An anchor platform assembly for anchoring an object to a structure

Abstract

An anchor platform assembly for anchoring an object to a structure includes: an anchor base plate having a first generally planar surface and a second generally planar surface; an elongated post coupled to the base plate and projecting outwardly from the first surface thereof. The post has a first end secured to the anchor base plate, a second free end, and an at least partially threaded cylindrical blind hole extending from the first surface of the anchor base plate into the post, wherein the second surface of the anchor base plate is configured to allow the structure to remain generally flush against the second surface, except for an area of ​​the second surface covered by the post. A cylindrical mechanical fastener having straight threads is used to secure the object to the anchor base plate via the blind hole. A dual post anchor assembly is also disclosed.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 702,486, filed on September 24, 2018, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. PCT / US2019 / 018592, filed on February 19, 2019, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application Serial No. PCT / US2018 / 065465, filed on December 13, 2018, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 852,733, filed on December 22, 2017, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] An anchor platform assembly particularly useful in the construction industry for anchoring and mounting objects to supporting structures, anchoring and mounting roof attachment structures on roofs and other elevated, flat and angled structures, terraces, balconies, etc. (such as, for example, railings, solar panels, lightning rods), while providing a strong, robust and waterproof connection. Background Art

[0003] Various methods are known for installing and providing waterproofing for rooftop equipment, accessory structures, and the like that are attached to a pitched or flat roof, building terrace, roof deck, and the like. In the roofing industry, many problems are caused by moisture infiltration at the equipment attachment points, especially when flashing is not incorporated and / or sealants are relied upon alone. Various protective methods and combinations thereof are used as waterproof and moisture barriers on such structures, such as asphalt roof shingles, poured or sheeted plastic or rubber membranes, and the like. Currently, more and more bulky rooftop structures are installed on roofs, such as, for example, solar panels, satellite dishes, HVAC equipment, and the like.

[0004] Especially for roof terraces, balconies, terraces, etc., glass walls and / or railings are installed to avoid view obstructions such as would occur with wooden, cable or metal fences. These often bulky structures must also be anchored to the roof structure. However, because of the loads they create and the way they are typically installed using anchors bolted through the roof, they form a "conduit" for moisture to penetrate through the roof, although adhesives or glues are often used to seal the conduits in an attempt to prevent such moisture penetration.

[0005] In fact, over time, due to normal repeated roof movement or shifting caused by, for example, settlement, temperature changes and / or high winds, these heavy structures cause cracks to develop in the adhesive or glue used and cause eventual roof leaks. As a result, it is difficult for installers to provide coverage or obtain insurance against water or moisture damage caused by such conventional anchoring and mounting systems.

[0006] The present invention seeks to overcome this problem by providing a novel anchoring and mounting system which avoids such problems in a highly advantageous and efficient manner.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a new anchor platform assembly that can be used in a wide variety of applications, particularly for anchoring equipment and / or roof attachment structures to roofs, etc., which can accommodate heavy loads at the equipment and / or roof attachment structure attachment points and provide waterproof protection.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a new anchor platform assembly of this type that is relatively simple in design and construction, easy to install, and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide such a new anchor platform assembly that can be used on a variety of roofs or elevated structures, including flat roofs and pitched roofs, as well as roof terraces, outdoor balconies, terraces, etc.

[0010] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a new anchor platform assembly that is more reliable in providing a waterproof connection at equipment attachment or attachment points than prior art systems.

[0011] A more specific object of the present invention is to provide such a novel anchor platform assembly that is generally suitable for anchoring and mounting a wide variety of objects to a supporting structure (such as, for example, roof attachment structures, including, among others, lightning rods, antennas, solar panels, satellite dishes, safety handrails, glass railings, HVAC heating and air conditioning equipment, decorative sculptures, holiday decorations, etc.), while also providing a waterproof connection. Summary of the invention

[0012] According to the present invention, some of the above and related objects are achieved by providing an anchor platform assembly for anchoring an object to a structure, which includes: an anchor base plate, the anchor base plate having a first surface and a second surface that are generally planar, an elongated post coupled to the base plate and projecting outwardly from the first surface thereof, the post having a first end fixed to the anchor base plate and a second free end, and an at least partially threaded cylindrical blind hole extending from the first surface of the anchor base plate into the post, wherein the second surface of the anchor base plate is configured to allow the structure to remain generally flush against the second surface, except for an area of ​​the second surface covered by the post; and means for fastening an object to the anchor base plate via the blind hole, the means comprising a cylindrical mechanical fastener having straight threads.

[0013] Preferably, the assembly further comprises means for securing the anchor base plate to a structure wherein the second surface thereof remains substantially flush against the structure except for the area of ​​the second surface covered by the post.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the anchor base plate is rectangular, the blind hole is generally centrally disposed in the anchor base plate, and the anchor base plate has a plurality of spaced-apart auxiliary through holes spaced from the blind hole and generally disposed adjacent to the periphery of the anchor base plate. Most advantageously, the assembly includes a plurality of mechanical fastening members, each receivable through one of the auxiliary holes for fastening the anchor base plate to the structure, and a mechanical fastener receivable in the centrally disposed blind hole for anchoring an object thereto. Preferably, the plurality of mechanical fastening members are screws, and the mechanical fastener member receivable in the centrally disposed blind hole is a bolt.

[0015] Most advantageously, the bolt has an enlarged head and a shank having said straight thread. In a preferred embodiment, the anchor base plate post is cylindrical and its outer surface is smooth or at least partially externally threaded. In the latter case, the assembly advantageously includes a nut capable of being received on the externally threaded post for securing the anchor platform assembly to the structure from below. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the anchor base plate has an unthreaded through-hole merging with the blind hole, and the post has a neck portion of reduced diameter adjacent its first end, the neck portion being configured and dimensioned to be received within the unthreaded through-hole.

[0016] Preferably, the anchor platform assembly further comprises a subject support member having a bottom wall and a hole formed therethrough, the hole being positionable on the anchor base plate so that the bottom wall hole is aligned with the blind hole. Advantageously, the assembly further comprises an elongated and U-shaped subject support member for a subject, the subject support member having a generally planar bottom wall, a support stand having a planar base and an upright tubular body member joined to the planar base, wherein the planar base has a through hole formed therethrough, the through hole being alignable with the blind hole of the anchor base, and the tubular body member having opposing side walls, each side wall having a through hole aligned with the through hole in the opposing side wall. The assembly also includes: an object support member having at least one bottom wall with perforations extending therein; means for mechanically fastening the object support member to the support stand via the side wall perforations of the support stand and the wall of the object support stand; and means for mechanically fastening the support stand to the anchor base plate via the perforations of its bottom wall and the blind holes of the anchor base plate.

[0017] In another embodiment of the invention, the assembly further comprises a lightning rod as the object, and the lightning rod has a lower end, and the means for fastening the object is arranged on the lower end, the lower end being threadably receivable in the blind hole. Advantageously, an enlarged collar is arranged on the lightning rod above the lower end thereof. Alternatively, the lightning rod has a lower end, the lower end having a nut coupled thereto, the nut being threadably receivable on the externally threaded column.

[0018] Most advantageously, the anchor base plate is curved to allow it to be mounted on a pitched roof. Advantageously, the anchor base plate has a planar central portion through which the blind hole extends, and a pair of downwardly extending wings joined to opposite sides of the planar central portion and extending therefrom. Preferably, the assembly further comprises a clamp for a grounding cable, and wherein the clamp is threadably receivable on the externally threaded post. In another embodiment of the invention, the post comprises a screw at least partially threaded, and the anchor base plate comprises a flange. Advantageously, the flange is a substantially circular planar flange. Most advantageously, a nut having a polygonal shape with a perforation is attached to the first surface of the base plate, wherein its perforation is axially aligned and aligned with the blind hole of the base plate. Most advantageously, the polygonal shaped nut is a hexagonal shaped nut.

[0019] Most advantageously, the screw has an upper tubular neck portion having a through hole with an open top end and an open bottom end, and wherein the open bottom end thereof merges with a threaded hole in a lower externally threaded shaft portion, the open top end and the open bottom end together defining the at least partially threaded blind hole of the post. Most preferably, the through hole of the neck portion is at least partially threaded.

[0020] In yet further preferred embodiments, the blind hole has a longitudinally extending axis, and the assembly further comprises means for rotating the anchor about the axis of the blind hole. The means for rotating preferably comprises a port formed adjacent and within the open top end of the blind hole in the post or screw, the port being configured and sized to receive a tool for rotating the anchor into a support structure. The port may be configured and sized as a flat head screw slot or an Allen wrench port.

[0021] The assembly preferably comprises a lightning rod as the object, and the lightning rod has a lower end, and the means for fastening the object are arranged on the lower end, the lower end being receivable in the blind hole by means of a thread. Advantageously, an enlarged collar is arranged on the lightning rod above the lower end thereof. Advantageously, a clamp for a grounding cable is provided, and the clamp is receivable on the lower end on the lightning rod by means of a thread below the enlarged collar of the assembly. Alternatively, a clamp for a grounding cable is provided, the clamp acting as the object, and the clamp is receivable on the lower end of the lightning rod or on an externally threaded stud.

[0022] Some of the related objects may also be achieved by an anchor platform assembly for anchoring an object to a structure, comprising: an anchor base plate having a first and second generally planar surface, two cylindrical posts, each having a first end secured to the anchor base plate, wherein the first ends thereof are fixed to each other, and wherein at least one of the posts extends into the through-hole in the anchor base plate so that the two posts are axially aligned and aligned with the anchor base plate through-hole and extend vertically outward from the anchor base plate, the posts each having a second free end and wherein the second surface of the anchor base plate is configured to allow the structure to remain generally flush against the second surface, except for the area of ​​the second surface covered by the posts; and means for fastening an object to the anchor base plate via at least one of the posts, the means comprising a cylindrical mechanical fastener having straight threads. Preferably, at least one or both of the posts are externally threaded. Advantageously, at least one post comprises a cylindrical stud having straight edges and being at least partially threaded. Advantageously, at least one of said posts has an at least partially threaded cylindrical blind bore in which an opening is formed at said free second end thereof.

[0023] Preferably, the assembly further comprises means for fastening an object to at least one of the columns. Advantageously, the assembly comprises an L-shaped support for a solar panel having a through hole, the L-shaped support being receivable on one of the externally threaded columns. A nut receivable on the one of the externally threaded columns may be arranged to clamp the L-shaped support against the anchor base. Advantageously, the two columns have at least partially threaded cylindrical blind holes, in which an opening is formed in the free second end thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the two columns have different or identical diameters.

[0024] Advantageously, the anchor seat is formed with a groove on at least one side thereof for receiving adhesive therein. Preferably, the groove is circular and is spaced outwardly from the perforation in the anchor base. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which disclose several embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 are top and side perspective views of a first embodiment of an anchor base plate utilized in an anchor platform assembly embodying the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Bottom and side perspective views of the anchor base plate shown;

[0028] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a non-complete illustration of a first embodiment of an anchor platform assembly embodying the present invention, the anchor platform assembly employing a plurality of sequentially arranged spaced apart anchor base plates mounted on a roof deck and having anchored thereto a plurality of spaced apart elongated handrails, each having a U-shaped channel or shoe supporting a pair of glass railings;

[0029] Figure 4a is an exploded cross-sectional view of the anchor platform assembly, including the Figure 3 The U-shaped shoe is shown with the anchor base plate in positional relationship with the roof deck, and the roof flashing material, fasteners and adhesives used therewith are also shown;

[0030] Figure 4b is a plan view of the anchor base plate and the optional pad centered thereon for adjusting the height of the handrail;

[0031] Figure 4c yes Figure 4a A cross-sectional view of the anchor platform assembly shown in a fully installed state on a roof deck, whereby the glass handrail is anchored to the roof via its U-shaped shoe;

[0032] Figure 5a is with Figure 4a an exploded cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a comparable anchor platform assembly, but showing an anchor base plate having an internally threaded post with a neck section of reduced width;

[0033] Figure 5b is with Figure 4c a cross-sectional view of a comparable second embodiment of the invention in a fully installed condition, but showing the use of an internally threaded post having a neck section of reduced width seated within a central hole of an anchor base plate;

[0034] Figure 6a and Figure 4a and Figure 5a an exploded cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a comparable anchor platform assembly, but showing an anchor base plate having an externally threaded post;

[0035] Figure 6b is with Figure 4c and Figure 5b a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a comparable anchor platform assembly in a fully installed condition, but showing the anchor base plate secured to the externally threaded stud of the roof deck from below the roof deck via nuts and washers;

[0036] Figure 7a is similar to Figure 6b a cross-sectional view of the invention but showing the accessory unit supporting the glass balustrade and its supporting shoe in a raised position spaced above the roof deck and offset from the central hole in the anchor base plate;

[0037] Figure 7b is a perspective view of an anchor platform assembly attachment unit supporting a roof attachment structure in an offset and raised arrangement relative to an anchor base plate and a roof deck, respectively;

[0038] Figure 8a is a side elevation view of a combined grub screw anchor and fastener assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 8b yes Figure 8a a side elevation view of a portion of a flat head screw anchor assembly shown;

[0040] Figure 8c yes Figure 8a and Figure 8b A top view of the grub screw anchor flange assembly is shown;

[0041] Figure 8d is with Figure 8b a side elevation view of a portion of a similar flat head screw anchor assembly, but showing the optional provision of a flat head screwdriver blade;

[0042] Figure 8e yes Figure 8d A top plan view of the grub screw anchor flange assembly is shown;

[0043] Figure 8f is with Figure 8b a side elevation view of a portion of a similar grub screw anchor assembly, but showing the optional provision of an Allen key opening;

[0044] Figure 8g yes Figure 8f A top plan view of the flat head screw anchor assembly is shown;

[0045] Figure 8h is a side elevation view of a raised hex head screw anchor and fastener assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 8i yes Figure 8h a side elevation view of a portion of a section of a hex head screw anchor assembly shown;

[0047] Figure 8j yes Figure 8h A top plan view of a portion of a section of a hex head screw anchor assembly is shown;

[0048] Figure 9a is with Figure 6a an exploded cross-sectional view of a comparable anchor platform assembly according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, but showing it supporting a lightning rod and cables, and also showing the use of roof flashing material, fasteners and adhesives employed therewith;

[0049] Figure 9b yes Figure 9a A cross-sectional view of the anchor platform assembly shown in a fully installed state;

[0050] Fig.10a is an exploded cross-sectional view of a device for supporting a lightning rod according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, wherein the anchor base plate is positioned in an inverted state, wherein the threaded column extends above the anchor base plate instead of as shown Figure 9a and Figure 9b shown extending beneath the anchor base plate, and also shown are the roof flashing materials, fasteners, and adhesives employed thereby;

[0051] Fig.10b yes Fig.10a A cross-sectional view of the anchor platform assembly shown in a fully installed state;

[0052] Fig.11 is an exploded cross-sectional view of an anchor platform assembly for supporting a lightning rod embodying an eighth embodiment of the present invention, wherein an anchor base plate is welded to an internally threaded double cylindrical column having an upper column and a lower column extending above the base plate, wherein the upper column has a blind hole in which the lightning rod can be threadedly received, and the lower column has a blind hole on which a grounding cable is clamped;

[0053] Fig.12 is an exploded cross-sectional view of an anchor platform assembly for supporting a lightning rod and a clamp grounding cable according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention, the grounding cable being installed above the peak of a pitched roof along the peak of the pitched roof;

[0054] Fig.13 The tenth embodiment of the present invention is implemented Figure 8a to Figure 8cAn exploded cross-sectional view of a flat head screw anchor assembly of the type shown supporting a lightning rod and grounding cable on top of a roof;

[0055] Fig.14 is with Fig.13 a similar exploded cross-sectional view, but instead showing the use of a small flat head anchor to support a length of ground cable supported by a clamp attached above and along the roof via bolts that can be received in blind holes in the anchor;

[0056] Fig.15 The eleventh embodiment of the present invention is implemented Figure 8h to Figure 8j An exploded cross-sectional view of a raised hex head screw anchor assembly of the type shown supporting a lightning rod on top of a roof;

[0057] Fig.16 is with Fig.15 Similar exploded sectional view, but showing the use of Figure 8h to Figure 8j A raised hex head screw anchor is shown supporting a length of ground cable which is supported by a clamp along the top of the roof via a bolt which can be received in a blind hole in the anchor;

[0058] Fig.17a is a side elevation view of a dual post anchor base plate assembly having an externally threaded cylindrical upper post and an externally threaded cylindrical lower post, the lower post having a smaller diameter than the upper post, according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] Fig.17b yes Fig.17a A top plan view of the double column anchor base plate assembly is shown;

[0060] Fig.17c yes Fig.17a A bottom plan view of the dual column anchor base plate assembly is shown;

[0061] Fig.18a is a side elevational view of a dual post anchor base plate assembly having an externally threaded cylindrical upper post and an externally threaded cylindrical lower post with an internal hexagonal wrench opening, the lower post having a smaller diameter than the upper post, according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] Fig.18b yes Fig.18a A top plan view of the double column anchor base plate assembly is shown;

[0063] Fig.18c yes Fig.18a A bottom plan view of the dual column anchor base plate assembly is shown;

[0064] Fig.19ais a side elevation view of a dual post anchor base plate assembly having an externally threaded cylindrical upper post and an externally threaded cylindrical lower post according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the upper post has a blind hole and the lower post has a smaller diameter than the upper post;

[0065] Fig.19b yes Fig.19a A top plan view of the double column anchor base plate assembly is shown;

[0066] Fig.19c yes Fig.19a A bottom plan view of the double column anchor base plate assembly is shown;

[0067] Fig.20a is a side elevation view of a double post anchor base plate assembly having an externally threaded cylindrical upper post and an externally threaded cylindrical lower post according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the upper post has a blind hole, the lower post has a blind hole, and the two holes have the same diameter;

[0068] Fig.20b yes Fig.20a A top plan view of the double column anchor base plate assembly is shown;

[0069] Fig.20c yes Fig.20a A bottom plan view of the double column anchor base plate assembly is shown;

[0070] Fig.21a is an exploded side elevation view of a portion of an anchor base plate assembly utilizing Fig.19a The double column anchor base plate assembly and Figure 8d The flat head mounting screw anchors are used to support the L-shaped solar panel bracket on the roof;

[0071] Figure 21b yes Fig.21a a side elevation view of the anchor base plate assembly shown in a fully installed condition;

[0072] Fig.22a is an exploded side elevation view of the double column anchor base plate assembly, using Fig.20a A double-post anchor base plate assembly is provided to anchor the lightning rod to the externally threaded cylindrical upper post above the roof and to anchor the grounding cable to the externally threaded cylindrical lower post below the roof; wherein the two posts have internally threaded inner blind holes; and

[0073] Figure 22b yes Fig.22a a side elevation view of the anchor base plate assembly shown in a fully installed condition; and

[0074] Fig.23This is an exploded sectional view of an anchor platform assembly using the sixteenth embodiment of the present invention to support a lightning rod and a grounding cable, wherein the anchor base plate is welded to an externally threaded double cylindrical column, the externally threaded double cylindrical column having an upper column extending above the base plate and a lower column extending below the base plate, wherein the lightning rod can be received on the upper column by threads, and the grounding cable is clamped to the lower column. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0075] Turning now in detail to the drawings, particularly the Figures 1 to 7b , the accompanying drawings illustrate a novel anchor platform assembly embodying the present invention, as more particularly described and illustrated in the applicant's above-mentioned U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 852,733 and application number US2019 / 018592, which is used to anchor an object to a supporting structure, and is particularly intended to be used in a wide range of anchoring applications that are generally applicable to many different uses.

[0076] In the attached figure Figures 1 to 4c A first embodiment of the present invention is shown, which comprises a novel anchor platform assembly, generally designated by reference numeral 10 in the drawings, and which is particularly designed for use in anchoring roof attachment structures to roofs and other elevated, flat and / or angled structures, such as terraces, balconies, stairways, and the like. The primary component of the anchor platform assembly is an anchor base plate, generally designated by reference numeral 11, which is preferably made of stainless steel (but may be made of other metals, such as aluminum, bronze, and the like) and is preferably square or rectangular in shape and has a first surface 12 and a second surface 13. The anchor base plate 11 has an internally threaded central through-hole 14 and six spaced apart peripheral through-holes 15 located radially outward from the central hole 14 and generally adjacent the perimeter of the base plate 11. In this embodiment, the anchor base plate 11 also includes a preferably cylindrical rod or post 16 having an axially extending internally threaded bore 17 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 4b ), the internal threaded hole 17 has a top open end 18 and a closed bottom end 19 ( Figure 2 ), the rod or post 16 is preferably fixed to the anchor base plate 11 by welding so that the top open end 18 of its hole 17 is adjacent to and aligned with the open bottom end of the central through hole 14 (see Figure 4b ).

[0077] like Figure 3As shown, the anchor base plate 11 of the anchor platform assembly 10 is typically mounted to a roof structure (such as a roof deck, generally designated 21) via mechanical fastening elements 20, preferably in the form of nails, bolts or lag screws, wherein the cylindrical post 16 of the anchor base plate 11 extends through the roof deck 21 and protrudes below the roof deck through a closed bottom end 19. The internal threads and alignment holes 14 and 17 serve as anchor points for the object to be mounted to the roof deck 21. In this case, the object is a type of glass railing having a glass panel 22, the lower edge of which is fixed within an elongated U-shaped metal channel or shoe 24. Figure 3 Specifically depicted are three sequentially arranged and spaced apart anchor base plates 11, with two glass panels 22 and two shoes 24 at least partially mounted on the anchor base plates 11. In use, the length of such a glass railing may be several hundred feet. As can be appreciated, depending on the length of each glass railing 22, each glass handrail 22 may require two or more anchor base plates 11, such as Figure 3 shown.

[0078] like Figure 4a and Figure 4c As best seen, the elongated U-shaped shoe member 24 has a bottom wall 23 with a plurality of spaced apart through-holes 25 (only one of which is shown). As will be discussed in more detail below, a cylindrical mechanical fastener having a straight thread, such as a bolt 26 and a washer 27, is used, the bolt 26 being receivable through the through-holes 25 of the U-shaped shoe member 24 and being receivable in the internally threaded central hole 14 of the anchor base plate 11 and the internal blind hole 17 of the cylindrical post or rod 16 ( Figure 4c ) in order to anchor the cylindrical mechanical fastener to the roof deck 21. The cylindrical post 16 with the closed bottom end 19 serves two purposes: (1) to provide a relatively firm and rigid anchoring support point for the object to be mounted to the roof, and (2) to prevent moisture from penetrating into and below the roof deck 21 through the central hole 14 by means of the blind hole 17 and the closed bottom end 19 of the cylindrical post 16.

[0079] Figure 4b The use of a square spacer plate 28 having a central through hole 29 mounted on top of the anchor base plate 11 is shown so that its central through hole 29 is directly above and aligned with the inner blind hole 17 of the cylindrical column 16. The spacer plate 28 is used to adjust the height of the shoe 24 to ensure proper alignment of adjacent shoe 24 and the glass railing 22 they support, taking into account the height differences of the roof terrace 21, etc. Of course, additional spacer plates 28 can be used to achieve proper height alignment if necessary.

[0080] like Figure 4a and Figure 4cAs shown, the central through-hole 25 of the U-shaped groove or shoe 24 contains a step sized and configured to receive and support the bolt head of the bolt 26 and the washer 27 thereon so that the bolt head of the bolt 26 is disposed below the first surface 30 of the lower bottom wall 23 of the U-shaped shoe 24 so as not to abut the bottom edge of the glass railing 22 and thereby not be likely to be crushed or damaged.

[0081] Figure 4a and Figure 4c An exploded cross-sectional view and a fully installed cross-sectional view are respectively shown of an anchor platform assembly 10 including preferred flashing material, fasteners, adhesives, etc. for mounting a glass railing to a roof terrace or patio, etc. Figure 4a As shown, the anchor plate 11 is positioned above a roof deck 21, which may be of wood, metal or composite construction as is standard or conventional in the industry. The cylindrical posts 16 of the anchor plate 11 are intended to be inserted through perforations 31 in the roof deck 21 and perforations 33 of a conventional rubber roofing membrane 32, which is preferably made of neoprene and is preferably interposed between the anchor plate 11 and the roof deck 21. Similarly, a conventional rubber roofing membrane 34, also preferably made of neoprene, is preferably positioned between the optional backing plate 28 and the first surface 12 of the anchor plate 11, and is also provided with a central hole 36 to allow the bolt 26 to pass through the membrane 34. In addition, a sealant, cement, waterproofing filler or adhesive layer 38 is shown, each of which would normally be applied to the second surface 13 of the anchor plate 11 to be bonded and sealed to the roofing membrane 32.

[0082] In addition, if Figure 4c As shown, adhesive, flashing filler, cement or glue 40 (and / or optionally, clamp) is also applied to the inner surface of the U-shaped groove 24 so that it surrounds the lower end of the glass railing 22 received in the U-shaped metal groove 24. In addition, as shown herein, the anchor base plate membrane 34 extends over the entire anchor base plate 11, wherein its end is sealed against the roof membrane 32, thereby sealing the screw hole and the remaining portion of the anchor base plate 11. As can be understood, these flashing materials and adhesives are used to provide waterproof protection for the assembly and prevent roof leaks.

[0083] As mentioned previously, this is particularly useful at the attachment point where the object is attached to the roof, which in this case means the attachment point where the glass railing shoe 24 is attached to the anchor base plate cylindrical post 16 via the bolt 26 and the closed threaded hole 17 in which the bolt 26 is received. Since the hole 17 is a blind hole or hole, and the bottom end 19 of the cylindrical post 16 is closed, the potential path for any moisture that may penetrate between the glass panel 22 and the U-shaped groove 24 and enter the hole 17 of the cylindrical post 16 is completely blocked from penetrating the roof deck 21.

[0084] Figure 5a and Figure 5b A second embodiment of an anchor base plate assembly 10 ′ is shown, and in a similar manner, an exploded cross-sectional view and a fully installed cross-sectional view of this second embodiment of the anchor platform assembly 10 ′ are shown, respectively.

[0085] The components shown in this second embodiment are similar to those shown in Figure 4a and Figure 4c The same as shown, except that the cylindrical post 16' is provided with a narrow neck portion 35, and the bottom plate 11' is provided with a non-threaded central hole 14', but the other parts of both are the same as the bottom plate 11' and cylindrical post 16 shown in the previous embodiment. Figure 4a and Figure 4c In the embodiment, the top end 18 of the cylindrical post 16 will typically be welded to the second surface 13 of the anchor base plate 11ʹ. Figure 5a and Figure 5b In the embodiment of the present invention, the narrow neck section 35 is intended to be received within the unthreaded central hole 14' of the anchor base plate 11', and due to this configuration, a more robust and stronger bond is formed. The stronger bond is due to the fact that when the anchor seat 11' and the post 16' are welded together, the corresponding central hole 14' and the internally threaded hole 17' are maintained in proper axial alignment by the reduced neck section 35 of the post 16' received in the central hole 14', and the narrow neck portion extends into the unthreaded central hole 14'.

[0086] Figure 6a and Figure 6b A third embodiment of an anchor base plate assembly 10" is shown, and an exploded cross-sectional view and a fully installed cross-sectional view of this third anchor platform assembly embodiment are similarly shown. The assembly shown in this third embodiment is similar to that shown in FIG. Figure 5a and Figure 5b The cylindrical column 16" is the same as shown, except that the lower portion 37 is externally threaded, but the other parts are the same as the cylindrical column 16'. In this embodiment, the nut 39 and the washer 41 are screwed onto the external threaded surface 37 of the cylindrical column 16" so that the Figure 6bIn the fully assembled state shown, nuts 39 and washers 41 are tightened against the lower surface of the metal roof deck 21' to provide a more secure attachment point while preventing roof leaks at the attachment point via the blind hole 17' and the closed bottom end 19 of the cylindrical post 16".

[0087] Figure 7a and Figure 7b A novel accessory support stand 42 is shown for the various anchor seat assemblies described herein, which allows a user to support an object in a raised and spaced manner above the anchor base plate. The accessory support stand 42 includes a preferably metal square or rectangular planar base 44 and a preferably metal upright square tubular body member, which is composed of four side walls 43 joined to the planar base 44 by welding at one end. A drainage hole 45 is provided at the bottom of one of the side walls 43 to allow moisture to drain therefrom. The base 44 has a central hole 49 ( Figure 7b ), the holes 49 can be aligned with the internal threaded holes 17' of the cylindrical column 16", and the screw of the bolt 26 can be threadedly received in the internal threaded holes 17' to anchor the support stand 42 to the anchor base plate 11". The support stand 42 is formed in the opposite side walls 43 of the upright tubular body, wherein the bolt 47 can be installed through the at least one set of horizontally aligned holes 46 to fix the object to one of the side walls 43 of the support stand 42, such as Figure 7b In this case, the U-shaped groove 24' is provided with a recessed perforation 25' in its side wall, rather than in Figure 1 6. The bolt 47 is retained in the groove through-hole 25' via its bolt head retained against the step of the groove through-hole 25' and at its opposite end (i.e. the free end of its threaded shaft extending through the side wall hole 46) by means of an additional nut 48 and a washer 41, the U-shaped groove 24' is fixed in a raised and elevated position relative to the anchor base plate 11' and the roof element 21' and offset relative to the central blind hole of the anchor base plate 11'.

[0088] Now turn specifically to Figure 8a to Figure 8j , the figure shows several embodiments of the novel screw anchor and fastener assembly according to the present invention (hereinafter collectively referred to as "screw anchor" or "screw anchor assembly"), as shown and described in the PCT application No. PCT / US2019 / 018592 filed earlier by the applicant. Figure 8a to Figure 8cAs shown, the anchor assembly 110 is a flat head screw anchor and is particularly useful for many uses in the construction industry. The flat head screw anchor assembly 110 includes a preferably planar base plate, flange or washer 111 having an upper surface 112, an opposing lower surface 113, and an optionally internally threaded central opening 114 extending therethrough. In addition, the screw anchor assembly 110 also includes an externally threaded post, preferably in the form of a screw or lag screw 116 secured to the anchor base plate 111 and extending downwardly from the lower surface 113 of the base plate 111. As shown in FIG. Figure 8b As best shown, the upper shaft of screw 116 includes an axially extending internally threaded central bore 117 that merges with and is axially aligned with the central opening 114 of base plate 111. Bore 117 has a diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the externally threaded upper shaft of screw 116.

[0089] The hole 117 in the screw 116 is a blind hole having an open top end defined by the hole 114 in the flange or base plate 111, and a closed bottom end 119 in the shaft of the screw 116. In addition, preferably, the screw 116 and the base plate 111 are integrally joined to form an integral combined anchor and fastener assembly or component. The screw 116 can be secured to the base plate 111 via welding, a press fit connection, or by any other fastening means that can ensure that the screw 116 and the base plate 111 are securely and rigidly fastened together to provide a strong and robust anchor.

[0090] As will be shown and discussed below with respect to the installation and use of the screw anchor of the present invention with respect to this and other embodiments described herein, a fastener (e.g., a bolt 26 having an enlarged head and a threaded shaft and a washer 27) is generally provided. Figure 4a , Figure 4c , Figure 5a , Figure 5b , Figure 6a , Figure 6b and Figure 7a 110) can be received by threading in the hole 117 so as to hold the object and securely fasten it to the anchor so that the object or part thereof or its associated attached structure (for the latter, see, for example, the U-shaped shoe 24 of the glass panel 22 used to support the roof railing) is securely held against the upper surface 112 of the anchor base plate 111. This is preferably achieved by providing a through hole 25 in the object, part thereof or its attached structure, wherein the threaded shaft of the bolt 26 passes through the hole 25 before being screwed into the blind hole 117 of the screw anchor 110 and tightened to securely fasten the object to the screw anchor.

[0091] Figure 8d and Figure 8e Show Figure 8a to Figure 8cA modification of the flat head anchor embodiment is shown in which a recessed flat head screw slot or port 143 is formed on opposite sides of the central hole 114 in the base plate 111, the recessed flat head screw slot or port 143 extending below to an externally smooth and enlarged upper head portion 144 on opposite sides of the central hole 117 of the lag screw flat head anchor 110 to allow a flat head screwdriver or other tool (not shown) to be inserted into the slot 143 to facilitate turning the externally threaded shaft of the screw 116 to thread the anchor 110 into the intended support structure or to be threadedly removed therefrom if, for example, repositioning within a building support structure is desired.

[0092] Figure 8f and Figure 8g Show Figure 8a to Figure 8c Another modification of the screw anchor assembly is shown, in which an Allen wrench opening 145 is provided instead of using a flat head screwdriver opening 143. More specifically, a countersunk head space 146 is provided above the top end of the blind hole 117 in the anchor base plate 111 and in the outer smooth upper enlarged head portion 144 of the lag screw anchor 110, the upper enlarged head portion 144 extending downwardly from the first surface 112 of the washer 111 into the countersunk head space 146 provided in the base plate 111 and the head portion 144 and defined by the open top end and the open bottom end.

[0093] The head space 146 has an inner wall configured to define a preferably hexagonal central hole 145 that serves as an Allen key opening. The Allen key opening 145 is designed to receive an Allen key (not shown) by which the grub screw anchor 110 can be easily threaded to and removed from the support structure, as described and exemplified in more detail below.

[0094] In a fifth embodiment of the screw anchor assembly of the present invention, Figure 8h to Figure 8j As shown, the hexagonal lag screw anchor 210 is configured to have a hexagonal hex nut 250 fixed to the top of the upper surface 212 of the base plate 211. The hexagonal hex nut 250 serves the same purpose as a screwdriver slot, an Allen wrench opening, etc., so that a tool such as a socket wrench (not shown) can be used, which is configured to grasp the hex head to facilitate its threaded engagement to or removal from the support. Preferably, the external hex nut 250 is integrally joined to the base plate 211, such as by welding, to form a one-piece component. Figure 8iAs best shown, the external hexagonal nut 250 contains an internally threaded central through hole 252 that is axially aligned and aligned with the core hole 217 in the lag screw 216 and the hole 214 of the base plate 211. Although the anchor 210 is illustrated and described as a nut 250 having a hexagonal shape, other polygonal or geometric shapes are possible and are contemplated by the present invention, as further disclosed below.

[0095] Now turn to Figure 9a , Figure 9b , Fig.10a , Fig.10b , Fig.11 and Fig.12 , the accompanying drawings show the use of an anchor platform assembly to mount a conventional lightning rod assembly 80 to a roof or other structure. A conventional lightning rod includes a pointed metal rod that is typically attached to the roof of a building. The rod may be one inch in diameter. The rod is connected to a copper or aluminum wire or cable 90 that is also about one inch in diameter. The cable 90 is typically connected to a conductive grid or plate (not shown) buried in the ground nearby. In the event of a lightning strike, the lightning rod 80 provides a low resistance path to the ground via the cable 90, which can be used to conduct large currents away from the structure and safely to the ground.

[0096] More specifically, Figure 9a 1 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of an anchor platform assembly 10" of the present invention for supporting and mounting a lightning rod, generally designated 80, on a roof or other structure 21'. As shown in the figure, the base plate assembly 11' is connected to the Figure 6a and Figure 6b is substantially the same as that depicted in the third embodiment shown. The column 16" has a lower externally threaded portion 37 that is physically attached (e.g., welded) to the lower surface of the base plate 11'. The blind hole 17' in the column 16" is also threaded. Preferably, the lightning rod 80 has a pointed, elongated cylindrical upper body 82, which is engaged to a lower threaded cylindrical rod 83 via a fixing collar 84, and the rod 83 can be received by threads in the blind hole 17' of the column 16". Below the roof, a generally C-shaped double-arm clamp 89 is used to securely hold the grounding cable 90, and a mounting hole 87 is provided in each of its arms 88, and the generally C-shaped double-arm clamp 89 is mounted on the threaded portion 37 of the column 16" through the mounting hole 87. The washer 41 and the nut 39 can be received on the lower threaded end 37 of the column 16", and as shown Figure 9bAs best seen in the drawings, once the nut 39 is tightened onto the post 16", the washer 41 and nut 39 press against the C-clamp 89 and the cable 90 held thereby, and securely fasten the open top and bottom ends to the underside of the roof 21'. The grounding cable 90 extends along the underside of the roof and is ultimately directed to the ground where it will be attached to a grounding grid or plate (not shown) on the ground. In actual use, the grounding cable 90 will be attached to the lightning rod assembly by means of various conventional grounding and clamp assemblies for attaching the grounding cable 90 to the lightning rod 80, which are well known to those skilled in the art. The C-clamp described and exemplified herein is merely a simplified representation of a commercially available clamp.

[0097] like Figure 9a As best shown, the cylindrical post 116 is provided with a narrow neck portion 35 and the base plate 11' is provided with an unthreaded central hole 14' to achieve a more robust and stronger bond therebetween. The stronger bond is due to the fact that when the anchor seat 11' and post 16" are welded together, the corresponding central hole 14' and the internally threaded hole 17' of the post 16" are held in proper alignment by the reduced neck section 35, which extends like a dowel into the unthreaded central hole 14', which not only provides a strong, rigid joint, but also provides a precise 90° alignment of the base plate 11' with the post 16". Of course, as an option, it is also possible to use the anchor base plate 11' and post 16" without using a reduced neck section, depending on the nature and requirements of the strength of the anchor assembly for a particular application, such as Figures 1 to 4c shown.

[0098] Fig.10a 1 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the seventh embodiment of the anchor platform assembly 10"' of the present invention. The anchor base plate 11"' of the anchor platform assembly 10"' is located at Figure 9a and Figure 9b An inverted version of the anchor base plate 11' depicted. The post 16'' has a centrally disposed blind hole 17'' and a narrow neck portion 35'', wherein the narrow neck portion 35'' is physically attached (e.g., welded) to the upper surface 12'' of the base plate 16'', rather than its second surface 13'' as shown in the above-described embodiments. In this embodiment, the ground cable 90 is again retained by a double-legged C-clamp 89 via an opening 87 in a pair of arms 88, which is received on the externally threaded shaft 86 of the bolt 26.

[0099] Fig.10b The seventh embodiment of the anchor platform assembly 10"' is in a fully installed state but with Figure 9bCompared to the cross-sectional view in an inverted manner. The threaded shaft 86 of the bolt 26 is inserted from below the roof deck 21' through the opening in the roof deck 21' and the openings in the membranes 32 and 34, and is threadedly received in the inner blind hole 17"' of the column 16". The enlarged end of the bolt 26 and the washer 41 are used to rigidly secure the C-clamp 89, which in turn secures the ground cable 90 to the bottom surface of the roof.

[0100] The pointed shaft 82 of the lightning rod 80 is connected to a nut 85, by which the lightning rod 82 is threadedly fastened to the column 16"' of the anchor base plate assembly 10"' above the roof 21̍. Therefore, the lightning rod 80 is electrically connected to the column 16"' via the nut 85, the bolt 26 and the clamp 89 to the ground cable 90, and then to a conductive grid or plate (not shown) on the ground.

[0101] Fig.11 2 is an exploded cross-sectional view of an eighth embodiment of the anchor platform assembly 310 of the present invention, which also has a double column 316 including an upper column 318, which is joined to the top surface of the base plate above the anchor base plate 311 by a weld 96 and has an inner blind hole 317 open at the free upper end of the column 318. The double column 316 also has a lower column 319 extending from the bottom wall 313 and protruding downwardly below the roof 21. The double column 316 also has an inner blind hole 320 open at its lower free end. The lightning rod 80 has an upper pointed section 82 and an externally threaded lower section 83, which is threadedly received in the blind hole 317 of the upper column 318. On the other hand, the C-clamp 89 can be received on the lower threaded column 319 so that when installed in this way via the washer 41 and the nut 26, the C-clamp 89 can be adjacent to the lower surface of the roof 21̍ and retained below the roof 21̍, wherein the threaded shaft 86 of the nut 26 can be received in the threaded internal hole 320 of the lower column 319.

[0102] Fig.12 A ninth embodiment of the present invention is shown for applications where a lightning rod needs to be installed on a pitched roof ridge, which is grooved by abutting and joined roof sheathing panels 401, 402, which are supported by a triple-clamped ridge board 403. A metallic anchor assembly 410 is provided with a curved base plate 411 having a central horizontally disposed center plane section 412, in which a center hole 414 is formed, and from which a cylindrical column 416 is determined to be received in the hole 404 of the ridge board 403. The base plate 411 has two curved wing sections 418 extending from opposite sides of the center plane section 412, which are angled to remain flat against the roof sheathing panels 401, 402.

[0103] As previously described, the base plate 411 will be attached to the roof sheathing panels 401, 402 via fastening screws 420 received through holes 415 in the curved wing sections 417. Flashing and adhesive materials (not shown) as used in other embodiments may be used in a similar manner as before.

[0104] Optionally, the cylindrical post 416 may be smooth or externally threaded, as shown in the above embodiment, and also have an internally threaded central hole 417, wherein the threaded lower section 83 of the lightning rod 80 can be threadedly received so that its upper pointed section 82 preferably protrudes upward from the highest point of the roof. In applications similar to this, the grounding cable 90 is typically laid along the ridge to be connected to a plurality of spaced apart lightning rods 82 (not shown) also via clamps 89 or the like.

[0105] Fig.13 A tenth embodiment of the anchor assembly of the present invention is shown, which is used to fix a lightning rod 80 to a roof sheathing 21ʹ covered by a membrane 32. This embodiment adopts Figure 8a to Figure 8e Any type of small screw anchor of the type shown. In this example, use Figure 8d A grub screw anchor 110 of the type shown has a base plate or washer 111 having an upper surface 112, an opposing lower surface 113, and a central opening 114 extending therethrough.

[0106] like Fig.13 As further shown, the lower surface 113 of the bottom plate 111 is attached to the roof membrane 27 via a sealant 38 such as a waterproofing filler, and the roof membrane 27 is also attached to the typical plywood roof sheathing 21 'in an adhesive manner. The threaded lower end 83 of the lightning rod 80 is inserted through the blind hole 117 and is threadedly received in the blind hole 117 so that the C-shaped clamp 89 holding the cable 90 is tightly buckled between the ring 84 and the upper surface 112 of the bottom plate 111.

[0107] Fig.14A small flat head anchor 110 is shown mounted on the roof 21', but is alternatively used to support a length of ground cable 90 along the roof 21' via a ground cable clamp 89. The anchor 110 clamps the C-shaped 89 cable via a bolt 26 that is receivable through an opening 87 in the clamp arm 88 and is threadably receivable in a threaded hole 117 such that when the bolt 26 is fully received in the threaded hole 117 of the anchor 116, the clamp 89 is clamped between the bolt head 26 and an upper surface 112 of a base plate 111 of the anchor 110. As can be appreciated, a plurality of spaced apart small flat head anchors 110 can be utilized with a plurality of cable clamps 89 to attach a length of cable 90 on and along a roof or wall or other structure.

[0108] Fig.15 An eleventh embodiment of the anchor assembly of the present invention is shown, wherein the anchor assembly utilizes Figure 8h to Figure 8j The hexagonal nut screw anchor assembly 210 is provided with an external hexagonal nut 250 formed on a first surface 212 of the base plate 211. Preferably, the external hexagonal nut 250 is integrally formed with the base plate 211 as a one-piece component. However, the hexagonal nut 250 may be welded or otherwise attached to the base plate 211. The external hexagonal nut 250 includes an internally threaded central through hole 252 that is axially aligned with the central hole 217 of the shaft 216 and the opening 214 of the base plate 211, as shown in FIG. Figure 8i Although the miniature raised anchor 210 is illustrated and described as having a hexagonal shape as a nut 250, other shapes are possible and are contemplated by the present invention.

[0109] The axial alignment holes 87, 214 and 217 are configured and sized to progressively receive the threaded lower end 83 of the lightning rod 80 so as to secure the lightning rod 80 to the anchor 210 and, therefore, to the roof 21 covered by the membrane 27. In addition, the adhesive layer 38 is preferably provided on the underside surface 213 of the base plate 210. In addition, the lightning rod 80 is also provided with a fixing collar 84 for pressing and fixing against a C-shaped clamp 89 for holding the grounding cable 90 against the top of the hexagonal head 250 when fully installed.

[0110] Fig.16The small raised anchor 210 is shown mounted on the roof 21ʹ, but the small raised anchor 110 is used instead to support a length of ground cable 90 along the roof via a ground cable C-shaped clamp 89. The anchor 210 clamps the cable 90 via a bolt 26 whose threaded shaft 86 is receivable through the alignment holes 87, 214 and 217 so that when the bolt 26 is fully received in the threaded hole 217 of the anchor 210, the clamp 89 is clamped between the end of the bolt 26 and the upper surface of the base plate 211. Here again, a plurality of spaced apart small raised anchors 110 can be used to attach a length of cable 90 via a plurality of cable clamps 89 on and along a roof, wall or other structure leading to the ground.

[0111] Now turn to Figure 17a to Figure 17c arrive Figure 20a to Figure 20c , several more examples of various types of double-column anchors embodying the present invention are shown. Figures 17a to 17c , the anchor assembly 510 has a dual post 516 consisting of an externally threaded cylindrical upper post 518 and an externally threaded cylindrical lower post 519, wherein each of the two posts is securely fastened to the base plate 511 via its central through hole (not shown), but as shown in the previous embodiment.

[0112] In addition, the second surface 513 of the circular disk-shaped base plate 516 is optionally provided with a circular groove or slot 521 for receiving an adhesive or waterproofing filler (not shown) that would normally be applied between the second surface 513 of the base plate 511 and the supporting roof or membrane on which the anchor 510 is supported. In this embodiment, the upper column 518 has a larger diameter than the lower column 519.

[0113] Other embodiments of Figures 18 to 20 have the following features: Figure 18a to Figure 18c Many of the same components are shown, and components in each of the four embodiments are provided with the same reference numerals where applicable, except that they are preceded by reference numerals 5, 6, 7, 8, respectively, to distinguish the four embodiments shown. They also have the same features as above with respect to Figures 17a to 17c The same general structure and arrangement are illustrated and described, so only the differences between these different double columns will be described below.

[0114] More specifically, Figure 18a to Figure 18c Show Figure 17a to Figure 17c A variation of the dual post anchor is shown in which an added feature, namely an Allen key opening 645, is provided in the blind bore 618 of the upper opening 618 to facilitate turning the anchor when inserting or removing it. Figure 19a to Figure 19c Show Figure 18a to Figure 18cAnother version of a dual post anchor is shown in which the upper post 718 is also provided with a centrally located axially extending blind hole 717 below the hexagonal wrench opening 745 . Figure 20a to Figure 20c Show Figure 19a to Figure 19c Another modification of the double column anchor is shown, in which the bottom column 819 is also provided with a centrally disposed axially extending blind hole 820 opening at the lower end. In addition, in this embodiment, the cylindrical upper and lower columns 818, 819 have the same diameter, respectively. It should also be noted that Figure 17a to Figure 17c arrive Figure 20a to Figure 20c The double post embodiment of the can have a smooth post for situations where it is not possible to bolt the lower post from under the roof.

[0115] Now turn to Fig.21a and Figure 21b , the figure shows how to use the combination Figure 8d 19 to mount an L-shaped solar bracket 630 to a tile roof having a top tile 640 and a bottom tile 650 mounted on a roof bottom plate 21ʹ covered by a rubber membrane 32. Fig.21a As best seen in the exploded view of FIG. 6 , the double post anchor flange 610 is disposed above the roof tile panel 640, and the flat head screw anchor 110 is disposed below the roof tile panel 640. The waterproof packing ring 38 is then disposed between the lower surface 613 of the anchor base plate 611 and the upper surface 112 of the flat head anchor 110 to better adhere the lower surface of the anchor base plate 611 to the roof tile panel 640 when the lower post 619 is screwed and inserted into the blind hole 117 of the flat head anchor 110, as shown in FIG. Figure 21b The grub screw anchor 110 is then threaded to the roof membrane 32 and the roof base 21', and once thread insertion is complete, the lower anchor base surface 113 will abut the upper surface of the base tile 650 with the flashing ring 38 interposed therebetween. As previously mentioned, the flashing groove 621 on the underside 613 of the anchor base 611 serves to better retain the flashing within its groove 621 to ensure a better flashing bond with the base tile 650.

[0116] In addition, if Figure 21bAs shown, the L-shaped solar bracket support 630 has a hole 625 extending through its lower leg, which allows the bracket 630 to be received on the upper cylindrical threaded post 618 of the double post anchor base plate 610. In turn, the L-shaped solar bracket support 630 is positioned to abut the upper surface 611 of the anchor base plate 610 and is retained against the upper surface 611 by the nut 26 and washer 27 positioned on the upper side of the lower leg of the L-shaped bracket 630. This embodiment is particularly advantageous because the flat head screw anchor 110 is mounted on the roof so that its base plate 611 is actually locked between the top tile plate 640 and the bottom tile plate 650, and this provides a particularly strong and rigid anchor for supporting an L-shaped solar bracket 630 that can be easily fastened to the flat head screw anchor 110 by means of the double post anchor assembly 610, wherein the lower post 619 is received in the internal threaded hole 117 of the flat head anchor 110 and the washer 27 and nut 26 are received on the upper post 618 above the L-shaped support 630 to securely fasten the upper post 618 to the flat head anchor 110.

[0117] This embodiment is particularly useful for preventing damage to the upper roof tile 640, especially if it is made of fragile ceramic or clay tiles. More specifically, the upper roof tile 640 is sandwiched between the upper face 112 of the anchor base plate 111 and the lower surface 613 of the anchor base plate 610 of the double post anchor assembly 610 by screwing the lower post 619 into the blind hole of the screw anchor 110 until it abuts the upper roof tile 640 in a snug manner but without sufficient or excessive force that could fracture or damage the clay tile. Subsequently, when a solar panel or other bulky accessory is attached to the L-shaped bracket 630, the load is directly transmitted to the post 619 in the screw anchor blind hole 117, and the anchor base plate 611 acts as a shield or barrier in a stable and fixed position above the roof tile 640 to prevent any fracture or damage. In fact, when the anchor base plate 611 and the screw anchor base plate 111 are joined together by the threaded gap with a fixed gap sandwiching the roof tile 640 therebetween, the stable position of the anchor base plate 611 and the screw anchor base plate 111 separates the roof tile sandwiched therebetween from any load borne on the L-shaped bracket 630, the double post anchor 610 and the flat head screw anchor 110.

[0118] Fig.22a and Figure 22b Exploded and fully installed views of an example of how a double post anchor assembly 810 may be used to similarly install a lightning rod 80 having a threaded lower section 83 and a collar 84. Fig.22a, the double post anchor assembly 810 is positioned above the flashing fill ring 28, which in turn is positioned above the roof membrane 32 and the roof 21ʹ. The C-clamp member 89 and cable 90 are positioned below the roof 21ʹ with the washer 41 and nut 39 thereunder. The lower post 819 of the double post anchor 810 will be inserted through the flashing fill ring 28 and the penetration holes in the roof membrane 32 and the roof 21ʹ. The C-clamp 89 via the penetration hole 87 in its leg 88 will be positioned on the lower end of the post 819, and the washer 41 and nut 39 will be threaded onto the lower post 819 and tightened as required. The Allen wrench opening 845 can also be used to tighten or loosen the threaded engagement of the lower post 819 with the washer 41 and nut 39.

[0119] like Figure 22b As best shown in FIG. 1 , the threaded lower end 83 of the lightning rod 80 will then be screwed into the blind hole 817 of the upper post 818, thereby mounting the lightning rod 80 on the roof 21 'and electrically connecting it to the clamped ground cable 90. On the other hand, if it is desired to space the ground cable 90 from the bottom of the roof 21 ', a threaded extension rod (not shown) can be screwed into the blind hole 820 of the lower post 819, on which a pair of nuts and washers can be mounted to sandwich the clamp cable 89, and in turn the ground cable 90, therebetween, thereby being spaced from the roof 21 '. The externally threaded lower post 819 and its threaded extension rod or internally threaded hole 820 can also be used to secure or hold other accessory items.

[0120] Fig.23 9 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a sixteenth embodiment of an anchor platform assembly 910 of the present invention. Therein, the anchor base plate 911 is preferably welded to a double cylindrical column 916 via welds 96, the double cylindrical column 916 having an externally threaded cylindrical upper column 918, the externally threaded cylindrical upper column 918 being integrally disposed above the base plate 911 but having its lower end extending through a hole 914 in the base plate 916 so that its lower end is flush with the second surface 913 of the base plate 911. The double column 916 also has an externally threaded cylindrical lower column 919, the upper end of which is attached to the lower end of the upper column 918 and the lower end is intended to extend below the anchor seat 911 and the roof 21ʹ (not shown). As shown, the double columns 918, 919 are preferably prefabricated as a single piece and preferably include columns of different diameters. This is typically accomplished by starting with a metallic cylindrical rod of the diameter of the largest intended diameter of the twin columns (in this case, column 919), and turning the upper portion of the rod of column 918 of the same intended length on a lathe or the like to reduce the diameter of the upper portion so that it matches the intended diameter of the lower column 919. Thus, the smaller diameter section or column 918 forms a neck where it merges with the top end of the larger diameter column 919, with the neck abutting the bottom surface of the anchor base plate 913 at the bottom of the through-hole 914.

[0121] like Fig.23 For example, the cylindrical lower post 919 has a larger diameter than the upper post 918. The double post 916 is connected via the through hole 914 to an externally threaded post with a reduced neck section 35, 135 in some of the previous embodiments (such as, Figure 7b ) is joined to the anchor base plate 911 in the same manner as described above. More specifically, the one-piece double post 916, consisting of an upper post 918 and a lower post 919, forms at its connection point a reduced or narrowed neck section of slightly smaller diameter than the through hole 914 in the base plate 911, while the lower post 919 has a larger diameter so that its top end acts as a "shoulder" that reaches the "neck portion" and butts against the second surface 913 of the base plate 911. Thus, here again, this configuration forms a strong, rigid joint, and easily replicated and precise 90° alignment of the base plate 911 and the double post 916.

[0122] like Fig.23 As further shown, the lightning rod 80 having a pointed shaft 82 is attached to a lower internally threaded nut 85, which in turn is threadedly fixed to an externally threaded upper post 918. Here again, the clamp 89 is used to clamp the grounding cable 90 and can be received on the threaded lower post 919 and retained on the threaded lower post 919 by the nut 39 and the washer 41 against the lower surface of the roof 21 '(not shown). When fully installed on a support structure (such as a roof 21 ', as shown Fig.10a and Fig.10b When mounted on a 240-degree angle plate (as shown), it may also be installed with flashing materials, fasteners and / or adhesives as described above in this document.

[0123] Although the above specifically describes and exemplifies the use of the anchor plate and screw anchor assemblies shown for use with glass handrails, lightning rods, grounding cables, and L-brackets for solar panels, they may also be used to anchor and support a wide variety of other objects to a supporting structure, such as a roof or other building accessories, for example, antennas, TV satellite dishes, HVAC units, and the like.

[0124] As in Figure 4aIt is briefly mentioned in the discussion of that it is essential to use cylindrical mechanical fasteners with "straight" threads to mount objects to support structures via the internally threaded cylindrical blind holes of the various embodiments described herein. More specifically, this type of mechanical fastener has a so-called "straight" thread, i.e., a bolt with a head and a headless cylindrical threaded shaft and a cylindrical rod-shaped stud. This is different from a "tapered" screw with a so-called "tapered" thread. The use of such cylindrical bolt or stud fasteners with straight threads ensures a strong joint, and accommodates the diversity of fasteners of varying lengths and widths to achieve various degrees of retention via threaded reception in the internally threaded cylindrical blind hole of the column that also has straight edges. In contrast, the mechanical fastener used to attach the anchor base plate to the support via the auxiliary hole 15 can generally be of any type, including a screw with a "tapered" thread.

[0125] As can also be appreciated from the above, the shape and number of anchor base plates, the shape, type and number of posts, whether with external threads or smooth, the use of unthreaded perforations, blind holes and their placement can also be modified depending on the specific details of the particular application, such as the nature, size and material of the roof or other building support structure, such as metal, wood or some other composite. For example, the preferred range of length or height of the posts can be anywhere between 0 inches (flush) to 18 inches. Similarly, the type of fasteners, membrane flashing materials and sealants contemplated will also be selected to be compatible with the roof or building structure. In addition, the components of the various embodiments can be substituted for one another where appropriate.

[0126] Additionally, although in addition to the raised hex head screw anchor, the screw anchor preferably employs a screw slot or an Allen wrench opening to allow the anchor to be secured to or removed from the support structure by a flat head screwdriver or an Allen wrench opening, other means such as a star drill bit may alternatively be used to assist the user in screwing the anchor into and / or removing it from the building support.

[0127] It should also be noted that the sizes of the various parts and components may vary as desired or preferred. For example, the upper and lower posts of a cylindrical double post typically have a diameter, and preferably range from 1 / 8" to 2". For example, one post may have a width of ½", while the other post may have a width of ¾", or both posts may have the same width. Of course, the diameters of the upper and lower sections may be larger or smaller relative to each other as desired. Preferably, the nut is preferably between ½" and 3", but a typical standard size may be ¾". The thickness of the base plate may vary as desired, for example, preferably between 1 / 16" and 1", but preferably ¼". Bolts with attached nuts, or bolts with separate nuts are capable of use and are used interchangeably herein. In a preferred embodiment, the post has an outer diameter of ½", and its internal hole has a diameter of 3 / 8". The screw anchor may have a width or thickness of approximately 1 / 16", and a diameter of approximately 1½". However, as mentioned above, the dimensions of the base plate flange and holes may vary, and the length of the posts and their internal holes may also vary.

[0128] The materials of the components of the anchor assembly, such as the base plate and the post, may also be made of a variety of materials, including, for example, metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, bronze, copper, plastics, or composite materials. In addition, preferably, the base plate and its post and the screw anchor and its flange are integrally formed as a one-piece component. However, it is understood that the post may be fixed to the base plate via welding or other means.

[0129] Therefore, although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described, it is not intended that the present invention be limited thereto, as it is intended that the present invention be as broad in scope as the prior art and that the description be construed in the same manner. Therefore, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An anchor platform assembly for anchoring an object to a structure, characterized in that include: an anchor base plate having a first generally planar surface and a second surface, an elongated post coupled to the base plate and projecting outwardly from the second surface thereof, the post having a first end secured to the anchor base plate and a second free end, and an at least partially threaded cylindrical blind hole extending from the first surface of the anchor base plate into the post, wherein the second surface of the anchor base plate is configured to allow the structure to remain generally flush against the second surface except for an area of ​​the second surface covered by the post; as well as means for fastening an object to the anchor base via the blind hole, the means comprising a cylindrical mechanical fastener having straight threads, the mechanical fastener comprising a bolt having an enlarged head and a shank having the straight threads; wherein the anchor base has an unthreaded through-hole merging with the blind hole, and the post has a reduced diameter neck portion adjacent a first end thereof, the neck portion being configured and dimensioned to be received within the unthreaded through-hole.

2. The anchor platform assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: Further included is a means for securing the anchor base plate to a structure, wherein the second surface of the anchor platform assembly remains substantially flush against the structure except for the area of ​​the second surface covered by the post.

3. The anchor platform assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The anchor base plate is rectangular, the blind hole is generally centrally disposed in the anchor base plate, and wherein the anchor base plate has a plurality of spaced-apart auxiliary through-holes spaced apart from the blind hole.

4. The anchor platform assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: A plurality of mechanical fastening members are included, each receivable through one of the secondary apertures for use in fastening the anchor base plate to the structure.

5. The anchor platform assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The post is cylindrical.

6. The anchor platform assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The post is at least partially externally threaded.

7. The anchor platform assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: Further included is a nut receivable on the external threads of the post for securing the anchor platform assembly to the structure from below.

8. The anchor platform assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The anchor base plate is made of stainless steel.

9. The anchor platform assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The post is at least partially externally threaded.

10. The anchor platform assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that: The anchor base plate is made of stainless steel.

11. The anchor platform assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The invention further comprises an object support member having an object support member bottom wall and an object support member bottom wall hole formed through the object support member bottom wall, wherein the object support member bottom wall hole is positionable on the anchor base plate so that the object support member bottom wall hole is aligned with the blind hole to allow the bolt to be inserted through the object support member bottom wall hole and enter the blind hole so as to fasten the object support member to the anchor base plate.

12. The anchor platform assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: Further included is an elongated and U-shaped object support member for an object, the object support member having a generally planar object support member bottom wall and a pair of upright spaced-apart object support member side walls, each of the object support member side walls being joined to an opposite end of the object support member bottom wall, the object support member side walls and the object support member bottom wall jointly defining a groove having an open end into which an object can be inserted.

13. The anchor platform assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that: The object support member further comprises: a pair of subject support member side walls, each of the subject support member side walls being joined to opposite ends of the subject support member bottom wall and each of the subject support member side walls having a subject support member side wall through-hole extending therethrough, a support stand, the support stand comprising a support stand plane base and a support stand upright tubular body member joined to the support stand plane base, the support stand plane base having a support stand plane base through-hole formed therethrough, the support stand plane base through-hole being alignable with the blind hole of the anchor base plate to allow the bolt to be inserted through the support stand plane base through-hole into the blind hole so as to fasten the support stand plane base of the support stand to the anchor base plate, and the support stand upright tubular body member having opposing support stand upright tubular body member side walls, each of the support stand upright tubular body member side walls having a support stand upright tubular body member side wall through-hole aligned with the support stand upright tubular body member side wall through-hole in the opposing support stand upright tubular body member side wall; as well as means for mechanically securing the subject support member to the support frame via at least one of the support frame upright tubular body member sidewall penetrations and at least one of the subject support member sidewall penetrations; and wherein the support stand is mechanically fastened to the anchor base plate via the support stand planar base through-holes and mechanically fastened to the blind holes of the anchor base plate via the bolts.

14. An anchor platform assembly for anchoring an object to a structure, characterized in that include: an anchor base plate having a first generally planar surface and a second surface, an elongated post coupled to the base plate and projecting outwardly from the second surface thereof, the post having a first end secured to the anchor base plate and a second free end, and an at least partially threaded cylindrical blind hole extending from the first surface of the anchor base plate into the post, wherein the second surface of the anchor base plate is configured to allow the structure to remain generally flush against the second surface except for an area of ​​the second surface covered by the post; means for fastening an object to the anchor base via the blind hole, the means comprising a cylindrical mechanical fastener having straight threads; and As the lightning rod of the object, the lightning rod has a lower end, and the device for fastening the object is provided on the lower end, and the lower end can be received in the blind hole by a thread.

15. The assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that It further includes an enlarged collar, which is arranged on the lightning rod above the lower end.

16. The assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that The anchor base plate is curved to allow it to be installed on a pitched roof.

17. The assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that The anchor base has a planar central portion through which the blind hole extends, and a pair of downwardly extending wings joined to and extending from opposite sides of the planar central portion.

18. An anchor platform assembly for anchoring an object to a structure, characterized in that include: an anchor base plate having a first and a second generally planar surface, an elongated post coupled to the base plate and projecting outwardly from the second surface thereof, the post having a first end fixed to the anchor base plate and a second free end, and an at least partially threaded cylindrical blind hole extending from the first surface of the anchor base plate into the post, wherein the second surface of the anchor base plate is configured to allow the structure to remain generally flush against the second surface except for an area of ​​the second surface covered by the post; wherein the post is cylindrical and at least partially externally threaded; means for fastening an object to the anchor base via the blind hole, the means comprising a cylindrical mechanical fastener having straight threads; and A clamp for a grounding cable is threadably receivable on the external threads of the post.

19. The assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The post includes an at least partially threaded screw.

20. The assembly according to claim 19, characterized in that The anchor base includes a flange.

21. The assembly according to claim 20, characterized in that The flange is a generally circular planar flange.

22. An anchor platform assembly for anchoring an object to a structure, characterized in that include: an anchor base plate having a generally circular planar flange with a first surface and a second surface, an elongated post having an at least partially threaded screw coupled to the base plate and projecting outwardly from the second surface thereof, the post having a first end secured to the anchor base plate and a second free end, and an at least partially threaded cylindrical blind hole extending from the first surface of the anchor base plate into the post, wherein the second surface of the anchor base plate is configured to allow the structure to remain generally flush against the second surface except for an area of ​​the second surface covered by the post; means for fastening an object to the anchor base via the blind hole, the means comprising a cylindrical mechanical fastener having straight threads; as well as A nut having a polygonal shape with a perforation is attached to the first surface of the base plate wherein its perforation is axially aligned and aligned with the blind hole of the base plate.

23. The anchor platform assembly according to claim 22, characterized in that: The polygonal shaped nut is a hexagonal shaped nut.

24. The assembly according to claim 19, characterized in that The screw has an upper tubular neck portion having a through hole with an open top end and an open bottom end, and wherein the open bottom end thereof merges with the threaded hole in the lower externally threaded shaft portion, the open top end and the open bottom end together defining the at least partially threaded blind hole of the column.

25. The assembly according to claim 24, characterized in that The through-hole of the neck portion is at least partially threaded.

26. The assembly according to claim 24, characterized in that The blind hole has a longitudinally extending axis, and the assembly further includes means for rotating the anchor about the axis of the blind hole.

27. An anchor platform assembly for anchoring an object to a structure, characterized in that include: an anchor base plate having a first and a second generally planar surface, an elongated post having an at least partially threaded screw coupled to the base plate and projecting outwardly from the second surface thereof, the post having a first end secured to the anchor base plate and a second free end, and an at least partially threaded cylindrical blind hole extending from the first surface of the anchor base plate into the post, wherein the second surface of the anchor base plate is configured to allow the structure to remain generally flush against the second surface except for an area of ​​the second surface covered by the post; as well as means for fastening an object to the anchor base via the blind hole, the means comprising a cylindrical mechanical fastener having straight threads; in The screw has an upper tubular neck portion having a through hole with an open top end and an open bottom end, and wherein the open bottom end thereof merges with a threaded hole in a lower externally threaded shaft portion, the open top end and the open bottom end together defining the at least partially threaded blind hole of the post; The blind hole has a longitudinally extending axis, and the assembly further includes means for rotating the anchor about the axis of the blind hole; as well as The means for rotating includes a port formed adjacent to and within the open top end of the upper tubular neck portion, the port being configured and dimensioned to receive a tool for rotating the anchor into a support structure.

28. The assembly according to claim 27, characterized in that The port is configured and sized as a flat head screw slot.

29. The assembly according to claim 27, characterized in that The opening is configured and sized as an Allen key opening.

30. The assembly according to claim 19, characterized in that The mechanical fastener includes a bolt having an enlarged head and a threaded shaft having the straight thread.

31. The assembly according to claim 27, characterized in that Further included is means for securing the anchor base plate to a support structure, wherein the second surface thereof remains generally flush against at least a portion of the support structure, except for an area of ​​the second surface covered by the post.

32. An anchor platform assembly for anchoring an object to a structure, characterized in that include: an anchor base plate having a first and a second generally planar surface, an elongated post having an at least partially threaded screw coupled to the base plate and projecting outwardly from the second surface thereof, the post having a first end secured to the anchor base plate and a second free end, and an at least partially threaded cylindrical blind hole extending from the first surface of the anchor base plate into the post, wherein the second surface of the anchor base plate is configured to allow the structure to remain generally flush against the second surface except for an area of ​​the second surface covered by the post; as well as means for fastening an object to the anchor base via the blind hole, the means comprising a cylindrical mechanical fastener having straight threads; and As the lightning rod of the object, the lightning rod has a lower end, and the device for fastening the object is arranged on the lower end, and the lower end can be received in the blind hole by a thread.

33. The assembly according to claim 32, characterized in that It further includes an enlarged collar, which is arranged in the lightning rod above the lower end thereof.

34. The assembly according to claim 33, characterized in that A clamp for a grounding cable is further included, and the clamp can be received under the enlarged collar through a thread at the lower end on the lightning rod.

35. The assembly of claim 32, wherein: Further included is a clamp for a grounding cable serving as the object, and the clamp can be received on the lower end of the lightning rod.

36. The assembly according to claim 35, characterized in that The anchor base includes a flange.

37. The assembly according to claim 36, characterized in that The flange is a generally circular planar flange.

38. The assembly according to claim 37, characterized in that A nut having a polygonal shape with a perforation is attached to the first surface of the base plate, wherein its perforation is axially aligned and aligned with the blind hole of the base plate.

39. The anchor platform assembly of claim 38, wherein: The polygonal shaped nut is a hexagonal shaped nut.

40. The assembly of claim 37, wherein: Further comprising an elongated tubular neck portion having a through hole with an open top end and an open bottom end, and wherein the open bottom end thereof is attached to the first surface of the anchoring base plate, wherein the through hole thereof is axially aligned and aligned with the blind hole of the base plate.

41. The assembly according to claim 40, characterized in that The through-hole of the neck portion is at least partially threaded.

42. The assembly according to claim 40, characterized in that The blind hole has a longitudinally extending axis, and the assembly further includes means for rotating the anchor about the axis of the blind hole.

43. The assembly according to claim 42, characterized in that The means for rotating includes a port formed adjacent and within the open end of the elongated neck portion, the port being configured and dimensioned to receive a tool for rotating the anchor into a support structure.

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