Patent Description:
An anchor platform assembly for anchoring and mounting an object to a support structure especially useful in the building trade for anchoring and mounting roof accessory structure on roofs, balconies and the like, such as, roofs and other raised, flat and pitched structures, terraces, balconies and the like, such as, e.g., railings, solar panels and lightning rods, while providing both strength and watertight performance, and which is especially configured for inside and outside corners, pitched roofs and other angled support surfaces.

Various methods for mounting and waterproofing roof equipment, accessory structures or the like, which are attached to sloped or flat roofs, building terraces, roof decks, etc. are well known. In the roofing industry, there are many problems with water infiltration at equipment attachment points, particularly when flashing is not incorporated and/or sealants are solely relied on. A variety of sheathing methods and combinations thereof are used as water and moisture barrier on such structures such as asphalt roof tiles, poured or sheeted plastic or rubber membranes and the like. Currently, more and more roof heavy roof structures are being mounted on roofs such as, e.g., solar panels, satellite dishes, HVAC etc..

Especially for roof decks, balconies, terraces and the like, glass walls and/or railings are being mounted to avoid viewing obstructions such as would normally be the case with a wooden, cable or metal fence. These generally heavy structures must also be anchored to the roof structures. However, because of the loads they generate and the manner in which they are mounted, typically with anchors bolted through the roof, they create a "conduit" for water to penetrate through the roof, notwithstanding the fact that adhesives or glue are often used to seal the conduit in an attempt to prevent such water penetration.

In fact, over time, these heavy structures as a result of normal repetitive roof movement or shifting caused by, e.g., settling, temperature changes, and/or high winds, cause cracks in the adhesive or glues employed and cause eventual roof leaks. As a result, it is difficult for many of the installers to provide guarantees or obtain insurance against water or moisture damage caused by such conventional anchoring systems. Furthermore, such conventional methods and systems are not designed to adequately deal with mounting objects on inside and outside corners of the support structure.

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

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel anchor platform assembly usable for a wide variety of applications, especially for anchoring equipment and/or roof accessory structures to roofs and the like which can accommodate heavy loads and provide waterproof protection at the equipment attachment points and which addresses the problems of mounting such objects on angled support structures, such as inside and outside corners of the support structure.

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

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

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

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

<CIT> discloses a device for securing a support structure such as a solar module-carrier to a flat roof which is provided with a non-bearing insulation layer covered by a sealing strip. The device has an upper connection element for the support structure and a spacer member which can be guided through an opening in the insulation layer in order to support the connection element on the roof substructure. The spacer member is anchored by a plurality of anchoring parts on the roof substructure. The connection element comprises an upper and a lower connection flange between which the sealing strip is clamped. The spacer member is designed as a profile or hollow-profile part which can be cut to length as required and is produced as an extrusion part from a thermal insulation material.

In the examples described below, an anchor platform assembly is provided. The anchor platform assembly according to the invention is for anchoring an object to a structure, comprising an anchor baseplate including a first sidewall and a second sidewall disposed at an angle to each other, with each of said sidewalls having a first surface and second surface on opposite sides thereof and a pair of opposite ends and wherein one of said ends of said first and second sidewalls are joined together. An elongated post is coupled to said anchor baseplate first sidewall and projects outwardly from said second surface thereof, with said post having a first end secured to said first sidewall of said anchor baseplate and a second free end, and an at least partially threaded, cylindrical internal blind bore extending from said first surface of said anchor baseplate first sidewall into said post, with said second surface of said first sidewall of said anchor baseplate being configured to allow the structure to lie generally flush against said second surface of said first sidewall, except for the area of said second surface covered by said post, wherein said first sidewall comprises a plurality of first spaced-apart through holes; wherein said second sidewall comprises a plurality of second spaced-apart through holes; wherein said plurality of second spaced-apart through holes are oriented at an angle to said plurality of first spaced-apart through holes.

In a preferred example, the anchor platform assembly additionally includes means for fastening an object to said anchor baseplate via said blind bore. The anchor baseplate first and second sidewalls are preferably generally rectangular. Preferably, said means for fastening an object comprises a cylindrical mechanical fastener having a straight thread. Desirably, the assembly additionally includes means for fastening said anchor baseplate to a structure. Advantageously, said anchor baseplate is generally L-shaped with said first sidewall disposed generally perpendicularly relative to said second sidewall thereof. Preferably, said blind bore is generally centrally-disposed in said first sidewall of said anchor baseplate. Said anchor baseplate first sidewall has a plurality of spaced-apart, ancillary through holes spaced from said blind bore. Desirably, the assembly additionally includes a plurality of mechanical fasteners, each receivable through one of said ancillary holes for fastening said anchor baseplate to the structure. Most advantageously, said means for fastening the object to said anchor baseplate comprises a bolt with an enlarged head and a threaded cylindrical shaft having a straight thread.

In a particularly preferred example of the invention, said anchor baseplate post is cylindrical, and has either a smooth or at least partially externally-threaded outer surface. With the latter option, the assembly includes a nut receivable on said externally-threaded post for securing said anchor platform assembly to the structure from below. Most desirably, said anchor baseplate and post are made from metal and said first and second sidewalls are generally rectangular.

In another preferred example of the present invention, the anchor baseplate first sidewall has a non-threaded throughbore, which partially defines said blind bore and which merges with said blind bore extending into said post. The post has a reduced diameter neck portion adjacent its top end which is configured and dimensioned for receipt within the non-threaded bore of said first sidewall.

Preferably, the anchor platform assembly also includes an object support member having a basewall and a bore formed therethrough which is positionable on said anchor baseplate so that the base wall bore is aligned with said threaded blind bore to permit said threaded cylindrical shaft of said bolt to be inserted through said basewall bore and into said threaded blind bore so as to fastened said object support member to said anchor baseplate. Advantageously, the assembly further includes an elongated and U-shaped support member for an object which has a generally planar basewall, and a pair of upstanding spaced-apart sidewalls each joined to an opposite end of said basewall thereof which, together with said basewall, defines a generally U-shaped channel with an open end in which an object may be inserted. Most advantageously, the object support member includes a pair of sidewalls each joined to an opposite end of said basewall thereof and each having a throughbore extending therethrough, and a support stand comprising a planar base and an upstanding tubular body member joined to said planar base, with said planar base having a throughbore formed therethrough alignable with said threaded blind bore of said anchor baseplate to permit said threaded bolt to be inserted through said base throughbore in to said threaded blind bore so as to fasten said planar base of said support stand to said anchor baseplate. The tubular body member also has opposing sidewalls, each having a throughbore aligned with the throughbore in the opposing sidewall, and means are provided for mechanically fastening said object support member to said support stand via at least one of said sidewall throughbores of said support stand and at least one of said sidewall throughbores of said object support member. As a result, the support stand can be mechanically fastened to said anchor baseplate via said throughbore of said base wall thereof and said blind bore of said anchor baseplate via said bolt.

In another particularly preferred example of the present invention, the anchor baseplate first sidewall and second sidewall are arranged and secured together to form a generally V-shaped profile to permit the same to be mounted on a pitched structure. Especially when used for inside and outside corners, said anchor assembly comprises a plurality of said posts and blind bores; for example, two posts, and two blind bores. The assembly may include one or more elongated posts each comprising a threaded stud secured to said second surface of said first sidewall thereof of said anchor baseplate. Moreover, said means for fastening said anchor to a structure include one or more threaded studs. For example, if used in combination with a single post, a pair of threaded studs could be arranged in a spaced apart manner on opposite sides of said post on said first sidewall of said anchor baseplate, each stud having one end affixed to the second surface of said first sidewall and an opposite free end projecting outwardly therefrom.

Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, which disclose several examples. It is to be understood that the drawings are to be used for the purpose of illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention.

The first through third examples set forth herein in association with <FIG> are not encompassed by the wording of the claims but are considered as useful for understanding the invention.

Turning now in detail to the drawings and, in particular, to <FIG> thereof, therein illustrated is an anchor platform assembly, as more particularly described and shown in Applicant's aforementioned <CIT> and <CIT> for anchoring objects to a support structure, especially intended for a wide variety of anchoring applications which are universally adaptable to many different fields of use.

<NUM>-4c thereof illustrates a first example which comprises a novel anchor platform assembly, generally designed by reference numeral <NUM>, especially designed for anchoring roof accessory structures to roofs and other raised, flat and/or pitched structures, such as terraces, balconies, stairs and the like. The main component of the anchor platform assembly is the anchor baseplate, generally designated by reference numeral <NUM>, which preferably is made of stainless steel (but could be made of other metals, such as aluminum, bronze, etc.), and is preferably square or rectangular shaped and has a top surface <NUM> and a bottom surface <NUM>. The anchor baseplate <NUM> has an internally-threaded central through bore <NUM> and six spaced apart peripheral through bores <NUM> positioned radially outward from the center bore <NUM> and generally adjacent to the periphery of the baseplate <NUM>. In this example, the anchor baseplate <NUM> also includes a preferably cylindrical rod or post <NUM> having an axially-extending, internally-threaded bore <NUM> (see <FIG>) having a top open end <NUM> and a closed bottom <NUM> (<FIG>) which is secured preferably via welding to the anchor baseplate <NUM> so that the top open end <NUM> of its bore <NUM> abuts and is in registry with the bottom open end of center through bore <NUM> (see <FIG>).

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

As seen best in <FIG> and 4c, an elongated U-shaped shoe <NUM> has a base wall <NUM> with a plurality of spaced apart through bores <NUM> (only one of which is shown). As will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter, cylindrical mechanical fasteners having a straight-thread are used, such as a threaded bolt <NUM>, and washer <NUM>, which bolt <NUM> is receivable through the through bore <NUM> of the U-shaped shoe <NUM> and is receivable within the internally-threaded center bore <NUM> of anchor baseplate <NUM> and internally-threaded blind bore <NUM> of the cylindrical post or rod <NUM> (FIG. 4c) to anchor the same to the roof deck <NUM>. The cylindrical post <NUM> with the closed bottom <NUM> serves two purposes: (<NUM>) it provides a relatively sturdy and rigid anchoring support point for the object to be mounted on the roof, and (<NUM>) it prevents water from penetrating via the central bore <NUM> into and below the roof deck <NUM> as a result of blind bore <NUM> and the bottom end <NUM> of the cylindrical rod <NUM> being closed.

<FIG> shows the use of a square-shaped shim plate <NUM> having a central through bore <NUM> mounted atop the anchor baseplate <NUM> such that its central through bore <NUM> is directly over and in registry with the internal blind bore <NUM> of the cylindrical post <NUM>. The shim plate <NUM> is used to adjust the height of the shoe <NUM> to ensure proper alignment of adjacent shoes <NUM> and the glass railing(s) <NUM> they support due to variations in height of the roof deck <NUM> or the like. Additional shim plates <NUM> can, of course, be used, if needed, to achieve proper height alignment.

As illustrated in <FIG> and 4c, the central throughbore <NUM> of the U-shaped channel or shoe <NUM> contains a step which is dimensioned and configured to receive and support the bolt head of bolt <NUM> and washer <NUM> on the step so that the bolt head of bolt <NUM> is disposed below the top surface <NUM> of the lower base wall <NUM> of U-shaped shoe <NUM> so as not to abut and possibly crack or damage the bottom edge of the glass railing <NUM>.

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

As also shown in FIG. 4c, an adhesive, caulk, cement or glue <NUM> (and/or optionally clips) is also applied to the inner surface of the U-shaped channel <NUM> so that it surrounds the lower end of glass railing <NUM> received within the U-shaped metal channel <NUM>. As also illustrated therein, the anchor baseplate membrane <NUM> extends over the entire anchor baseplate <NUM> with its ends sealed against the roof membrane <NUM> thereby sealing the screw holes and the remainder of the anchor baseplate <NUM>. As can be appreciated, these flashing materials and adhesives serve to waterproof the assembly and protect the roof from leaks.

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

<FIG> illustrate a second example of the anchor baseplate assembly <NUM>' and, in a similar fashion, respectively show an exploded cross-sectional view and a fully mounted cross-sectional view of this second example of the anchor platform assembly <NUM>'.

The elements shown in this second example are the same as shown in <FIG> and 4c with the exception that the cylindrical post <NUM>' is provided with a narrow neck portion <NUM> and the baseplate <NUM>' is provided with a non-threaded central bore <NUM>', but both are otherwise identical to the baseplate <NUM>' and cylindrical post <NUM> shown in the previous example. In <FIG> and 4c, the top end <NUM> of the cylindrical post <NUM> would typically be welded to the bottom surface <NUM> of the anchor baseplate <NUM>'. In <FIG> however, the narrow neck section <NUM> is intended to be received within the non-threaded central bore <NUM>' of the anchor baseplate <NUM>' and as a result of this construction, a more robust, and stronger bond is made. The stronger bond is due to the fact that when anchor plate <NUM>' and post <NUM>' are welded together with the respective center bore <NUM>' and internal threaded bore <NUM>' being held in proper axial alignment by the reduced neck section <NUM> of the post <NUM>' being received in the center bore <NUM>', the narrow neck portion extending into the non-threaded central bore <NUM>'. Obviously, the materials employed, dimensions and sizing of the various parts of the anchor platform assembly can be modified to suit the particular roof application. For example, in the case of mounting a balcony railing, it would be suitable in certain applications to use <NUM>" x <NUM>" baseplates, <NUM><NUM>/<NUM>" high x <NUM>½" wide aluminum shoes with ½" thick glass panels set into the aluminum shoe with anchoring cement.

<FIG> illustrate a third example of the anchor baseplate assembly <NUM>" and, in a similar fashion, respectively show an exploded cross-sectional view and a fully mounted cross-sectional view of this third anchor platform assembly example. The elements shown in this third example are the same as shown in <FIG> with the exception that the lower portion <NUM> of cylindrical post <NUM>" is externally threaded but is otherwise identical to the cylindrical post <NUM>'. In this example, a nut <NUM> and washer <NUM> are threaded onto the externally threaded surface <NUM> of the cylindrical post <NUM>" so that in the fully assembled state shown in <FIG>, the nut <NUM> and washer <NUM> are tightened against the lower surface of the metal roof deck <NUM>' to provide a stronger point of attachment while, at the same time, preventing roof leaks at the point of attachment via the blind bore <NUM>' and the closed end <NUM> of the cylindrical post <NUM>".

<FIG> illustrate a novel accessory support stand <NUM> for the various anchor plate assemblies shown herein which allows the user to support an object in a raised and spaced manner above the anchor baseplate. The accessory support stand <NUM> comprising a preferably metal, square or rectangular planar base <NUM> and an upstanding preferably metal square-shaped, tubular body member composed of four sidewalls <NUM> joined at one end to the planar base <NUM> by welding. A weep hole <NUM> is provided at the base of one sidewall <NUM> to allow water to drain therefrom. The base <NUM> has a central hole <NUM> (<FIG>) which is alignable with the internally threaded bore <NUM>' of the cylindrical post <NUM>" and the threaded stem of bolt <NUM> is threadably received within the internally-threaded bore <NUM>' to anchor the support stand <NUM> to the anchor baseplate <NUM>". At least one set of horizontally aligned holes <NUM> are formed in opposite side walls <NUM> of the upstanding tubular body through which a threaded bolt <NUM> could be mounted to secure an object to one of the sidewalls <NUM> of the support stand <NUM> as shown best in <FIG>. In this case, the U-shaped channel <NUM>' is provided with a recessed through bore <NUM>' in one of its sidewalls rather than in its base wall <NUM>' as shown in the examples of <FIG>. The bolt <NUM> is held in the recessed throughbore <NUM>' via its bolt head being held against the step of the channel through bore <NUM>' and at its opposite end (i.e., the free end of its threaded shaft extending through the sidewall hole <NUM>) by an additional nut <NUM> and washer <NUM> to secure the U-shaped channel <NUM>' in a raised and elevated position relative to the anchor baseplate <NUM>" and roof member <NUM>' and offset relative to the center blind bore of the anchor baseplate <NUM>".

The remaining figures illustrate various examples of the invention of the type heretofore described and illustrated, where the anchor baseplate is angled or bent into two or more wall or panel sections to accommodate likewise angled or bent support structures, such as pitched roofs or roofs having inside or outside corners. Where possible, the parts, elements, or components of the anchor baseplate assembly which are shown in the following examples and which are the same or substantially the same as the parts, elements or components previously described and illustrated hereinabove are provided with the same reference numerals preceded by the number "<NUM>" for the example in <FIG> dealing with a pitched roof and the number "<NUM>" for the examples in <FIG> dealing with inside and outside corners for raised roof abutments or walls.

More particularly, <FIG> illustrates a fourth example of the invention for applications where a lightning rod needs to be mounted on a pitched roof ridge, and which is also described in Applicant's earlier <CIT>. The pitched roof is composed of butted and joined roof sheathing <NUM>, <NUM> supported by a three-ply roof ridge plate <NUM>. The metallic anchor assembly <NUM> is provided with a bent baseplate <NUM> having a central horizontally-disposed central planar section <NUM> in which a central bore <NUM> is formed and from which depends a cylindrical post <NUM> which is received within a bore <NUM> of the roof ridge plate <NUM>. The base plate <NUM> has two bent wing sections <NUM> extending from opposite sides of the central planar section <NUM> which are angled to lie flat against the roof sheathing <NUM>, <NUM>. As before, baseplate <NUM> would be attached to the roof sheathing <NUM>, <NUM> via fastening screws <NUM> received through holes <NUM> in the bent wing sections <NUM>. Flashing and adhesive materials (not shown) as used in the other examples would be used in a like manner as before as well.

The cylindrical post <NUM> can optionally be smooth as is the case shown in <FIG> or its outer surface can be externally threaded as also shown in the earlier examples. It further has an internally-threaded central bore <NUM> in which the threaded lower section <NUM> of a lightning rod <NUM> is threadably receivable so that its upper pointed section <NUM> projects upwardly preferably from the highest point on the roof. In applications like this, the grounding cable <NUM> usually runs along the roof ridge to connect to a plurality of spaced-apart lightning rods <NUM> (not shown) also via conventional clamps <NUM> or the like and the grounding cable would then be guided to the ground where it would be attached to a grounding grid or plate in the ground (not shown).

<FIG>, <FIG> illustrate a sixth example of the inventive anchor platform assembly, generally designated by reference numeral <NUM> and configured for securing an object <NUM>, in this example, a U-shaped shoe <NUM> for supporting a glass rail <NUM> to an inside corner of a roof ledge or the like. The inside corner of the roof is formed at a substantially right angle juncture between a horizontal wall portion <NUM> disposed perpendicularly to a vertical wall portion <NUM> of a roof wall or other raised structure.

Anchor platform assembly <NUM> includes an anchor baseplate, generally designated by reference numeral <NUM>. Anchor baseplate <NUM> as shown is L-shaped and has two angled sides, sidewalls or panels 511a, 511b, which extend substantially perpendicularly relative to one another to permit the same to be positioned abutting the inside corner defined by roof walls <NUM>, <NUM>. The baseplate 511a includes a central bore <NUM>, which may or may not be threaded, and a plurality of other throughbores <NUM> utilized for attaching the baseplate <NUM> to the roof sheathing <NUM>, <NUM> proximate the roof inside corner. The baseplate <NUM> is attached to the roof sheathing <NUM>, <NUM> via fastening screws <NUM> received by and passing through the throughbores or holes <NUM> to secure the baseplate <NUM> to the roof <NUM>, <NUM>, at the inside corner. Typically, flashing materials such as a roof membrane <NUM> could be secured to the roof structure <NUM>, <NUM> and an adhesive or caulk <NUM> would be applied thereto or to the undersides 513a, 513b of anchor baseplate sidewalls 511a, 511b, respectively. The baseplate <NUM> may be formed as a single, integrated, one-piece unit, comprising the two angled or bent sidewalls, sides or panels 511a, 511b, or the panels can be fastened together (such as by welding) to realize a baseplate particularly suited or configured for inside roof corners.

As seen best in <FIG>, the anchor platform assembly <NUM> also includes a cylindrical rod or post <NUM>. The cylindrical rod or post <NUM> has a smooth outer cylindrical surface in this example, as well as an internally-threaded central bore <NUM> within which a threaded lower section of a bolt <NUM> is threadably receivable (<FIG>). The central bore <NUM> of cylindrical post <NUM> is a blind bore, which is advantageous for the reasons explained above. The post or rod <NUM> has a top open end <NUM> and a closed bottom <NUM> (<FIG>). The cylindrical rod or post <NUM> is secured to the anchor baseplate <NUM>, so that the top open end <NUM> of its bore <NUM> abuts and is in registry with the bottom open end of center throughbore <NUM>. The bore <NUM> of the baseplate <NUM> is aligned with the central bore <NUM> of the cylindrical rod or post <NUM> as seen best in <FIG> to effectively cooperatively define a blind bore extending from the top surface of sidewall 511a to the bottom wall <NUM> of post bore <NUM>. The post <NUM> when mounted sits in a similarly dimensioned and configured cylindrical blind bore <NUM> formed in roof portion <NUM>.

As best illustrated in <FIG>, the central throughbore <NUM> of the U-shaped channel of shoe <NUM> contains a step <NUM> which is dimensioned and configured to receive and support the bolt head of bolt <NUM> and, optionally, a washer <NUM>. Consequently, the bolt head of bolt <NUM> is disposed below a top surface <NUM> of the lower base wall <NUM> of U-shaped shoe <NUM> in order to prevent the bolt <NUM> from abutting and possibly cracking or damaging the bottom edge of the glass railing <NUM>.

In addition, a conventional rubber support clip [not shown] or adhesive caulk or sealant <NUM> is optionally provided on the sides of the lower end of glass rail <NUM> or the inner sidewalls of U-shaped channel <NUM> to secure the rail <NUM> in a cushioned manner to prevent movement and cracking thereof. Although not shown, the support clip or sealant <NUM> could also extend under the lower end of glass rail <NUM> or on basewall <NUM>. Here too, one or more shim plates <NUM> as also shown in <FIG> having a central bore <NUM> can be used to adjust the height at the shoe <NUM>. In addition, flashing in the form of a rubber membrane <NUM> can be positioned below shoe <NUM> or shim plate <NUM> and above anchor baseplate <NUM> for further waterproof protection.

Turning now to <FIG>, <FIG>, therein illustrated is an anchor baseplate assembly essentially identical to the components and manner of mounting thereof to that shown in <FIG>, and therefore the description thereof is substantially identical thereto and is not repeated hereinbelow, except for the fact that the rod or post <NUM> has a threaded outer surface <NUM>. This threaded version of the post <NUM> is particularly useful where there is access to the underside of the roof <NUM> to permit the post <NUM> to be inserted through a throughbore <NUM> in the wood roof sheathing <NUM> to allow a mechanical fastener, such as a washer <NUM> and nut <NUM> to be threaded onto the free end of the externally threaded post <NUM>. It is then tightened to secure and lock the anchor baseplate <NUM> in abutting relationship with roof portion <NUM> from therebelow as seen best in <FIG>.

<FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate several different options or variations of the examples of the anchor platform assembly embodying the present invention for use in association with an inside corner of a support structure such as found on certain building roofs. Here too, the components, flashing materials and installation thereof are essentially same as heretofore described in relation to <FIG>, <FIG> and therefore the same is not repeated herein. Consequently, only the different options associated with the anchor baseplate assembly <NUM> and, in particular, anchor baseplate <NUM> and the post <NUM> are described and illustrated.

More particularly, <FIG> show the employment of two spaced-apart smooth posts <NUM> secured to, and depending from the horizontally-disposed anchor baseplate sidewall 511a. The vertically-disposed sidewall 511b of baseplate <NUM> has three throughbores <NUM> for receiving therein mechanical fasteners, such as screws or bolts, to secure the anchor baseplate against the vertical roof wall <NUM> and three spaced-apart throughbores <NUM> in the horizontal-disposed sidewall 511a for securing the same via mechanical fasteners, such as screws or bolts, to the horizontally-disposed sidewall <NUM> of the inside corner.

<FIG> are identical to the corresponding views of <FIG> except that, instead of a pair of spaced apart smooth posts <NUM>, a pair of spaced-apart posts <NUM> have a threaded outer surface <NUM> are employed.

<FIG> is comparable to <FIG>, 9ab, <FIG> in that it has a single smooth post <NUM> (although it could optionally be externally threaded), but it also has two cylindrical, externally-threaded fastening studs <NUM> disposed spaced-apart and on opposite sides of the single post <NUM>. The fastening studs <NUM> would typically be welded to the underside of angle baseplate sidewall 511a and they would each be inserted through a hole in the roof structure similar to hole <NUM> so that they could be fastened to the support structure (not shown), from below, with the aid, e.g., of a washer <NUM> and threaded nut <NUM> to provide a much stronger joint and anchor.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, <FIG> illustrates a seventh example of the inventive anchor platform assembly for securing an object <NUM> (again a glass rail shoe <NUM>) to an outside corner of a roof portion. The outside corner of the roof comprising opposing portions of plywood roof sheathing <NUM>', <NUM>', arranged substantially perpendicular to each other to define an outside corner. The only difference between the two sets of figures is that <FIG> show the use of a post <NUM> with a smooth external surface receivable in a similarly configured cylindrical bore <NUM>' in the upper surface of roof section <NUM>' and <FIG> show a post with an externally threaded surface <NUM> receivable through a throughbore <NUM>' in the upper horizontal wall roof section <NUM>' which is fastened via a washer <NUM> and nut <NUM> from below the roof.

The L-shaped base plate <NUM> has two opposing sides, sidewalls, or panels 511a and 511b extending substantially perpendicularly to each other which are generally the same as shown in connection with the baseplate <NUM> shown heretofore in association with any inside corners of a roof except that panel 511b depends downwardly from an end of panel 511a rather than extending upwardly therefrom as shown in <FIG>. Thus, as shown, side 511a overlies the horizontally-extending raised roof section <NUM>' and side 511b' depends downwardly from one end of side 511a to overlie the vertically-extending side of raised roof section <NUM>' which connects to horizontally-extending roof section <NUM>' or against flashing (comprising a conventional rubber roof membrane <NUM> and caulk <NUM>). And, as in the earlier examples, the baseplate <NUM> is attached to the roof sheathing <NUM>', via fastening screws <NUM> received through holes <NUM> in the opposing sides 511a and 511b of the baseplate <NUM>.

Here too, since the components, construction, and installation of the anchor baseplate assembly shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, <FIG> are essentially the same as described in relation to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, <FIG>, respectively, aside from the nature of their application to either an inside or outside corner, the same description thereof is not repeated herein.

Similarly, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate several different options or versions of the anchor baseplate assembly of the present invention for use in association with an outside corner of a support structure such as found on certain building roofs as well. As will be discussed in greater detail below, as before, these other examples show the utilization and employment of multiple spaced-apart posts <NUM> and also the employment of multiple studs <NUM> to provide additional holding power.

More particularly, <FIG> show the employment of two spaced-apart smooth posts <NUM> secured to, and depending from the horizontally-disposed anchor baseplate sidewall 511a. The vertically-disposed sidewall 511b of baseplate <NUM> has three, spaced-apart throughbores <NUM> for receipt therein of mechanical fasteners, such as screws or bolts, to secure the anchor baseplate 511b against the vertical wall of roof section <NUM>' of the outside corner and three spaced-apart throughbores in the horizontal-disposed sidewall 511a for securing the same via mechanical fasteners, such as screws or bolts, to the horizontally-disposed top surface of roof section <NUM>' of the outside corner. Two posts <NUM> having externally-threaded outside surfaces <NUM> (not shown) can, of course, be substituted for the smooth posts <NUM>.

<FIG> correspond to the views of <FIG> in showing a smooth post <NUM> flanked by a pair of threaded studs <NUM> on opposite sides, except that it is configured and positioned for an outside corner instead of an inside corner. Here too, the threaded studs <NUM> are affixed to the underside of sidewall 511a and would pass through holes in the support structure (not shown) to allow the same to be held and locked in place from below the roof structure by a washer <NUM> and nut <NUM> mounted on the ends thereof.

<FIG> are comparable to the two-post arrangements shown in <FIG>, but in this example the two posts are elongated threaded studs <NUM> disposed in a spaced-apart manner. Each of the studs <NUM> is provided with a central blind bore <NUM> having an opening merging with bore <NUM> in anchor baseplate 511a. The fastening studs <NUM> would typically be welded to the angled baseplate sidewall 511a and, as in <FIG>, they too would be fastened to the support structure, in this case the roof <NUM>, with the aid of threaded nut <NUM> and washer <NUM> fastened thereto from below the roof (not shown) to provide a much stronger joint and anchor.

While the anchor baseplate assemblies of <FIG> are typically intended for inside and outside corners for roof structures, they could also be used for various applications in the building or other industries where such rigid and/or waterproof anchors are needed.

As briefly touched upon in the discussion of <FIG>, it is important to use cylindrical mechanical fasteners having a "straight" thread for mounting an object on a support structure via the internally-threaded cylindrical blind bore of the various examples described herein. More specifically, mechanical fasteners of this type have a so-called "straight" thread - namely bolts with heads and cylindrical threaded shafts and cylindrical rod-shaped studs which are headless. This is to be distinguished from a "cone-shaped" screw which has a so-called "tapered" thread. The use of such a cylindrical bolt or stud fastener with a straight thread ensures a strong joint and the versatility of accommodating fasteners of varying lengths and widths for achieving various degrees of holding power via threaded receipt in the internally-threaded, cylindrical blind bores of the posts which also have a straight edge. In contrast, the mechanical fasteners used to affix the anchor baseplate to a support via ancillary holes <NUM> may generally be of any type including screws with a "tapered" thread.

While the foregoing specifically describes and illustrates the use of the anchor baseplate assemblies shown in use with glass rails, and lightning rods, they can also be used for anchoring and supporting a wide variety of other objects to support structures, such as roofs for other building accessories, e.g., antennas, TV satellite dishes, HVAC units and the like. For example, they could be used for securing an L-shaped support bracket for supporting such roof accessories.

It should also be noted that the anchor platform assemblies can also be used for building and other applications where waterproofing isn't necessary, such as exterior or interior building walls, ceilings, floors, steps, outdoor decks, etc. where simply a rigid and strong anchor support is important.

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

In addition, the dimensions and size of the assembly components can vary dependent on the particular application. For example, the cylindrical posts typically have diameters and are preferably in a range of <NUM> centimeters (cm) (<NUM>/<NUM>") to <NUM> (<NUM>") and can range up to <NUM> (<NUM>") in length. The thickness of the baseplate may be varied according to need, for example, preferably between <NUM> (<NUM>/<NUM>") to <NUM> (<NUM>"), but preferably <NUM> (<NUM>/<NUM>"). In a preferred example, the posts have an external diameter of <NUM> (½") and its internal bore has a diameter of <NUM> (<NUM>/<NUM>").

The materials of the components of the anchor assemblies, such as the baseplates, posts, and studs can also be made of a variety of materials, including, e.g., metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, bronze, and copper, but also plastic or composite materials. It is also preferred that the baseplate and its post and optional studs are integrally formed or joined to form a one-piece component. In particular, it can be appreciated that the posts and/or studs can be secured to the baseplate via welding or other means.

The two respective sides 511a and 511b of the baseplate <NUM>" may be formed as one piece, for example, by bending a metal plate of the proper size and thickness or may formed by attaching the separate sides 511a, 511b together. For example, the two sides 511a, 511b can be attached to each other by welding one of their respective ends together.

Claim 1:
An anchor platform assembly (<NUM>) for anchoring an object (<NUM>) to a structure (<NUM>), comprising:
an anchor baseplate (<NUM>) including a first sidewall (511a) and a second sidewall (511b) disposed at an angle to each other, each of said sidewalls (511a, 511b) having a first surface and second surface on opposite sides thereof and a pair of opposite ends and wherein one of said ends of said first and second sidewalls (511a, 511b) are joined together; and
an elongated post (<NUM>) coupled to said anchor baseplate first sidewall (511a) and projecting outwardly from said second surface thereof, said post (<NUM>) having a first end (<NUM>) secured to said first sidewall (511a) of said anchor baseplate (<NUM>) and a second free end (<NUM>), and an at least partially threaded, cylindrical internal blind bore (<NUM>) extending from said first surface of said anchor baseplate first sidewall (511a) into said post (<NUM>), with said second surface of said first sidewall (511a) of said anchor baseplate (<NUM>) being configured to allow the structure (<NUM>) to lie generally flush against said second surface of said first sidewall (511a), except for the area of said second surface covered by said post (<NUM>);
wherein said first sidewall (511a) comprises a plurality of first spaced-apart through holes (<NUM>);
wherein said second sidewall (511b) comprises a plurality of second spaced-apart through holes (<NUM>);
wherein said plurality of second spaced-apart through holes (<NUM>) are oriented at an angle to said plurality of first spaced-apart through holes (<NUM>).