Adjustable bonding washer

Abstract

An adjustable bonding washer for placement between two metal pieces to create an electrical bond between them. The bonding washer has two metallic parts constrained to slide relative to one another along an axis. Each part has oppositely directed teeth that are forcibly embedded into the metal pieces to make electrical contact with them when they are rigidly clamped together. Adjustability enables the bonding washer to be mated with metal pieces having a range of widths and profiles, such as the slotted rails used to support arrays of photovoltaic panels.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An adjustable bonding washer for making an electrical connection between two metal pieces when the metal pieces are rigidly held together by a fastener with at least a portion of the bonding washer disposed between them, the adjustable bonding washer comprising first and second metallic parts each having a fastener opening therethrough and at least one pair of oppositely directed external teeth formed thereon, said parts being slidable relative to each other along an axis and substantially constrained from relative off-axis movement by axially extending guide surfaces formed thereon, whereby, when a fastener extending through said fastener openings is tightened with said external teeth between the metal pieces, said external. teeth are forcibly embedded into the metal pieces to make electrical contact therewith.