Connector assemblies for connecting panels

Abstract

In another embodiment, a connector assembly comprises a first side collector, comprising a first panel engagement region comprising a first receiving area that has a size to attach onto an edge of a first panel; and a second side collector, comprising a second panel engagement region comprising a second receiving area that has a size to attach onto an edge of a second panel. The first side collector and second side collector can be configured to directly mate with each other to hold panels together.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A connector, comprising:
 two cavities defined by flexible walls, wherein each of the cavities has a geometry and is configured to mate with connector engagement regions from a pair of side collectors; and   a header located between the two cavities;   wherein the cavities enable two sets of panels to be stacked and connected with the connector.   
     
     
         2 . The connector of  claim 1 , further comprising a first slot on a side of the connector and between the cavities, wherein the first slot has a size and geometry to receive and end of a panel without a side collector. 
     
     
         3 . The connector of  claim 2 , further comprising a second slot on another side of the connector opposite the first slot and between the cavities, wherein the second slot has a size and geometry to receive and end of another panel without a side collector. 
     
     
         4 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein the header is configured to receive a fastener that attaches the connector to flanges of a clip that is configured to secure the connector to a support structure with a fastener. 
     
     
         5 . A side collector, comprising:
 a connector engagement region comprising a head having a size and geometry to mate with a panel connector; and   a panel engagement region comprising a receiving area having an energy director extending into the receiving area, and having a size to attach onto an end of a panel.   
     
     
         6 . A panel assembly, comprising:
 a connector assembly, comprising:
 a connector; 
 a pair of side collectors, each comprising
 a connector engagement region; 
 a panel engagement region comprising a receiving area having an energy director extending into the receiving area; 
 
   a panel located in each panel engagement region, wherein the energy directors are bonded to the panel; and   wherein the connector is mated with the connector engagement region of the side collectors so as to hold ends of the panels together.   
     
     
         7 . A panel assembly, comprising:
 a first side collector, comprising a first panel engagement region comprising a first receiving area; and   a second side collector, comprising a second panel engagement region comprising a second receiving area;   a first panel in the first receiving area;   a second panel in the second receiving area;   wherein the first side collector and second side collector are mated together to hold to panels together.   
     
     
         8 . The panel assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the side collectors are permanently mated. 
     
     
         9 . The panel assembly of  claim 7 , further comprising a clip, wherein the clip has a base that can be attached to a support, an engagement, and a stem extending therebetween; wherein the panel engagement regions further comprises an opening in a joint wall on a side of the panel engagement region opposite the receiving area, wherein the opening is configured to receive the engagement. 
     
     
         10 . The panel assembly of  claim 7 , further comprising a clip, wherein the clip has a base that can be attached to a support, an engagement configured to engage the side collectors, and a stem extending therebetween; wherein the base comprises elements that, when assembled with the collectors and panels, the panels will be level. 
     
     
         11 . The panel assembly of  claim 7 , further comprising a clip, wherein the clip has a base that can be attached to a support, an engagement configured to engage the side collectors, and a stem extending therebetween; wherein the base comprises a U-shaped section formed by a side and a leg, and wherein the side and leg have a length that is greater than a height of a fastener head, and an area extending from the side, away from the leg to another side. 
     
     
         12 . The panel assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the receiving areas are defined by an arm extending from a wall; wherein the arms comprise a plurality of energy directors, and wherein one of the energy directors is located at the end of the arm away from the connector engagement region. 
     
     
         13 . The panel assembly of  claim 12 , further comprising a second arm extending from an opposite end of the wall to define the receiving areas, wherein the second arm comprises a plurality of the energy directors, and wherein the energy directors extending from the second arm are staggered with respect to the energy directors extending from the first arm, except for an optional additional energy director located at the end of the second arm opposite the wall. 
     
     
         14 . The panel assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the assembly is plastic and wherein the assembly provides enough strength to withstand winds of 200 mph without disassembly.