Anchor platform assembly for anchoring object to structure

Abstract

An anchor platform assembly for anchoring an object to a structure includes an anchor floor having a generally planar first surface and a second surface; and an elongated post coupled to the base plate and protruding outwardly from the first surface thereof. The column has a first end fastened to the anchor floor, a second free end, and an at least partially threaded cylindrical blind bore extending from the first surface of the anchor floor into the column, wherein the second surface of the anchor floor is configured to allow the structure to remain substantially flush against the second surface other than an area covered by the column. A cylindrical mechanical fastener having a straight thread is used to fasten an object to the anchor floor via the blind hole. A double column anchor assembly is also disclosed.

Description

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

[0002] An anchor platform assembly for anchoring and installing objects to a support structure, particularly useful in the construction industry, for anchoring and installing roof appendages to roofs and other elevated, flat, and pitched structures, patios, balconies, etc. (such as, for example, railings, solar panels, lightning rods), while providing a strong, robust, and watertight connection. Background Art

[0003] Various methods are known for installing roof equipment, appendages, etc. attached to sloped or flat roofs, building patios, roof decks, etc. and providing waterproofing. In the roofing industry, many problems are caused by water infiltration at the attachment points of equipment, particularly when flashing is not incorporated and / or only sealants are relied upon. 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, etc. Currently, more and more heavy roof structures are being installed on roofs, such as, for example, solar panels, satellite dishes, HVAC equipment, etc.

[0004] Particularly for roof decks, balconies, patios, etc., glass walls and / or railings are installed to avoid view obstruction, such as that which occurs in the case of wooden, wire, or metal fences. These generally heavy structures must also be anchored to the roof structure. However, because of the loads they generate and the way they are typically installed using bolted-through-roof anchors, they form "pipelines" for water to penetrate through the roof, although adhesives or glues are typically used to seal the pipelines in an attempt to prevent such water penetration.

[0005] In fact, over time, due to normal repetitive roof movement or displacement caused, for example, by settlement, temperature changes, and / or strong winds, these heavy structures cause cracks in the adhesives or glues used, and result in eventual roof leaks. As a result, it is difficult for installers to provide warranties or obtain insurance against water or moisture damage caused by such conventional anchoring and installation systems.

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

[0007] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel anchor platform assembly that can be used for a wide variety of applications, particularly for anchoring devices and / or roof appendages to a roof, etc., which can accommodate heavy loads at the attachment points of the devices and / or roof appendages and provide waterproof protection.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide such a novel anchor platform assembly that is relatively simple in design and construction, easy to install and relatively low in manufacturing cost.

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

[0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a novel anchor platform assembly that is more reliable than prior art systems in providing a waterproof connection at the device attachment or appendage point.

[0011] A more specific object of the present invention is to provide such a novel anchor platform assembly that is generally applicable to anchoring and mounting a wide variety of objects to a support structure, such as, for example, a roof appendage, particularly including 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, comprising: an anchor base plate having a generally planar first surface and a second surface, an elongate 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 a cylindrical blind hole at least partially threaded 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 be held generally flush against the second surface, except for the area covered by the post; and means for fastening the object to the anchor base plate via the blind hole, the means including a cylindrical mechanical fastener having a straight thread.

[0013] Preferably, the assembly further includes means for fastening the anchor base plate to the structure, wherein the second surface is held generally flush against the structure, except for the area covered by the post.

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

[0015] Most advantageously, the threaded bolt has an enlarged head and a threaded shank with the straight threads. 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 a non-threaded through-hole that merges with the blind hole, and the post has a neck portion of reduced diameter adjacent its first end, the neck portion being configured and sized to be received within the non-threaded through-hole.

[0016] Preferably, the anchor platform assembly further includes an object support member having a bottom wall and a hole formed therethrough, the hole capable of being positioned on the anchor base plate such that the bottom wall hole is aligned with the threaded blind hole. Advantageously, the assembly further includes an elongated and U-shaped object support member for the object, the object support member having a generally planar bottom wall, a support bracket 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 that is capable of being aligned with the blind hole of the anchor base plate, and the tubular body member has opposing side walls, each side wall having a through-hole aligned with the through-hole in the opposing side wall. The assembly further includes: an object support member having at least one bottom wall through which a through-hole extends; means for mechanically fastening the object support member to the support bracket via the side wall through-holes of the support bracket and the wall of the object support bracket; and means for mechanically fastening the support bracket to the anchor base plate via the through-hole of its bottom wall and the threaded blind hole of the anchor base plate.

[0017] In another embodiment of the present invention, the assembly further includes a lightning rod as the object, and the lightning rod has a lower end, and the means for fastening the object is provided on the lower end, and the lower end can be received in the blind hole by threading. Advantageously, an expansion collar is provided on the lightning rod above its lower end. Alternatively, the lightning rod has a lower end, and a nut is coupled to the lower end, and the nut can be received in the external threaded post by threading.

[0018] Most advantageously, the anchor plate is bent to allow its installation on a pitched roof. Advantageously, the anchor plate has a planar central portion through which the blind hole extends, and a pair of downwardly extending wings that engage and extend from opposite sides of the planar central portion. Preferably, the assembly further includes a clamp for a grounding cable, and wherein the clamp can be received in the external threaded post by threading. In another embodiment of the present invention, the post includes a screw that is at least partially threaded, and the anchor plate includes a flange. Advantageously, the flange is a generally circular planar flange. Most advantageously, a nut having a perforated polygonal shape is attached to the top surface of the base plate, wherein its perforation is axially aligned and in line with the blind hole of the base plate. Most advantageously, the nut having a polygonal shape is a hexagonal nut.

[0019] Most advantageously, the screw has an upper tubular neck portion, the upper tubular neck portion has a perforation with an open top end and an open bottom end, and wherein its bottom open end merges with a threaded hole in the lower external threaded shaft portion, and the two together define the at least partially threaded blind hole of the post. Optimally, the perforation of the neck portion is at least partially threaded.

[0020] In a further preferred embodiment, 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. The means for rotation preferably includes a mouth formed adjacent and within the open top end of the blind hole in the post or screw, and the mouth is configured and sized to receive a tool for rotating the anchor into the support structure. The mouth can be configured and sized as a flat head screw slot or an Allen wrench socket.

[0021] The component preferably includes a lightning rod as the object, and 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 threading. Advantageously, an expansion collar is provided on the lightning rod above its lower end. Advantageously, a clamp for a grounding cable, and the clamp can be received by threading on the lower end of the lightning rod below the expansion collar of the component. Alternatively, a clamp for a grounding cable is provided, the clamp serves as the object, and the clamp can be received on the lower end or the external threaded post of the lightning rod.

[0022] An anchor platform assembly for anchoring an object to a structure can also achieve some of the related objectives, and it includes: an anchor base plate, the anchor base plate having a generally planar first surface and a second surface, two cylindrical columns, each cylindrical column having a first end fastened to the anchor base plate, wherein their first ends are fixed to each other, and wherein at least one of the columns extends into the perforation in the anchor base plate so that the two columns are axially aligned and aligned with the perforation of the anchor base plate and extend vertically outward from the anchor base plate, each column 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 covered by the columns; and a device for fastening an object to the anchor base plate via at least one of the columns, the device including a cylindrical mechanical fastener having a straight thread. Preferably, at least one or both of the columns are externally threaded. Advantageously, at least one column includes a cylindrical stud at least partially threaded with a straight edge. Advantageously, at least one of the columns has a cylindrical blind hole at least partially threaded, with an opening formed at its free second end.

[0023] Preferably, the component further includes a device for fastening an object to at least one of the columns. Advantageously, the component includes an L-shaped support for a solar panel having a hole, and the L-shaped support can be received on one of the externally threaded columns. A nut that can be received on one of the externally threaded columns can be provided to clamp the L-shaped support against the anchor base plate. Advantageously, the two columns have cylindrical blind holes at least partially threaded, with an opening formed in their free second ends. In a preferred embodiment, the two columns have different or the same diameters.

[0024] Advantageously, the anchor seat is formed with a groove on at least one of its sides for receiving an adhesive therein. Preferably, the groove is circular and spaced outward from the perforation in the anchor base plate. 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 invention. It is to be understood that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not to be construed as defining a limitation of the invention. In the drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 is a top and side perspective view of a first embodiment of an anchor base plate utilized in an anchor platform assembly for practicing the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a bottom and side perspective view 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 for practicing the present invention, the anchor platform assembly employing a plurality of spaced - apart anchor base plates arranged in sequence, the anchor base plates being mounted on a roof deck and having a plurality of spaced - apart elongated handrails anchored thereon, each having a U - shaped groove or shoe for supporting a pair of glass railings;

[0029] Figure 4a is an exploded cross - sectional view of the anchor platform assembly, including the anchor base plate in position relative to Figure 3 the U - shaped shoe shown and the roof deck, and also showing the roofing felt material, fasteners, and adhesives employed thereby;

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

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

[0032] Figure 5a is Figure 4a an exploded cross - sectional view of a second embodiment of an anchor platform assembly equivalent to

[0033] Figure 5b but showing an anchor base plate having an internally threaded post with a neck section of reduced width; Figure 4c is a cross - sectional view of a second embodiment of the present invention equivalent to

[0034] Figure 6a in a fully installed state but showing the use of an internally threaded post, the neck section of reduced width of which is seated in a central hole of the anchor base plate; Figure 4a andFigure 5a An exploded cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a corresponding anchor platform assembly, but showing an anchor base plate with an externally threaded post;

[0035] Figure 6b is with Figure 4c and Figure 5b A cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a corresponding anchor platform assembly in a fully installed state, but showing the externally threaded post of the anchor base plate fixed to the rooftop terrace from below via a nut and washer;

[0036] Figure 7a is similar to Figure 6b A cross-sectional view, but showing the accessory unit supporting the glass railing and its support shoe spaced apart above the rooftop terrace and offset from the central hole in the anchor base plate in a raised position;

[0037] Figure 7b A perspective view of the accessory unit of the anchor platform assembly that supports the rooftop accessory structure in an offset and raised arrangement relative to the anchor base plate and the rooftop terrace respectively;

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

[0039] Figure 8b is Figure 8a A side elevation view of a partial section of the flat head screw anchor assembly shown;

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

[0041] Figure 8d is with Figure 8b A side elevation view of a partial section of a flat head screw anchor assembly similar to, but showing an optional provision of a flat head screw blade;

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

[0043] Figure 8f is with Figure 8b A side elevation view of a partial section of a flat head screw anchor assembly similar to, but showing an optional provision of an Allen wrench socket;

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

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

[0046] Figure 8i is Figure 8h Side elevation view of a partial section of the hex head screw anchor assembly shown;

[0047] Figure 8j is Figure 8h Top plan view of a partial section of the hex head screw anchor assembly shown;

[0048] Figure 9a is with Figure 6a Corresponding exploded cross-sectional view of an anchor platform assembly according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, but showing its support for a lightning rod and cable, and also showing the use of roofing sheet material, fasteners, and adhesives employed thereby;

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

[0050] Figure 10a Exploded cross-sectional view for supporting a lightning rod according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, wherein the anchor base plate is positioned in an inverted state, wherein the threaded post extends above the anchor base plate rather than as shown Figure 9a and Figure 9b shown extending below the anchor base plate, and also showing the roofing sheet material, fasteners, and adhesives employed thereby;

[0051] Figure 10b is Figure 10a Cross-sectional view of the anchor platform assembly shown in a fully installed state;

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

[0053] Figure 12 Exploded cross-sectional view of an anchor platform assembly for supporting a lightning rod and clamping a grounding cable implementing the ninth embodiment of the present invention, the grounding cable being installed above the apex of a gabled roof along the apex of the gabled roof;

[0054] Figure 13 is implementing the tenth embodiment of the present invention Figures 8a to 8cExploded cross-sectional view of a flat head screw anchor assembly of the type shown, the flat head screw anchor assembly supporting a lightning rod and a grounding cable at the top of a roof;

[0055] Figure 14 is similar to Figure 13 but alternatively shows the use of a small flat head anchor to support a section of grounding cable, the grounding cable being supported by a clamp along the roof and attached above the roof via a threaded bolt that can be received in a threaded blind hole of the anchor;

[0056] Figure 15 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a raised hex head screw anchor assembly of the type shown in the eleventh embodiment of the present invention, showing the support of a lightning rod at the top of a roof; Figures 8h to 8j is similar to

[0057] Figure 16 but alternatively shows the use of Figure 15 the raised hex head screw anchor shown to support a section of grounding cable, the grounding cable being supported by a clamp along the top of the roof via a threaded bolt that can be received in a threaded blind hole of the anchor; Figures 8h to 8j is a side elevation view of a double column anchor base plate assembly having an externally threaded cylindrical upper column and an externally threaded cylindrical lower column according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention, the lower column having a diameter smaller than that of the upper column;

[0058] Figure 17a is

[0059] Figure 17b is the top plan view of the double column anchor base plate assembly shown in Figure 17a ;

[0060] Figure 17c is Figure 17a the bottom plan view of the double column anchor base plate assembly shown;

[0061] Figure 18a is a side elevation view of a double column anchor base plate assembly having an externally threaded cylindrical upper column and an externally threaded cylindrical lower column according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the above has an internal hexagon wrench socket and the lower column has a diameter smaller than that of the upper column;

[0062] Figure 18b is Figure 18a the top plan view of the double column anchor base plate assembly shown in

[0063] Figure 18c is Figure 18a the bottom plan view of the double column anchor base plate assembly shown;

[0064] Figure 19aIs a side elevation view of a double-column anchor base plate assembly having an externally threaded cylindrical upper column and an externally threaded cylindrical lower column according to the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the upper column has a threaded blind hole and the lower column has a diameter smaller than that of the upper column;

[0065] Figure 19b Is Figure 19a The top plan view of the double-column anchor base plate assembly shown;

[0066] Figure 19c Is Figure 19a The bottom plan view of the double-column anchor base plate assembly shown;

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

[0068] Figure 20b Is Figure 20a The top plan view of the double-column anchor base plate assembly shown;

[0069] Figure 20c Is Figure 20a The bottom plan view of the double-column anchor base plate assembly shown;

[0070] Figure 21a Is an exploded side elevation view of a partial section of an anchor base plate assembly that utilizes Figure 19a The double-column anchor base plate assembly of Figure 8d Both the flat-head mounting screw anchors of

[0071] Figure 21b Is Figure 21a The side elevation view of the anchor base plate assembly shown in the fully installed state;

[0072] Figure 22a Is an exploded side elevation view of a double-column anchor base plate assembly that utilizes Figure 20a The double-column anchor base plate assembly of

[0073] Figure 22b Is Figure 22a The side elevation view of the anchor base plate assembly shown in the fully installed state; and

[0074] Figure 23is an exploded cross-sectional view of an anchor platform assembly that supports a lightning rod and a grounding cable using the sixteenth embodiment of the present invention, where an anchor base plate is welded to an externally threaded double cylindrical column having an upper column extending above the base plate and a lower column extending below the base plate, where the lightning rod can be threadedly received on the upper column and the grounding cable is clamped to the lower column. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0075] Now turning specifically to the drawings, and in particular to Figures 1 to 7b , which illustrate a novel anchor platform assembly embodying the present invention, as more particularly described and shown in the applicant's above-mentioned U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 852,733 and Application No. US2019 / 018592, which applications are for anchoring an object to a support structure, and in particular for a wide range of anchoring applications generally adapted for many different uses.

[0076] In the drawings Figures 1 to 4c illustrates a first embodiment of the present invention, which embodiment includes a novel anchor platform assembly generally designated by the reference numeral 10 in the drawings and particularly designed for anchoring roof appendages to roofs and other elevated, flat, and / or pitched structures such as patios, balconies, stairways, and the like. The main component of the anchor platform assembly is an anchor base plate generally designated by the reference numeral 11 in the drawings, which base plate is preferably made of stainless steel (but may be made of other metals such as aluminum, bronze, etc.) and is preferably square or rectangular in shape and has a top surface 12 and a bottom surface 13. The anchor base plate 11 has an internally threaded central perforation 14 and six spaced peripheral perforations 15 that are radially outwardly located from the central hole 14 and are generally adjacent to the perimeter of the base plate 11. In this embodiment, the anchor base plate 11 also includes a preferably cylindrical rod or column 16 having an axially extending internally threaded hole 17 (see Figure 4b ), which internally threaded hole 17 has a top open end 18 and a closed bottom end 19 ( Figure 2 ), and the rod or column 16 is preferably fixed to the anchor base plate 11 by welding such that the top open end 18 of its hole 17 abuts and is aligned with the bottom open end of the central perforation 14 (see Figure 4b ).

[0077] As Figure 3As shown, the anchor plate 11 of the anchor platform assembly 10 is typically installed onto a roof structure (such as a roof deck 21, generally labeled) via mechanical fastening elements 20, preferably in the form of nails, bolts, or square head screws, where the cylindrical post 16 of the anchor plate 11 extends through the roof deck 21 and protrudes below the roof deck through the closed bottom end 19. The internal threads and alignment holes 14 and 17 serve as anchor points for the object to be installed onto 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 anchor plates 11, with two glass panels 22 and two shoes 24 at least partially installed thereon. In use, the length of such glass railings can be several hundred feet. As can be appreciated, depending on the length of each glass railing 22, each glass railing 22 may require two or more anchor plates 11, as Figure 3 shown.

[0078] As Figure 4a and Figure 4c best seen, the elongated U-shaped shoe 24 has a bottom wall 23 with a plurality of spaced perforations 25 (only one perforation is shown). As will be discussed in more detail below, using cylindrical mechanical fasteners with straight threads, such as threaded bolts 26 and washers 27, the bolts 26 can be received through the perforations 25 of the U-shaped shoe 24 and can be received within the internal threaded central hole 14 of the anchor plate 11 and the internal threaded blind hole 17 ( Figure 4c ) of the cylindrical post or rod 16, so as 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 anchor support point for the object to be installed onto the roof, and (2) to prevent moisture from penetrating into and below the roof deck 21 via the central hole 14 by means of the blind hole 17 and the closed bottom end 19 of the cylindrical rod 16.

[0079] Figure 4b Shown is the use of a square backing plate 28 having a central perforation 29 installed on top of the anchor plate 11 such that its central perforation 29 is positioned directly above and aligned with the internal blind hole 17 of the cylindrical post 16. The backing plate 28 is used to adjust the height of the shoe 24 so as to ensure proper alignment of adjacent shoes 24 and the glass railing 22 they support, taking into account height differences of the roof deck 21, etc. Of course, additional backing plates 28 can be used to achieve proper height alignment if needed.

[0080] As Figure 4a and Figure 4cAs shown, the central perforation 25 of the U-shaped groove or shoe member 24 contains steps that are sized and configured to receive and support the bolt end of bolt 26 and washer 27 on the steps such that the bolt end of bolt 26 is positioned below the top surface 30 of the lower bottom wall 23 of the U-shaped shoe member 24 so as not to be adjacent to the bottom edge of the glass railing 22, thereby making it impossible to fracture or damage.

[0081] Figure 4a and Figure 4c Respectively shown are an exploded cross-sectional view and a fully installed cross-sectional view of the anchor platform assembly 10, which includes preferably waterproof sheet materials, fasteners, adhesives, etc. for installing the glass railing to a rooftop terrace or patio, etc. As Figure 4a shown, the anchor base plate 11 is positioned above the rooftop terrace 21, which may have a wooden, metallic, or composite construction standard or conventional in the industry. The cylindrical post 16 of the anchor base plate 11 is intended to be inserted through the perforation 31 in the rooftop terrace 21 and the perforation 33 in the conventional rubber roof membrane 32, which is preferably made of neoprene and is preferably interposed between the anchor base plate 11 and the rooftop terrace 21. Similarly, the conventional rubber roof membrane 34, also preferably made of neoprene, is preferably positioned between the optional backing plate 28 and the top surface 12 of the anchor base plate 11 and is also provided with a central hole 36 to allow the bolt 26 to pass through the membrane 34. Additionally, a sealant, cement, waterproof filler, or adhesive layer 38 is shown, each of which will normally be applied to the bottom surface 13 of the anchor base plate 11 to adhesively bond and seal to the roof membrane 32.

[0082] Additionally, as Figure 4c shown, an adhesive, waterproof filler, cement, or glue 40 (and / or optionally, a clamp) is also applied to the inner surface of the U-shaped groove 24 to surround the lower end of the glass railing 22 received within the U-shaped metal groove 24. Additionally, as shown in the text, the anchor base plate membrane 34 extends over the entire anchor base plate 11, where its ends are sealed against the roof membrane 32, thereby sealing the screw holes and the remaining portion of the anchor base plate 11. As can be appreciated, these waterproof sheet materials and adhesives serve to provide waterproof protection for the assembly and prevent roof leaks.

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

[0084] Figure 5a and Figure 5b Shows a second embodiment of the anchor base plate assembly 10', and in a similar manner shows a sectional exploded view and a fully assembled sectional view of this second embodiment of the anchor platform assembly 10' respectively.

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

[0086] Figure 6a and Figure 6b Shows a third embodiment of the anchor base plate assembly 10", and in a similar manner shows a sectional exploded view and a fully assembled sectional view of this third embodiment of the anchor platform assembly. The components shown in this third embodiment are the same as those shown in Figure 5a and Figure 5b except that the lower part 37 of the cylindrical column 16" is externally threaded, but the other parts are the same as the cylindrical column 16'. In this embodiment, a nut 39 and a washer 41 are screwed onto the externally threaded surface 37 of the cylindrical column 16" such that in Figure 6bIn the fully assembled state shown, the nut 39 and washer 41 are tightened against the lower surface of the metal roof deck 21' to provide a more secure attachment point while preventing roof leakage 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 bracket 42 for the various anchor base assemblies shown herein is illustrated, which allows a user to support an object in a raised and spaced manner above the anchor base plate. The accessory support bracket 42 includes a square or rectangular planar base 44 preferably of metal and an upright square tubular body member preferably of metal, the upright square tubular body member being composed of four side walls 43 joined at one end by welding to the planar base 44. A drain 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 ), which can be aligned with the internal threaded hole 17' of the cylindrical post 16", and the shank of the bolt 26 can be received by threading into the internal threaded hole 17' to anchor the support bracket 42 to the anchor base plate 11". Formed in the opposite side walls 43 of the upright tubular body, in which threaded bolts 47 can be installed through the at least one set of horizontally aligned holes 46 to secure an object to one of the side walls 43 of the support bracket 42, as Figure 7b best shown. In this case, the U-shaped groove 24' has recessed perforations 25' in its side walls rather than in the bottom wall 23' of the U-shaped groove 24' as shown in the embodiment of Figure 1 FIG. 6. The bolt 47 is held in the recessed perforation 25' by the bolt head held against the stepped groove perforation 25', and at its opposite end (i.e., the free end of its threaded shaft extending through the side wall hole 46) the U-shaped groove 24' is fixed in a raised and elevated position relative to the anchor base plate 11" and the roof member 21' and offset from the central blind hole of the anchor base plate 11" by additional nuts 48 and washers 41.

[0088] Now turning specifically to Figures 8a to 8j , several embodiments of a novel screw anchor and fastener assembly (hereinafter collectively referred to as "screw anchor" or "screw anchor assembly") according to the present invention are illustrated in the figures, as shown and described in the partial continuation PCT application number PCT / US2019 / 018592 earlier filed by the applicant. As Figures 8a to 8cAs shown, the anchor component 110 is a flat head screw anchor and is particularly useful for many applications in the construction industry. The flat head screw anchor component 110 includes a preferably planar base plate, flange or washer 111 having an upper surface 112, an opposite lower surface 113, and a central opening 114 extending therethrough with an optional internal thread. Additionally, the screw anchor component 110 further includes an externally threaded post, preferably in the form of a screw or lag screw 116 that is secured to the anchor base plate 111 and extends downwardly from the lower surface 113 of the base plate 111. As Figure 8b Best shown, the upper shaft of the screw 116 includes an axially extending internal threaded central bore 117 that merges with and is axially aligned with the central opening 114 of the base plate 111. The bore 117 has a diameter that is less than the outer diameter of the externally threaded upper shaft of the screw 116.

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

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

[0091] Figure 8d and Figure 8e show Figures 8a to 8cModification of the shown flat head anchor fastener embodiment, in which a recessed flat head screw slot or opening 143 is formed on opposite sides of the central hole 114 in the base plate 111, and the recessed flat head screw slot or opening 143 extends downward to an external smooth and enlarged upper end portion 144 on opposite sides of the central hole 117 of the square head screw flat head anchor 110 to allow a flat head screwdriver or other tool (not shown) to be inserted into the slot 143 to assist in turning the external threaded shaft of the screw 116 to screw the anchor 110 onto an intended support structure or to remove it therefrom by threading, if for example repositioning is needed in a building support structure.

[0092] Figure 8f and Figure 8g shown Figures 8a to 8c Another modification of the shown screw anchor fastener assembly, in which an Allen wrench opening 145 is provided in place of the flat head screw slot 143. More specifically, a countersunk top space 146 is provided above the top end of the blind hole 117 in the anchor base plate 111 and in the external smooth upper enlarged end portion 144 of the square head screw anchor 110, and the upper enlarged end portion 144 extends downward from the top surface 112 of the washer 111 into the countersunk top space 146 provided in and jointly defined by the base plate 111 and the end portion 144.

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

[0094] In a fifth embodiment of the screw anchor fastener assembly of the present invention, as Figures 8h to 8j shown, a hex head square head screw anchor 210 is provided with a hexagonal hex nut 250 fixed on 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., whereby a tool such as a socket wrench (not shown) configured to grip the hex head can be used to assist in its threaded engagement onto or removal from a 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. As Figure 8iAs best shown, the external hex nut 250 includes an internally threaded central perforation 252 that is axially aligned and in register with the central bore 217 in the square head screw 216 and the bore 214 in the base plate 211. Although the anchor 210 is illustrated and described as having a nut 250 of hexagonal shape, other polygonal or geometric shapes are feasible and are encompassed within the present invention, as further disclosed below.

[0095] Turning now Figure 9a 、 Figure 9b 、 Figure 10a 、 Figure 10b 、 Figure 11 and Figure 12 , the drawings illustrate 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 typically attached to the roof of a building. The diameter of the rod can be one inch. The rod is connected to a copper or aluminum wire or cable 90 that is also approximately one inch in diameter. The cable 90 is typically connected to a grid or plate of conducting wires (not shown) buried in the nearby ground. During a lightning strike, the lightning rod 80 provides a low resistance path to ground via the cable 90, and the lightning rod 80 can be used to conduct the large electrical current away from the structure and safely to the ground.

[0096] More specifically, Figure 9a is an exploded cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of the anchor platform assembly 10" of the present invention for supporting and mounting a lightning rod, generally designated 80, to a roof or other structure 21'. As shown, the base plate assembly 11' is generally the same as that depicted in the third embodiment shown in Figure 6a and Figure 6b . The column 16" has a lower externally threaded portion 37 physically attached (e.g., welded) to the lower surface of the base plate 11'. The blind bore 17' in the column 16" is also threaded. Preferably, the lightning rod 80 has a pointed elongated cylindrical upper body 82 that is joined to a lower threaded cylindrical rod 83 via a fixed collar 84, and the rod 83 can be threadedly received in the blind bore 17' of the column 16". Below the roof, a generally C-shaped double-arm clamp 89 is used to firmly hold the grounding cable 90, and mounting holes 87 are 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 holes 87. A washer 41 and a nut 39 can be received on the lower threaded end 37 of the column 16", and as Figure 9bBest seen, 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 thereby held, and the two are firmly fastened to the underside of the roof 21'. The ground cable 90 extends along the underside of the roof and is ultimately directed to the ground where the ground cable 90 will be attached to a ground grid or plate (not shown) on the ground. In actual use, the ground cable 90 will be attached to the lightning rod assembly by means of various conventional grounding and clamping assemblies for attaching the ground cable 90 to the lightning rod 80, the various conventional grounding and clamping assemblies being well known to those skilled in the art. The C-clamp described and illustrated herein is merely a simplified representation of commercially available clamps.

[0097] As Figure 9a Best shown, the cylindrical post 116 is provided with a narrow neck portion 35, and the base plate 11' is provided with a non-threaded central hole 14' so as to achieve a more robust and stronger bond therebetween. The stronger bond is due to the fact that when the anchor base 11' and the post 16" are welded together, the corresponding central hole 14' and the internal threaded hole 17' of the post 16" are held in proper alignment by the reduced neck section 35, the narrow neck portion 35 extending into the non-threaded central hole 14' like a tenon, which not only provides a strong, rigid joint but also provides an exact 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 the post 16" without using the 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] Figure 10a 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 in Figure 9a and Figure 9b the inverted form of the anchor base plate 11' depicted. The post 16"′ has a centrally disposed threaded 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 bottom surface 13"′ as shown in the above embodiment. In this embodiment, the ground cable 90 is again held by the double-leg C-clamp 89 via the opening 87 in the pair of arms 88, the C-clamp 89 being received on the external threaded shaft 86 of the bolt 26.

[0099] Figure 10b is the seventh embodiment of the anchor platform assembly 10"′ in a fully installed state but with Figure 9bAs compared with the cross-sectional view in the inverted manner. The threaded shaft 86 of the bolt 26 is inserted downward from under the rooftop 21' through the opening in the rooftop 21', and the openings in the membranes 32 and 34, and is threadedly received in the internal threaded blind hole 17''' of the column 16'''. The enlarged end of the bolt 26 and the washer 41 are used to rigidly fix the C-shaped clamp 89, and then fix the grounding cable 90 to the bottom surface of the roof.

[0100] The pointed shaft 82 of the lightning rod 80 is connected to the nut 85, through which the lightning rod 82 is threadedly fastened above the roof 21' to the column 16''' of the anchor base plate assembly 10'''. 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 grounding cable 90, and then to the grounding grid or plate (not shown) on the ground.

[0101] Figure 11 Is an exploded cross-sectional view of the eighth embodiment of the anchor platform assembly 310 of the present invention, the anchor platform assembly 310 also having a double column 316 including an upper column 318, the upper column 318 being joined to the top surface of the bottom plate above the anchor base plate 311 by a welding point 96 and having an internal threaded blind hole 317 opening 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 downward under the roof 21. The double column 316 also has an internal threaded blind hole 320 opening at its lower free end. The lightning rod 80 has an upper pointed section 82 and an externally threaded lower section 83, the externally threaded lower section 83 being threadedly received in the threaded blind hole 317 of the upper column 318. On the other hand, the C-shaped clamp 89 can be received on the lower threaded column 319 so that when installed via the washer 41 and the nut 26 in this way, the C-shaped clamp 89 can abut against the lower surface of the roof 21' and be held under the roof 21', wherein the threaded shaft 86 of the nut 26 can be received in the internal threaded hole 320 of the lower column 319.

[0102] Figure 12 Shows the ninth embodiment of the present invention for the application where the lightning rod needs to be installed on a sloping pointed ridge, the sloping pointed ridge being formed by adjacent and joined roof sheathing 401, 402 grooves, the roof sheathing 401, 402 being supported by a three-clamp ridge board 403. The metallic anchor assembly 410 is provided with a bent bottom plate 411, the bent bottom plate 411 having a central plane section 412 horizontally disposed at the center, in which a central hole 414 is formed, and a cylindrical column 416 determined from the central hole 414 and received in the hole 404 of the ridge board 403. The bottom plate 411 has two bent wing sections 418 extending from opposite sides of the central plane section 412, the bent wing sections 418 being angled to keep the roof sheathing 401, 402 flat.

[0103] As previously described, the bottom plate 411 will be attached to the roof sheathing 401, 402 via fastening screws 420 received through holes 415 and into the bent wing section 417. A flashing and adhesive material (not shown) as used in other embodiments can be used in a similar manner as before.

[0104] Optionally, the cylindrical post 416 can be smooth or threaded externally as shown in the above embodiments and also has an internally threaded central bore 417 in which the threaded lower section 83 of the lightning rod 80 can be received by threading so that its upper pointed section 82 preferably projects upward from the highest point of the roof. In a similar application, the ground cable 90 is typically laid along the ridge so as to be similarly connected to a plurality of spaced lightning rods 82 (not shown) via clamps 89 and the like.

[0105] Figure 13 A tenth embodiment of the anchor assembly of the present invention is shown, the anchor assembly for securing a lightning rod 80 to a roof sheathing 21' covered by a membrane 32. This embodiment employs Figures 8a to 8e any type of small screw anchor of the type shown. In this example, a flat head screw anchor 110 of the type shown is used, the flat head screw anchor 110 having a bottom plate or washer 111 having an upper surface 112, an opposing lower surface 113, and a central opening 114 extending therethrough. Figure 8d

[0106] Figure 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 waterproof filler, and the roof membrane 27 is similarly adhesively attached to a typical battened roof sheathing 21'. The threaded lower end 83 of the lightning rod 80 is inserted through the threaded blind hole 117 and received therein by threading so that the C-shaped clamp 89 of the hold-down cable 90 is tightly clamped between the collar 84 and the upper surface 112 of the bottom plate 111.

[0107] Figure 14 ​A small flat-head anchor 110 is shown mounted on a roof 21', but alternatively the small flat-head anchor 110 is used to support a section of a ground cable 90 along the roof 21' via a ground cable clamp 89. The anchor 110 clamps the C-shaped 89 cable via a threaded bolt 26 that can be received through an opening 87 in the clamp arm 88 and can be threadedly received 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 end 26 and the upper surface 112 of the base plate 111 of the anchor 110. As can be understood, a plurality of spaced-apart small flat-head anchors 110 can utilize a plurality of cable clamps 89 to attach a section of cable 90 on a roof or wall or other structure and along the roof or wall or other structure.

[0108] Figure 15 An eleventh embodiment of the anchor assembly of the present invention is shown, the anchor assembly utilizing Figures 8h to 8j a hex nut screw anchor assembly 210. An external hex nut 250 is formed on the top surface 212 of the base plate 211. Preferably, the external hex nut 250 is integrally formed with the base plate 211 as a one-piece component. However, the hex nut 250 can be welded or otherwise attached to the base plate 211. The external hex nut 250 contains an internally threaded central perforation 252 that is axially aligned with the central hole 217 of the shaft 216 and the opening 214 of the base plate 211, as Figure 8i best seen in. Although the small raised anchor 210 is illustrated and described as having a nut 250 with a hexagonal shape, other shapes are feasible and are covered within the present invention.

[0109] The axially aligned holes 87, 214, and 217 are configured and sized to progressively receive the threaded lower end 83 of a lightning rod 80 so as to secure the lightning rod 80 to the anchor 210 and thus to the roof 21' covered by the membrane 27. Additionally, an adhesive layer 38 is preferably provided on the lower side surface 213 of the base plate 210. Additionally, the lightning rod 80 is also provided with a fixing collar 84 that is used to press and secure against a C-shaped clamp 89 that is used to hold the ground cable 90 against the top of the hex head 250 when fully installed.

[0110] Figure 16A small raised anchor 210 is shown mounted on a roof 21′, but alternatively the small raised anchor 110 is used to support a section of a grounding cable 90 along the roof via a grounding cable C-clamp 89. The anchor 210 clamps the cable 90 via a threaded bolt 26, the threaded shaft 86 of which can be received through alignment holes 87, 214, and 217 such that when the threaded 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 too, a plurality of spaced small raised anchors 110 can be used to attach a section of cable 90 on a roof, wall, or other structure leading to the ground and along the roof, wall, or other structure leading to the ground via a plurality of cable clamps 89.

[0111] Now turning Figures 17a to 17c to Figures 20a to 20c , several more examples of various types of double-column anchors embodying the present invention are shown in the figures. In Figures 17a to 17c , the anchor assembly 510 has a double column 516 consisting of an externally threaded cylindrical upper column 518 and an externally threaded cylindrical lower column 519, where each of the two columns is firmly fastened to the base plate 511 via its central perforation (not shown), as in the previous embodiments.

[0112] Additionally, the bottom surface 513 of the circular disc-shaped base plate 516 is optionally provided with a circular groove or slot 521 for receiving an adhesive or waterproof filler (not shown), which will be normally applied between the bottom 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 diameter greater than that of the lower column 519.

[0113] The other embodiments of FIGS. 18 to 20 have many components in the same assemblies as Figures 18a to 18c shown, and the components in each of these four embodiments are provided with the same reference numerals where applicable, except that they are respectively preceded by reference numerals 5, 6, 7, 8 to distinguish the four embodiments shown. They also have the same general structure and arrangement as those set forth and described above with respect to Figures 17a to 17c , and thus only the differences between these different double columns will be described below.

[0114] More specifically, Figures 18a to 18c shows Figures 17a to 17c a variant of the double-column anchor shown, where an additional feature, namely an internal hex wrench socket 645, is provided in the blind hole 618 of the upper mouth 618 to assist in turning the anchor when inserting or removing it. Figures 19a to 19c shows Figures 18a to 18cAnother form of the double-column anchor shown, where the upper column 718 is also provided with a centrally disposed axially extending blind hole 717 below the hex wrench socket 745. Figures 20a to 20c shown Figures 19a to 19c Another modification of the double-column anchor shown, where the bottom column 819 is also provided with a centrally disposed axially extending blind hole 820 that opens at the lower end. Additionally, in this embodiment, the cylindrical upper and lower columns 818, 819 have the same diameter respectively. It should also be noted that Figures 17a to 17c to Figures 20a to 20c the double-column embodiment may have smooth columns for situations where the bottom column cannot be bolted from below the roof.

[0115] Now turning to Figure 21a and Figure 21b Figures, there is shown an example of how the flat-head anchor of Figure 8d and the double-column anchor assembly of FIG. 19 are used in combination to mount the L-shaped solar bracket 630 to a shingled roof having a top shingle 640 and a bottom shingle 650 mounted on a roof deck 21' covered by a rubber membrane 32. As best seen in the exploded view of Figure 21a , the double-column anchor flange 610 is disposed above the top shingle 640, and the flat-head screw anchor 110 is disposed below the top shingle 640. A waterproof packing ring 38 is then disposed between the lower surface 613 of the anchor base 611 and the upper surface 112 of the flat-head anchor 110 so that when the lower column 619 is screwed and inserted into the threaded blind hole 117 of the flat-head anchor 110, the lower surface of the anchor base 611 is better attached to the top shingle 640, as best seen in Figure 21b . The flat-head screw anchor 110 is then screwed into the roof membrane 32 and the roof deck 21', and once the threaded insertion is complete, the lower anchor base surface 113 will abut the upper surface of the bottom shingle 650, with a waterproof packing ring 38 interposed therebetween. As previously mentioned, the waterproof packing groove 621 on the lower side 613 of the anchor base 611 serves to better retain the waterproof packing within its groove 621 to ensure a better waterproof bond with the bottom shingle 650.

[0116] Additionally, as Figure 21bAs shown, the L-shaped solar bracket support 630 has a hole 625 extending through its lower leg, and the hole 625 allows the bracket 630 to be received on the upper cylindrical threaded post 618 of the double-column anchor base plate 610. Subsequently, the L-shaped solar bracket support 630 is positioned to abut the upper surface 611 of the anchor base plate 610, and is held against the upper surface 611 by a nut 26 and a 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 installed on the roof such that its base plate 611 is actually locked between the top roof tile 640 and the bottom roof tile 650, and this provides a particularly strong and rigid anchoring for the L-shaped solar bracket 630 that can be easily fastened to the flat-head screw anchor 110 by means of the double-column anchor assembly 610, where the lower post 619 is received within 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 tiles 640, especially in cases where they are made of fragile ceramic or clay tiles. More specifically, by screwing the lower post 619 into the threaded 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, the upper roof tile 640 is sandwiched between the upper surface 112 of the anchor base plate 111 and the lower surface 613 of the anchor base plate 610 of the double-column anchor assembly 610. Subsequently, when a solar panel or other heavy accessory is attached to the L-shaped bracket 630, the load is directly transferred to the post 619 in the blind hole 117 of the screw anchor, and the stable and fixed position of the anchor base plate 611 above the roof tile 640 acts as a shield or barrier to prevent any fracturing or damage. In fact, when the anchor base plate 611 and the screw anchor base plate 111 are joined together by threaded engagement at a fixed spacing with the roof tile 640 sandwiched therebetween, the stable positions of the anchor base plate 611 and the screw anchor base plate 111 will separate the roof tile sandwiched therebetween from any load borne on the L-shaped bracket 630, the double-column anchor 610, and the flat-head screw anchor 110.

[0118] Figure 22a and Figure 22b A disassembled and fully installed view showing an example of how the double-column anchor assembly 810 can be used to similarly install a lightning rod 80 having a threaded lower section 83 and a collar 84 is shown. In Figure 22aIn it, the double-column anchor assembly 810 is positioned above the waterproof packing ring 28, which in turn is disposed above the roof membrane 32 and the roof 21'. The C-shaped clamp member 89 and the cable 90 are positioned below the roof 21' through the washer 41 and the nut 39 thereunder. The lower column 819 of the double-column anchor 810 will be inserted through the perforations in the waterproof packing ring 28, the roof membrane 32, and the roof 21'. The C-shaped clamp 89 via the perforation 87 in its leg 88 will be positioned on the lower end of the column 819, and the washer 41 and the nut 39 will be screwed onto the lower column 819 and tightened as required. The hex key socket 845 can also be used to tighten or loosen the threaded engagement of the lower column 819 with the washer 41 and the nut 39.

[0119] As Figure 22b Best shown in, the threaded lower end 83 of the lightning rod 80 will then be screwed into the threaded blind hole 817 of the upper column 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', then a threaded extension rod (not shown) can be screwed into the threaded blind hole 820 of the lower column 819, and a pair of nuts and washers can be mounted on the threaded extension rod to sandwich the clamp cable 89 and in turn the ground cable 90 therebetween, thus spacing it from the roof 21'. The externally threaded lower column 819 and its threaded extension rod or the internal threaded hole 820 can also be used to secure or hold other accessory items.

[0120] Figure 23 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the sixteenth embodiment of the anchor platform assembly 910 of the present invention.

[0121] Among them, the anchor plate 911 is preferably welded to the double cylindrical column 916 via a welding point 96. The double cylindrical column 916 has an externally threaded cylindrical upper column 918, and the externally threaded cylindrical upper column 918 is integrally disposed above the base plate 911 but its lower end extends through a hole 914 in the base plate 916 so that its lower end is flush with the bottom surface 913 of the base plate 911. The double column 916 also has an externally threaded cylindrical lower column 919. The upper end of the externally threaded cylindrical lower column 919 is attached to the lower end of the upper column 918 and the lower end is expected to extend below the anchor seat 911 and the roof 21' (not shown). As shown in the figure, the double columns 918 and 919 are preferably prefabricated as one piece and preferably include columns of different diameters. This is usually achieved by starting with a metallic cylindrical rod having a diameter equal to the maximum expected diameter of the double column (in this case, the column 919), and turning the upper part of the rod of the column 918 of the same expected length on a lathe or the like to reduce the diameter of the upper part to match the expected 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, and the neck abuts the bottom surface of the anchor plate 913 at the bottom of the perforation 914.

[0122] As Figure 23 an illustration, the cylindrical lower column 919 thus has a diameter greater than that of the upper column 918. The double column 916 is joined to the anchor plate 911 via the through hole 914 in the same manner as the externally threaded columns (such as Figure 7b ) having reduced neck sections 35 and 135 in several of the previous embodiments. More specifically, the one-piece double column 916 composed of the upper column 918 and the lower column 919 forms a reduced or narrow neck section at its connection point with a diameter slightly smaller than the perforation 914 in the base plate 911, while the lower column 919 has a larger diameter so that its top end acts as a "shoulder" that flatly abuts the bottom surface 913 of the opposing base plate 911 of the "neck portion". Thus, here too, this configuration forms a strong and rigid joint, and an easy replication and precise 90° alignment of the base plate 911 and the double column 916.

[0123] As Figure 23 further shown, a lightning rod 80 having a pointed shaft 82 is attached to a lower internally threaded nut 85, which in turn is threadedly fixed to the externally threaded upper column 918. Here too, a clamp 89 is used to clamp the grounding cable 90 and can be received on the threaded lower column 919 and is held on the threaded lower column 919 by a nut 39 and a washer 41 against the lower surface of the roof 21' (not shown). When fully installed on a support structure (such as the roof 21', as Figure 10a and Figure 10b shown), it can also be installed together with a waterproof board material, fasteners, and / or adhesives as described above herein.

[0124] Although the use of the anchor base plate and screw anchor assembly shown above in connection with glass handrails, lightning rods, ground cables, and L-shaped brackets for solar panels has been specifically described and illustrated, it can also be used to anchor and support a wide variety of other objects to a support structure, such as a roof or other building appendage, e.g., antennas, TV satellite dishes, HVAC units, etc.

[0125] As briefly mentioned in the discussion of Figure 4a It is crucial to use a cylindrical mechanical fastener with a "straight" thread to mount an object to a support structure via the internal 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 distinct from a "tapered" screw with a so-called "tapered" thread. The use of such cylindrical bolt or stud fasteners with straight threads ensures a firm engagement and a variety of fasteners that accommodate varying lengths and widths to achieve various degrees of retention via threading into the internal threaded cylindrical blind holes in the column that also have straight edges. In contrast, the mechanical fasteners used to attach the anchor base plate to the support via the secondary hole 15 can typically be of any type, including screws with "tapered" threads.

[0126] As can also be understood from the above, the shape and number of the anchor base plate, the shape, type, and number of the columns, the use of external threads or smooth, unthreaded perforations, the threaded 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 for the length or height of the column can be any value between 0 inches (flush) and 18 inches. Similarly, the types of expected fasteners, membrane flashing materials, and sealants will also be selected to be compatible with the roof or building structure. Additionally, the components of the various embodiments can be replaced with each other where appropriate.

[0127] In addition, although in addition to the raised hex head screw anchor, the screw anchor preferably employs a screw slot or an Allen wrench socket to secure the anchor to the support structure or remove the support structure via a flat head screwdriver or an Allen wrench socket. Alternatively, other means such as a star drill can be used to assist the user in screwing the anchor into the building support and / or removing it from the building support.

[0128] It should also be noted that the dimensions of the various parts and components can vary as needed or preferably. For example, the upper and lower columns of the cylindrical double columns typically have diameters and are preferably in the range of 1 / 8" to 2". For example, one column can have a width of 1 / 2", while the other column can have a width of 3 / 4", or both columns can have the same width. Of course, the diameters of the upper and lower sections can be larger or smaller relative to each other as needed. Preferably, the nut is preferably between 1 / 2" and 3", but a typical standard size can be 3 / 4". The thickness of the bottom plate can vary as needed, for example, preferably between 1 / 16" and 1", but preferably 1 / 4". Bolts with attached nuts, or bolts with separate nuts are capable of being used and can be used interchangeably herein. In a preferred embodiment, the column has an outer diameter of 1 / 2" and its internal hole has a diameter of 3 / 8". The screw anchor can have a width or thickness of about 1 / 16" and a diameter of about 1 1 / 2". However, as mentioned above, the dimensions of the bottom plate flange and hole can vary, and the lengths of the column and its internal hole can also vary.

[0129] The materials of the components of the anchor assembly (such as the bottom plate and column) can also be made of various materials, including for example, metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, bronze, copper, plastics or composite materials. Additionally, preferably, the bottom plate and its column, and the screw anchor and its flange are integrally formed as a single piece. However, it is understood that the column can be fixed to the bottom plate by welding or other means.

[0130] Therefore, although specific embodiments of the invention have been described, it is not intended that the invention be limited thereto, as it is intended that the invention will be as broad in scope as the prior art and the specification be understood in the same manner. Therefore, those skilled in the art should understand that other modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An anchor platform assembly for anchoring an object to a structure, characterized in that, Comprising: An anchor base plate having a generally planar first surface and a second surface, two cylindrical columns, each cylindrical column having a first end fastened to the anchor base plate, wherein the first ends are fixed to each other, and wherein at least one of the columns extends into a perforation in the anchor base plate such that the two columns are axially aligned and aligned with the perforations in the anchor base plate and extend perpendicularly outward from the anchor base plate, each column 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 covered by the columns; And A device for fastening an object to the anchor base plate via at least one of the columns, the device comprising a cylindrical mechanical fastener having straight threads.

2. The anchor platform component according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the columns has an external thread.

3. The anchor platform component according to claim 1, characterized in that Both of the columns have external threads.

4. The anchor platform component according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one column comprises a cylindrical stud at least partially threaded having a straight edge.

5. The anchor platform component according to claim 1, wherein At least one of the columns has a cylindrical blind hole at least partially threaded, with an opening formed at its free second end.

6. The anchor platform component according to claim 5, wherein, 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.

7. The anchor platform component according to claim 6, wherein, The means for rotation comprises a mouth formed adjacent the top of the opening of the blind hole and within it.

8. The anchor platform component according to claim 7, characterized in that, The mouth is configured and dimensioned as a flat head screw slot.

9. The anchor platform component according to claim 7, characterized in that, The mouth is configured and dimensioned as an Allen wrench socket.

10. The anchor platform component according to claim 2, wherein, Further comprising an L-shaped support for a solar panel having a hole, the L-shaped support being capable of being received on one of the columns.

11. The anchor platform component according to claim 10, characterized in that, Further comprising a nut capable of being received on the externally threaded column for clamping the L-shaped support against the anchor base plate.

12. The anchor platform component according to claim 5, wherein Both of the columns have cylindrical blind holes at least partially threaded, with an opening formed at their free second ends.

13. The anchor platform component according to claim 1, wherein The two columns have different diameters.

14. The anchor platform component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two columns have the same diameter.

15. The anchor platform component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The anchor seat is formed with a groove on at least one of its sides for receiving an adhesive therein.

16. The anchor platform component according to claim 15, characterized in that, The groove is circular and spaced outwardly from the perforation in the anchor base plate.

17. The anchor platform component according to claim 5, wherein, Further comprising a lightning rod serving as an object, and the lightning rod having a lower end, and the means for fastening the object is provided on the lower end, the lower end being capable of being received in the blind hole by threading.

18. The anchor platform component according to claim 2, wherein, Further comprising a clamp for a ground cable, and the clamp is received on the externally threaded column by threading.

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