ANCHOR PLATE ARRANGEMENT

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

[0001] An anchor platform assembly for anchoring roof accessory structures to roofs and other raised, flat and pitched structures, terraces, balconies and the like, e.g., railings and solar panels, while providing both strength and watertight performance.2. Brief Description of the Prior Art

[0002] Various methods for mounting and waterproofing roof equipment, accessory structures or the like, which are attached to sloped or flat roofs, building terraces, roof decks, etc. are well known. In the roofing industry, there are many problems with water infiltration at equipment attachment points, particularly when flashing is not incorporated and / or sealants are solely relied on. A variety of sheathing methods and combinations thereof are used as a water and moisture barrier on such structures such as asphalt roof tiles, poured or sheeted plastic or rubber membranes and the like. Currently, more and more roof heavy roof structures are being mounted on roofs such as, e.g., solar panels, satellite dishes, HVAC equipment, and especially for roof decks, balconies, terraces and the like, glass walls and / or railings are being mounted to avoid viewing obstructions such as would normally be the case with a wooden, cable or metal fence. These generally heavy structures must also be anchored to the roof structures, but because of the loads they generate and the manner in which they are mounted, typically with anchors bolted through the roof, they create a "conduit" for water to penetrate through the roof, notwithstanding the fact that the adhesive and glue are often used to seal the conduit in an attempt to prevent such water penetration. In fact, over time, these heavy structures as a result of normal repetitive roof movement or shifting caused by, e.g., settling, temperature changes, and / or high winds, cause cracks in the adhesive or glues employed and cause eventual roof leaks. As a result, it is difficult for many of the installers to provide guarantees or obtain insurance against water or moisture damage caused by such conventional anchoring systems.

[0003] The present invention seeks to overcome this problem by providing a novel anchoring system which avoids such problems in an advantageous and effective manner.

[0004] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel anchor platform assembly for anchoring equipment and / or roof accessory structures to roofs and the like which can accommodate heavy loads and provide waterproof protection at the equipment attachment points.

[0005] It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a novel anchor platform assembly which is relatively simple in design and construction, easy to install and is relatively inexpensive to make.

[0006] It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a novel anchor platform assembly which can be used for a variety of roof or raised structures, including both flat roofs and pitched roofs, as well as roof decks, outdoor balconies, terraces and the like.

[0007] It is a more particular object of the invention to provide such a novel anchor platform assembly which is more reliable than prior art systems in providing a waterproof connection at the equipment attachment points.

[0008] It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide such a novel anchor platform which is universally adaptable for anchoring and mounting a multitude and wide variety of roof accessory structures including, inter alia, solar panels, satellite dishes, safety rails, glass railings, HVAC heating and air conditioning equipment, decorative sculptures, holiday ornaments, and the like, etc., while at the same time providing a watertight connection.

[0009] US2017175384 A1 discloses a post fastening device for mounting a post to a construction surface. The device comprises a base having a planar top surface and a threaded rod extending from the top surface and a tubular member for insertion into a longitudinal axial bore on the bottom end of the post. The tubular member has an upper end and a lower end with internal threads complementary to the threads of the rod. The tubular member also has a dowel rod for insertion into a transverse bore extending through a portion of the post and the tubular member when the tubular member is in the longitudinal bore. The dowel rod is sized to pass through the tubular member and a portion of the post on both sides of the tubular member.

[0010] US3868732 A discloses an anchoring device, such as an eye bolt, removably mounted to a wall of a vinyl lined swimming pool for anchoring swimming pool accessories thereto. The anchoring device is mounted to the wall of a swimming pool such that it can be readily installed and removed from the exposed surface of the swimming pool wall. The device includes a sleeve which is mounted to a coping surrounding the swimming pool, and an anchoring bolt having a shaft which is threadably receivable in the sleeve.

[0011] US6557912 B1 discloses an apparatus for holding a door. The apparatus includes a body member configured to be coupled to a floor. Further, the apparatus includes a locking member movably coupled to the body member, and having an end that is configured to engage the door. Further still, the apparatus includes a stop arrangement coupled to the locking member and configured to hold the locking member in a predetermined position relative to the body member. The predetermined position associating with a predefined door position, such that the holding prevents the door from moving past a predefined door position when the locking member is engaged with the door.

[0012] US9165488 B1 discloses a support device for a hollow traffic marker utilizing a base having a foot positioned at the ground surface. A boss extends from the base and includes a cavity. A first spacer is held within the boss cavity by a fastener. A flexible sleeve positioned over the outer surface of the boss a hollow traffic marker connected to a second spacer by a fastener lies within the flexible sleeve. A gap within the flexible sleeve separates the first and second spacers.

[0013] US2001009087 A1 discloses a support base for distributing a concentrated load over a contact surface is disclosed. The support base includes a body formed of moldable polymeric material having a top surface and a generally planar bottom surface. At least one recess is integrally formed in the top surface for receiving a support member. The support member transfers the concentrated load to the planar body. Furthermore, at least one through bore is provided in the support base, and the through bore extends from the top surface to the bottom surface of the support base for receiving a fastener. The through bore has a shaft portion and a relatively oversized cavity portion adjacent to the bottom surface for receiving fasteners such as nuts for securing bolts, as well as, bolt heads of different sizes and configurations.

[0014] US2013000243 A1 discloses an anchoring plate for fastening an object to a roof structure covered by an insulation layer, comprising a base plate and an elongate post extending from the base plate and comprising an internally threaded blind bore as well as through holes disposed adjacent to the periphery of the base plate.

[0015] The invention is as set out in the appended set of claims.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Certain of the foregoing and related objects are achieved according to the present invention by the provision of an anchor platform assembly for anchoring an object to a raised, roof-like structure, comprising an anchor baseplate having: a top surface and a bottom surface; a centrally-disposed non-threaded bore; an elongated post depending from said bottom surface of said anchor baseplate having a top end secured to said bottom surface of said anchor baseplate and a closed bottom end, the elongated post having a reduced diameter neck portion adjacent its top end which is configured and dimensioned for receipt within said centrally-disposed, non-threaded bore; and a threaded blind bore extending from said top surface of the anchor baseplate generally towards said bottom surface of the anchor baseplate, wherein said blind bore is defined in said post. The anchor baseplate assembly comprises means for fastening an object to the anchor baseplate via said blind bore and means for fastening the anchor baseplate to said structure. The anchor baseplate has a plurality of spaced-apart, ancillary through holes spaced from said blind bore and disposed generally adjacent to the periphery of said anchor baseplate.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the anchor baseplate is rectangular and the blind bore is generally centrally-disposed in the anchor baseplate. Most advantageously, the assembly includes a plurality of mechanical fastening members, each receivable through one of the ancillary holes for fastening the anchor baseplate to the structure and a mechanical fastener threadably receivable in the centrally disposed threaded blind bore for anchoring an object thereto. Preferably, the plurality of mechanical fastening members comprise screws and the mechanical fastener member receivable in the centrally-disposed threaded blind bore is a threaded bolt.

[0018] Desirably, the anchor baseplate post is cylindrical and may optimally be at least partially externally threaded. In the latter case, a nut is receivable on the externally threaded post for securing the anchor platform assembly to the structure from below. Most desirably, the anchor baseplate is made from stainless steel.

[0019] Preferably, the anchor platform assembly also includes an object support member having a base wall and a bore formed therethrough which is positionable on said anchor baseplate so that the base wall bore is aligned with said threaded blind bore. Advantageously, the assembly may further include an elongated and U-shaped object support member for an object which has a generally planar base wall, a support stand having a planar base and an upstanding tubular body member joined to the planar base, with the planar base having a throughbore formed therethrough alignable with the blind bore of the anchor baseplate and the tubular body member having opposing sidewalls, each having a throughbore aligned with the throughbore in the opposing sidewall. The anchor platform assembly may additionally include a throughbore extending through a wall of said U-shaped object support member; means for mechanically fastening the U-shaped object support member to the support stand via the sidewall throughbores of the support stand and said throughbore of the U shaped object support member; and means for mechanically fastening the support stand to the anchor baseplate via the throughbore of the base wall thereof and the threaded blind bore of the anchor baseplate.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, where figures 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a and 7b disclose several embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that the drawings are to be used for the purpose of illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention. FIG. 1 is a top and side perspective view of a first embodiment of an anchor baseplate utilized in an anchor platform assembly outside of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a bottom and side perspective view of the anchor baseplate shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is fragmentarily-illustrated a perspective view of a first embodiment of the anchor platform assembly outside of the present invention employing a plurality of serially-arranged anchor baseplates mounted on a roof deck and anchoring thereto a plurality of spaced apart elongated rails having U-shaped channel or shoe in which, in turn, is mounted on a pair of glass railings; FIG. 4a is a plan view of the anchor baseplate and an optional shim plate centered thereon for adjusting the height of the rail; FIG. 4b is an exploded, cross-sectional view of the anchor platform assembly including the anchor baseplate and shim plate shown in FIG. 4a in positional relationship with respect to the U-shaped shoe and the roof deck shown in FIG. 3 and further showing the roof flashing associated therewith including an anchor baseplate membrane and a roof membrane, and the fastening means employed therewith; FIG. 4c is a cross-sectional view of the anchor platform assembly shown in FIG. 4b in a fully, mounted state on a roof deck whereby the glass rail is anchored via its U-shaped shoe to the roof, and also showing the use of flashing materials, fasteners and adhesives employed therewith. FIG. 5a is an exploded, cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the anchor platform assembly comparable to FIG. 4b, but showing the anchor baseplate having an internally threaded post with a reduced width neck section according to the invention; FIG. 5b is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the invention in a fully mounted state, comparable to FIG. 4c, but showing the use of an internally threaded post with a reduced width neck section seated within the central bore of the anchor baseplate; FIG. 6a is an exploded, cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the anchor platform assembly according to the invention comparable to that shown in FIGS. 4b and 5a, but showing an anchor baseplate having an externally threaded post; FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the anchor platform assembly of figure 6a in a fully mounted state comparable to that of FIGS. 4 and 5b, but showing the externally threaded post securing the anchor baseplate to the roof deck from beneath the roof deck via a nut and a washer; FIG. 7a is a perspective view of an anchor platform assembly accessory unit embodying the present invention for supporting a roof accessory structure in an offset and raised arrangement relative to the anchor base platform and roof deck respectively; FIG. 7b is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 6b, but showing the accessory unit supporting the glass railing and its supporting shoe in a raised position spaced above the roof deck and offset from the center hole in the anchor baseplate; FIG.8a is a top and side perspective view of an example of the anchor platform assembly outside of the invention, showing in an exploded view, the employment of a cap lag, bolt and washer associated with one of the recessed throughbore cavities; FIG. 8b is a plan view of the anchor platform assembly shown in FIG. 8a; FIG. 8c is a side view of the anchor platform assembly shown in FIG. 8a; FIG. 8d is an exploded, cross-sectional view of this example of the anchor platform assembly comparable to FIGS. 4b, 5a, and 6a; and FIG. 8e is a cross-sectional view of this example of the anchor platform assembly in a fully mounted state comparable to that shown in FIGS. 4c, 5b, and 6b, showing anchoring a glass railing to a metal rod and further showing the use of roof flashing materials, fasteners, and adhesives employed therewith. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] The anchor assemblies depicted in FIGS. 1a-4c and 8a-8e are not encompassed by the wording of the claims but are considered useful for understanding the invention. Turning now in detail to the drawings and, in particular, to Figs. 1 - 4c thereof, therein illustrated is a first embodiment of a novel anchor platform assembly embodying the present invention, generally designed by reference numeral 10, for anchoring roof accessory structures to roofs and other raised, flat and / or pitched structures, such as terraces, balconies, stairs and the like. The main component of the anchor platform assembly is the anchor baseplate, generally designated by reference numeral 11, which preferably is made of stainless steel (but could be made of other metals, such as aluminum, bronze, etc.), and is square or rectangular shaped and has a top surface 12 and a bottom surface 13. The anchor baseplate 11 has an internally-threaded central through bore 14 and six spaced apart peripheral through bores 15 positioned radially outward from the center bore 14 and generally adjacent to the periphery of the baseplate 11. In this embodiment, the anchor baseplate 11 also includes a preferably cylindrical rod or post 16 having an axially-extending, internally-threaded bore 17 (see FIG. 4b) having a top open end 18 and a closed bottom 19 (FIG. 2) which is secured preferably via welding to the anchor baseplate 11 so that the top open end 18 of its bore 17 abuts and is in registry with the bottom open end of center through bore 14 (see FIG. 4b).

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3, the anchor baseplate 11 of the anchor platform assembly 10 is typically mounted via mechanical fastening elements 20 preferably in the form of nails or bolts, to a roof structure, such as a roof deck, generally designated 21, with its cylindrical post 16 extending through the roof deck 21 and projecting below the roof deck with its closed end 19. The internally threaded and aligned bores 14 and 17 serves as an anchor point for an object to be mounted on the roof deck 21. In this case, the object is a glass railing of the type that has glass panel 22 with a lower edge secured within an elongated U-shaped metal channel or shoe 24. FIG. 3 specifically depicts three serially arranged and spaced apart anchor baseplates 11 to which two glass panels 22 and two shoes 24 are at least partially mounted. In use, such glass railings can be hundreds of feet in length. As can be appreciated, depending on the length of each glass railing 22, two or more anchor baseplates 11 per glass rail 22 may be required as shown in FIG. 3.

[0023] As seen best in FIG. 4b, the elongated U-shaped shoe 24 has a base wall 23 with a plurality of spaced apart through bores 25 (one of which is shown). As will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter, mechanical fasteners are used, such as a threaded bolt 26 and washer 27, which bolt 26 is receivable through the through bores 25 of the U-shaped shoe 24 and are receivable within the internally-threaded center bore 14 of anchor baseplate 11 and internally-threaded blind bore 17 of the cylindrical post or rod 16 (FIG. 4b) to anchor the same to the roof deck 21. The cylindrical post 16 with the closed bottom 19 serves two purposes: (1) it provides a relatively sturdy and rigid anchoring support point for the object to be mounted on the roof, and (2) it prevents water from penetrating via the central bore 14 into and below the roof deck 21 as a result of blind bore 17 and the bottom end 19 of the cylindrical rod 16 being closed.

[0024] Fig. 4a shows the use of a square-shaped shim plate 28 having a central through bore 29 mounted atop the anchor baseplate 11 such that its central through bore 29 is directly over and in registry with the internal blind bore 17 of the cylindrical post 16. The shim plate 28 is used to adjust the height of the shoe 24 to ensure proper alignment of adjacent shoes 24 and the glass railing(s) 22 they support due to variations in height of the roof deck 21 or the like. Additional shim plates 28 can, of course, be used, if needed, to achieve proper height alignment.

[0025] As illustrated in FIGS 4b and 4c, the central throughbore 25 of the U-shaped channel or shoe 24 contains a step which is dimensioned and configured to receive and support the bolt head of bolt 26 and washer 27 on the step so that the bolt head of bolt 26 is disposed below the top surface 30 of the lower base wall 23 of U-shaped shoe 24 so as not to abut and possibly crack or damage the bottom edge of the glass railing 22.

[0026] FIGS. 4b and 4c respectively show an exploded cross-sectional view and a fully mounted cross-sectional of the anchor platform assembly 10 which include preferred flashing materials, fasteners and adhesives and the like for mounting a glass railing to a roof deck or terrace or the like. As shown in FIG 4b, the anchor baseplate 11 is positioned above the roof deck 21 which may be of wood, metal or composite construction as is standard or conventional in the industry. The cylindrical post 16 of the anchor baseplate 11 is intended to be inserted through a through bore 31 in the roof deck 21 and a conventional rubber roof membrane 32, preferably made of neoprene, which also has a through bore 33 is preferably interposed between the anchor baseplate 11 and roof deck 21. Similarly, a conventional rubber roof membrane 34, also preferably made of neoprene, is preferably positioned between the optional shim plate 28 and the top surface 12 of the anchor baseplate 11 and it too is provided with a central bore 36 to allow the bolt 26 to pass through the membrane 34. In addition, a sealant, cement, caulk or adhesive layer 38 is shown which would normally be applied to the bottom surface 13 of the anchor baseplate 11 to adhesively join and seal the same to the roof membrane 32.

[0027] As also shown in FIG 4c, an adhesive, caulk or glue 40 is also applied to the inner surface of the U-shaped channel 24 so that it surrounds the lower end of glass railing 22 received within the U-shaped metal channel 24. As also illustrated therein, the anchor baseplate membrane 34 extends over the entire anchor baseplate 11 with its ends sealed against the roof membrane 32 thereby sealing the screw holes and the remainder of the anchor baseplate 11. As can be appreciated, these flashing materials and adhesives serve to waterproof the assembly and protect the roof from leaks.

[0028] As previously mentioned, this is particularly important at the point of attachment of the object to the roof which, in this case, refers to the point of attachment of the glass railing shoe 24 to the anchor baseplate cylindrical post 16 via bolt 26 and the blind threaded bore 17 in which the bolt 26 is received. Since bore 17 is a blind bore or hole and the bottom 19 end of the cylindrical post 16 is closed, the potential path of any water that could conceivably penetrate between the glass panel 22 and the U-shaped channel 24 and enter the bore 17 of the cylindrical post 16 is totally blocked from penetrating the roof deck 21.

[0029] FIGS. 5a and 5b illustrate a second embodiment of the anchor baseplate assembly and, in a similar fashion, respectively show an exploded cross-sectional view and a fully mounted cross-sectional view of this second anchor platform assembly embodiment.

[0030] The elements shown in this second embodiment are the same as shown in FIGS. 4b and 4c with the exception that the cylindrical post 16' is provided with a narrow neck portion 36 and the baseplate 11' is provided with a non-threaded central bore 14', but both are otherwise identical to the baseplate 11 and cylindrical post 16 shown in the previous embodiment. In FIGS. 4b and 4c the top end 18 of the cylindrical post 16 would typically be welded to the bottom surface 13 of the anchor baseplate 11. In FIGS. 5a and 5b however, the narrow neck section 36 is intended to be received within the non-threaded central bore 14' of the anchor baseplate 11' and as a result of this construction, a more robust, and stronger bond can be made due to the fact that when said anchor plate 11' and post 16' are welded together with the respective center bore 14' and internal threaded bore 17' being held in proper alignment by the reduced neck section 36 of the post 16' being received in the center bore 14'.

[0031] FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrate a third embodiment of the anchor baseplate assembly 10" and, in a similar fashion, respectively show an exploded cross-sectional view and a fully mounted cross-sectional view of this third anchor platform assembly embodiment.

[0032] The elements shown in this third embodiment are the same as shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b with the exception that the lower portion 38 of cylindrical post 16" is externally threaded but is otherwise identical to the cylindrical post 16'. In this embodiment, a nut 39 and washer 41 are threaded onto the externally threaded surface 38 of the cylindrical post 16" so that in the fully assembled state shown in FIG. 6b, the nut 39 and washer 41 are tightened against the lower surface of the metal roof deck 21' to provide a stronger point of attachment while at the same time preventing roof leaks at the point of attachment via the blind bore 17' and the closed end 19 of the cylindrical post 16".

[0033] FIGS. 7a and 7b illustrate a novel accessory support stand 42 for the various anchor plate assemblies shown herein which allows the user to support an object in a raised and spaced manner above the anchor baseplate. The accessory support stand 42 comprising a preferably metal, square or rectangular planar base 44 and an upstanding preferably metal square-shaped, tubular body member joined at one end to the planar base 44 by welding. A weep hole 65 is provided at the base of one sidewall 43 to allow water to drain therefrom. The baseplate 44 has a central hole 49 (FIG. 7b) which is alignable with the internally threaded bore 17' of the cylindrical post 16" and the threaded stem of bolt 26 is threadably received within the internally-threaded bore 17' to anchor the support stand 42 to the anchor baseplate 11". At least one set of horizontally aligned holes 46 are formed in opposite side walls 43 of the upstanding tubular body through which a threaded bolt 45 could be mounted to secure an object to one of the sidewalls 43 of the support stand 42 as shown best in FIG. 7b. In this case, the U-shaped channel 24" is provided with a recessed through bore 25' in one of its sidewalls rather than in its base wall 23' as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 - 6. The bolt 45 is held in the recessed throughbore 25' via its bolt head being held against the step of the channel through bore 25' and at its opposite end by an additional nut 47 and washer 48 to secure the U-shaped channel 24" in a raised and elevated position relative to the anchor baseplate 11" and roof member 21' and offset relative to the center blind bore of the anchor baseplate 11".

[0034] Finally, FIGS. 8a - 8e disclose a fourth example of the anchor platform assembly 10‴ wherein the anchor baseplate 11‴ has a lower square-shaped, planar base portion 50 and a frusto- pyramidal upper portion which defines four upwardly tapered sidewalls 51 and a square-shaped planar top wall 52. The top wall 52 has a internally threaded, centrally-disposed blind bore 54 and each of the sidewalls 51 have a recessed, generally cylindrical cutout or cavity 55 which opens onto a throughbore 56 which extends through the bottom portion 50 and in turn, opens on the bottom surface 57 thereof.

[0035] As seen in FIGS 8d and 8e which respectively show an exploded cross-sectional view and a fully mounted cross-sectional view of this fourth example of the anchor platform assembly, the top wall 52 is used to anchor an object 24 to the roof structure via its internally threaded central blind bore 54. Lag screws 53 are inserted in each of the sidewall throughbores 55 to affix the anchor baseplate 11‴ to the metal roof deck 21'. The sidewall cavities 55 are then covered by generally cup-shaped caps 61 having radially-extending flanges 62 which are intended to close off and seal the cavities 55 and to prevent water infiltration. Like the other embodiments, a roof membrane 32 is deployed between the anchor baseplate 11‴ and the metal roof structure 21' and an anchor baseplate membrane 34 is also disposed directly over the anchor baseplate 11‴ and its ends extends over the roof deck membrane 32. A bolt 26 and washer 27 is provided which anchors the U-shaped support shoe 24 to the anchor baseplate 11‴ . The bolt head of bolt 26 and washer 27 are received on the throughbore step 25 of the basewall 23 and the bolt is threadably received in the threaded blind bore 54 to anchor the anchor baseplate 11‴, in turn, to the metal roof deck 21'. An adhesive layer 38 also binds the anchor baseplate 11‴ to the roof membrane 32 to improve the waterproofing capability of the assembly; where 1", e.g. one inch, is 2.54cm.

[0036] Obviously, the materials employed, dimensions and sizing of the various parts of the anchor platform assembly can be modified to suit the particular roof application. For example, in the case of mounting a balcony railing, it would be suitable in certain applications to use 6" x 6" baseplates, 4 1 / 8" high x 2 ½" wide aluminum shoes with ½" thick glass panels set into the aluminum shoe with anchoring cement.

[0037] As can also be appreciated from the foregoing, the shape and the number of anchor baseplates, non-threaded throughbores, threaded blind bores and placement thereof can also be modified depending upon the specific details of the application such as the nature, size and material of the roof structures, such as metal, wood or some other composite. Similarly, it is anticipated that the types of fasteners, membranes flashing materials and sealants will also be chosen to be compatible with the roof structure. Also, the elements of the various embodiments may be substituted for one another where appropriate.

[0038] While particular embodiments of the invention have been described, it is not intended that the invention be limited thereto, as it is intended that the invention be as broad in scope as the claims. It will therefore be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other modifications could be made thereto without departing from the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An anchor platform assembly (10") for anchoring an object to a raised, roof-like structure (21'), comprising: an anchor baseplate (11', 11") having: a top surface (12) and a bottom surface (13); a centrally-disposed non-threaded bore (14'); an elongated post (16', 16") depending from said bottom surface (13) of said anchor baseplate (11', 11") having a top end (18) secured to said bottom surface (13) of said anchor baseplate (11', 11") and a closed bottom end (19), the elongated post having a reduced diameter neck portion (36) adjacent its top end (18) which is configured and dimensioned for receipt within said centrally-disposed, non-threaded bore (14'); and a threaded blind bore (17') extending from said top surface (12) of the anchor baseplate (11', 11") generally towards said bottom surface (13) of the anchor baseplate (11', 11"), wherein said blind bore (17') is defined in said post (16', 16"); means (26) for fastening an object to said anchor baseplate (11', 11") via said blind bore (17, 17'); and means (20) for fastening said anchor baseplate (11', 11") to said structure (21'); wherein said anchor baseplate (11', 11") has a plurality of spaced-apart, ancillary through holes (15) spaced from said blind bore (17') and disposed generally adjacent to the periphery of said anchor baseplate (11', 11").

2. The anchor platform assembly (10") according to claim 1, wherein said anchor baseplate (11', 11") is rectangular and said blind bore (17') is generally centrally-disposed in said anchor baseplate (11', 11").

3. The anchor platform assembly (10") according to claim 2, including a plurality of mechanical fastening members (20), each receivable through one of said ancillary holes for fastening said anchor baseplate (11', 11") to said structure (21') and a mechanical fastener (26) threadably receivable in said centrally disposed threaded blind bore (17') for anchoring an object thereto.

4. The anchor platform assembly (10") according to claim 3, wherein said plurality of mechanical fastening members (20) comprise screws and said mechanical fastener member (26) receivable in said centrally-disposed threaded blind bore (17') is a threaded bolt.

5. The anchor platform assembly (10") according to claim 1, wherein said anchor baseplate post (16', 16") is cylindrical.

6. The anchor platform assembly (10") according to claim 5, wherein said post (16") is at least partially externally threaded.

7. The anchor platform assembly (10") according to claim 6, additionally including a nut (39) receivable on said externally threaded post (16") for securing said anchor platform assembly (10") to the said structure (21') from below.

8. The anchor platform assembly (10") according to claim 1, wherein said anchor baseplate (11', 11") is made from stainless steel.

9. The anchor platform assembly (10") according to claim 1, wherein said post (16") is at least partially externally threaded.

10. The anchor platform assembly (10") according to claim 9, wherein said anchor baseplate (11', 11") is made from stainless steel.

11. The anchor platform assembly (10") according to claim 1, additionally including an object support member (24) having a base wall and a bore (25) formed therethrough which is positionable on said anchor baseplate (11') so that said base wall bore (25) is aligned with said threaded blind bore (17').

12. The anchor platform assembly (10") according to claim 1, additionally including an elongated and U-shaped object support member (24, 24") for an object which has a generally planar base wall (23').

13. The anchor platform assembly (10") according to claim 12, additionally including a support stand (42) comprising a planar base (44) and an upstanding tubular body member joined to said planar base (44), said planar base (44) having a throughbore (49) formed therethrough alignable with said blind bore (17') of said anchor baseplate (11") and said tubular body member having opposing sidewalls (43), each having a throughbore (46) aligned with the throughbore (46) in the opposing sidewall (43); a throughbore (25') extending through a wall of said U-shaped object support member (24"); means (45) for mechanically fastening said U-shaped object support member (24") to said support stand (42) via said sidewall throughbores (46) of said support stand (42) and said throughbore (25') of said U-shaped object support member (24"); and means (26) for mechanically fastening said support stand (42) to said anchor baseplate (11") via said throughbore (49) of said planar base (44) thereof and said threaded blind bore (17') of said anchor baseplate (11").