Patent Publication Number: US-2023137985-A1

Title: Structural Attachment Sealing System

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/994,582, filed Aug. 15, 2020, which is a continuation of and claims the benefit of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/204,334, filed Nov. 29, 2018, which is a continuation-in-part of and claims the benefit of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/840,430, filed Dec. 13, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/433,953, filed Dec. 14, 2016, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present specification relates generally to structural attachments, and more particularly to systems and methods for fastening structural attachments to roofs and other structures for supporting hardware. 
     BACKGROUND 
     When a piece of equipment must be mounted to a roof or other elevated structure, a mounting device is typically placed between the roof and the equipment. The equipment is secured to the mounting device, and the mounting device is in turn secured to the roof, thereby securely mounting the equipment. 
     Often, the mounting device is secured to the roof with a penetrating fastener such as a lag bolt. Penetrations create the possibility for water and environmental intrusion. Some mounting devices present greater risk for intrusion than others. Some mounting devices are complicated to install or use. Some mounting devices are unreliable and can fail after exposure and time. An improved solution is needed. 
     SUMMARY 
     A mounting device including a base having an open bottom, a longitudinal axis, and a linear guide on the base. The linear guide guides support hardware in linear movement along the longitudinal axis. An internal cavity is under the base for containing a sealant against and in cooperation with a root when the mounting device is secured to the roof. An opening is though the base is for receiving a fastener when the mounting device is secured to the roof. The opening is in communication with the internal cavity. The linear guide extends beyond the internal cavity. 
     The system utilizes an adhesive sealant to create a permanent watertight seal at any surface penetration. The system may be used for any structural attachment, fastener, mount, or other penetration that requires sealing. Typical building applications include roof penetrations and, wall penetrations for cases such as roof vents, structural attachment, conduit or pipe penetrations, or electrical mounts to name a few. 
     The system allows the user to fasten or place any attachment over the penetration point. Sealant is then injected under pressure using, by way of example, a sealant dispenser gun, into an enclosed cavity around the penetration. The force from the sealant dispenser gun increases the pressure inside the enclosed cavity and forces all the air out through a vent hole. This ensures that the sealant completely fills all the voids and removes the air inside the enclosed cavity around the penetration. Variations of the preferred embodiment are also provided. 
     The system creates a permanent airtight and watertight seal that does more than just shed water around the attachment. The system also eliminates the need for standard flashing and assemblies, which may reduce installation costs. The system also eliminates the need to break the manufacturer&#39;s seal on the leading edge of roof shingles and eliminates the risk of removing nails on upper courses of shingles, which creates additional penetrations in the roof thereby making the structure more vulnerable to leaks. 
     The above provides the reader with a very brief summary of some embodiments described below. Simplifications and omissions are made, and the summary is not intended to limit or define in, any way the disclosure. Rather, this brief summary merely introduces the reader to some aspects of some embodiments in preparation for the detailed description that follows. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Referring to the drawings: 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary attachment mount; 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a rear perspective view of the attachment mount of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a cross-sectional view of the front perspective view of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a top view of a standard shingle roof; 
         FIG.  5    illustrates an exploded view of the attachment mount secured to the roof of  FIG.  4   ; 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a perspective view of a standard sealant gun applying sealant into a port hole on the attachment mount; 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the attachment mount of  FIG.  1    in the form of a standoff-type attachment; 
         FIG.  6    illustrates an exploded perspective view of the standoff-type attachment mount being secured to the roof of  FIG.  4   ; 
         FIG.  9    illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the standoff-type attachment mount; 
         FIG.  10    illustrates a perspective view of the sealant gun applying sealant to a port hole in the standoff-type attachment mount; 
         FIG.  11    illustrates an exploded view of a mount with the standoff-type attachment mount; 
         FIG.  12    illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary tile-hook attachment mount; 
         FIG.  13    illustrates a cross-sectional view of the rear of the tile-hook attachment mount; 
         FIG.  14    illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary flush mount attachment; 
         FIG.  15    illustrates an exploded front perspective view of the flush mount attachment; 
         FIG.  16    illustrates a cross-sectional view of the flush mount attachment; 
         FIG.  17    illustrates an exploded perspective view of the flush mount attachment being secured to the roof of  FIG.  4   ; 
         FIG.  18    illustrates a perspective view of the sealant gun applying sealant into a port hole on the flush mount attachment; 
         FIG.  19    illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary universal base mount; 
         FIG.  20    illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the universal base mount; 
         FIG.  21    illustrates an exploded perspective view of the universal base mount being secured to the roof of  FIG.  4   ; 
         FIG.  22    illustrates a perspective view of the sealant gun applying sealant into a port hole an the universal base mount; 
         FIG.  23    illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary conduit mount; 
         FIG.  24    illustrates an exploded perspective view of the conduit mount; 
         FIG.  25    illustrates a cross-sectional view of the conduit mount; 
         FIG.  26    illustrates a front perspective exploded view of the conduit mount being secured to the roof of  FIG.  4   ; 
         FIG.  27    illustrates a perspective view of the sealant gun applying sealant into a port hole of the conduit mount; 
         FIG.  28    illustrates a perspective view of the conduit mount with a conduit being assembled to the roof of  FIG.  4   ; 
         FIG.  29    illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary conduit riser; 
         FIG.  30    illustrates a front perspective view of the conduit riser with the conduit; 
         FIG.  31    illustrates a front perspective cross-sectional view of the conduit riser with the conduit; 
         FIG.  32    illustrates a top view of the roof of  FIG.  4    with an opening for the conduit; 
         FIG.  33    illustrates a front perspective exploded view of the conduit riser secured to the roof of  FIG.  32   ; 
         FIG.  34    illustrates a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the mount shown in  FIGS.  1 - 6    that utilizes an anchor bolt for securing the mount to a roof; 
         FIG.  33    illustrates a rear perspective view of the embodiment in  FIG.  34   ; 
         FIG.  36    illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the embodiment in  FIG.  35   ; 
         FIG.  37    illustrates a roar cross-sectional view of the embodiment in  FIG.  35   ; 
         FIG.  38    illustrates a front perspective view of the anchor bolt used to secure the embodiment in  FIG.  34    prior to insertion into a pilot hole of a roof; 
         FIG.  39    illustrates a front perspective view of the anchor bolt used to secure the embodiment in  FIG.  34    after being installed into a pilot hole of the roof; 
         FIG.  40    illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the installed anchor bolt in  FIG.  39   ; 
         FIG.  41    illustrates an exploded view of an installed version of the embodiment in  FIG.  34   ; 
         FIG.  42    illustrate s a side cross-sectional view of an installed version of the embodiment in  FIG.  34   ; 
         FIG.  43    illustrates a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the mount shown in  FIG.  34    that utilizes multiple angled screws to secure the mount to a roof; 
         FIG.  44    illustrates a rear perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG.  43   ; 
         FIG.  45    illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG.  43   ; 
         FIG.  46    illustrates a perspective view of a low-slope universal attachment mount; 
         FIG.  47    illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG.  46   ; 
         FIG.  48    illustrates an exploded view of the embodiment shown in  FIG.  46   ; 
         FIG.  49    illustrates a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the mount shown in  FIGS.  12  and  13    that utilizes anchor bolts to secure the mount to a roof; 
         FIG.  50    illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG.  49   ; 
         FIG.  51    illustrates an exploded perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG.  49   ; 
         FIG.  52    illustrates a perspective view of the sealant gun applying sealant into a port hole of the embodiment shown in  FIG.  49   ; 
         FIG.  53    illustrates a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a solar panel rail guide; and 
         FIG.  54    illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the solar panel rail guide of  FIG.  53   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference now is made to the drawings, in which the same reference characters are used throughout the different figures to designate the same elements. Briefly, the embodiments presented herein are preferred exemplary embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of all possible embodiments, but rather to provide an enabling description for all possible embodiments within the scope and spirit the specification. Description of these preferred embodiments is generally made with the use of verbs such as “is”and “are” rather than “may,”“could,”“includes,”“comprises,”and the like, because the description s made with reference to the drawings presented. One having ordinary skill in the art will understand that changes may be made in the structure, arrangement, number, and, function of elements and features without departing from the scope and spirit of the specification. Further, the description may omit certain information which is readily known to one having ordinary skill in the art to prevent crowding the description with detail which is not necessary for enablement. Indeed, the diction used herein is meant to be readable and informational rather than to delineate and limit the specification; therefore, the scope and spirit of the specification should not be limited by the following description and its language choices. 
     In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are provided to thoroughly understand the various aspects of the invention. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussed. More generally in order to avoid obscuring the invention. In many cases, a description of the operation is sufficient to enable one to implement the various forms of the invention, particularly when the operation is to be implemented in software. It should be noted that there are many different and alternative configurations, devices and technologies to which the disclosed embodiments may be applied. The full scope of the invention is not limited to the example(s) that are described below. 
     An exemplary embodiment of an attachment for sealing structural attachments for solar panel mounts for rail guides is shown in  FIG.  1    in the form of a flush-type mount  100 .  FIG.  1    illustrates the front side of the flush-type mount  100  includes a lower portion  120  that includes a base  110  that is typically mounted and conforms to a top surface of a structure such as a roof  200  shown in  FIG.  4   . Throughout this description, the term “roof”can also mean “structure.”The base  110  is rounded in this embodiment, but as with other alternate exemplary embodiments shown below, the shape of the base  110  can be any suitable form. The front side of the lower portion  120  tapers upward and forms a generally first concave section  132  and as shown in  FIG.  2   , the rear side tapers upward and forms a generally second concave section  136 . Each of these concave sections  132  and  136  define the bottom of an upper portion of the mount  100 , and are contiguous with a generally convex section  133 . These concave and convex sections enable the apparatus to dispel water away from the base and create a volume to form the internal cavity. The first concave section  132  also forms an external cavity  134 , which includes a base or seat  137  and an opening  125  through the seat  137  for receiving a bolt  130 . The bolt  130  typically comprises a nut or head  131  for tightening the bolt  130  to secure the flush-type mount  100  to the roof  200  by penetrating a shaft  135  into an opening or pilot hole  210  on the roof  200  so that the head of the bolt resides on the seat  137 . A generally U-shaped guide  140 , which includes a pair of vertical members  141  and  142  that are contiguous with the internal cavity, extends upward contiguously from the concave sections  132  and  136  and the convex section  133  of the lower portion  120 . The lower portion  120  tapers upward and forms this U-shaped guide  140 , and the vertical members  141  and  142  form an aperture  180 . Each of the members  141  and  142  on the guide  140  also includes a ridged surface  150 . The aperture  160  is configured to receive a bolt that in turn is used to secure a mounting rail (not shown) to the ridged surface  150 , which provides friction to assist the connection. 
       FIG.  2    illustrates the rear side of the flush-type mount  100 . The lower portion  120  includes a port  170  and a vent  180 . It is understood that the port  170  and the vent  180  can be located anywhere on the lower portion  120 .  FIG.  3   , which illustrates a cross-sectional view of the flush mount  100 , shows that the port hole  170  and the vent  180  provide access to a cavity  127 . The cavity  127  provides a reservoir for sealant  175  that is injected into the port  170  by way, for example, of a sealant gun  300  as shown in  FIG.  6   . In other embodiments, the sealant  175  may be applied directly into the internal cavity  127  prior to securing the mount  100  to the roof  200 , such as by injecting sealant through the wide open bottom of the base and directly into the internal cavity  127 . In other embodiments, sealant may even be placed on the roof surface first and the mount  100  then placed over the sealant, though this may require additional clean up. Moreover, the sealant of the embodiments of  FIGS.  6    and the other drawings can be applied in these manners. An optional seal  115  is provided along the perimeter of the base  110 , and the bottom of the cavity  127  typically should cover the entire surface area within the base  110  and the optional seal  115 . The vent  180  enables excess air inside the cavity  127  to be released as sealant  175  is injected into the cavity  127  so that the sealant  175  can cover the full surface area along the base  110  and seal the flush-type mount  100  to the surface of the roof  200  to prevent any liquid from leaking into the roof  200  where the flush-type mount  100  is secured. 
       FIGS.  4 - 6    illustrate the steps of installing the flush-type mount  100  to the roof  200 .  FIG.  4    shows a top view of the roof  200 . The first step in installing the system is to bore a pilot hole  210 , typically with a drill, into a roof shingle on the roof  200  and fill it with sealant  175 .  FIG.  5    shows an exploded view of the flush-type mount  100  being installed. The next step is to place the mount  100  over the pilot hole  210  and secure the mount  100  by inserting the bolt  130  into the opening  125  and tightening it by rotating the nut  131  until the shaft  135  is fully inserted into the pilot hole  210 . Once secured, as shown in  FIG.  6   , the sealant gun  300  is used to inject sealant  175  into the port hole  170 . The cavity  127  is filled with sealant  175  until the sealant  175  begins to escape out of the vent  180  on the mount  100 . When the sealant  175  begins to escape, it provides visual notice that the cavity  127  has been filled with sealant  175 , thereby sealing the mount  100  to the roof  200 . 
     This form of securing and sealing attachment mounts is also provided in various alternate embodiments. One exemplary embodiment is a standoff-type attachment/mount  400  as shown in  FIG.  7   . The standoff-type  400  includes a base  410  and a pair of openings  425  (shown in  FIG.  8   ) on opposite sides of the base  410  for bolts  430  to secure the standoff-type mount  400  to the roof  200 . Each bolt  430  also has a shaft  435  extending downward and a threaded portion  437  on the shaft  435 . The standoff-type mount  400  includes a support  440  with a port hole  470  and outer threads  442  that are used to receive an attachment  500  as shown in  FIG.  11   . The support  440  and base  410  form a hollow cavity  427  that is accessible by the port hole  470 . An optional thread patch  450  is also included that assists in restricting the movement of the attachment  500  when it is rotated onto the support  440 . 
       FIGS.  6 - 11    illustrate the steps of installing the standoff-type mount  400  to the roof  200 . Like with the flush-type mount  100 , the first step in installing the system is to bore pilot holes  210 , typically with a drill, into a roof shingle on the roof  200  and fill it with sealant  175 .  FIG.  8    shows an exploded view of the standoff-type mount  400  being installed. The next step is to place the mount  400  over the pilot holes  210  and secure the mount  400  by inserting the bolts  430  into the openings  425  and tightening each bolt  430  by rotating the nut  431  until the shaft  435  is fully inserted into the pilot hole  210 .  FIG.  9    illustrates further details of the standoff-type mount  400 . An optional sealing Lip  455  that surrounds the inner surface of the cavity  427  is shown. 
     Once secured, as shown in  FIG.  10   , the sealant gun  300  is used to inject sealant  175  into the port hole  470 . In this embodiment, the port hole  470  can act both as a port hole  470  and a vent. The cavity  427  is filled with sealant  175  until the sealant  175  begins to escape out of the port hole  470  on the mount  400 . When the sealant  175  begins to escape, it provides visual notice that the cavity  427  has been filled with sealant  175 , thereby sealing the mount  400  to the roof  200 . As shown in  FIG.  1   , once the mount  400  has been sealed to the roof  200 , the attachment  500  can be coupled to the support  440 , typically by rotating it along the threaded portion  437  until it is fully tightened. 
     Another exemplary embodiment is a tile-hook attachment/mount  600  as shown in  FIGS.  12  and  13   . The tile-hook mount  600  includes a base  610  and a pair of openings  625  shown in  13 ) on opposite sides of the base  610  for bolts  630  to secure the tile-hook mount  600  to the roof  200 . Each bolt  630  also has a shaft  635  extending downward and a threaded portion  637  on the shaft  635 . The tile-hook mount  600  includes an attachment mount  620  with a lower portion that extends from the base  610  in a general L-shape. The upper portion of the attachment mount  620  forms an apparatus similar to that shown in the flush-type mount  100  with a generally U-shaped guide  640  that comprises a pair of members  641  and  642  extending from opposing sides of the upper portion of the attachment mount  620 , which in turn forms an aperture  660 . Each of the members  641  and  642  on the guide  640  also include a ridged surface  650 . The aperture  660  is configured to receive a bolt that in turn is uses to secure a mounting rail (not shown) to the ridged surface  650 , which provides friction to assist the connection. 
     The base  610  also includes a port hole  670 . As shown in  FIG.  13   , the base  610  comprises a hollow cavity  627  that is accessible by the port hole  670 . Once secured, as shown in  FIG.  13   , the steps of use are similar to the previously discussed mounts. Pilot holes  210  are bored, typically with a drill, into the roof  200  and the holes  210  are filled with sealant  175 . The sealant gun  300  is used to inject sealant  175  into the port hole  670 . In this embodiment, the port hole  670  can act both as a port hole  670  and a vent. The cavity  627  is filled with sealant  175  until the sealant  175  begins to escape out of the port hole  670  from the base  610  on the mount  600 . When the sealant  175  begins to escape, it provides visual notice that the cavity  627  has been filled with sealant  175 , thereby sealing the mount  600  to the roof  200 . 
     Another exemplary embodiment is a universal flush mount  700  as shown in  FIGS.  14 - 16   . The universal flush mount  700  includes a base  710  and an opening  725  shown in  FIG.  16   ) in the middle of the mount  700  for a hanger bolt  730  that is used to secure the universal flush mount  700  to the roof  200 . The hanger bolt  730  also has a shaft  735  extending downward and a threaded portion  737  on the shaft  735 . The universal flush mount  700  includes an optional seal  715  that extends around the perimeter of the base  710 . A washer  760  may be coupled between the top end of the hanger bolt  730  and the top surface of the base  710  to provide a tighter seal. 
     The base  710  also includes a port hole  170  on its top surface. As shown in  FIG.  16   , the base  710  comprises a hollow cavity  727  that is accessible by the port hole  770  and a vent  780  that are both typically on the top surface of the base  710 . The port hole  770  is typically larger than the vent  780 , although the port hole  770 —like the other port holes as discussed herein, should be capable of fitting a sealant injection device like the sealant gun  300  as shown herein. As shown in  FIG.  17   , a pilot hole  210  is drilled into the roof  200  and the hole  210  is filled with sealant  175 . The hanger bolt  730  is then inserted through the opening  725  and is tightened until the mount  700  is secured to the roof  200 . Once secured, as shown in  FIG.  18   , the steps of use are similar to the previously discussed mounts. The sealant gun  300  is used to inject sealant  175  into the port hole  770 . The cavity  727  is then filled with sealant  175  until the sealant  175  begins to escape through the port hole  780  from the base  710 . When the sealant  175  begins to escape, it provides visual notice that the cavity  727  has been filled with sealant  175 , thereby sealing the mount  700  to the roof  200 . 
     Another exemplary embodiment is a universal base mount  800  as shown in  FIGS.  19  and  20   . The universal base mount  800  includes a base  810  and an opening  825  (shown in  FIG.  201    in the middle of the mount  800  for a bolt  830  that is used to secure the universal base mount  800  to the roof  200 . The bolt  830  also has a shaft  835  extending downward and a threaded portion  837  on the shaft  835 . The universal base mount  800  also includes a plurality of internally threaded apertures  890  that are used to secure a mount (not shown) to the universal base mount  800 . The mount  800  also includes an optional seal  815  that extends around the perimeter of a cavity  827  within the base  810 . A washer  860  may be coupled between the top end of the bolt  830  and the top surface of the base  810  to provide a tighter seal. 
     The bane  810  also includes a port hole  870  on its top surface. As shown in  FIG.  20   , the base  810  comprises the hollow cavity  827  that is accessible by the port hole  870  and a vent  880  that are both typically on the top surface of the base  810 . The port hole  870  is typically larger than the vent  880 , although the port hole  870 —like the other port holes as discussed herein, should be capable of fitting a sealant injection device like the sealant gun  300  as shown herein and are typically positioned on opposite sides of the base  810 . As shown in  FIG.  21   , a pilot hole  210  is bored, typically with a drill, into the roof  200  and the hole  210  is filled with sealant  175 . The bolt  830  is then inserted through the opening  825  and is tightened until the mount  800  is secured to the roof  200 . Once secured, as shown in  FIG.  22   , the steps of use are similar to the previously discussed mounts. The sealant gun  300  is used to inject sealant  175  into the port hole  870 . The cavity  827  is then filled with sealant  175  until the sealant  175  begins to escape through the port hole  880  from the base  810 . When the sealant  175  begins to escape, it provides visual notice that the cavity  827  has been filled with sealant  175 , thereby sealing the mount  800  to the roof  200 . 
     Another exemplary embodiment is a conduit mount  900  as shown in  FIGS.  23 - 25   . The conduit mount  900  typically supports a conduit  1000 , which can be of any suitable shape such as a cylindrical pipe as shown in  FIG.  28   . As shown in  FIG.  23   , the conduit mount  900  is a base  910  and an opening  925  (shown in  FIG.  24   ) in the middle of the mount  900  for receiving a bolt  930  that is used to secure the conduit mount  900  to the roof  200 . The bolt  930  also has a shaft  935  extending downward and a threaded portion  937  on the shaft  935 . The base  910  typically tapers upward and forms a generally U-shaped guide that comprises a pair of members  945  and  946  extending from opposing sides of the base  910 , which in turn forms an opening  920  configured to receive the conduit  1000 . Each of the members  945  and  946  also includes a threaded aperture  940  and  941  respectively. The apertures  945  and  946  are configured to receive a securing bolt  950  that is threaded  955 . 
     The base  910  also includes a port hole  970  on its outer surface. As shown in  FIG.  25   , the base  910  comprises the hollow cavity  927  that is accessible by the port hole  970  and a vent  980  that are both typically on the outer surface of the base  910 . The port hole  970  is typically larger than the vent  980 , although the port hole  970 —like the other port holes as discussed herein, should be capable of fitting a sealant injection device like the sealant gun  300  as shown herein and are typically positioned on opposite sides of the base  910 . As shown in  FIG.  26   , the bolt  930  is inserted through the opening  925  and is tightened until the mount  900  is secured to the roof  200 . Once secured, as shown in  FIGS.  27  and  28   , the steps of use are similar to the previously discussed mounts. The sealant gun  300  is used to inject sealant  175  into the port hole  970 . The cavity  927  is then filled with sealant  175  until the sealant  175  begins to escape through the port hole  980  from the base  910 . When the sealant  175  begins to escape, it provides visual notice that the cavity  927  has been filled with sealant  175 , thereby sealing the mount  900  to the roof  200 . Once the conduit mount  900  is secured to the roof  200 , the conduit  1000  can be inserted through the opening  920  and secured to the mount  900  by using the second bolt  950  and tightening it through the apertures  940  and  941  using the threaded portion  955  of the second bolt  950 . 
     Another exemplary embodiment is a conduit riser attachment  1100  as shown in  FIGS.  29 - 31   . The conduit riser  1100  typically fits over a conduit that rises through the roof  200  through a conduit hole  240  as shown in  FIG.  33   . The conduit riser  1160  includes a base  1110 , that extends upward to a top end with a conduit gasket  1120  on the top end that surrounds an opening  1115  that is configured to receive a conduit  1200  as shown in  FIG.  30   . 
     The base  1110  also includes a port hole  1170  on its outer surface. As shown in  FIGS.  29 - 31   , the base  1110  comprises the hollow cavity  1125  for holding sealant  175  and is accessible by the port hole  1170  and a vent  1180  that are both typically on the outer surface of the base  1110 . The port hole  1170  is typically larger than the vent  1180 , although the port hole  1170 —like the other pot holes. as discussed herein, should be capable of fitting a sealant injection device like the sealant gun  300  as shown herein and are typically positioned on opposite sides of the base  1110 . 
     As shown In  FIG.  32   , the conduit hole  240  is bored into the roof  200 . The conduit  1200  is then attached to a rafter in an attic (not shown) below the roof  200 . The conduit riser  1100  is then placed over the conduit  1200  as shown in  FIG.  33    until fully seated on the roof  200 . The sealant gun  300  is used to inject sealant  175  into the port hole  1170 . The cavity  1127  is then filled with sealant  175  until the sealant  175  begins to escape through the port hole  1180  from the base  1110 . When the sealant  175  begins to escape, it provides visual notice that the cavity  1127  has been filled with sealant  175 , thereby sealing the conduit riser  1100  to the roof  200 . Once the conduit riser  1100  is secured to the roof  200 , the process is complete. 
     Another exemplary embodiment is shown in  FIGS.  34 - 42    and is a variation of the flush-type mount  100  shown in  FIGS.  1 - 6   . This embodiment provides two different features. First, referring to  FIG.  34   , instead of securing the mount  100  to roof  200  by using bolt  130 , the mount is secured by utilizing an anchor bolt  162  in combination with a grommet  163 . Referring to  FIGS.  38 - 40   , the anchor bolt  162  includes two legs that are bent so that they are generally at a right angle to each other. At least one of the legs includes external threads  166  that are configured to receive a threaded bolt  164 . The grommet  163 , is inserted into the pilot hole  210  so that the external threads on the grommet  163  fit snuggly into the pilot hole  210  and the grommet  163  is near the bend in the anchor bolt  162  as shown in  FIG.  38   . It is understood that the grommet  163  can include internal threads that allow it to be rotated along the threaded portion  166  of one of the legs of the anchor bolt  162  until the grommet  163  resides near the bend of the anchor bolt  162  as well. The anchor bolt  162  is installed by inserting the second leg of the anchor bolt  162  into the pilot hole  210  so that the inserted leg is positioned generally parallel to, and beneath the roof  200  with the grommet  163  being firmly secured within the pilot hole  210  as shown in  FIGS.  39  and  40   . Once installed, the threaded leg of the anchor bolt  162  is exposed and firmly positioned to receive the mount  100  through opening  125 . Referring to  FIGS.  34 - 35   , and the exploded view of  FIG.  41   , the mount  100  is secured by affixing a nut  164  on the threaded leg of the anchor bolt  162  over an optional washer  165 . A standard bolt  166  is typically inserted into the aperture  160  and can secure other objects to the rear side of the mount  100  with a standard nut  167  and washer  168  combination. The cross-sectional views in  FIGS.  36  and  42    illustrate the final installation in more detail. 
     Second, as shown in  FIG.  35   , the mount  100  includes a modified sealant port hole  171  that typically is comprised of a flexible material such as rubber and provides for easy insertion of the sealant gun  300  and provides for improved delivery of sealant into the cavity  127 . An additional vent  180  that is coupled to the cavity  127  is also included. Referring to  FIGS.  36  and  37   , the cavity  127  further comprises a pair of sealant guides  128 . Each sealant guide  128  is a vertical barrier that extends downward from the upper wall of the cavity  127  and ends slightly above the bottom of the mount  100 . Each of the guides  128  form a channel  132  and two outer chambers  133  that are interconnected with each other within the cavity  127 . The outer chambers  133  are coupled to each of the vent holes  180  respectively and are designed to provide a more uniform distribution of sealant as it is inserted from the sealant gun  300  into the port hole  171 . The channel  132  in coupled to the sealant port hole  171  and is configured to directly receive sealant from the sealant gun  300 . As the sealant is inserted into, and begins filling the channel  132 , the guides  128  serve to uniformly direct the sealant into each of the outer chambers  133 . When the outer chambers  133  become filled with sealant, the sealant will begin to evacuate from the vent holes  180  and give visual notice that the entire cavity  127  is filled. An optional seal  129  is also included. The seal  129  includes a plurality of ribs  129 A that provide added sealing capability to prevent sealant leaks under pressure. The ribs  129 A can be solid or flexible depending on the needs of the installer. 
     Another exemplary embodiment is shown in  FIGS.  43 - 45    and is a variation of the flush-type mount  100  shown in  FIGS.  34 - 42   . Instead of securing the mount  100  to the roof  200  by utilizing a single anchor bolt  162 , the mount  100  is secured by utilizing four screws  1385  as shown. Each of the screws  1385  is threaded and inserted through corresponding apertures  1360  that are positioned on the opposite ends of the front and rear sides of the mount  100  and are slightly angled inward toward the center of the mount  100 . 
     The mount is installed by placing the mount  100  at the desired location on the roof  200  and inserting each of the screws  1385  into the apertures  1360  and drilling them into the roof  200 . It is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that although the angles of the apertures  1360  are directed inward, the particular angles are not determinative in securing the mount  100  to the roof  200 . It is also understood that although four screws  1385  are preferred, the number of screws and apertures  1385  used can vary as long as they secure and seal the mount  100  to the roof  200 . 
     Another exemplary embodiment of a mount with similar features as the prior mounts is shown in  FIGS.  46 - 48   . In this embodiment, a low-slope universal attachment mount  1400  is shown. Referring to  FIGS.  46  and  47   , the mount  1400  comprises a base  1493  that includes an outer shell  1492  with a flanged sealing lip  1429  comprising a plurality of ribs  1429 A extending from the sealing lip&#39;s  1429  lower surface. It is understood that the ribs  1429 A can be flexible or rigid. The base  1493  has a top support surface  1497  that is generally round and tapers downward toward the outer shell  1492  that forms a cavity  1427 . The top support surface  1497  further comprises a port hole  1471  and vent hole  1480 . The port hole  1471  and vent hole  1480  operate in the same fashion as port holes and vent holes in earlier-described embodiments wherein sealant from the sealant gun  300  is inserted into the cavity  1427  through the port hole  1471  until it begins to evacuate from the vent hole  1480 . Even though it is desired to locate the port hole  1471  and vent hole  1480  on opposite sides of the top support surface  1497  to maximize amount of sealant that is inserted into the port hole  1471  before it begins to evacuate from the vent hole  1480 , the specific location of these holes can be in different locations on the top support surface  1497 . 
     The base  1493  is secured to the roof  200  by inserting a plurality of threaded screws  1485  into corresponding apertures  1460  that are positioned at different locations around the perimeter of the top support surface  1497  as shown in  FIG.  40   . Each screw  1485  is drilled into the roof  200 . Optionally, a pilot hole corresponding to each screw  1485  can be created and filled with sealant prior to installation to provide further protection against leaks. At the center of the top support surface  1497  is an opening  1425 . The opening  1425  is configured to receive attachment bolt  1495  from beneath the top support surface  1497 . The attachment bolt  1495  includes outer threads and a head that rests within seat  1498 . An attachment nut  1496  is typically used to tighten the attachment bolt  1497  into the seat  1498  so that the threaded portion of the attachment bolt  1495  is exposed above the top support surface  1497  and can then be used to secure a bracket (not shown onto the top support surface  1497 . 
     Another exemplary embodiment is shown in  FIGS.  49 - 52    and is a variation on the tile hook attachment mount embodiment shown in  FIGS.  12  and  13    and utilizes the same securing structure as the mount described in  FIGS.  34 - 42   . Instead of using bolts  630  to secure the tile hook attachment mount  600  to the roof  200 , the embodiment employs a pair of anchor bolts  162  with grommets  163 . As described in the mount  100  in  FIGS.  34 - 42   , the anchor bolt  162  is installed by inserting the second leg of the anchor bolts  162  into a pair of pilot holes  210  on the roof  200  so that the inserted legs are positioned generally parallel to, and beneath the roof  200  with the grommets  163  being firmly secured within the pilot holes  210  as shown in  FIGS.  50  and  51   . Once installed, the threaded legs of the anchor bolts  162  are exposed and firmly positioned to receive base  610  of the mount  600  through openings  666 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  49 - 50   , and the exploded view of  FIG.  51   , the mount  600  is secured by affixing nuts  164  on the threaded legs of the anchor bolts  162  over optional washers  165 . The base  610  also includes the modified port hole  171  and vent hole  60  that are both coupled to cavity  627 . The cavity  627  also includes further comprises a pair of sealant guides  628 . Each sealant guide  628  is a vertical barrier that extends down ward from the upper wall of the cavity  627  and ends slightly above the bottom of the mount  600 . Each of the guides  628  form a channel  632  and two outer chambers  633  that are interconnected with each other within the cavity  627 . The outer chambers  633  are coupled to the vent hole  680  respectively and are designed to provide a more uniform distribution of sealant as it is inserted from the sealant gun  300  into the port bole  171 . The channel  632  is coupled to the sealant port hole  171  and is configured to directly receive sealant from the sealant gun  300 . As the sealant is inserted into, and begins filling the channel  632 , the guides  628  serve to uniformly direct the sealant into each of the outer chambers  633 . When the outer chambers  633  become filled with sealant, the sealant will begin to evacuate from the vent hole  180  and give visual notice that the entire cavity  627  is filled. An optional seal  627  is also included. The seal  629  includes a plurality of ribs  629 A that provide added sealing capability to prevent sealant leaks under pressure. The ribs  629 A can be solid or flexible depending on the needs of the installer. A standard bolt  661  is typically inserted into the aperture  660  and can secure other objects to the of the U-shaped guide  640  with a standard nut  167  and washer  168  combination. The cross-sectional view in  FIG.  50    illustrates the final installation in more detail. 
     Another exemplary embodiment is shown in  FIGS.  53  and  54    and is a rail guide mount  1500 . The rail guide mount  1500  includes a base  1510  that conforms to the shape of the roof  200 , is rectangularly shaped, and includes a pair of guides  1512  on opposing sides of the length of the base  1510 . These guides  1512  include grooves  1513  that conform to the shape of an end of a bracket (not shown) that can be coupled within the grooves  1513  and support a solar panel bracket (also not shown). The base  1510  also comprises an opening  1525  for receiving a bolt  1531 . The bolt  1531  includes a shaft  1532  and the shaft  1532  has a threaded portion  1537  that secures the mount  1500  to a roof  200 . The bolt  1531  also includes a washer  1530  to provide a sealing mechanism over the opening  1525 . The bolt  1531  passes through cavity  1527 , which encompasses the inner volume of the base  1510 . As described in previously discussed embodiments, a port hole  1571  and a vent hole  1580  are located on the top side of the base  1510  and are coupled to the cavity  1527 . The port hole  1571  and vent  1580  are generally located on opposite sides of the base  1510 . The portions of the cavity  1571  that are coupled to the port hole  1571  and vent  1580  are separated by a pair of sealant guides  1528 . The sealant guides enable sealant to enter the port hole  1571  when inserted with the sealant gun  300  and distribute the sealant in a more evenly fashion by filling the chamber of the cavity  1527  nearer to the port hole  1571  first, and then progressively filling the chamber beneath and within the portion  1528 A of the cavity  1527  beneath the sealant guides  1528 , and then moving toward the chamber near the vent  1580  before it begins to escape through the vent  1580 . The perimeter of the base  1510  includes an optional seal  1529 . The seal includes a plurality of ribs  1529 A that provide added sealing capability to prevent sealant leaks under pressure. The ribs  1529 A can be solid or flexible depending on the needs of the installer. 
     A preferred embodiment is fully and clearly described above so as to enable one having skill in the art to understand, make, and use the same. Those skilled in the art will recognize that modifications may be made to the description above without departing from the spirit of the specification, and that some embodiments include only those elements and features described, or a subset thereof. To the extent that modifications do not depart from the spirit of the specification, they are intended to be included within the scope thereof.