The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 21, 2026
Filed:
Oct. 26, 2022
Nextpower Llc, Fremont, CA (US);
John C. Patton, Rocklin, CA (US);
Eric Hafter, Sacramento, CA (US);
Tyler Hudson, Cocolalla, ID (US);
NEXTPOWER LLC, Fremont, CA (US);
Abstract
A frame for at least partially enclosing or supporting a panel is provided. The frame may include at least a first frame section that may include an elongated piece of framework material having a first end and a second end, wherein the first and second ends define a lengthwise dimension. The first frame section may further include lengthwise fold defining an intersection of a frame sidewall with a bottom flange, wherein the frame sidewall is characterized by a height extending from the bottom flange. The first frame section may further include a portion of at least one tab connection assembly where a connected element is attached to the first frame section. The tab connection assembly may include: i) at least one tab feature provided as part of either the first frame section or the connected element, and ii) at least one corresponding hole feature provided as part of the other of the first frame section or the connected element, wherein the hole feature may lockingly receives the at least one tab feature. The connected element may include another frame section, a cross bar, or a racking structure.