Anchoring platform assembly particularly useful for roof attachment structures

Abstract

To provide a system for anchoring an object to a structure.SOLUTION: An anchor platform assembly for anchoring an object to a structure includes an anchor baseplate having a generally planar first surface and second surface and an elongated post coupled to the baseplate and projecting outwardly from the first surface thereof. The post has a first end secured to the anchor baseplate and a second free end, and an at least partially threaded, cylindrical blind bore extending from the first surface of the anchor baseplate into the post. The second surface of the anchor baseplate is configured to allow a structure to lie generally flush against the second surface except for the area of the second surface covered by the post. A cylindrical mechanical fastener having a straight thread is used for fastening an object to the anchor baseplate via the blind bore. A dual post anchor assembly is also disclosed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4a

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001]

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

[0002]

[0002] An anchor platform assembly for fastening and attaching objects to a support structure that is particularly useful in the building industry for fastening and attaching roof accessory structures, for example, parapets, solar panels, lightning rods, etc. to roofs and other raised, flat and sloping structures, terraces, balconies, etc., whilst providing a strong, rigid and watertight connection. [Background technology]

[0003]

[0003] Various methods are known for installing and waterproofing roofing equipment, accessory structures, etc., attached to sloped or flat roofs, building terraces, roof decks, etc. In the roofing industry, many problems exist with water infiltration at equipment attachment points, especially when water return is not incorporated and / or sealants alone are relied upon. Various coating methods and combinations thereof are used as water and moisture barriers on such structures, such as asphalt tiles, injected or sheeted plastic or rubber membranes, etc. Currently, increasingly heavy roof structures, such as solar panels, satellite dishes, HVAC equipment, etc., are being installed on roofs.

[0004]

[0004] In particular, roof decks, balconies, terraces, etc., are fitted with glass walls and / or balustrades to avoid obstructing the view, as is typically the case with wooden, cable, or metal fences. These generally heavy structures also need to be secured to the roof structure. However, because of the loads they generate and the way they are attached, usually with anchors bolted to the roof, a "conduit" is created for water to seep through the roof, despite the fact that adhesives or glues are often used to seal the conduit in an attempt to prevent such water penetration.

[0005]

[0005] Indeed, over time, these heavy structures, as a result of normal repetitive roof movement or shifting caused by, for example, settlement, temperature changes, and / or high winds, will develop cracks in the adhesives or glues used, eventually causing the roof to leak. As a result, it is difficult for many installers to provide warranty or insurance against water or moisture damage caused by such traditional fastening and mounting systems.

[0006]

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

[0007]

[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 securing equipment and / or roof structures that can accommodate heavy loads to roofs, etc., and to provide waterproof protection at the attachment points of the equipment and / or roof structures.

[0008]

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

[0009]

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

[0010]

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

[0011]

[0011] A more particular object of the present invention is to provide such a novel anchor platform assembly which is universally adaptable to secure and attach a large number of different objects to support structures such as roof structures including, inter alia, lightning rods, antennas, solar panels, satellite dishes, safety rails, glass balustrades, HVAC heating and air conditioning equipment, decorative sculptures, holiday decorations, etc., while at the same time providing a watertight connection. Summary of the Invention

[0012]

[0012] Certain of the foregoing and related objects are achieved in accordance with the present invention by the provision of an anchor platform assembly for securing an object to a structure, comprising: an anchor base plate having substantially planar first and second surfaces, an elongated post coupled to the base plate and projecting outwardly from the first surface, the post having a first end and a second free end secured to the anchor base plate, and an at least partially threaded cylindrical blind hole extending from the first surface of the anchor base plate to the post, the second surface of the anchor base plate being configured to allow the structure to lie substantially flush with the second surface except for the area of ​​the second surface covered by the post; and means for fastening the object to the anchor base plate via the blind hole, the means comprising a cylindrical mechanical fastener having parallel threads.

[0013]

[0013] Preferably, the assembly further includes means for fastening the anchor base plate to a structure, the second surface of which is substantially flush with the structure except for the area of ​​the second surface that is covered by the post.

[0014]

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

[0015]

[0015] Most desirably, the threaded bolt has an enlarged head and a threaded stem having the parallel 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 desirably includes a nut receivable on the externally threaded post for securing the anchor platform assembly to a structure from below. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the anchor base plate has an unthreaded through-hole merging with the blind hole, and the post has a reduced diameter neck portion adjacent its first end configured and dimensioned for reception within the unthreaded through-hole.

[0016]

[0016] Preferably, the anchor platform assembly also includes an object support member having a base wall positionable on the anchor base plate such that the base wall apertures align with the screw blind apertures. Advantageously, the assembly further includes an elongated U-shaped support for an object having a generally planar base wall, a support stand having a planar base, and an upstanding tubular body member joined to the planar base, the planar base having through-holes formed therethrough alignable with the blind apertures in the anchor base plate, the tubular body member having opposing sidewalls each having through-holes aligning with through-holes in the opposing sidewalls. The assembly also includes an object support member having at least one base wall with through-holes extending therethrough, means for mechanically fastening the object support member to the support stand via the sidewall through-holes of the support stand and the wall of the object support stand, and means for mechanically fastening the support stand to the anchor base plate via the through-holes in its base wall and the screw blind apertures in the anchor base plate.

[0017]

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

[0018]

[0018] Most advantageously, the anchor base plate is curved to allow it to be attached to a sloped roof. Desirably, the anchor base plate has a planar central portion through which the blind hole extends and a pair of downwardly extending wings joined to either side of the planar central portion and extending therefrom. Preferably, the assembly further includes a clamp for a ground cable, the clamp being threadably receivable on the externally threaded post. In a further embodiment of the invention, the post includes an at least partially threaded thread, and the anchor base plate includes a flange. Desirably, the flange is a substantially circular planar flange. Most preferably, a polygonal nut having a through hole is attached to the upper surface of the base plate with the through hole axially aligned and registered with the blind hole in the base plate. Most advantageously, the polygonal nut is a hexagonal nut.

[0019]

[0019] Most preferably, the screw has an upper tubular neck portion having a through bore with open upper and lower ends, the lower open end of which merges with a threaded bore within a lower externally threaded shaft portion which together define the at least partially threaded blind bore of the post. Preferably, the through bore in 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 rotating preferably comprises a port formed therein adjacent to an open upper end of the blind hole in the post or screw configured and dimensioned to receive a tool for rotating the anchor onto a support structure. The port is configured and dimensioned as a countersunk screw slot or an Allen key port.

[0021]

[0021] The assembly preferably includes a lightning rod as the object, the lightning rod having a lower end and means for fastening the object provided at the lower end which is threadably receivable in the blind hole. Preferably, an expansion collar is provided on the lightning rod above the lower end of the lightning rod. Advantageously, a clamp for an earth cable is provided, the clamp being threadably receivable on the lower end of the lightning rod below its expansion collar. Alternatively, a clamp for an earth cable is provided serving as the object, the clamp being receivable on the lower end of the lightning rod or on an externally threaded post.

[0022] Certain of the foregoing and related objects are also achieved in an anchor platform assembly for securing an object to a structure, comprising: an anchor base plate having substantially planar first and second surfaces; two cylindrical posts, each having a first end secured to the anchor base plate with the first ends secured to each other such that the two posts are axially aligned and registered with the anchor base plate through-holes and extend perpendicularly outward from the anchor base plate, with at least one of the posts extending into the through-hole in the anchor base plate, the posts each having a second free end; and means for fastening an object to the anchor base plate via at least one of the posts comprising a cylindrical mechanical fastener having parallel threads. Preferably, at least one or both of the posts are male threaded. Desirably, at least one post comprises an at least partially threaded cylindrical stud with straight edges. Advantageously, at least one of said posts has an at least partially threaded cylindrical blind bore formed therein, opening at said free second end thereof.

[0023]

[0023] Preferably, the assembly further comprises means for fastening an object to at least one of said posts. It preferably comprises an L-shaped support for a solar panel having a through hole received in one of said externally threaded posts. A nut received in said externally threaded post may be provided to clamp said L-shaped support to said anchor base plate. Advantageously, both of said posts have an at least partially threaded cylindrical blind hole formed therein, opening at their free second ends. In a preferred embodiment, the two posts have different or the same diameters.

[0024]

[0024] Advantageously, the anchor plate has a channel formed in at least one side thereof for receiving adhesive therein, the channel being preferably circular and spaced outwardly of said through hole in said anchor base plate.

[0025]

[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 being understood that the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to define the limits of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top and side perspective view of a first embodiment of an anchor base plate utilized in an anchor platform assembly embodying the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a bottom and side perspective view of the anchor base plate shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, perspective view of a first embodiment of an anchor platform assembly embodying the present invention using a plurality of serially arranged, spaced apart anchor base plates attached to a roof deck and having secured thereto a plurality of spaced apart, elongated rails each having a U-shaped channel or shoe supporting a pair of glass balustrades. [Figure 4a] FIG. 4a is an exploded cross-sectional view of an anchor platform assembly including an anchor base plate in position relative to the U-shaped shoe and roof deck shown in FIG. 3, and further showing the roof water return material, fasteners, and adhesives used therewith. [Figure 4b] FIG. 4b is a plan view of the anchor base plate and an optional shim plate in its center for adjusting the height of the rail. [Figure 4c] FIG. 4c is a cross-sectional view of the anchor platform assembly in FIG. 4a shown fully attached to the roof deck, thereby securing the glass rail to the roof via its U-shaped shoe. [Figure 5a] FIG. 5a is an exploded cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of an anchor platform assembly comparable to FIG. 4a but showing an anchor base plate having an internally threaded post with a neck section of reduced width. [Figure 5b] FIG. 5b is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the invention in a fully installed state, comparable to FIG. 4c, but showing the use of an internally threaded post having a neck section of reduced width that seats within the central hole of the anchor base plate. [Figure 6a] FIG. 6a is an exploded cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of an anchor platform assembly comparable to that shown in FIGS. 4a and 5a, but showing an anchor base plate having an externally threaded post. [Figure 6b] FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the anchor platform assembly in a fully installed state, comparable to that of FIGS. 4c and 5b, but showing the externally threaded posts securing the anchor base plate to the roof deck from below via nuts and washers. [Figure 7a] Figure 7a is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 6b but showing an accessory unit supporting the glass balustrade and its support shoe in an elevated position, spaced above the roof deck and offset from the central hole in the anchor base plate. [Figure 7b] FIG. 7b is a perspective view of an anchor platform assembly attachment unit for supporting a roof attachment structure in an offset and elevated position relative to the anchor base plate and roof deck, respectively. [Figure 8a] FIG. 8a is a side view of a combined flush screw anchor and fastener assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8b] 8b is a side view, partially in section, of the flush screw anchor assembly shown in FIG. 8a. [Figure 8c] FIG. 8c is a top view of the flush screw anchor flange assembly shown in FIGS. 8a and 8b. [Figure 8d] FIG. 8d is a side view in partial cross section of a flush screw anchor assembly similar to FIG. 8b but showing the optional provision of a flat-head screwdriver port. [Figure 8e] FIG. 8e is a plan view of the flush screw anchor flange assembly shown in FIG. 8d. [Figure 8f] FIG. 8f is a side view in partial cross section of a flush screw anchor assembly similar to FIG. 8b but showing the optional provision of an Allen key port. [Figure 8g] FIG. 8g is a plan view of the flush screw anchor flange assembly shown in FIG. 8f. [Figure 8h] FIG. 8h is a side view of a raised hex head screw anchor and fastener assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8i] FIG. 8i is a side view in partial cross section of the hex head screw anchor assembly shown in FIG. 8h. [Figure 8j] 8j is a plan view in partial section of the hex head screw anchor assembly shown in FIG. 8h. [Figure 9a]9a is an exploded cross-sectional view of an anchoring platform assembly according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, comparable to FIG. 6a, but showing the support of a lightning rod and cable, and further illustrating the use of roof water return material, fasteners, and adhesives used therewith. [Figure 9b] FIG. 9b is a cross-sectional view of the anchor platform assembly shown in FIG. 9a in a fully installed state. [Figure 10a] FIG. 10a is an exploded cross-sectional view of a seventh embodiment of the present invention for supporting a lightning rod, in which the anchor base plate is positioned upside down with the screw posts extending above the anchor base plate rather than below it as shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b, and further showing the roof water return material, fasteners, and adhesives used therewith. [Figure 10b] FIG. 10b is a cross-sectional view of the anchor platform assembly shown in FIG. 10a in a fully installed state. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an exploded cross-sectional view of an anchor platform assembly embodying an eighth embodiment of the present invention for supporting a lightning rod, in which the anchor base plate is welded to an internally threaded dual cylindrical post having an upper post extending above the base plate with a threaded blind hole into which the lightning rod is threadably received, and a lower post with a threaded blind hole into which the ground cable is clamped. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an exploded cross-sectional view of an anchoring platform assembly embodying a ninth embodiment of the present invention for supporting a lightning rod and clamped ground cable mounted on and along the peak of a sloped roof. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a flush screw anchor assembly embodying a tenth embodiment of the invention of the type shown in FIGS. 8a-8c, for supporting a lightning rod and ground cable on the peak of a roof. [Figure 14]FIG. 14 is an exploded cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 13 but instead showing a compact flush anchor used to support a length of ground cable supported by clamps attached onto and along a roof via threaded bolts receivable in threaded blind holes in the anchor. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a raised hex head screw anchor assembly of the type shown in FIGS. 8h-8j embodying an eleventh embodiment of the invention, shown supporting a lightning rod on the top of a roof. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an exploded cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 15 but instead showing the raised hex head screw anchor shown in FIGS. 8h-8j being used to support a length of ground cable supported by a clamp along the peak of a roof via a threaded bolt receivable within the threaded blind hole of the anchor. [Figure 17a] FIG. 17a is a side view of a dual post anchor base plate assembly according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention, having an externally threaded cylindrical upper and lower post, the latter having a smaller diameter than the upper post. [Figure 17b] FIG. 17b is a top view of the dual post anchor base plate assembly shown in FIG. 17a. [Figure 17c] FIG. 17c is a bottom view of the dual post anchor base plate assembly shown in FIG. 17a. [Figure 18a] FIG. 18a is a side view of a dual post anchor base plate assembly according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention, having an externally threaded cylindrical upper post with an Allen key port and an externally threaded cylindrical lower post, the latter having a smaller diameter than the upper post. [Figure 18b] FIG. 18b is a top view of the dual post anchor base plate assembly shown in FIG. 18a. [Figure 18c] FIG. 18c is a bottom view of the dual post anchor base plate assembly shown in FIG. 18a. [Figure 19a]FIG. 19a is a side view of a dual post anchor base plate assembly according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention, having an externally threaded cylindrical upper post with a threaded blind hole and an externally threaded cylindrical lower post, the latter of which has a smaller diameter than the upper post. [Figure 19b] FIG. 19b is a top view of the dual post anchor base plate assembly shown in FIG. 19a. [Figure 19c] FIG. 19c is a bottom view of the dual post anchor base plate assembly shown in FIG. 19a. [Figure 20a] FIG. 20a is a side view of a dual post anchor base plate assembly according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention, having an externally threaded cylindrical upper post with a blind bore and an externally threaded cylindrical lower post with a blind bore, both of which have the same diameter. [Figure 20b] FIG. 20b is a top view of the dual post anchor base plate assembly shown in FIG. 20a. [Figure 20c] FIG. 20c is a bottom view of the dual post anchor base plate assembly shown in FIG. 20a. [Figure 21a] FIG. 21 a is an exploded side view in partial section of an anchor base plate assembly utilizing both the dual post anchor base plate assembly of FIG. 19 a and the flush mount screw anchor of FIG. 8 d for supporting an L-shaped solar panel bracket on a roof. [Figure 21b] FIG. 21b is a side view of the anchor base plate assembly shown in FIG. 21a in a fully installed state. [Figure 22a] FIG. 22a is an exploded side view of a dual post anchor base plate assembly utilizing the dual post anchor base plate assembly of FIG. 20a to secure a lightning rod to its externally threaded cylindrical upper post on a roof and a ground cable to its externally threaded cylindrical lower post below the roof, where both posts have internally threaded internal blind holes. [Figure 22b]FIG. 22b is a side view of the anchor base plate assembly shown in FIG. 22a in a fully installed state. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is an exploded cross-sectional view of an anchor platform assembly employing a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention for supporting a lightning rod and a ground cable, in which the anchor base plate is welded to an externally threaded dual cylindrical post having an upper post extending above the base plate into which the lightning rod can be threadably received, and a lower post extending below the base plate to which the ground cable is clamped. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027]

[0075] Turning now in detail to the drawings, and particularly to Figures 1-7b thereof, illustrated therein is a novel anchor platform assembly embodying the present invention as more particularly described and illustrated in Applicant's aforementioned U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 852,733 and Application No. PCT / US2019 / 018592 for securing an object to a support structure, particularly for a wide variety of anchor applications that are universally adaptable to many different fields of use.

[0028]

[0076] 1-4c thereof illustrate a first embodiment of the present invention comprising a novel anchor platform assembly, generally designated by the reference numeral 10, specifically designed for securing roof attachment structures to roofs and other raised, flat, and / or sloped structures such as terraces, balconies, staircases, etc. The main component of the anchor platform assembly is an anchor base plate, generally designated by the reference numeral 11, which is preferably made of stainless steel (but may be made of other metals such as aluminum, bronze, etc.), is preferably square or rectangular, and has a top surface 12 and a bottom surface 13. Anchor base plate 11 has an internally threaded central through-hole 14 and six spaced peripheral through-holes 15 positioned radially outward from central hole 14 and generally adjacent the periphery of base plate 11. In this embodiment, anchor base plate 11 also includes a preferably cylindrical rod or post 16 having an axially extending, internally threaded bore 17 (see FIG. 4b) with a top open end 18 and a closed bottom 19 (FIG. 2), which is preferably secured to anchor base plate 11 via welding such that top open end 18 of bore 17 abuts and aligns with the bottom open end of central through-hole 14 (see FIG. 4b).

[0029]

[0077] As shown in FIG. 3 , the anchor base plate 11 of the anchor platform assembly 10 is typically attached to a roof structure, such as a roof deck, generally designated 21, via a mechanical fastening element 20, preferably in the form of a nail, bolt, or lag screw. Its cylindrical post 16 extends through the roof deck 21 and its closed end 19 projects below the roof deck. The internally threaded, aligned holes 14 and 17 serve as anchor points for an object attached to the roof deck 21. In this case, the object is a glass balustrade of some kind, having glass panels 22 with their lower ends secured within elongated, U-shaped metal channels or shoes 24. FIG. 3 specifically illustrates three spaced, serially arranged anchor base plates 11 to which two glass panels 22 and two shoes 24 are at least partially attached. In use, such a glass balustrade may be several hundred feet long. As can be appreciated, depending on the length of each glass balustrade 22, more than one anchor base plate 11 may be required per glass rail 22, as shown in FIG. 3 .

[0030]

[0078] As best seen in Figures 4a and 4c, an elongated U-shaped shoe 24 has a base wall 23 with a plurality of spaced-apart through-holes 25 (only one of which is shown). As discussed in more detail below, a cylindrical mechanical fastener having straight threads, such as a threaded bolt 26 and washer 27, is used, which is received through the through-hole 25 of the U-shaped shoe 24 and into the internally threaded central hole 14 of the anchor base plate 11 and the internally threaded blind hole 17 of the cylindrical post or rod 16 (Figure 4c) to secure them to the roof deck 21. The cylindrical post 16, having a closed bottom 19, serves two purposes: (1) to provide a relatively strong and rigid fixed support point for an object attached to the roof, and (2) to prevent water from entering and below the roof deck 21 through the central hole 14 as a result of the blind hole 17 and the closed lower end 19 of the cylindrical rod 16.

[0031]

[0079] 4b shows the use of a square shim plate 28 having a central through hole 29 that is mounted on top of the anchor base plate 11 so that its central through hole 29 is directly over and aligned with the inner blind hole 17 of the cylindrical post 16. The shim plate 28 is used to adjust the height of the shoes 24 to ensure proper alignment of adjacent shoes 24 and the glass balustrade(s) 22 that they support due to variations in height of the roof deck 21, etc. Additional shim plates 28 can, of course, be used to achieve proper height alignment as needed.

[0032]

[0080] As shown in Figures 4a and 4c, the central through-hole 25 of the U-shaped channel or shoe 24 includes a step that is sized and configured to receive and support the bolt head and washer 27 of the bolt 26 on the step so that the bolt head of the bolt 26 is disposed below the top surface 30 of the lower base wall 23 of the U-shaped shoe 24 so as not to abut, and possibly crack or damage, the bottom edge of the glass balustrade 22.

[0033]

[0081] 4a and 4c show exploded and fully installed cross-sectional views, respectively, of an anchor platform assembly 10, including preferred water-repellent materials, fasteners, adhesives, etc., for attaching a glass balustrade to a roof deck or terrace, etc. As shown in FIG. 4a, an anchor base plate 11 is positioned on a 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 base plate 11 is intended to be inserted through a through-hole 31 in the roof deck 21 and a through-hole 33 in a conventional rubber roofing membrane 32, preferably made of neoprene, that is preferably interposed between the anchor base plate 11 and the roof deck 21. Similarly, a conventional rubber roofing membrane 34, also preferably made of neoprene, is preferably positioned between an optional shim plate 28 and the top surface 12 of the anchor base plate 11, and also includes a central hole 36 to allow a bolt 26 to pass through the membrane 34. Additionally, a sealant, cement, caulk, or adhesive layer 38 is shown that is typically applied to the bottom surface 13 of the anchor base plate 11 to adhesively bond and seal it to the roof membrane 32 .

[0034]

[0082] 4c, adhesive, caulking, cement, or glue 40 (and / or optionally clips) is also applied to the interior surface of the U-shaped metal channel 24 to surround the lower end of the glass balustrade 22 received within the U-shaped channel 24. As also shown therein, the anchor base plate membrane 34 extends across the anchor base plate 11 with its ends sealed against the roof membrane 32, thereby sealing the screw holes and the remainder of the anchor base plate 11. As can be appreciated, these water-repellent materials and adhesives serve to waterproof the assembly and protect the roof from leaks.

[0035]

[0083] As previously mentioned, this is particularly important in that it refers to the attachment point of an object to the roof, in this case the attachment point of the glass balustrade shoe 24 to the anchor base plate cylindrical post 16 via the bolt 26 and blind threaded hole 17 into which the bolt 26 is received. Because the hole 17 is a blind hole or hole and the bottom 19 end of the cylindrical post 16 is closed, any possible path for water that may seep between the glass panel 22 and the U-shaped channel 24 and into the hole 17 in the cylindrical post 16 is completely blocked from entering the roof deck 21.

[0036]

[0084] 5a and 5b show a second embodiment of an anchor base plate assembly 10' and in a similar manner show exploded and fully installed cross-sectional views, respectively, of this second embodiment of an anchor platform assembly 10'.

[0037]

[0085] The components shown in this second embodiment are the same as those shown in Figures 4a and 4c, except that cylindrical post 16' includes a narrow neck portion 35 and base plate 11' includes an unthreaded central bore 14', both of which are otherwise identical to base plate 11' and cylindrical post 16 shown in the previous embodiment. In Figures 4a and 4c, upper end 18 of cylindrical post 16 would normally be welded to bottom surface 13 of anchor base plate 11'. However, in Figures 5a and 5b, narrow neck section 35 is intended to be received within unthreaded central bore 14' of anchor base plate 11', and this configuration results in a stiffer, more secure bond. The stronger bond results from the fact that when anchor plate 11' and post 16' are welded together, the narrow neck portion extends into unthreaded central hole 14, while the respective central hole 14' and internally threaded hole 17' are held in proper axial alignment by the reduced neck section 35 of post 16' received in central hole 14.

[0038]

[0086] FIGS. 6a and 6b show a third embodiment of an anchor base plate assembly 10'' and, in a similar manner, show exploded and fully installed cross-sectional views, respectively, of this third anchor platform assembly embodiment. The components shown in this third embodiment are the same as those shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, except that the lower portion 37 of the 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 37 of the cylindrical post 16'' such that, in the fully assembled state shown in FIG. 6b, the nut 39 and washer 41 are tightened against the underside of the metal roof deck 21' to provide a stronger attachment point while simultaneously preventing roof leaks at the attachment point through the blind hole 17' and the closed end 19 of the cylindrical post 16''.

[0039]

[0087] 7a and 7b show a novel accessory support stand 42 for the various anchor plate assemblies described herein, allowing a user to support spaced-apart objects standing on the anchor base plate. The accessory support stand 42 includes a square or rectangular, planar base 44, preferably made of metal, and an upstanding, rectangular, tubular body member, preferably made of metal, consisting of four side walls 43, one end of which is joined to the planar base 44 by welding. A drainage hole 45 is provided in the base of one side wall 43 to allow water to drain therefrom. The base 44 has a central bore 49 (FIG. 7b) alignable with the internally threaded bore 17′ of the cylindrical post 16″, and the threaded stem of the bolt 26 is threadably received within the internally threaded bore 17′ to secure the support stand 42 to the anchor base plate 11″. At least one set of horizontally aligned holes 46 is formed in opposing side walls 43 of the upright tubular body, through which threaded bolts 47 are fitted to secure an object to one of the side walls 43 of the support stand 42, as best shown in FIG. 7b. In this case, the U-shaped channel 24' is provided with a recessed through-hole 25' in one of its side walls, rather than its base wall 23', as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6. The bolt 47 is held in the recessed through-hole 25' with its bolt head held against a step in the channel through-hole 25', and at its opposite end (i.e., the free end of its threaded shaft extending through the side wall hole 46) by an additional nut 48 and washer 49, securing the U-shaped channel 24' in an upright, elevated position relative to the anchor base plate 11'' and roof element 21', and offset relative to the central blind hole in the anchor base plate 11''.

[0040]

[0088]

[0033] Turning now specifically to Figures 8a-8j, several embodiments of novel screw anchor and fastener assemblies (hereinafter generally referred to as "screw anchors" or "screw anchor assemblies") according to the present invention, as shown and described in Applicant's previously filed continuation-in-part PCT Application No. PCT / US2019 / 018592. As shown in Figures 8a-8c, anchor assembly 110 is a flush screw anchor and is particularly useful in the construction industry for a myriad of applications. Flush screw anchor assembly 110 comprises a preferably planar base plate, flange, or washer 111 having an upper surface 112, an opposing lower surface 113, and an optional internally threaded central opening 114 extending therethrough. In addition, screw anchor assembly 110 also includes an externally threaded post, preferably in the form of a screw or lag screw 116, secured to anchor base plate 111 and extending downwardly from the lower surface 113 of base plate 111. As best shown in Figure 8b, the upper shaft of screw 116 includes an axially extending, female-threaded central bore 117 that is integral with and axially aligned with central opening 114 of base plate 111. Bore 117 has a diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the male-threaded upper shaft of screw 116.

[0041]

[0089] The hole 117 in the screw 116 is a blind hole having an open upper end defined by the hole 114 in the flange or base plate 111 and a closed lower end 119 in the shaft of the screw 116. It is also preferred that the screw 116 and base plate 111 are joined together to form a unitary combined anchor and fastener assembly or component. The screw 116 can be secured to the base plate 111 via welding, a press-fit connection, or by any other fastening means that ensures that the screw 116 and base plate 111 are firmly and rigidly fastened together to provide a strong and robust anchor.

[0042]

[0090] As shown and discussed below in connection with the installation and use of the screw anchor of the present invention for this and other embodiments described herein, a fastener, typically in the form of a bolt 26 having an enlarged head and threaded shaft with a washer 27 as shown in Figures 4a, 4c, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, and 7a, is threadably receivable through the hole 117 to hold and rigidly secure an object to the anchor, such that the object, or part thereof, or associated attached structure (with respect to the latter, see, for example, the U-shaped shoe 24 used to support a glass panel 22 for a roof balustrade) is held in rigid, fixed engagement against the upper surface 112 of the anchor base plate 111. This is preferably achieved by providing a through hole 25 in the object, part, or attached structure through which the threaded shaft of the bolt 26 threads before being threaded into the blind hole 117 of the screw anchor 110 and tightened to rigidly secure the object to the screw anchor.

[0043]

[0091] Figures 8d and 8e show a variation of the flush anchor embodiment shown in Figures 8a-8c in which recessed countersunk slots or ports 143 are formed in the base plate 111 on either side of its central hole 114, and the upper outer side of the lag screw flush anchor 110 extends down in smooth enlarged head portions 144 on either side of its central hole 117, allowing a flat-head screwdriver or other tool (not shown) to be inserted into said slots 143 to facilitate rotation of the externally threaded shaft of the screw 116 and either thread the anchor 110 into its intended support structure or to unscrew it therefrom if it needs to be repositioned within the support structure of, for example, a building.

[0044]

[0092] Figures 8f and 8g show another variation of the screw anchor assembly shown in Figures 8a-8c, in which an Allen key port 145 is provided instead of using a flathead screwdriver port 143. More specifically, a countersunk space 146 is provided above the upper end of the blind hole 117 in the anchor base plate 111 and in the upper, smooth-outside, enlarged head portion 144 of the lag screw anchor 110, which extends downwardly from the upper surface 112 of the washer 111 into the countersunk space 146 provided in and collectively defined by the base plate 111 and the head portion 144.

[0045]

[0093] Head space 146 has an interior wall configured to define a preferably hexagonal central bore 145 that functions as an Allen key port. Allen key port 145 is designed to receive an Allen key (not shown) that can easily thread and remove flush thread anchor 110 from a support structure, as described and illustrated in more detail below.

[0046]

[0094] In a fifth embodiment of the screw anchor assembly of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 8h-8j, a hexagonal-head lag screw anchor 210 is provided having a hexagonal hex nut 250 secured onto the upper surface 212 of a base plate 211. The hexagonal hex nut 250 serves the same purpose as a driver slot, Allen key port, or the like, allowing the use of a tool such as a socket wrench (not shown) configured to grasp the hex head and facilitate its threading or removal from a support. The outer hex nut 250 is preferably integrally joined to the base plate 211, such as by welding, to form a one-piece component. As best shown in FIG. 8i, the outer hex nut 250 includes an internally threaded central through-hole 252 that is axially aligned and registers with the central hole 217 of the lag screw 216 and the hole 214 of the base plate 211. Although anchor 210 is shown and described as having a hexagonal nut 250, other polygonal shapes or dimensions are possible and contemplated by the present invention and as further disclosed below.

[0047]

[0095] Turning now to Figures 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11, and 12, these figures 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 typically comprises a pointed metal rod that is attached to the roof of a building. The rod may be one inch in diameter. It connects to a copper or aluminum wire or cable 90 that may also be as small as one inch in diameter. The cable 90 is typically connected to a conductive grid or plate (not shown) that is buried in the ground nearby. In the event of a lightning strike, the lightning rod 80 provides a low resistance path to ground via the cable 90, which can be used to conduct the huge current away from the structure and safely to the ground.

[0048]

[0096] More particularly, FIG. 9a is an exploded cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of an anchoring platform assembly 10'' of the invention used to support and attach 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 shown in the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b. The post 16'' has a lower externally threaded portion 37 that is physically attached (e.g., welded) to the underside of the base plate 11'. A blind hole 17' in the post 16'' is also threaded. The lightning rod 80 preferably has a pointed, elongated cylindrical upper body 82 that is joined via a locking collar 84 to a lower threaded cylindrical rod 83 that is threadably receivable in the blind hole 17' of the post 16''. Beneath the roof, a generally C-shaped, double-arm clamp 89 is used to securely hold a ground cable 90, with mounting holes 87 in each of its arms 88, thereby attaching it to the threaded portion 37 of the post 16". A washer 41 and nut 39 are receivable onto the lower threaded end 37 of the post 16", and as best seen in FIG. 9b, tightening the nut 39 on the post 16" causes the washer 41 and nut 39 to press against the C-clamp 89, firmly securing it, thereby holding the cable 90' ​​to the underside of the roof 21. The ground cable 90 extends along the underside of the roof and is ultimately led to the ground, where it is typically attached to a ground grid or plate (not shown). In actual use, the ground cable 90 is attached to the lightning rod assembly with the aid of various conventional grounding and clamping assemblies for attaching the ground cable 90 to the lightning rod 80 and the ground, which are well known by those skilled in the art. The C-clamps described and illustrated herein are merely simplified representations of these commercially available clamps.

[0049]

[0097] As best shown in FIG. 9a, the cylindrical post 116 includes a narrow neck section 35, and the base plate 11′ includes an unthreaded central bore 14, providing a stronger, more rigid bond therebetween. The stronger bond is due to the fact that the narrow neck section 35 extends into the unthreaded central bore 14′ like a dowel, providing not only a strong, rigid joint but also precise 90° alignment of the base plate 11′ and post 16″ when the anchor plate 11′ and post 16″ are welded together, with the respective central bore 14′ and threaded bore 17′ of the post 16″ held in proper alignment by the reduced neck section 35. Of course, anchor plates 11′ and posts 16″ without reduced neck sections can optionally be used, depending on the strength characteristics and requirements of the anchor assembly for a particular application, such as those shown in FIGS. 1-4c.

[0050]

[0098] FIG. 10a is an exploded cross-sectional view of a seventh embodiment of an anchor platform assembly 10''' of the present invention. The anchor base plate 11''' of the anchor platform assembly 10''' is the same as the anchor base plate 11 shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b. 11’ The post 16''' has a centrally disposed threaded blind hole 17''' and a narrow neck portion 35''', the latter of which is physically attached (e.g., welded) to the top surface 12''' of the base plate 16''' instead of its bottom surface 13'' as shown in the previous embodiment. In this embodiment, the ground cable 90 is again held by a two-legged C-clamp 89 via an opening 87 in a pair of arms 88 thereof that receives the externally threaded shaft 86 of the bolt 26.

[0051]

[0099] FIG. 10b is a cross-sectional view of the seventh embodiment of the anchor platform assembly 10''' in a fully installed state but in an upside-down manner comparable to that of FIG. 9b. The threaded shaft 86 of the bolt 26 is inserted from below the roof deck 21' through an opening in the roof deck 21' and through openings in the membranes 32 and 34, and is threadably received in the internally threaded blind hole 17''' of the post 16''. The enlarged head and washer of the bolt 26 41 serves to securely fasten the C-clamp 89, and thus the ground cable 90, to the bottom surface of the roof.

[0052]

[0100] The pointed shaft 82 of the lightning rod 80 is connected to a nut 85, which threadably secures the lightning rod 82 to the post 16''' of the anchor base plate assembly 10''' on the roof 21. As a result, the lightning rod 80 is electrically coupled from the nut 85 through the post 16''', the bolt 26, and the clamp 89 to a ground cable 90, and thus to a conductive grid or plate (not shown) in the ground.

[0053]

[0101] 11 is an exploded cross-sectional view of an eighth embodiment of an anchor platform assembly 310 of the present invention, which also has a dual post 316 comprised of an upper post 318 joined to the upper surface of an anchor base plate 311 by a weld 96 and having an internally threaded blind hole 317 opening at the free upper end of the post 318. The dual post 316 also has a lower post 319 extending from the bottom wall 313 and projecting downwardly below the roof 21. It also has an internally 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 that is threadably received in the threaded blind hole 317 in the upper post 318. Meanwhile, the C-shaped clamp 89 is receivable on the lower screw post 319 so as to be able to hold it under the roof 21 abutting its underside when so attached via the washer 41 and the nut 26 whose threaded shaft 86 is receivable within the threaded internal bore 320 of the lower post 319.

[0054]

[0102] 12 shows a ninth embodiment of the invention for applications where a lightning rod needs to be attached to a sloped roof ridge consisting of butted and joined roof shingles 401, 402 supported by three layers of roof ridge plate 403. The metal anchor assembly 410 comprises a curved base plate 411 having a central, horizontally disposed mid-plane section 412 formed with a central hole 414 from which spans a cylindrical post 416 that is received within hole 404 in the roof ridge plate 403. The base plate 411 has two curved wing sections 418 extending from either side of the mid-plane section 412, which are angled to lie flat against the roof shingles 401, 402.

[0055]

[0103] As before, the base plate 411 is attached to the roof sheets 401, 402 via set screws 420 received through holes 415 in the curved wing sections 417. Water return and adhesive material (not shown) as used in other embodiments would also be used in the same manner as before.

[0056]

[0104] The cylindrical post 416 may optionally be smooth or externally threaded, as shown in the previous embodiment, and further has an internally threaded central bore 417 that can threadably receive the lower threaded section 83 of the lightning rod 80, such that its pointed upper section 82 preferably projects upward from the highest point of the roof. In such an application, the ground cable 90 typically runs along the roof ridge and connects, also via clamps 89 or the like, to a plurality of spaced apart lightning rods 82 (not shown).

[0057]

[0105] Figure 13 shows a tenth embodiment of the inventive anchor assembly for securing a lightning rod 80 to a roof shingle 21' covered by a membrane 32. This embodiment uses a miniature screw anchor of any of the types shown in Figures 8a-8e. In this example, a flush screw anchor 110 of the type shown in Figure 8d is used, having a base plate or washer 111 with an upper surface 112, an opposing lower surface 113, and a central opening 114 extending therethrough.

[0058]

[0106] 13, the underside 113 of the base plate 111 is adhered to the roof membrane 27 via a sealant 38 such as caulk, which in turn is adhesively attached to a typical plywood roof sheet 21'. The threaded lower end 83 of the lightning rod 80 is inserted therethrough and threadably received within the threaded blind hole 117 such that a C-shaped clamp 89 holding the cable 90 is securely fastened between the collar 84 and the upper surface 112 of the base plate 111.

[0059]

[0107] 14 shows a compact flush anchor 110 attached to a roof 21′, but instead used to support a length of ground cable 90 along the roof 21′ via a ground cable clip 89. The anchor 110 clamps the C-shaped 89 cable via a threaded bolt 26 that is receivable through the opening 87 in the clip arm 88 and that is threadably receivable in the threaded hole 117 of the anchor 116 to clamp the clip 89 between the bolt head 26 and the top surface 112 of the base plate 111 of the anchor 110 when the bolt 26 is fully received in the threaded hole 117 of the anchor 116. As can be appreciated, multiple spaced-apart compact flush anchors 110 may utilize multiple cable clips 89 to attach a length of cable 90 onto and along a roof or wall or other structure.

[0060]

[0108] FIG. 15 illustrates an eleventh embodiment of the anchor assembly of the present invention utilizing the hex nut screw anchor assembly 210 of FIGS. 8h-8j, in which an outer hex nut 250 is formed on the upper surface 212 of the base plate 211. The outer hex nut 250 is preferably formed integrally with the base plate 211 as a one-piece component. However, the hex nut 250 could be welded or otherwise attached to the base plate 211. The outer hex nut 250 includes an internally threaded central through-bore 252 that is axially aligned with the central bore 217 of the shaft 216 and the opening 214 of the base plate 211, as best seen in FIG. 8i. While the slightly raised anchor 210 is shown and described as having a hex shaped nut 250, other shapes are possible and contemplated by the present invention.

[0061]

[0109] The axially aligned holes 87, 214, and 217 are configured and dimensioned to progressively receive the threaded lower end 83 of the lightning rod 80 to secure the lightning rod 80 to the anchor 210 and therefore to the roof 21 covered by the membrane 27. An adhesive layer 38 is also preferably provided on the underside 213 of the base plate 210. The lightning rod 80 also includes a locking collar 84 which serves to crimp and secure a C-shaped clamp 89 which, when fully installed, holds the ground cable 90 against the top of the hex head 250.

[0062]

[0110] 16 shows a slightly elevated anchor 210 attached to roof 21′, but instead used to support a length of ground cable 90 along the roof via a ground cable C-clamp 89. Anchor 210 clamps cable 90 via a threaded bolt 26 that is receivable through aligned holes 87, 214, and 217 such that when its threaded shaft 86 is fully received in threaded hole 217 of anchor 210, it clamps clip 89 between the head of bolt 26 and the top surface of base plate 211. Again, multiple spaced apart slightly elevated anchors 110 can be used to secure a length of ground cable 90 via multiple cable clips 89 on and along a roof, wall, or other structure that leads to the ground.

[0063]

[0111] 17a-17c to 20a-20c, there are shown several more examples of various types of dual post anchors embodying the present invention (see also FIG. 24). In FIGS. 17a-17c, anchor assembly 510 has dual posts 516 consisting of an externally threaded cylindrical upper post 518 and an externally threaded cylindrical lower post 519, as shown in the previous embodiment, each rigidly secured to base plate 511 via its central through-hole (not shown).

[0064]

[0112] Additionally, the bottom surface 513 of the disc-shaped base plate 516 optionally includes a circular channel or groove 521 for receiving adhesive or caulking (not shown) that is typically 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 post 518 has a larger diameter than the lower post 519.

[0065]

[0113] The other embodiments of Figures 18-20 have many of the same features as those shown in Figures 18a-18c, and the components in each of these four embodiments have the same reference numbers, where applicable, except that they are preceded by the numbers 5, 6, 7, and 8, respectively, to distinguish between the four illustrated embodiments. They also have the same general structure and arrangement as described and illustrated above with respect to Figures 17a-17c, and therefore, only the differences between these different dual post anchors will be described below.

[0066]

[0114] More specifically, Figures 18a-18c show a variation of the dual post anchor shown in Figures 17a-17c, but with the additional feature of an Allen key port 645 located in the blind bore 618 of the top port 618 to facilitate rotation of the anchor when inserted or removed. Figures 19a-19c show a further version of the dual post anchor shown in Figures 18a-18c, in that the top post 718 further includes a centrally disposed, axially extending blind bore 717 below the Allen key port 745. Figures 20a-20c show another application of the dual post anchor shown in Figures 19a-19c, in which the bottom post 819 also includes a centrally disposed, axially extending blind bore 820 opening at its lower end. Additionally, in this embodiment, the cylindrical top and bottom posts 818 , 819 each have the same diameter. Also note that the dual post embodiments of Figures 17a-17c through 20a-20c may have smooth posts for situations where the lower post cannot be bolted from below the roof.

[0067]

[0115] 21a and 21b, there is shown one embodiment of how the flush anchor of FIG. 8d and the dual post anchor assembly of FIG. 19a can be used in combination to attach an L-shaped solar bracket 630 to a shingled roof having an upper shingle 640 and a lower shingle 650 that attach to a roof base 21' covered by a rubber membrane 32. As best seen in the exploded view of FIG. 21a, the dual post anchor flange 610 is disposed above the upper shingle 640 and the flush screw anchor 110 is disposed below the upper shingle 640. Caulking ring 38 21b, is disposed between the underside 613 of the anchor base plate 611 and the upper surface 112 of the flush anchor 110 so as to better bond the underside of the anchor base plate 611 to the upper roof sheeting 640 when its lower post 619 is threaded and inserted into the threaded blind hole 117 of the flush anchor 110, as best seen in FIG. 113 Caulking ring 38 The anchor base plate 611 rests against the top surface of the lower shingle 650, with the anchor base plate 611 sandwiched therebetween. As previously mentioned, the caulking groove 621 on the underside 613 of the anchor base plate 611 helps to better retain the caulk within the groove 621, ensuring a better, watertight bond to the bottom shingle 650.

[0068]

[0116] 21b, the L-shaped solar bracket support 630 has a through-hole 625 extending through its lower leg, which allows the bracket 630 to be received on the upper cylindrical threaded post 618 of the dual post anchor base plate 610. It is, in turn, positioned to abut against the upper surface 611 of the anchor base plate 610 and is held thereto by a nut 26 and washer 27 positioned on the upper side of the lower leg of the L-shaped bracket 630. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the flush screw anchor 110 is attached to the roof such that its base plate 611 is substantially locked between the upper and lower roof panels 640, 650, providing a particularly strong and rigid anchor for supporting the L-shaped solar bracket 630 which can be easily secured thereto by the dual post anchor assembly 610, while its lower post 619 is received within the female threaded hole 117 of the flush anchor 110 and the washer 27 and nut 26 are received in the upper post 618 on the L-shaped support 630 to rigidly secure them to the flush anchor 110.

[0069]

[0117] This embodiment is particularly useful for preventing damage to the upper roof tile 640, especially if they may be made of fragile ceramic or clay tiles. More specifically, 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 dual post anchor assembly 610 by screwing the lower post 619 into the threaded blind hole of the screw anchor 110 until it abuts the upper roof tile 640 tightly, but without sufficient or excessive force that may crack or damage the clay tile. Thereafter, when a solar panel or other heavy attachment is attached to the L-shaped bracket 630, the load is transferred directly to the post 619 in the screw-anchor blind hole 117, and the stable, fixed position of the anchor base plate 611 on the roof tile 640 acts as a shield or barrier preventing any crushing or damage thereto. In effect, the stable position of anchor base plate 611 and screw anchor base plate 111, when screwed together at a fixed spacing with roof tile 640 sandwiched between them, isolates the roof tile held therebetween from any loads exerted on L-shaped bracket 630, dual post anchor 610, and flush screw anchor 110.

[0070]

[0118] Figures 22a and 22b show exploded and fully installed views of one embodiment of how a dual post anchor assembly 810 can also be used to install a lightning rod 80 having a threaded lower section 83 and collar 84. In Figure 22a, the dual post anchor assembly 810 is positioned over the caulking ring 38, which is instead disposed over the roof membrane 32 and roof 21'. A C-clamp member 89 and cable 90, along with a washer 41 and nut 39 underneath, are positioned under the roof 21'. The lower post 819 of the dual post anchor 810 is inserted through the caulking ring 38 and through holes in the roof membrane 32 and roof 21'. The C-clamp 89, through the hole 87 in its leg 88, is positioned at the bottom of the post 819, and the washer 41 and nut 39 are threaded onto the lower post 819 and tightened as needed. An Allen key port 845 can also be used to tighten or loosen the threaded connection of the washer 41 and nut 39 to its lower post 819 .

[0071]

[0119] As best seen in FIG. 22b, the threaded lower end 83 of the lightning rod 80 then threads into a threaded blind hole in the upper post 818. 817 21'。 On the other hand, if it is desired to space the ground cable 90 away from the bottom of the roof 21', a threaded extension rod (not shown) can be screwed into the threaded blind hole 820 of the lower post 819, onto which a pair of nuts and washers can be attached to clamp the clamped cable 89 and the ground cable 90, which in turn is spaced away from the roof 21', therebetween. The externally threaded lower post 819 and its threaded extension rod or internally threaded hole 820 can also be used to fasten or hold other accessories.

[0072]

[0120] 23 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a sixteenth embodiment of an anchor platform assembly 910 of the present invention. Therein, an anchor base plate 911 is generally disposed atop the base plate 911 such that its lower end is flush with the bottom surface 913 of the base plate 911 and is preferably welded via weld 96 to a dual cylindrical post 916 having an externally threaded cylindrical upper post 918 having a lower end extending through a hole 914 in the base plate 916. The dual post 916 also has an externally threaded cylindrical lower post 919 having an upper end attached to the lower end of the upper post 918 and a lower end intended to extend below the anchor plate 911 and roof 21′ (not shown). As shown, the dual posts 918, 919 are preferably prefabricated as a single piece and preferably comprise posts of different diameters. This is typically accomplished by starting with a metal cylindrical rod having a diameter equal to the maximum intended diameter of the dual posts, in this case post 919, and then turning the upper portion of the rod, such as on a lathe, of post 918 of the same intended length to reduce the diameter of the upper portion to match the intended diameter of lower post 919. As a result, the smaller diameter section or post 918 forms a neck at the bottom of through-hole 914 where it meets the upper end of the larger diameter post 919 that abuts the bottom surface of anchor base plate 913.

[0073]

[0121] As a result, the cylindrical lower post 219 has a larger diameter than the upper post 218, as illustrated in Figure 23. The dual post 216 is coupled to the anchor base plate 211 via its through hole 214 in the same manner as the externally threaded post with a reduced neck section 35, 135 in some previous embodiments, such as Figure 7b. More specifically, the one-piece dual post 916 is comprised of an upper post 918 and a lower post 919, creating a reduced or narrow neck section at their connection point that has a slightly smaller diameter than the through hole 914 in the base plate 911, while the lower post 919has a larger diameter so that its top acts as a "shoulder" to "neck" portion where it abuts the bottom surface 913 of the base plate 911. Again, this configuration therefore creates a strong, rigid joint and an easily repeatable, precise 90° alignment of the base plate 911 and dual post 916.

[0074]

[0122] As further shown in Figure 23, lightning rod 80 having pointed shaft 82 is in turn attached to a lower internally threaded nut 85 which is threadably secured to an externally threaded upper post 918. Again, clamp 89 is used to clamp ground cable 90, which is receivable in threaded lower post 919 and held thereon by nut 39 and washer 41 against the underside of roof 21' (not shown). When fully attached to a supporting structure such as roof 21', as shown in Figures 10a and 10b, it is also installed with water-repellent material, fasteners, and / or adhesives as previously described herein.

[0075]

[0123] While the foregoing specifically describes and illustrates the use of anchor base plates and screw anchor assemblies shown used with glass rails, lightning rods, ground cables, and solar panel L-brackets, they can also be used to fasten and support a wide variety of other objects, such as to support structures such as roof or other building attachments, e.g., antennas, television satellite dishes, HVAC units, etc.

[0076]

[0124] As briefly mentioned in the discussion of FIG. 4a, it is important to use cylindrical mechanical fasteners with “parallel” threads to attach objects to support structures via the various embodiments of the female-threaded cylindrical blind holes described herein. More specifically, this type of mechanical fastener has so-called “parallel” threads, i.e., bolts with a head and a cylindrical threaded shaft, and headless cylindrical bar studs. This is distinct from so-called “conical” threads, which have “tapered” threads. The use of such cylindrical bolt or stud fasteners with parallel threads ensures a strong joint and the versatility to accommodate fasteners of varying lengths and widths to achieve various degrees of holding force by threadedly receiving the female-threaded cylindrical blind hole of a post that also has straight edges. In contrast, the mechanical fasteners used to secure the anchor base plate to the support via the auxiliary holes 15 can generally be of any type, including screws with “tapered” threads.

[0077]

[0125] As can be appreciated from the foregoing, the shape and number of anchor base plates, the shape, type, and number of posts, whether externally threaded or plain, the use of unthreaded through-holes or threaded blind holes, and their placement may also vary depending on the specific details of a particular application, such as the nature, size, and material of the roof or other building support structure, such as metal, wood, or other composites. For example, a preferred range of post length or height may be anywhere from 0 inches (flush) to 18 inches. Similarly, it is anticipated that the type of fasteners, membrane water return material, and sealant will also be selected to be compatible with the roof or building structure. Additionally, components of the various embodiments may be substituted for one another as needed.

[0078]

[0126] Additionally, the screw anchors preferably use a screw slot or Allen key port to secure or remove the anchor from the support structure with a flat head screwdriver or Allen key port, apart from the raised hex key anchor. Alternatively, other means such as a star bit or the like can be used to assist the user in threading or removing the anchor from the building support.

[0079]

[0127] It should also be noted that the dimensions of the various parts and components can be varied as needed or desired. For example, the upper and lower posts of a cylindrical dual post typically have diameters preferably ranging from 1 / 8 inch to 2 inches. For example, one post may have a width of 1 / 2 inch while the other post has a width of 3 / 4 inch, or they may have the same width. Of course, the diameters of the upper and lower sections may be larger or smaller relative to one another as desired. Nuts are preferably between 1 / 2 inch and 3 inches, although a common standard size may be 3 / 4 inch. The thickness of the base plate may vary as needed, for example, preferably between 1 / 16 inch and 1 inch, preferably 1 / 4 inch. Bolts with attached nuts or bolts with separate nuts are available and may be used interchangeably herein. In a preferred embodiment, the post has an outer diameter of 1 / 2 inch and its internal bore has a diameter of 3 / 8 inch. The screw anchor may have a width or thickness of approximately 1 / 16 inch and a diameter of approximately 1 1 / 2 inches. However, as mentioned above, the dimensions of the base plate flange and hole can vary, as well as the length of the post and its internal hole.

[0080]

[0128] The materials of the components of the anchor assembly, such as the base plate and post, may also be made of a variety of materials, including metals, such as stainless steel, aluminum, bronze, copper, etc., plastics, or composite materials. Also, the base plate and its post, as well as the screw anchors and their flanges, are preferably integrally formed as a one-piece component. However, it will be appreciated that the post may be secured to the base plate via welding or other means.

[0081]

[0129] Thus, while particular embodiments of the invention have been described, it is not intended that the invention be limited thereto, as the invention may be accorded the widest scope permitted by the prior art, and it is intended that this specification be read similarly. Accordingly, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. 1. An anchor platform assembly for securing an object to a structure, comprising: an anchor base plate having two cylindrical posts, each having a first end secured to the anchor base plate with the first ends abutting each other so that the two posts are axially aligned and registered with anchor base plate through holes and extend perpendicularly outward from the anchor base plate, the posts each having a second free end, the second surface of the anchor base plate being configured to allow the structure to lie substantially flush against the second surface except for areas of the second surface covered by the posts; means for fastening an object to the anchor base plate via at least one of the posts comprising a cylindrical mechanical fastener having parallel threads; An anchor platform assembly, wherein the anchor base plate has a channel on at least one side thereof spaced outwardly from the through hole for receiving adhesive therein.

2. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein said at least one of said posts is externally threaded.

3. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein both of said posts are externally threaded.

4. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein at least one post comprises an at least partially threaded cylindrical stud having straight edges.

5. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the posts has an at least partially threaded cylindrical blind bore formed therein, opening at the free second end thereof.

6. 6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the blind hole has a longitudinally extending axis, the assembly further comprising means for rotating the anchor about the axis of the blind hole.

7. 7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein said means for rotating comprises a port formed within and adjacent an open upper end of said blind hole.

8. The assembly of claim 7 , wherein the port is configured and dimensioned as a countersunk screw slot.

9. The assembly of claim 7 , wherein the port is configured and dimensioned as an Allen key port.

10. The assembly of claim 2 further comprising an L-shaped support for a solar panel having a through hole received in one of the posts.

11. The assembly of claim 10 further comprising a nut received on the externally threaded post to clamp an L-shaped support to the anchor base plate.

12. 6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein both of said posts have an at least partially threaded cylindrical blind bore formed therein, opening at said free second end thereof.

13. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the two posts have different diameters.

14. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the two posts have the same diameter.

15. 6. The assembly of claim 5, further comprising a lightning rod serving as the object, said lightning rod having a lower end, and means for fastening said object being provided at said lower end threadably receivable within said blind hole.

16. The assembly of claim 2 further comprising a clamp for a ground cable, said clamp being threadably receivable on said externally threaded post.

Images