Patent Description:
Solar photovoltaic panels, or simply "solar panels" for the purposes of this disclosure, are installed on various types of residential and commercial roofs. These roofs can be found on building roof tops or can be found on shade structures such as awnings and carports. Residential and commercial roofs can be constructed from overlapping metal panels that are typically made of galvanized steel or aluminum. These panels come in a variety of profiles including flat, corrugated, or ribbed.

Flat metal roofs are predominantly flat and can be interspersed with small ribs for added strength. Corrugated metal roofs typically have a rounded or wavy cross-sectional profile.

Ribbed metal panels typically have ribs that can have sloped or straight sides and a flat top. Ribbed metal panels with straight sides and a flat top are known as box-rib because of their box-like shape. Ribbed metal panels where the ribs have sloped sides and a flat top are known as trapezoidal roof panels because of their trapezoidal shape. Often metal panel profiles can come in a combination of trapezoidal-shaped and box-shaped ribs. For example, what could be considered in the trade as a trapezoidal roof panel may actually comprise trapezoidal-shaped ribs separated by relatively flat sections of panel with box-shaped ribs added to the flat section for strength. The box-shaped ribs are narrow and low as compared with the trapezoidal ribs.

Solar panels can be attached to the above described metal roofs through racking systems that include rails and mounting devices that secure the rails to the metal roofs.

<CIT> discloses an adjustable bracket for attaching a solar panel to a metal roof, comprising left and right brackets, each having a curved portion with a slot for receiving a bolt.

The inventor set out to create a solar panel racking system that can be secured to a variety of metal roof profiles including corrugated, trapezoidal, and flat roofs. He accomplished this by developing a mounting device that is hinged, and optionally adjustable in width, so that it may accommodate a variety of metal roof types and profiles. The racking system is secured to the mounting device. The mounting device is secured to the roof surface.

The inventor simplified the hinge or pivoting mechanism of the mounting device by creating a pair of hinge bases, each with a hinge pin running lengthwise along their respective hinge base. Hollow arcuate-shaped hinge sleeves extend downward from a hinge platform assembly. The hinge sleeves at least partially surround the hinge pins and extend into slot-shaped apertures. The hinge sleeves are held captive around the hinge pins and within the hinge base by the slot-shaped apertures. The slot-shaped apertures are positioned lengthwise through the hinge bases and parallel to the hinge pins.

The hinge bases attach the mounting device to the metal roof panels using roof mounting fasteners, such as self-drilling screws. The self-drilling screws extend into a corresponding gasket positioned under each of the hinge bases. By pivoting or rotating a hinge base relative to its corresponding hinge platform, the mounting assembly can be secured to a variety of metal roof profiles, for example, corrugated metal roof profiles, trapezoidal and other ribbed roof profiles, as well as flat metal roof profiles.

The hinge platform assembly is used to mount solar racking brackets, such as an L-foot or L-foot adapters and other solar panel racking devices such as rails or rails in combination with an L-foot or L-foot adapter. The hinge platform assembly can be a single unit or can be divided into two sections to allow widthwise adjustment in order to accommodate a wider variety of metal roof profiles. For example, the hinge platform assembly can include a hinge platform with a slot-shaped aperture and a hinge sub-platform with a threaded aperture. A threaded fastener can pass into the slot-shaped aperture and threadedly engage the threaded aperture. The slot-shaped aperture allows the hinge platform to be moved widthwise relative to the hinge sub-platform.

The hinge pins can extend directly and rigidly upward from their respective hinge bases with the slot-shaped aperture positioned within the roof-anchoring platform of the hinge base. Alternatively, the hinge pin can extend from the end of a riser that extends upward from and lengthwise along the hinge base. The slot-shaped aperture could extend lengthwise through the riser.

These examples and the above-mentioned advantages are representative and are not meant to limit the inventive concept to the examples given or the discussed advantages. This summary is not exhaustive. Additional features and advantages will be apparent from the Detailed Description, drawings, and claims.

When describing the figures, the terms "top," "bottom," "front," "side," "left," and "right" are relative terms. Specific dimensions are intended to help the reader understand the scale of the disclosed material. Dimensions given are typical and the claims are not limited to the recited dimensions. Ordinals such as "first," "second," or "third," are used in this Detailed Description and in the claims to differentiate between similarly-named parts and do not imply a particular order, preference, or importance. "Optional" or "optionally" is used throughout this disclosure to describe features or structures that are optional. Not using the word "optional" or "optionally" to describe a feature or structure does not imply that the feature or structure is not optional. Finally, the word "or" is used in the ordinary sense to mean an "inclusive or," unless preceded by a qualifier, such as the word "either," that signals an "exclusive or.

The inventor developed a mounting device that allows solar panels to be attached to various types of metal roofs. These include metal roofs with corrugated, flat, and ribbed metal panels. This Detailed Description is divided into a System Overview, General Concepts, Examples, and Conclusion. The System Overview, which is illustrated by <FIG>, discusses the mounting device in relationship to a solar panel assembly. The General Concepts, which is illustrated in <FIG>, discuss the structure and function of the mounting device. Examples, which are illustrated in <FIG>, discuss various roof structures that the mounting device can attach to.

<FIG> illustrates a simplified version of a solar panel assembly <NUM> that includes several instances of the mounting device <NUM>. The instances of the mounting device <NUM> are part of a solar panel racking system <NUM>. Solar panel racking system <NUM> secures solar panel <NUM> to metal roof <NUM>.

The solar panel assembly <NUM> is simplified for illustration. Residential and commercial solar panel systems typically include many more solar panels. For example, a <NUM>-kW residential array using <NUM> W solar panels would require forty-two solar panels. A <NUM> kW (<NUM> MW) commercial system using <NUM> W solar panels would require over <NUM> solar panels and could include as many as <NUM> instances of the mounting device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the mounting device <NUM> is fastened to the metal roof <NUM> using several instances of a roof mounting fastener <NUM>. The mounting device <NUM> can optionally include an L-foot <NUM>. Here the L-foot <NUM> is fastened to the L-foot adapter <NUM>, that clamps over a portion of the outside of a rail <NUM> by pressure. An over-the-panel clamp <NUM>, in the form of an end clamp, clamps the top of the frame 103a of the solar panel <NUM> to the rail <NUM>.

The mounting device <NUM> is not limited to the racking system <NUM> shown in <FIG>. Here are a few examples. In a first example, instead of the L-foot <NUM> being attached to the L-foot adapter <NUM>, and the L-foot adapter <NUM> attached to the rail <NUM> without slots on its sides, as in <FIG>, an L-foot could be fastened directly to a rail that includes a slotted side. In a second example, in place of the over-the-panel clamp <NUM> of <FIG>, an under-the-panel clamp could clamp the return flange 103b (i.e. inner frame lip) of frame 103a of the solar panel <NUM> to the rail <NUM>. In a third example, referring to <FIG>, if height adjustment of the rail <NUM> and solar panel <NUM> is not required, the L-foot adapter <NUM> could attach directly to the mounting device <NUM> without the need for the L-foot.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the mounting device <NUM> is illustrated as including a first hinge base <NUM>, a second hinge base <NUM>, a hinge platform <NUM>, a hinge sub-platform <NUM>, and optionally, the L-foot <NUM>. The hinge platform <NUM> and hinge sub-platform <NUM> are secured together by a threaded fastener <NUM> to form a hinge platform assembly <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the threaded fastener body 115a passes through slot-shaped aperture 113a in the hinge platform <NUM> and threadedly engages a threaded aperture 114a in hinge sub-platform <NUM>. With the threaded fastener <NUM> tightened, the hinge platform <NUM> and the hinge sub-platform <NUM> form a rigid assembly. The L-foot <NUM> or alternatively another solar racking bracket, such as the L-foot adapter <NUM>, as described for <FIG>, can be attached to the hinge platform assembly <NUM> by the threaded fastener <NUM>. Continuing to refer to <FIG>, the L-foot <NUM> can be secured to the hinge platform assembly <NUM> by passing the threaded fastener body 115a through a slot-shaped aperture 107a on the L-foot base 107b, through the slot-shaped aperture 113a, and then threadedly engaging the threaded aperture 114a. The L-foot <NUM> also includes an L-foot riser 107c that extends upward from the L-foot base 107b. The L-foot riser 107c is illustrated with a slot-shaped opening 107d. Referring to <FIG>, the slot-shaped opening 107d of <FIG> allows a fastener, such as threaded fastener <NUM>, to engage the L-foot adapter <NUM>, and move the rail <NUM> up or down relative to the L-foot base 107b. Referring to <FIG>, the L-foot riser 107c can include a keeper 107e extending outward from the L-foot riser 107c in the direction of the L-foot base 107b to prevent a partially-tightened fastener from exiting the top of the slot-shaped opening 107d.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first hinge base <NUM> includes roof-anchoring platform 111a, riser 111b extending upward from the roof-anchoring platform 111a, and hinge pin 111c extending lengthwise along the end of riser 111b. The end of riser 111b is distal to the roof-anchoring platform 111a. The hinge pin 111c is rigidly attached to the end of the riser 111b forming a rigid structure with roof-anchoring platform 111a. The second hinge base <NUM> includes roof-anchoring platform 112a, riser 112b extending upward from the roof-anchoring platform 112a, and hinge pin 112c extending lengthwise along the end of riser 112b. The end of riser 112b is distal to the roof-anchoring platform 112a. The hinge pin 112c is rigidly attached to the end of the riser 112b forming a rigid structure with the roof-anchoring platform 112a. The roof-anchoring platform 111a and roof-anchoring platform 112a include cavity 111d and cavity 112d, respectively. Cavity 111d extends below the roof-anchoring platform bottom surface 111e and between a first sidewall 111f and a second sidewall <NUM>. The first sidewall 111f and second sidewall <NUM> project downward from the roof-anchoring platform bottom surface 111e. Cavity 112d extends below the roof-anchoring platform bottom surface 112e and between a first sidewall 112f and a second sidewall <NUM>. First sidewall 112f and second sidewall <NUM> project downward from the roof-anchoring platform bottom surface 112e. Cavity 111d and cavity 112d receive gasket <NUM> and gasket <NUM>, respectively. Gasket <NUM> and gasket <NUM> can be held in their respective cavities by pressure or can be secured by an adhesive or bonding agent. For example, gasket <NUM> can have a pre-applied adhesive strip that secures it to roof-anchoring platform bottom surface 111e. Alternatively, adhesive could be applied to either the roof-anchoring platform bottom surface 111e or the gasket top surface 118a.

<FIG> and <FIG> show various instances of roof mounting fasteners, roof mounting fastener <NUM> with threaded fastener bodies 105a. Referring to <FIG> the threaded fastener bodies 105a pass through a corresponding instance of a sealing washer <NUM>, then into corresponding apertures, aperture <NUM>, aperture 111i, aperture <NUM>, and aperture 112i, and finally into corresponding gaskets, gasket <NUM>, and gasket <NUM>. The sealing washer <NUM> is also illustrated in <FIG>. Roof mounting fastener <NUM> is typically a self-taping or self-drilling screw. The sealing washer is typically a conical metal washer with a gasket such as polychloroprene (neoprene) or ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM).

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the first hinge base <NUM> and the second hinge base <NUM> pivotally engage the hinge platform assembly <NUM>. First hinge sleeve 113b wraps around the hinge pin 111c through slot-shaped aperture 111j. The second hinge sleeve 114b wraps around the hinge pin 112c through slot-shaped aperture 112j. Slot-shaped aperture 111j is hidden from view in <FIG> and <FIG>. Slot-shaped aperture 112j is hidden from view in <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a portion of <FIG>, showing the interaction between the hinge pin 112c, the second hinge sleeve 114b, and the slot-shaped aperture 112j. <FIG> illustrates a portion of <FIG>, showing the interaction between the hinge pin 111c, first hinge sleeve 113b, and the slot-shaped aperture 111j. The hinge sleeve includes a hollow interior. The inside surface of the first hinge sleeve 113b includes an upper arcuate-shaped portion 113c, a planar portion 113d (i.e. substantially flat portion), and a lower arcuate-shaped portion 113e. The upper arcuate-shaped portion 113c pivotally engages the hinge pin 111c. The planar portion 113d rotationally stops the first hinge base <NUM> by engaging the riser 111b.

<FIG> illustrates portions of the riser 111b, hinge pin 111c, first hinge sleeve 113b, upper arcuate-shaped portion 113c, and lower arcuate-shaped portion 113e. The planar portion 113d is angled to limit the outward rotation of the roof-anchoring platform 111a by acting as a rotational stop for the planar portion 113d. As illustrated, the outward rotation of the roof-anchoring platform 111a is limited to <NUM> degrees (i.e. horizontal). The angle of the planar portion 113d or the angle of the riser 111b can be changed to set other outward rotation stop angles.

<FIG> illustrate how the width of the mounting device <NUM> can adjusted. The L-foot is removed from the figures to help illustrate width adjustment. A portion of the threaded fastener <NUM> passes through the slot-shaped aperture 113a of the hinge platform <NUM> and threadedly engages the hinge sub-platform <NUM>. With the threaded fastener <NUM>, partially tightened, the hinge sub-platform <NUM> in combination with the threaded fastener <NUM> are free to move along the slot-shaped aperture 113a. In <FIG>, the threaded fastener <NUM> is positioned at approximately the mid-point between either end of the slot. This places the hinge platform <NUM> and hinge sub-platform <NUM> at approximately the mid-point of the width adjustment range. In <FIG>, the threaded fastener <NUM> is positioned at approximately the end of the slot distal to the first hinge base <NUM>. This places the hinge platform <NUM> and hinge sub-platform <NUM> at maximum width.

One of the advantages of the mounting device <NUM> is its ability to adapt to various flat, corrugated, or ribbed metal roofs. <FIG> illustrate a non-limiting sampling of what is possible, using mounting device <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the mounting device <NUM> being secured to a corrugated roof <NUM>. In this example, the first hinge base <NUM> and the second hinge base <NUM> are angled at approximately <NUM>-degrees with respect to the horizon. The hinge platform <NUM> and hinge sub-platform <NUM> are adjusted to approximately mid-width. For a corrugation pattern of the same height but with wider corrugations, the first hinge base <NUM> and the second hinge base <NUM> would be pivoted to a shallower angle with respect to the horizon. In addition, hinge platform <NUM> and hinge sub-platform <NUM> would be adjusted to a wider width to accommodate the wider corrugations.

The mounting device <NUM> is secured to the corrugated roof <NUM> by instances of the roof mounting fastener <NUM> passing into the corrugated roof <NUM> through first hinge base <NUM> and second hinge base <NUM>. Instances of the roof mounting fastener <NUM> pass into sealing washer <NUM>, first hinge base <NUM>, and gasket <NUM>. Instances of the roof mounting fastener <NUM> pass into sealing washer <NUM>, second hinge base <NUM> and gasket <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the mounting device <NUM> secured to a substantially flat metal roof <NUM>. The mounting device is shown positioned on either side of a small support rib <NUM>. First hinge base <NUM> and second hinge base <NUM> are rotated so the roof-anchoring platform 111a and roof-anchoring platform 112a are horizonal. The mounting device <NUM> is secured to the substantially flat metal roof <NUM> by instances of roof mounting fastener <NUM> in combination corresponding instances of a sealing washer <NUM> and corresponding gaskets, gasket <NUM>, and gasket <NUM>. The instances of roof mounting fastener <NUM> can also be secured to decking or sheathing <NUM> for additional pullup strength. Here the sheathing <NUM> is shown as plywood. The mounting device <NUM> can also be attached to other sheathing materials, for example, plank decking, or oriented strand board (OSB).

<FIG> illustrate the mounting device <NUM> secured to trapezoidal roofs of various widths and heights. In <FIG>, the mounting device is adjusted to mid-width and with first hinge base <NUM> and second hinge base <NUM> adjusted to approximately a <NUM>-degree angle with respect to the horizon to accommodate trapezoidal metal roof <NUM>. In <FIG>, the mounting device is adjusted to maximum width and with first hinge base <NUM> and second hinge base <NUM> adjusted to approximately a <NUM>-degree angle with respect to the horizon to accommodate trapezoidal metal roof <NUM>. In <FIG>, the mounting device is adjusted to maximum width. First hinge base <NUM> is adjusted to approximately a <NUM>-degree angle with respect to the horizon and second hinge base <NUM> is adjusted to approximately a <NUM>-degrees angle with respect to the horizon to accommodate trapezoidal metal roof <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, in all three instances, the mounting device <NUM> is secured to the respective trapezoidal roof by instances of roof mounting fastener <NUM> in combination with corresponding instances of sealing washer <NUM> and corresponding gaskets, gasket <NUM> and gasket <NUM>.

While an L-foot <NUM> is shown in <FIG>, any solar racking bracket can be used in place of the L-foot <NUM>. For example, the L-foot adapter <NUM> of <FIG> could be mounted directly to the mounting device <NUM> of <FIG> if height adjustment is not required.

Described are devices and systems for mounting solar panels to various types of metal roofs. The description is not exhaustive and not exclusive. Examples of components and configurations are meant to aid the reader in understanding the described general principles. The following are examples of how different components, structures, and features can be varied while still adhering to the general principles.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the slot-shaped opening 107d can streamline assembly by providing an open end for fasteners pre-attached to racking assemblies to slide into. There are instances where a slot-shaped opening is not required or desirable and the L-foot <NUM> is not limited to having a slot-shaped opening. For example, it could have a round aperture or a closed slotted aperture.

Referring to <FIG>, threaded fastener <NUM> is illustrated as a socket head screw (or socket head bolt) with an internal hexagonal ("hex") socket. The threaded fastener <NUM> is not limited to this. It can be any threaded fastener suitable for rigidly holding together the hinge platform <NUM> to the hinge sub-platform <NUM> and optionally holding an L-foot <NUM> or an L-foot adapter to the hinge platform assembly <NUM>. For example, the threaded fastener can have a socket head screw with a torx, Robertson (i.e., square), or tamper-resistant sockets. The threaded fastener can be a hex head bolt or could be a button-head cap screw with any suitable socket or head type. It can be a screw with various types of heads, for example: Philips head, combination head, slotted head, or torx head. While threaded fastener <NUM> is shown as flanged, it can alternatively be unflanged. Threaded fastener <NUM> can be paired with various washers. For example, a toothed washer, a spring washer, or a lock washer.

Roof mounting fastener <NUM> discussed in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> is illustrated as a self-drilling roofing screw with a hex head. The sealing washer <NUM> is called out as a separate component. Roof mounting fastener <NUM> and the sealing washer <NUM> are often sold as one unit. For example, a hex head self-drilling roof screw with a built-in sealing washer with a neoprene seal is sold by ITW Brands under the registered trademark TEKS®. While self-drilling or self-tapping screws are convenient, non-self-tapping or non-self-drilling screws can be used with a predrilled pilot hole. While roof mounting fasteners typically have hex heads, it may be desirable to use other fastener heads, for example, socket heads with a hex socket or a torx socket. Any threaded fastener capable of securing the mounting device <NUM> can be used that meets local and regional regulatory requirements and can withstand the day-to-day solar array environmental installation conditions.

Referring to <FIG>, the first hinge base <NUM> is illustrated with roof-anchoring platform 111a, riser 111b, hinge pin 111c, and slot-shaped aperture 111j, with the slot-shaped aperture 111j extending through riser 111b. Likewise, <FIG> illustrates roof-anchoring platform 112a, riser 112b, hinge pin 112c, and slot-shaped aperture 112j, with slot-shaped aperture 112j extending through riser 112b. It is possible to eliminate riser 111b and have the hinge pin 111c extend directly and rigidly upward from roof-anchoring platform 111a and with the slot-shaped aperture 111j extending lengthwise through roof-anchoring platform 111a. Similarly, hinge pin 112c could extend directly and rigidly upward from roof-anchoring platform 112a with the slot-shaped aperture 112j extending lengthwise through roof-anchoring platform 112a. First hinge sleeve 113b would surround hinge pin 111c and extend into slot-shaped aperture 111j, as previously described. Second hinge sleeve 114b would surround hinge pin 112c and extend into slot-shaped aperture 112j, also as previously described. First sidewall 111f, second sidewall <NUM>, first sidewall 112f, and second sidewall <NUM> could be lengthened to allow the curvature of the first hinge sleeve 113b and second hinge sleeve 114b to clear the metal roof surface.

The hinge platform <NUM> and hinge sub-platform <NUM> are not limited to the shapes and proportions illustrated. For example, the hinge platform top 113f and slot-shaped aperture 113a can be extended to allow the mounting device <NUM> to accommodate a greater range of metal roof profiles. The hinge platform riser <NUM> can be extended or shortened in proportion to the hinge platform top 113f to create greater or less vertical clearance. The angle between the hinge platform top 113f and hinge platform riser <NUM> is illustrated as approximately a <NUM>-degree angle. The angle between the hinge platform top 113f and hinge platform riser <NUM> is not limited to a <NUM>-degree angle. For example, the hinge platform riser <NUM> could be extended and the angle between the hinge platform top 113f and hinge platform riser <NUM> could be changed to an obtuse angle to accommodate a greater range of trapezoidal roof profiles. Similar modifications to width, height, or angle, as given in the various examples above would typically be applied to the hinge platform top 114f and hinge platform riser <NUM> to maintain symmetry.

Continuing to refer to <FIG>, the hinge platform assembly <NUM> is shown as two sub-assemblies, hinge platform <NUM> and hinge sub-platform <NUM> to allow the hinge platform assembly to be adjusted widthwise. If widthwise adjustment is not required, the hinge platform assembly <NUM> could be constructed as a one-piece unit. The first hinge sleeve 113b and the second hinge sleeve 114b are typically aligned at the same distance from the hinge platform top 113f so that they are parallel to each other. While in most applications this is desirable, there may be applications where the first hinge sleeve 113b and the second hinge sleeve 114b could be offset. In that case, first hinge sleeve 113b and the second hinge sleeve 114b would not be aligned at the same distance from the hinge platform top 113f.

Referring to <FIG>, the angle of planar portion 113d could be changed to allow either a greater or lesser range of movement of the first hinge base <NUM>. For example, in <FIG>, the first hinge base <NUM> can swing from an acute angle to approximately <NUM>-degrees (i.e., flat) with respect to the plane of roof. Referring to <FIG>, the maximum extent is limited to a <NUM>-degree angle with respect to the plane of the roof because of the angle of the planar portion 113d. The angle of the planar portion 113d could be changed to allow the first hinge base <NUM> to pivot outward to an obtuse angle.

<FIG> show various metal roof profiles. In <FIG>, and <FIG>, roof decking is omitted to simply the figures. Typically, roof decking, such as the sheathing <NUM> in <FIG>, would typically be used in combination with joists or roof framing. Alternately, roof joists or framing could be used without roof decking. In general, it should be possible to use the mounting device <NUM> for various metal roof profiles regardless of the underlying roof support structure. Note that throughout this disclosure, the terms "roof decking" and "roof sheathing" are synonymous.

In <FIG> and <FIG> the L-foot <NUM> is shown without surface ribbing. In <FIG>, the L-foot adapter <NUM> is also shown without surface ribbing. The ribbing shown for the L-foot adapter <NUM> in <FIG> and for the L-foot <NUM> in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> is optional. The purpose of the surface ribbing is to provide better grip strength between the components. If these components are made of an electrically conductive material, such as aluminum, steel, or electrically conductive plastic (i.e., plastic mixed with electrically conductive material), then the surface ribbing can help to provide an electrically conductive pathway between the components.

One of the advantages of the mounting device <NUM> as presented in the figures is that the components can be extruded, which can potentially reduce manufacturing costs. Referring to <FIG>, the first hinge base <NUM>, second hinge base <NUM>, hinge platform <NUM>, hinge sub-platform <NUM>, L-foot <NUM>, as well as the L-foot adapter <NUM> of <FIG> can be made of a metallic material, such as aluminum or steel. These can potentially be extruded, cast, stamped, or otherwise formed. In addition, it is possible to extrude, mold, or 3D print the above-mentioned components out of a plastic or an electrically conductive plastic.

Claim 1:
A device for attaching a solar panel (<NUM>) to a metal roof (<NUM>), comprising:
a first hinge base (<NUM>) with a first roof-anchoring platform (111a), a first hinge pin (111c) extending rigidly upward and lengthwise along the first roof-anchoring platform (111a), and a first slot-shaped aperture (111j) extending lengthwise along the first hinge base (<NUM>);
a second hinge base (<NUM>) with a second roof-anchoring platform (112a), a second hinge pin (112c) extending rigidly upward from and lengthwise along the second roof-anchoring platform (112a), and a second slot-shaped aperture (112j) extending lengthwise along the second hinge base (<NUM>);
a hinge platform assembly (<NUM>) including a first hinge sleeve (113b) and a second hinge sleeve (114b) each extending downward from the hinge platform assembly (<NUM>);
the first hinge sleeve (113b) includes a first upper arcuate-shaped portion (113c) received by the first slot-shaped aperture (111j) with the first hinge pin (111c) being pivotable about the first upper arcuate-shaped portion (113c); and
the second hinge sleeve (114b) includes a second upper arcuate-shaped portion received by the second slot-shaped aperture (112j) with the second hinge pin (112c) being pivotable about the second upper arcuate-shaped portion.