LEAK-RESISTANT SOLAR PANEL CONNECTOR

摘要

A non-reinforced solar panel connector having a tubular shape with a central lumen, a central section of relatively high hardness in relation to terminal sections of relatively low hardness, a length which does not exceed five times its diameter, and whose central section includes a projection partially extending into the lumen, with the projection being substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the connector. The connector is preferably molded from EPDM rubber. The relatively soft terminal sections may be used to easily and reliably join a solar panel to another solar panel and to associated piping in fluid-tight relationship, while the relatively hard central section ensures the connector does not expand or contract excessively.

主权项

1. A non-reinforced solar panel connector having a tubular shape with a central lumen, said connector comprising
two opposed terminal sections, each having a Shore A hardness within a range of 65 to 75 measured according to ASTM D2240; a central section joined to said two opposed terminal sections, said central section having a Shore A hardness in a range of 75 to 85 measured according to ASTM D2240 and having a projection which partially extends into said central lumen, said projection being substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said connector, wherein the Shore A hardness of said central section is greater than the Shore A hardness of said terminal sections, and wherein a length of said connector is not greater than five times its inner diameter.