Patent Document

COPYRIGHT NOTICE AND AUTHORIZATION 
       [0001]    This patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. 
         [0002]    © Copyright 2012. Chevron Energy Solutions Company, a division of Chevron U.S.A. Inc. All rights reserved. 
         [0003]    With respect to this material which is subject to copyright protection. The owner, Chevron Energy Solutions has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by any one of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records of any country, but otherwise reserves all rights whatsoever. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    This invention relates to system and method for a foldable solar canopy. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Solar energy is a clean, renewal energy source. Photo-electro voltaic cell technology is increasing rapidly and makes installation of solar collector panels housing the photo-electro voltaic cells more and more economically feasible. Beyond the photo-electro voltaic cell technology itself are the problems of placement and support of the solar collector panels. Large numbers of solar collector panels must be assembled in series to achieve useful power production. In remote areas these may be placed on the ground without interfering with land use. In more developed areas, it is desirable to place the solar collector panels such that the land may also be used for other purposes, e.g., for parking lots, school/office hallways, playgrounds, or sports fields. To achieve this requires an elevated structure to support the solar collector panels. 
         [0006]    Prior known systems for elevated structures for supporting the solar collector panels are inefficient and overly expensive since they require excessive amounts of materials, particularly steel support elements, and on-site construction. Also, known systems take an excessive amount of time to install. 
         [0007]    It is desirable to have a method and system which overcomes the deficiencies of known systems. The instant invention provides such a solution. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The invention includes a solar canopy a brace assembly for stabilizing a foldable solar canopy structure comprising: a first brace clamp comprising a first U-shaped body removable attached to a flat body, wherein the first brace clamp is adapted to encircle and securely attach to a beam; a second brace clamp comprising a second U-shaped body removable attached to a flat body, wherein the second brace clamp is adapted to encircle and securely attach to a beam and wherein the first brace clamp is removably attached on one side to the second brace clamp at one side; a third brace clamp comprising a third U-shaped body removable attached to a flat body, wherein the third brace clamp is adapted to encircle and securely attach to a beam or column; and a strut member for attaching the third brace clamp to the second brace claim, removably attached at one end to a side of the third brace clamp at on the opposing end to the side of the second brace clamp opposite the side attached to the first brace clamp, thereby forming a linear assembly. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment, the invention includes a solar canopy a brace assembly for stabilizing a foldable solar canopy structure comprising: a support column bracket for removable attachment to a support column, comprising a first plate and a pair of sidewalls extending from the first plate, the sidewalk ending in integral flanges; and a second plate for attachment to the integral flanges of the sidewall, such than when the second plate is attached to the sidewalls of the first plate, the support column bracket is configured to removably attach to a support column; a first support beam bracket for removable attachment to a support beam, removably connected to the support column bracket, comprising a third plate and a pair of sidewalls extending from the third plate, the sidewalls ending in integral flanges; and a fourth plate for attachment to the integral flanges of the sidewall, such than when the fourth plate is attached to the sidewalls of the third plate, the support beam bracket is configured to removably attach to a support beam; and a second support beam bracket for removable attachment to a support beam, removably connected to the first support column bracket; comprising a fifth plate and a pair of sidewalls extending from the fifth plate, the sidewalls ending in integral flanges; and a sixth plate for attachment to the integral flanges of the sidewall, such than when the sixth plate is attached to the sidewalls of the fifth plate, the support beam bracket is configured to removably attach to a support beam. 
         [0010]    These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be made more apparent through a consideration of the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention. In the course of this description, frequent reference will be made to the attached drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is one embodiment of a flow chart for the process of manufacturing, transporting, and installing the foldable solar canopy structure of the invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is one embodiment of a flow chart for the process of preparing the site prior to installing the foldable solar canopy structure of the invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3A  is a side view of one embodiment of the foldable solar canopy structure of the invention when folded. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the foldable solar canopy structure of the invention when folded. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a side view of one embodiment of the foldable solar canopy structure of the invention unfolded and installed. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of one embodiment of multiple foldable solar canopy structures of the invention unfolded. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5B  is a side elevation view of one embodiment of the foldable solar canopy structure of the invention unfolded and installed. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a front elevation view of one embodiment of the foldable solar canopy structure of the invention unfolded. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is an isometric view of one embodiment of the foldable solar canopy structure of the invention unfolded. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a side elevation view of an L-shaped embodiment of the foldable solar canopy structure of the invention unfolded. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a side elevation view of an L-shaped embodiment of the foldable solar canopy structure of the invention folded. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is an isometric view of an L-shaped embodiment of the foldable solar canopy structure of the invention folded. 
           [0023]      FIG. 11A  is an inside elevation view of another embodiment of a portion of the folded foldable solar canopy structure and bracing of the invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 11B  is an outside elevation view of another embodiment of a portion of the folded foldable solar canopy structure and bracing of the invention folded. 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  is a side elevation view of another embodiment of a portion of the folded foldable solar canopy structure and bracing of the invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  is an isometric view of another embodiment of a portion of the folded foldable solar canopy structure and bracing of the invention folded. 
           [0027]      FIG. 14  is an isometric/exploded view of another embodiment of the bracing of the invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 15  is an isometric/exploded view of another embodiment of the bracing of the invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 16  is an isometric/exploded view of another embodiment of the bracing of the invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 17  is a top/exploded view of another embodiment of the bracing of the invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 18  is a top/exploded view of another embodiment of a bracing element of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0032]    Field labor prices are expensive. By designing a folding structure so it can be shipped, a majority of the field labor is moved into the factory. This allows for lower labor costs going into the installation of Photovoltaic Solar Shade Structures. A known method of partially addressing this problem is by manufacturing portions of the structures in the factory, then shipping those portions out in parts, and assembling them in the field. The Manufactured Folding Photovoltaic Shade Structure of the invention allows for more components to be connected, wired, tested and even commissioned in the factory before being sent to the site for installation. 
         [0033]    The invention includes a one or two or multiple column photovoltaic shade structure which is fully assembled in a factory. This assembly in some embodiments includes electrical panels, inverters, combiner boxes, lights, conduit, AC panel board or DC combiner, pull boxes, wire management components, strut, conduit, monitoring equipment and any other components which will be on the structure in the field. The assembled units are fully tested and partially commissioned in the factory before being shipped to the site for installation. In one embodiment, the largest manufactured shade structures would be up to approximately 40-50 feet plus long and weigh less than approximately 20,000 lbs. 
         [0034]    Once there is a fully assembled Shade Structure of the invention in the factory it needs to be transported to the site. This design of the invention will allow the units to be fold up while remaining wired, placed on a truck and shipped to the site. In one embodiment, specially designed shipping bracing are used to allow the Shade Structure to be folded up for shipping without damaging the equipment. 
         [0035]    In one embodiment, a horizontal beam for supporting channels and solar panels is “broken” (or articulated), in 3 locations; one in the center at the column and beam connection point. The other two broken locations are outward from the center/column and before the two outer ends of the beam. In one embodiment the outer broken locations are between the outer most solar panel and the adjacent solar panel. Hinges or other pivotable structures are part of or attached to the broken portions of the beam. In one embodiment the hinges are built into the plate steel and use bolts or steel rods as the hinge point. When the Manufactured Folding Photovoltaic Shade Structure of the invention is installed on site, each side of the structure is raised, one at a time, the bolt holes will be lined up and the bolts can be installed. If bolts are used for the hinge point, the bolts are also tightened down. 
         [0036]    In one embodiment, as the units are being unfolded the shipping, installation and transportation bracing is removed in the same order it was installed. The bracing can also be adjusted on site to ensure footing and Manufactured Folding Photovoltaic Shade Structure column alignment. 
         [0037]    Benefits of the invention include predictable/repeatable results, reduced financial risk, accuracy in scheduling, and accuracy in pricing. The benefits also include cost savings, leveraged scale to reduce cost, lower labor rates, manufacturing improvements in efficiency, enhanced procurement processes, refined and predictable pricing, controlled fabrication environment, and facilitates various design and construction tools. 
         [0038]    These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be made more apparent through a consideration of the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention. In the course of this description, frequent reference will be made to the attached drawings. 
         [0039]      FIG. 1  is one embodiment  100  of a flow chart for the process of manufacturing, transporting, and installing the foldable solar canopy structure of the invention. First in assembly step  110  the foldable solar canopy structure (also referenced as the Folding Photovoltaic Shade Structure) is manufactured by pre-assembling the separate components. Then in folding step  120 , cross-braces  322  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3A ) are attached. The structure is folded and collapsed to prepare for transport to the installation site. In the loading step  130  the foldable solar canopy structure is loaded onto a transport vehicle (e.g., flat bed truck, barge, flat bed train car) for transport to the installation site. If the installation site is not prepared  140 , then the site is prepared  150 , it is prepared the foldable solar canopy structure is mounted  160  on the prepared site, i.e., mount columns on prepared bases. In unfolding step  170 , the structure is unfolded and locked in position and any shipping brackets are removed. Then in wiring step  180 , the electrical wiring is connected between the foldable solar canopy structure and any site electrical connection for distribution or storage of solar-produced electrical energy. This concludes  190  the method of constructing, transporting, and installing the foldable solar canopy structure. 
         [0040]      FIG. 2  is one embodiment of a flow chart for the process of preparing the site prior to installing the foldable solar canopy structure  300  ( FIG. 3A ). The site for installation of the foldable solar canopy structure is prepared by a first grading and boring step  210  to level the ground as needed and bore holes for insertion of footing material, e.g., reinforced concrete, metal beam or column, or other now known or future developed footing materials. In another embodiment no footing holes are prepared and instead, e.g., a column or beam is forced into the ground. Any underground electrical infrastructure and other footing preparations are then done  220 . In the embodiment where the footing material is concrete, the concrete is then poured into the prepared footing holes, together with and reinforcement bars  230 . Care must be taken to place the footings for alignment with the foldable solar canopy structure. In one embodiment using concrete footings with embedded footing bolts protruding out of the top of the set concrete, brackets or templates should be used to insure proper placement of the footing bolts. 
         [0041]      FIG. 3A  is a side view of one embodiment of the foldable solar canopy structure  300  when folded. Beam support columns  318  are for attaching at the base to a footing (not shown). The beam support columns  318  are removably attached to, e.g., reinforced concrete bollards by bolting the beam support columns  318  to the reinforced concrete bollards via bolts embedded in the concrete of the bollards and flanges  346  integral with the beam support columns  318 . 
         [0042]    Foldable Zee channel support beams have a first section  314  for hingeably attachment at an inner end (relative to the center of the structure) to the top of the beam support columns  318  via hinge flange  313 . In one embodiment, the support beams are made of tube steel. An outer end of first section  314  hingeably connects to a second section  317  of the Foldable Zee channel support beams via hinge flange  315 . The first section  314  in one embodiment has sufficient length for at least two solar panels  310  side-by-side. The second section  317  in one embodiment has sufficient length for at least one solar panel  310 . For each solar panel  310  on each of the first section  314  and second section  317 , there are at least two Zee channels  312  attached with an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis at least two Zee channel support beams sections  314  and  317 . While the support beams are referred to as “Zee channel” support beams, the types of channels or other support between the support beams and the solar panels may include any other known or future developed materials, e.g., C-channels or other suitable materials. 
         [0043]    Each Zee channel  312  is of sufficient length to so that it spans two Zee channel support beams,  314  (first section) and  317  (second section), where the channel support first and second sections,  314  and  317 , are parallel and in line and set at a sufficient distance apart to accommodate a plurality of solar panels  310  end-to-end or side-by-side supported by the Zee channels  312 , which are supported by the channel support beams, first and second sections,  314  and  317 , which are supported by the beam support columns  318 , one beam support column  318  per each set of two channel support beams; first and second sections,  314  and  317 . In one embodiment, each set of adjacent Zee channels  312  is disposed in a reverse orientation to each adjacent Zee channel  312 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the foldable solar canopy structure  300  when folded. 
         [0045]      FIG. 4  is a side view of one embodiment of the foldable solar canopy structure of the invention unfolded and installed. The channel support beams first and second sections,  314  and  317 , in one embodiment are a single beam with three or four hingable, foldable, pivotable, or collapsible sections. Alternately, the channel support beams first and second sections,  314  and  317 , are two beams, each having two sections, first/inner section and second/outer section  314  and  317 , respectively. In each case the sections are pivotably or hingeably connected such that the beam(s) can either be folded or unfolded. The folded state is used during transportation from the manufacturing site to the installation site. The unfolded state is for the final operating configuration after installation. The hingable/pivotable connections within or between the channel support beams  314  and  317  are any known or future developed means providing for folding or unfolding and locking in the unfolded position with sufficient structural integrity for the intended load and any desired safety margin. The hingable/pivotable connections are in one embodiment integral to the beams and in another embodiment a separate hinge component fixably attached to the beam. 
         [0046]    In one embodiment the inner/first sections  314  will have integral or attached hinges on both ends, one for hingable connection to a top portion of the beam support column  318  and one for hingable connection to the inner end of the outer section  317 . In that embodiment the outer section  317  has a hingable connection only at its inner end for hingable connection to the outer end of inner/first section  314 . Other configurations are within the scope of the invention, e.g., 3-4 sections rather than 2 sections channel support beams first and second sections  314  and  317 . In the folded state the height and width of the foldable solar canopy structure  300  is sufficient for transportation on the intended mode of transportation, e.g., barge, truck, or train car. Braces  322  are added as needed and optionally only during transportation, e.g., to maintain the folded state or to provide increased strength of the solar panels  310  to the Zee channels  312  to account for the sheer force that would not be present in the final unfolded state. In this embodiment, when unfolded, the two channel support beams first and second sections  314  and  317 , one on each side of the beam support column  318 , form in effect a single beam aligned on the same axis and connected end-to-end. Ancillary electrical equipment (shown in other figures, e.g.,  FIG. 3A ), e.g., weather station  321 , inverter  316 , AC panel board  319  can be attached beneath the canopy, e.g., attached to a part of the beam support columns  318  or channel support beams first and second sections  314  or  317 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a plurality of the foldable solar canopy structure  300  aligned end-to-end and unfolded and installed and attached to bollard/footing  320 . Any number, e.g., 10, 20, 50, foldable solar canopy structures  300  may be aligned end-to-end to achieve the desired electric energy generation and to fit the available space at the site. Typically, the plurality of foldable solar canopy structures  300  are electrically connected in series. In this embodiment the bollard/footing  320  is above grade. In another embodiment the top of the bollard/footing is at grade. Ancillary electrical equipment, e.g., a D.C.-A.C. inverter is attached beneath the canopy, e.g., attached to a part of channel support beams first and second sections  314  or  317 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 5B  is a side elevation view of one embodiment of the foldable solar canopy structure of the invention unfolded and installed. Beam support column  318  supports the rest of the structure. Hinge flanges  313  are attached to or integral with the top end of beam support column  318 . A foldable Zee channel support beam first and second sections ( 314 ,  317 ) is attached to a hinge flange  313 . In one embodiment, the foldable Zee channel support beams are comprised of a first section  314  proximate to the beam support column  318  and a second section  317 . The first and second sections are connected via hinge  315  which is integral to or attached to the first and section sections ( 314  and  317 ). The end of the first section proximate to the beam support column  318  is connected to or integral with the hinges/hinge flanges  313 . The hinge flanges  313  and  315  permit the foldable Zee channel support beams to fold downwards towards the ground. In folded/collapsed position the foldable solar canopy structure  300  has a much smaller “footprint” or width making it a suitable size for transport via truck, barge, or train. 
         [0049]    Zee channels  312  are fixedly attached at perpendicular angles to the foldable Zee channel support beams at their upper side. A plurality of solar panels  310  are fixedly attached to the upper portions of the Zee channels  312 . In one embodiment the solar panels  310  are attached such that its lengthwise axis is perpendicular to the lengthwise axis of the Zee channels  312 . In one embodiment the solar panels  310  are spaced on the Zee channels  312  so as to about one another or be within a few inches or less on each side so as to maximize solar panel area for each structure. In one embodiment gaps are left between the solar panels over the channel support beams sufficient to permit attachment of braces (not shown) and for attachment of “toe” line or other line or cable for use in unfolding/expanding the foldable solar canopy structure  300  at the installation site. The hinge flanges  315  and  313  release and lock using any conventional devices such as pins or bolts (not shown) which slide into place to prevent articulation of the hinge. Other mechanisms are latches connecting the 2 parts of the hinge. Other mechanisms are clasps, overlapping lips, interacting groves, and other known or future developed mechanisms. 
         [0050]      FIG. 6  is a front elevation view of one embodiment of the foldable solar canopy structure of the invention unfolded and installed. It shows the plurality of Zee channels  312  supporting a plurality of solar panels  310 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 7  is an isometric view of one embodiment of the foldable solar canopy structure of the invention unfolded and installed. In addition to the other elements of the structure, it shows the cross-brace  322  which in one embodiment connects in multiple locations between adjacent Zee channels  312  for structural stability. Light  324  is also depicted. Other components or accessories may also be attached under the expanded foldable solar canopy structure  300 , e.g., electrical boxes  319 , inverters  316 , or other control or measurement equipment  321 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 28  is a side elevation view of an L-shaped embodiment of the foldable solar canopy structure  800  of the invention unfolded and installed. Beam support columns  318  are for attaching at the base to a footing (not shown). The beam support columns  318  are removably attached to, e.g., reinforced concrete bollards (not shown) by bolting the beam support columns  318  to the reinforced concrete bollards via bolts (not shown) embedded in the concrete of the bollards and flanges  346  integral with the beam support columns  318 . 
         [0053]    One of the foldable Zee channel support beams first and second sections ( 314  and  317 ) have a first section  314  for hingeably attachment at an inner end (relative to the center of the structure) on one side at the top of the beam support columns  318  via hinge flange  313 . In one embodiment, the support beams are made of tube steel. An outer end of first section  314  hingeably connects to a second section  317  of the Foldable Zee channel support beams via hinge flange  315 . The first section  314  in one embodiment has sufficient length for at least two solar panels  310  side-by-side. The second section  317  in one embodiment has sufficient length for at least one solar panel  310 . The opposing foldable Zee channel support beam ( 810 ) has only one section, having a first end attached to hinge flange  313  and an opposite end not attached. 
         [0054]    For each solar panel  310  on each of the first section  314  and second section  317  of one foldable Zee channel support beams first and second sections ( 314  and  317 ) and the other foldable Zee channel support beam ( 810 ), there are at least two Zee channels  312  attached with an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis at least two Zee channel support beams sections,  314  and  317 , and  810 . While the support beams are referred to as “Zee channel” support beams, the types of channels or other support between the support beams and the solar panels may include any other known or future developed materials, e.g., C-channels or other suitable materials. 
         [0055]    Each Zee channel  312  is of sufficient length to so that it spans two Zee channel support beams first and second sections  314  and  317 , and  810 , where the channel support beams first and second sections  314  and  317 , and  810  are parallel and in line and set at a sufficient distance apart to accommodate a plurality of solar panels  310  end-to-end or side-by-side supported by the Zee channels  312 , which are supported by the channel support beams first and second sections  314  and  317 , and  810 , which are supported by the beam support columns  318 , one beam support column  318  per each set of two channel support beams first section and second section  314  and  317 . In one embodiment, each set of adjacent Zee channels  312  is disposed in a reverse orientation to each adjacent Zee channel  312 . In an alternate embodiment there is only a Zee channel support beam on one side of beam support column  318 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 9  is a side elevation view of an L-shaped embodiment of the foldable solar canopy structure  800  of the invention folded. Since one of the channel support beams first and second sections  314  and  317  is longer than the other  810 , the former channel support beams extend farther down in the folded position. 
         [0057]      FIG. 10  is an isometric view of an L-shaped embodiment of the foldable solar canopy structure of the invention folded. 
         [0058]      FIG. 11A  is an inside elevation view of another embodiment of a portion of the folded foldable solar canopy structure and bracing of the invention  1300 . In this figure the solar panels  310  are omitted for clarity. The description of  FIG. 3A  above is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Brace assembly  1301  is removably attached to beam support column  318  and to each of the channel support beams first and second sections  314  and  317 . The brace assembly  1301  is for stabilizing the solar canopy structure  1300  during transport. Brace assembly  1301  is comprised of a first and second brace clamp, here shown as single element  1310 , for removable attachment to each of the channel support beams first and second sections  314  and  317 , a third brace clamp  1315  for removable attachment to beam support column  318 , and a shock absorber  1317  for attaching the third brace clamp to each first and second brace clamp  1310 . In another embodiment shock absorber  1317  is replaced with a fixed length strut.  FIG. 11B  is an outside elevation view of another embodiment of a portion of the folded foldable solar canopy structure and bracing of the invention  1300  shown in  FIG. 11A . 
         [0059]    Further detail of the brace assembly will be provided in other figures. The bracing assembly  1301  is suitable for use with a folded foldable solar canopy structure  1300  having either a single or multiple beam support columns  318 . In one embodiment there is one bracing assembly  1301  for each beam support column  318 .  FIGS. 11A and 11B  show opposing views of a single beam support column  318 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 12  is a side elevation view of another embodiment of a portion of the folded foldable solar canopy structure and bracing of the invention  1300  folded. This embodiment has two beam support columns  318 . In addition to the other bracing elements (not all shown) discussed in  FIGS. 13-17 , this embodiment depicts an additional brace component, the support bar  1325 . Support bar  1325  attaches at ends to the third brace clamp  1315  attached to each beam support column  318 . In one embodiment support bar  1325  is a fixed length and in another embodiment it has a variable/adjustable length. In addition to overall stability, support bar  1325  joins the bottom portion of the two beam support columns  318  for maintaining a fixed spacing between the beam support columns, i.e., typically substantially equal at the top and bottom of the columns, so that the columns are substantially vertical. This facilitates installation at the site, i.e., where a foundation is prepared with bolts positioned for attachment of columns  318 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 13  is an isometric view of another embodiment of a portion of the folded foldable solar canopy structure and bracing of the invention in the folded position. First and second brace clamps (jointly referenced here as  1310 ) attach to each of the channel support beams first and second sections  314  and  317  and to each other. The third brace clamp  1315  attaches to beam support column  318 , and a strut/shock  1317  attaches to third brace clamp  1315  to each first and second brace clamp  1310 . Third brace clamp  1315  has connection flanges  1330  for attachment to support bar  1325 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 14  is an isometric/exploded view of another embodiment of the bracing of the invention. In this figure and in  FIGS. 15-17 , the elements of the brace assembly  1301  ( FIG. 11A ) are described in more detail. First and second brace clamps  1310  in one embodiment is comprised of first brace clamp  1350  removable attached to second brace clamp  1370 . The attachment in one embodiment is via attachment flanges  1385  on second brace clamp  1370  and mating flanges (not shown) on first brace clamp  1350 . Bolt/pin  1375  passes through eyes in the attachment flanges to join them together. Other methods of removable attachment may be used. First brace clamp comprises two elements, i.e., first U-shaped body  1360  and shallow indented cover plate  1355 . Second brace clamp comprises two elements, i.e., second U-shaped body  1380  and flat cover plate  1365 . For each brace clamp the U-shaped body removably attaches to the respective cover plate, thus attaching to channel support beams first and second sections  314  and  317 . 
         [0063]    Third brace clamp  1315  comprises two elements, i.e., third U-shaped body  1340  and flat cover plate  1345 . U-shaped body  1340  removably attaches to the flat cover plate  1345 , thus attaching to support column  318 . Third brace clamp  1315  removably attaches to second brace clamp  1370  via shock absorber  1317  or other strut, rod, or other suitable means. Shock absorber  1317  removably attaches to third brace clamp  1315  via flange  1335  and a corresponding flange (not shown) on second brace clamp  1370 . 
         [0064]      FIGS. 15 ,  16 , and  17  are isometric/exploded views of one embodiment a portion of the bracing assembly  1301 . For each of the first, second, and third brace clamps ( 1350 ,  1370 , and  1315 , respectively), the respective U-shaped body attaches via bolts through holes (e.g.,  1346  and  1347 ). Other attachment mechanisms may be used. 
         [0065]      FIG. 18  is a top/exploded view of another embodiment of a bracing element of a portion of the bracing assembly  1301  ( FIG. 11A ). Shock absorber  1317  is comprised of a first strut portion  1810 , second strut portion  1805  and connector flanges  1815  and  1817 . Other known connection methods may be used either rigid or designed to absorb shock. 
         [0066]    Other embodiments of the present invention and its individual components will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing detailed description. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. It is therefore not intended that the invention be limited except as indicated by the appended claims.

Technology Category: 2