, parallel runners  28 ,  30  as well as two elongate parallel cross-members  32 ,  34 . Mounted on the cross members is at least one ballast stone  36 . Although only one ballast stone is shown, the actual number of ballast stones used and mounted on the cross-members will depend upon weight requirements as determined by engineering calculations. If no ballast stone is required, the racking may include only one cross-member used to connect and properly space the runners. 
         [0051]    The cross sectional profile of each runner can be seen clearly from  FIGS. 13 to 15 . The runner, which can be formed from aluminum or aluminum alloy has a central vertical web  40  and two bottom flanges  42 ,  44 . An upper connecting channel  46  extends along the web  40  and it can have a generally rectangular cross section as shown in  FIG. 8  with an elongate slot  48  through which a threaded fastener can extend as shown in  FIG. 6 . For fastening purposes, the bottom of the vertical web  40  splits into two parallel branches  50 ,  52  with the bottom flange  42  connected to branch  50  and the flange  44  connected to the branch  52 . Also, formed on opposite sides of the web  40  and just above the branches are two V grooves  54 ,  56  to provide means for attaching a sheet metal wire cap as explained below. Formed at suitable locations along each of the flanges  42 ,  44  are rectangular openings  60  which accommodate resilient and flexible clip members, a first version of which is indicated by reference  62 . Each clip member is used to detachably connect one end of a cross member  32  to its respective runner. Each of the cross members is also formed with a rectangular opening  64  through which the upwardly extending arms  66  of the clip member extend. The first version of each clip member is formed with two generally L-shaped connecting arms  68  on its opposite sides. The horizontal leg of each of these arms engages the top surface of the flange  42  or  44 . The bottom edges of the two connecting arms are joined by a bottom section  70  of the clip member and the two parallel arms  66  extend upwardly from this bottom section  70 . As will be clear from  FIGS. 13 and 14 , outwardly extending edge flanges  72 ,  74  of the arms  66  engage the top surface of one of two side flanges  76 ,  78  formed on opposite sides of the respective cross-member. These two side flanges are connected to each other by an integral, elongate central channel  80 . As explained further hereinafter, the channel  46  on top of each runner allows various mating components to be connected to the top of the runner and allows these components to slide along the runner so that they can be positioned to provide the correct angle for the solar panel. 
         [0052]    Turning now to the front clamp assembly best shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , each clamp assembly can include two clamping devices  82 ,  84 , one for each of the solar panels that are being connected to opposite sides of the runner. These two clamping devices are constructed in a similar manner and accordingly only the clamping device  84  will be described in detail herein. The clamping device  82  is shown connected to the bottom frame member  16  of a solar panel. Clamping device  84  is shown unattached but, in use, it would also be attached to the bottom frame member of an adjacent solar panel. The clamping device includes an outer clamp member  86  that is adjustably connected to a base clamp member  88 . Clamp member  86  has two parallel, spaced apart legs  90 ,  92  that are integrally joined by an end plate  94  that includes a projecting end flange  96  that can be formed with gripping teeth or ridges on its inner surface, that is the surface adapted to engage the bottom frame member  16  of a solar panel. A fastener hole is formed in the end plate  94  and through this hole extends a bolt  98  secured in place by a washer  100  and nut  102 . The base clamp member has a generally rectangular connecting section  104  having two parallel side walls that define guiding surfaces for the aforementioned legs  90 ,  92 . Close to but spaced apart from one side of the connecting section is an integrally connected guide wall  106  which extends from a pivotal mounting section  108 . This mounting section has a round portion into which an end portion of a clevis pin  235  extends. The clevis pin is supported by a clevis pin bracket  110  that is mounted by two threaded fasteners  112  to the top of the runner. These threaded fasteners which can be bolts are secured in place by their respective washers  114  and nuts  116 . The rounded bracket extends across the gap or slot formed in the top of the runner. It will be understood that the head of each bolt  112  is either wider than the slot  48  or a washer (not shown) mounted next to the head is wider than the slot  48 , thereby preventing passage of the head of the bolt through the slot. By loosening the two nuts  114 , it is easy to adjust the position of the bracket and the rest of the front clamping assembly along the top of the runner in either direction. Thin walled cylindrical sleeves  118  can be mounted on the clevis pin in order to correctly position the front clamping assemblies for mounting of their respective solar panels and to prevent them from moving. 
         [0053]      FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate further details of the base clamp assembly  88 . In particular, it will be seen that the rectangular connecting section  104  is formed with a rectangular cavity  220  through which the bolt  98  can be passed. At one end of the cavity is a recess  222  which snuggly accommodates the head  224  of the bolt  98 . The head of the bolt is formed with a multi-sided tool receiving end hole  226  into which a turning tool can be inserted for turning or holding the bolt as the nut is applied.  FIG. 9  also shows a generally circular passage  230  formed in the mounting section  108 . On one side of this passage is an integral stop  232  which can be in the form of a ridge extending the length of the passage. This stop is used to limit pivotable movement of the clamping device on the clevis pin  235 , the end of which can be seen in  FIG. 12 . 
         [0054]    Further details of the clevis pin bracket  110  can be seen in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . The aforementioned threaded fasteners  112  extend through holes  236  formed in the two flat end sections  238  of the bracket. The bracket forms an inverted generally U-shaped channel  240  which is shaped to snuggly accommodate the central section of the clevis pin  235 . In particular, the top of the inverted channel can be formed with an integral, inwardly extending ridge or elongate projection  242  that can extend the length of the channel. The ridge  242  fits snuggly in a curved, axially-extending recess  244  formed along the top of the clevis pin (see  FIG. 12 ). The engagement between the internal ridge  242  and the sides of the recess  244  effectively prevents any rotation of the clevis pin relative to the bracket and the adjacent runner. The transverse profile of the clevis pin  235  seen in  FIG. 12 , which shows the pin formed with a central hole  246 . Extending snuggly into this hole is a connecting pin  248  which is integrally or otherwise attached to a specially shaped end cap  120 , one of which is mounted on each end of the clevis pin. The end cap  120  is held in place by a friction fit between the pin  248  and the side of its hole  246 . The clevis pin has a flat bottom surface  250  which rests on top of its respective runner. In addition to the central hole  246 , the clevis pin can be formed with two additional and similar passageways  252  and  254  located on opposite sides of the central hole and separated therefrom. The clevis pin can have a uniform cross-section throughout its length. The curved recess  244  of the pin receives a locking mechanism for the adjacent front clamp and the two ends of the recess provide positive stops at the ends of a 90 degree arc through which the recess extends. These two stops are at 90 degrees forward and 0 to 5 degrees back. 
         [0055]    The bottom edge  122  of the end cap  120  is straight while its top edge has a rounded central section  124  and two radially extending edges  126 ,  128  at opposite ends of the central section  124 . As indicated, the shape of each end cap  120  and the clevis pin determine the degree of rotation of the respective front clamp assembly. The curved gap recess  244  lies between the recessed top of the the clevis pin and the mounting section  108 . One or more locking keys (not shown) can be inserted into the recess  244  in order to lock the clamp assembly in a desired position together with the solar panel connected thereto. The preferred front clamp assemblies allow the solar panel module to be held in the upright position (that is 90° to the surface of the roof) and then tilted into its operative position (shown in  FIGS. 1 to 4 ). The clamping and locking arrangement allows for easy installation and maintenance of the solar panels as well as easy access to all fasteners. By locking the clamping assemblies so that they hold the panel upright, the installation of necessary wiring or the performance of maintenance is facilitated. The front clamping assemblies of the invention also help prevent over rotation which is helpful during the shipping and delivery of the solar racking since these clamps will always be in the correct orientation on site. Also because the solar panels can readily be pivoted to the upright position by means of the front clamp assemblies, building owners and landlords will have ready access to the roof even after the solar panel system has been fully installed. 
         [0056]      FIGS. 16 and 17  illustrate the use of rubber pads  140  and  142  mounted on the bottom of the racking to support the racking and the solar panel on a roof surface without damaging this surface. As shown in  FIG. 16 , there are three of the rubber pads  140  distributed along each of the runners  28 ,  30  and there are three of the pads  142  distributed along each of the cross-members  32 ,  34 . The threaded fasteners  144  used to secure each of these rubber pads to its respective runner or cross-member can be seen in  FIG. 17 . The heads of these fasteners fit within a central, longitudinal groove  146 . Also extending along the bottom of the groove can be an elongate V-groove  148  which helps to center and locate the threaded fasteners. In the case of the fastener used to attach the rubber pad to a runner, the threaded shank of the fastener can readily be threaded into the longitudinal slot  150  formed between the two branches  50 ,  52  of the runner (see  FIG. 15 ). In the case of the fasteners for the pads that are attached to the cross-member, the threaded shanks of these fasteners can extend into the longitudinal slot  152  formed by the central channel  80 . 
         [0057]      FIGS. 18 and 19  illustrate the construction of an end plate  160  in the form of an angle member which is used to connect a wind deflector  162  to the end of each runner. The bottom or horizontal leg  164  of the end plate has a central hole through which a single fastener  166  extends. It will be understood that the head of this fastener or bolt  166  is slidably secured in the channel  46  in the top of the runner. The bolt is secured in place by means of a washer  168  and nut  170  so that the end plate extends perpendicular to the length of its respective runner. Two threaded fasteners  172  extend through two holes formed in the vertical leg  174 . Each of these fasteners is used to secure one bottom corner of its respective wind deflector which can be secured to the fastener by means of a nut (not shown). In the exemplary wind deflector shown, its bottom edge is formed with a vertical slot  176  through which the fastener  172  extends. The exemplary holes in the vertical leg  174  are six sided as indicated at  180 . The fasteners have a six sided portion adjacent the round head which fits into the multiple-sided opening  180 , thereby preventing the threaded fastener from rotating in the opening. This arrangement facilitates attachment of a nut onto the fastener. Because of the slot  176 , it is simply necessary to loosen the nut and not completely remove same in order to detach the wind deflector from the end plate. 
         [0058]    Another inventive feature of the present solar racking is the manner in which the top frame member  18  of the solar panel is connected to the top of the wind deflector  162 . The use of and construction of rear clamp assemblies  260  are illustrated in  FIGS. 20 to 26 . Once the solar module panel has been clamped along its bottom edge by the two front clamp assemblies, it is rotated back and rests on the two rear clamp assemblies. The two clamps are able to lock the solar module in place against a back plate  194  of each rear clamp. A tongue and groove feature of the clamp described below prevents rotation between a J-clamp member or connecting block  186  and the back plate  194 . The two rear clamp assemblies engage the solar panel where it is strongest along the profile of the top frame member  18 , thus providing a very rigid connection. 
         [0059]      FIGS. 21 to 24  illustrate details of each rear clamp assembly  260 . The two main components of each clamp assembly are the aforementioned back plate  194  and the J-clamp member or connecting block  186 . Formed on the back plate is a forwardly extending guideway  262  defining a guide path  264 . In an exemplary clamp assembly  260 , the guideway is formed by two separate guide members  266 ,  268  which are parallel and spaced apart. Formed in each guide member is an elongate, inwardly directed groove  270  visible in  FIG. 26 . The two grooves  270  define the guide path  264  along which the J-clamp member moves in a linear manner. The illustrated, exemplary J-clamp member  186  is adjustably connected to the back plate by means of a threaded fastening device which includes a bolt  274  having a head  276  which fits snuggly in a multi-sided recess  278  formed in the J-clamp member. Threaded onto the bolt is a flanged nut  280  shown in  FIG. 25 . The bolt extends through a hole formed near an upper corner of the wind deflector  162 . 
         [0060]    The illustrated J-clamp member is formed with two similar rectangular recesses  282  on its upper half. Also, this clamp member has a top flange  284  which extends towards the back plate and which is used to grip an edge of the upper or top frame of the solar panel. The back plate can be secured at all times to the wind deflector by means of a single, short bolt  290  which extends through a washer  292 . A central hole formed in the back plate is threaded to engage and hold the threads of this bolt. Two cylindrical pins can be mounted in the back plate on opposite sides of the bolt  290 , these being indicated at  294 . The round ends of these pins engage the adjacent side of the upper frame member of the solar panel creating a firm grip. 
         [0061]    Sheet Metal Wire Cap 
         [0062]    An exemplary, elongate wire cap  200  can be mounted on the inner side of each runner as shown in  FIG. 27 . The profile of the wire cap  200  can be seen in  FIG. 28 . The exemplary cap has a vertical, central section  202 , a horizontal bottom section  204  and a sloping top section  206 . The bottom section is integrally connected to a sloping edge flange  208  and this edge flange sits in one of the V-grooves formed on the side of the runner. Extending vertically upwardly from the top section  206  is a top flange  210 , the upper edge of which can fit into a downwardly opening groove  212  of the runner. Once the wire cap is mounted along its top and bottom edges, it can be further secured in place by screws  214 , which extend through holes formed in the top flange  210  and in the top section of the runner. An enclosed chamber  216  is formed between the wire cap and the runner and electrical wires, control wires etc. can extend through the length of this chamber to and from the solar panel. 
         [0063]    Second Version of the Clip Member 
         [0064]      FIGS. 29 ,  31 , and  32  illustrate a second version of a clip member indicated by reference  300  which can be used to detachably connect one end of a runner such as the runner  28  to a cross member such as a cross member  32 , an end of which can be seen in  FIG. 32 . The clip member  300  includes an arcuate lower section  302 , two connecting grooves  304 ,  306  located on opposite sides of the clip member and two horizontal and aligned top sections  308  and  310  separated by a central gap at  312 . Extending upwardly from each of the top sections along their inner edges are connecting arms  314  and  316 . Each of these arms has an enlarged, upwardly tapering head section,  318 ,  320 . Located below each head section is another connecting groove  322 , the two grooves engaging opposite edges of a hole formed in the cross-member  32 . One of these rectangular holes is indicated at  64  in  FIG. 32 . The clip member can be made of aluminum and is both flexible and resilient to permit attachment to both the end of a runner and to the end of a cross-member. As shown in  FIG. 31 , when the clip member is mounted on the flange  42  or  44  of the runner, the two top sections  308 ,  310  are positioned on top of the flange and the two grooves  304  and  306  receive opposite edge sections of the rectangular hole formed in the flange. In this way, the clip member is held firmly in place on the runner for attachment of the end of the cross member. 
         [0065]    An optional center pin  330  can be used to secure the clip member  300  in place after the clip member is attached to both the end of the runner and to the cross member. The pin can be formed with a head section  332  which can be formed with a rounded convex top surface  334 . Extending downwardly from the centre of the head section is a connecting stem or shank  336 . The length of the shank can be similar to the length of the connecting arms  314 ,  316  or slightly longer. Once the clip member  300  is in place so as to connect the ends of the runner and the cross-member, the shank  336  can be inserted between the two connecting arms as shown in  FIG. 31 , thereby holding these arms apart and in position. The rounded tops of the arms can rest in elongate undercuts  338  formed in the bottom of the head section adjacent the shank. Also in the exemplary version shown, opposite sides of the shank are formed with rounded, horizontal ridges  340  which engage corresponding, cooperating grooves  342  formed on the inner surfaces of the connecting arms. The engagement between the two ridges and their respective grooves helps prevent the center pin from becoming inadvertently disengaged from the clip member. It will be understood that the use of the center pin  330  increases the strength of the connection provided by the clip member between the runner and the cross-member by preventing the clip member from collapsing. 
         [0066]    Although the present invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in exemplary embodiments, e.g. embodiments having particular utility in the support of solar panels, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the details shown herein, as it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the disclosed racking systems and clamps and other components and their operation may be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the scope of the present invention. For example, those of original skill in the art will readily adapt the present disclosure for various other applications without departing from the scope of the present invention.