WO2018016967A1

WO2018016967A1 - Anchor plate

Info

Publication number: WO2018016967A1
Application number: PCT/NO2017/050193
Authority: WO
Inventors: Harald André KLAUSEN
Original assignee: E.C. System As
Priority date: 2016-07-19
Filing date: 2017-07-18
Publication date: 2018-01-25
Also published as: NO20161194A1

Abstract

An anchoring device comprising: an anchor plate (1) comprising: an anchor plate base (11) that is approximately planar with a top surface and a bottom surface; two or more anchor posts (12) with a top and a bottom side; a plurality of anchor fastening means (13); wherein the top surface of the anchor plate base (11) is connected to the bottom side of the anchor posts (12); the anchor posts (12) are roughly perpendicular to the plane of the anchor plate base (11); the anchor posts (12) are adapted to receive the anchor fastening means (13) into the top side of the anchor posts (12); the anchor posts (12) are configured to fit a footprint of a fixture base (71); the anchoring device is further comprising an adapter plate (2) comprising: an adapter plate base (21) with a top and bottom surface; an adapter post (22) with a top and bottom side; a plurality of adapter plate base holes (211); and a plurality of adapter fastening means (23); where the bottom surface of the adapter plate base (21) is facing the top surface of the anchor plate base (11); the top surface of the adapter plate base (21) is connected to the bottom side of the adapter posts (22); the adapter posts (22) are roughly perpendicular to the adapter plate base (21); the adapter posts (22) are adapted to receive the adapter fastening means (23) into the top side of the adapter posts (22); the adapter plate base holes (211) are arranged to line up with the anchor posts (12); the anchor fastening means (13) passes through the adapter plate base holes (211) and into the top side of the anchor posts (12); and the adapter posts (22) are configured to match the footprint of the fixture base (71).

Description

TITLE:

[1 ] Anchor Plate

THE FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[2] The present invention relates to an anchoring device comprising:

an anchor plate comprising:

an anchor plate base that is approximately planar with a top surface and a bottom surface;

two or more anchor posts with a top and a bottom side;

a plurality of anchor fastening means.

[3] The present invention also relates to a method of installing a fixture.

[4] The present invention further relates to an anchor plate system.

[5] The present invention also relates to use of an anchor plate.

[6] The present invention thus relates to an anchor plate, more particularly a device for the installation of fixtures in a room that does not compromise any waterproofing layer present. The present invention also relates to associated uses, methods, and systems.

BACKGROUND

[7] There are many rooms in buildings that will be exposed to a large amount of water. One example is a bathroom. Many materials (e.g. wood and gypsum) do not tolerate water well. In the presence of water, many of these will dissolve or rot. If the water gets through or around the outer surface (such as a wall) and into the inner surface (such as a subfloor), this can lead to rot that will remain undetected. [8] A solution for such a room is to water seal it. Modern building practice is to put a waterproofing material on top of the subfloor. It is also common practice to place a waterproofing material either partway up the wall or over the entire wall. This will prevent water from gaining access to the inner layer in the case that water manages to penetrate the wall or flooring. The waterproofing of the room is usually accomplished through a waterproof membrane placed or applied directly on to the subfloor or inner surface. But other materials such as waterproof paint, polyurethane fill, tar, sealing mats, sealing sheets, epoxy, special concrete, and special tapes can also be used.

[9] After the floor or walls are installed, and waterproofing is accomplished where needed, fixtures (such as sinks, shower heads, toilets, mounted bath tubs, heating racks, etc.) are then mounted to them. This is most commonly done by boring holes through the surface and inserting screws to hold the fixture in place. It is common to apply silicone around a fixture to keep water from penetrating through the outer surfaces.

[10] Bathrooms often use tiled flooring. Tiles are known for being very cold to the touch, even in a warm room. A common solution is to use heating cables, because these provide heat to the tiles and comfort for the user. These cables are placed in or on the waterproof membrane.

TECHNICAL PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED

[1 1 ] When a fixture is mounted in a water sealed room, a screw or bolt is put through the outer surface (e.g. floor or wall) and into the inner surface (e.g. subfloor). This process pierces the waterproof layer and ruins part of the effect of sealing the room in the first place. To compound the problem there is no standard pattern of holes among different fixture manufactures. As such, switching fixtures will require that the old holes are filled with a waterproofing material (e.g. silicon or spackle). As such, even more holes are made in the room's waterproof layer and compromising the water seal.

[12] Where a warm floor is desired, it is common to use heating cables. These provide warmth and comfort for the user. However, the heating cables cannot be placed too close to a water fixture. In practice that means that the heating cables are not placed close to the toilet or other permanent fixtures. This results in a lot of time used in installing and adjusting the heating cables to meet this safety requirement. Additionally, the user does not get floor heat where it may be desired most. It is also important to note that it can be dangerous to screw into surfaces that have heating or electrical cables installed; due to the possibility of piercing them.

SHORT SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

3] Thus the anchoring device is described by:

the top surface of the anchor plate base (11 ) is connected to the bottom side of the anchor posts (12);

the anchor posts (12) are roughly perpendicular to the plane of the anchor plate base (11);

the anchor posts (12) are adapted to receive the anchor fastening means (13) into the top side of the anchor posts (12);

the anchor posts (12) are configured to fit a footprint of a fixture base (71); the anchoring device is further comprised of an adapter plate (2) comprised of:

an adapter plate base (21 ) with a top and bottom surface;

an adapter post (22) with a top and bottom side;

a plurality of adapter plate base holes (211 ); and

a plurality of adapter fastening means (23);

where the bottom surface of the adapter plate base (21) is facing the top surface of the anchor plate base (11 );

the top surface of the adapter plate base (21 ) is connected to the bottom side of the adapter posts (22);

the adapter posts (22) are roughly perpendicular to the adapter plate base (21 );

the adapter posts (22) are adapted to receive the adapter fastening means (23) into the top side of the adapter posts (22);

the adapter plate base holes (211 ) are arranged to line up with the anchor posts (12); the anchor fastening means (13) passes through the adapter plate base holes (211 ) and into the top side of the anchor posts (12); and

the adapter posts (22) are configured to match the footprint of the fixture base (71 ).

Thus the method of the present invention is described by the following steps: a. placing an anchoring device comprising :

an anchor plate (1 ) comprising:

an anchor plate base (11 ) that is approximately planar with a top surface and a bottom surface;

two or more anchor posts (12) with a top and a bottom side;

a plurality of anchor fastening means (13);

wherein:

the anchor posts (12) are configured to fit a footprint of a fixture base (71);

underneath an outer surface (6) comprising a top side and a bottom side;

an adapter plate (2) comprising:

an adapter plate base (21) with a top and bottom surface; an adapter post (22) with a top and bottom side;

a plurality of adapter plate base holes (211 );

a plurality of adapter fastening means (23);

wherein: the bottom surface of the adapter plate base (21 ) is connected to the top side of the outer surface (6);

the adapter posts (22) are roughly perpendicular to the adapter plate base (21);

the adapter plate base holes (211 ) are arranged to line up with the anchor posts (12);

the anchor fastening means (13) passes through the adapter plate base holes (211) and into the top side of the anchor posts (12); the adapter posts (22) are configured to match the footprint of the fixture base (71);

b. making a plurality of outer fastening holes (62) in the outer surface (6) aligned with the anchor posts (12);

c. connecting the anchor plate (1) to the adapter plate (2) by inserting the anchor fastening means (13) through the adapter plate base holes (211 ), through the outer fastening holes (62), and into the anchor posts (12);

d. placing the fixture (7) so that the holes in the fixture base (71) are

aligned with the adapter posts (22);

e. remounting the fixture (7) to the adapter plate (2) by inserting the

adapter fastening means (23) through the holes in the fixture base (71 ) and into the adapter posts (22).

[15] In accordance with an aspect of the method for installing a fixture the anchor plate (1) is placed in a manner that does not compromise a waterproof layer (4) and where the waterproof layer (4) is underneath the outer surface (6). [16] Thus the anchor plate system of the present invention is described by the following:

a. an anchor device comprising:

an anchor plate (1 ) comprising:

two or more anchor posts (12) with a top and a bottom side; a plurality of anchor fastening means (13);

wherein:

the anchor posts (12) are configured to fit a footprint of a fixture base (71);

an adapter plate (2) comprising:

an adapter plate base (21) with a top and bottom surface;

an adapter post (22) with a top and bottom side;

a plurality of adapter plate base holes (211 );

a plurality of adapter fastening means (23);

wherein:

the bottom surface of the adapter plate base (21 ) is connected to the top side of the outer surface (6);

the adapter posts (22) are roughly perpendicular to the adapter plate base (21); the adapter posts (22) are adapted to receive the adapter fastening means (23) into the top side of the adapter posts (22);

an outer surface (6);

a fixture (7).

[17] In accordance with an aspect of the system of the present invention it by includes a waterproof layer (4).

[18] In accordance with a second aspect of the system of the present invention it by includes a heating cables (5).

[19] Thus the use of the present invention is for the installation of a fixture (7) to an outer surface (6) is described by:

an anchor plate (1 ) comprising:

two or more anchor posts (12) with a top and a bottom side;

a plurality of anchor fastening means (13);

wherein:

the top surface of the anchor plate base (11 ) is connected to the bottom side of the anchor posts (12); the anchor posts (12) are roughly perpendicular to the plane of the anchor plate base (11);

the anchor posts (12) are configured to fit a footprint of a fixture base (71 );

wherein: the anchor plate (1 ) is located under the outer surface (6); an adapter plate (2) comprising:

a plurality of adapter plate base holes (211 );

a plurality of adapter fastening means (23);

wherein:

the anchor fastening means (13) passes through the adapter plate base holes (211) and into the top side of the anchor posts (12);

the adapter posts (22) are configured to match the footprint of the fixture base (71).

[20] In accordance with an aspect of the use according to the present invention the installation of the fixture (7) is carried out such that it does not compromise a water proof layer (4) located below the outer surface (6).

PURPOSES AND ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[21 ] The present invention has several advantages over previous solutions to the technical problems discussed previously. The anchor plate in accordance with the present invention is developed for the installation of a fixture in a water sealed room such that it does not compromise the waterproofing. [22] The present invention does not pierce the waterproof layer and thus the water seal of the room. This will allow fixtures such as sinks, toilets, shelves, wall mounted lighting fixtures, towel racks, and such to be mounted without

compromising the water seal of the room. This will make the room much less likely to have the water damage associated with present day mounting techniques.

[23] In addition, by using the present invention and adapter it is possible to shift the present fixtures to a different fixture without compromising the water seal. This will be of great advantage if one for example changes to a toilet with a different footprint (arrangement of holes in the fixture for mounting).

[24] Additionally, this invention can allow for the installation of heating cables that can be placed under or close to the toilet or other fixtures. This will provide more comfort to the user and require less time to install. The person installing the heating cable will only need to worry about exactly how close they can get to a toilet before it causes a problem. It also eliminates the chances of piercing heating cables if a new fixture is installed.

[25] In the same manner, the present invention can be used on the floor or in a wall in order to avoid damage to any electrical cable, transformer, or water piping.

[26] While the preferred embodiment of the present invention is designed for use in a room that is water sealed by a waterproof layer, it can also be used in a room that does not have a waterproof layer. For example, the installation of fixtures in a tiled wall. It is difficult to change the fixtures without drilling new holes in the tiles. Not only can the drilling of new holes cause unwanted damage to the glaze of the tiles, the new holes must be filled. This may require the difficult prospect of finding a fill material that is the same color as the tiles. With the present invention, it would be a simple matter to remove the fixture and install a new one without making any new holes in the surface.

[27] There will also be more advantages and uses of the present invention that one skilled in the art will understand and be able to implement without undue effort within the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[28] FIG 1 discloses an isometric view of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG 2 discloses an isometric view of a system with the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG 3 discloses an isometric view of a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG 4 discloses an isometric view of a system with the second embodiment of the invention.

FIG 5 discloses a cut away side view of a system with the second embodiment of the invention.

LIST OF USED REFERENCE NUMERALS:

[33] 1 Anchor Plate

[34] 1 1 Anchor Plate Base

[35] 12 Anchor Post

[36] 13 Anchor Fastening Means

[37] 14 Anchor Hole

[38] 2 Adapter Plate

[39] 21 Adapter Plate Base

[40] 21 1 Adapter Plate Base Hole

[41 ] 22 Adapter Post

[42] 23 Adapter Fastening Means

[43] 3 Inner Surface

[44] 31 Inner Surface Hole

[45] 4 Waterproof layer

[46] 41 Waterproof layer hole

[47] 5 Heating Cables

[48] 6 Outer Surface

[49] 61 Outer Hole

[50] 62 Outer Fastening Hole [51 ] 7 Fixture

[52] 71 Fixture Base

[53] 72 Pipe

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[54] Using the attached drawings, the technical contents, and detailed

descriptions, the present invention is described. Alternate embodiments will also be presented.

[55] The present invention allows for a toilet, towel rack, shower heads, or other fixture to be attached to a surface such that the water seal provided by the

waterproof layer of the room is preserved. The anchor plate according to the present invention is placed under the outer surface. Fastening means are then inserted into the anchor plate and not into the waterproof layer of the walls or floor. Method, use, and systems of the invention are also presented.

[56] FIG 1 discloses an isometric view of the first embodiment of the present invention. The anchor plate 1 of the present invention is comprised of an anchor plate base 11 with attached anchor posts 12. There is an anchor hole 14 that passes entirely through the anchor plate base 11.

[57] Note that the rounded planar rectangle shape of the anchor plate base 11 is only for illustration purposes. The shape of the anchor plate base 11 could be square, circular, oval, triangular, or other geometric shapes. One skilled in the art will easily be able to find a shape that fits the requirements of the installation task. Also note that the anchor hole 14 is optional. It can be removed with no loss of

functionality. While the anchor plate base 11 is shown as a smooth planar surface, it is also possible to use texturing or translational shape changes. This could allow the anchor plate 1 to have better contact with the inner surface 3, water proof layer 4 and or the outer surface 5. In the case where there is more than one layer than is found in the system, the anchor posts 12 will go through all layers required to reach the outer layer 6. [58] In the preferred embodiment the anchor plate 1 is made of plastic or other materials such as carbon fiber and fiberglass where the anchor plate base 11 can be thin. However it could also be made of metal or vinyl.

[59] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the anchor plate 1 is comprised of the anchor posts 12 and the anchor plate base as a single molded piece. However, other alternatives present themselves. The anchor posts 12 can be a separate unit from the anchor plate base 11. One way this could be accomplished is to make the base of the anchor posts 12 wider than a hole through the anchor plate base 11. This could be an advantage if special requirements made it advantageous to make the anchor posts 12 in another material. This material could be metal or other material strong enough to make a secure connection between the anchor plate 1 and the fixture 7 (not shown).

[60] Note that there is an anchor hole 14 shown in FIG 1. This is to allow for the insertion of a pipe 72 (not shown) through the anchor plate 1. However, this anchor hole 14 is not needed in the case that a pipe 72 (not shown) is not needed to go through the anchor plate 1. There could also be additional holes in the plate for different purposes, such as electrical cables to the fixture.

[61 ] In the preferred embodiment, the anchor posts 12 themselves will seal the outer fastening holes 62 (not shown) required in the outer surface 6 (not shown). This can be accomplished by using a soft material that expands to fill these holes. This can also be accomplished by using a sealer such as silicon around the outer fastening holes 62 (not shown). Additionally, this could be done by using rubber gaskets or rings around the anchor post 12.

[62] FIG 1 discloses the anchor plate 1 with four anchor posts 12. However, this is for illustration purposes only. There could be between one and as many anchor posts as needed, although a plurality of posts would often be desired to hold larger fixtures in place securely. One skilled in the art would know how many were needed and would be able to adjust the invention accordingly.

[63] FIG 2 discloses an isometric view of the total system with the first

embodiment of the present invention. It discloses an inner surface 3 that is under a waterproof layer 4. Heating cables 5 are placed upon the waterproof layer 4. The present invention 1 is found in between the heating cables 5 and the outer surface 6. The anchor plate 1 is comprised of an anchor plate base 11 , anchor posts 12, and an anchor hole 14. A fixture 7 (in this case a toilet) is placed on the outer surface 6. Anchor fastening means 13 are inserted through holes in the fixture 7, through the outer surface 6, and into the anchor posts 12. In this way the fixture 7 is held firmly in place.

[64] In FIG 2, the inner surface 3, the waterproof layer 4, the present invention 1 , and the outer surface 6 all have holes: 31 , 41 , 14, and 61 respectively. These are arranged in such a way that a pipe 72 (not shown) can be inserted through these holes and into the fixture. Note that if the fixture does not require a pipe 71 (not shown), such as for attaching a shower rod or shower head, these holes may not be present. Also note that these holes could be used for electrical cables or wires.

[65] The anchoring fastening 13 means can be a bolt, screw, expansion bolt, or other fastening means that is suitable to hold the fixture in place firmly. One skilled in the art could decide this depending on the specific fixture 7 and room specifications.

[66] In FIG 2, the water proof layer 4 is shown as being relatively thick. Usually a water proof layer 4 is in fact very thin. This and all other proportions are only for illustration purposes. The larger or smaller dimensions were chosen to make some features of the invention or system clearer.

[67] FIG 2 also shows the anchor plate 1 between the heating cables 5 and the outer surface 6. The heating cables 5 are not necessarily present. FIG 2 only shows a typical bathroom floor installation.

[68] The present invention can be found between the inner surface 3 and the waterproof layer 4. It can also be found between the water proof layer 4 and the outer surface 6. The anchor plate 1 can be attached directly to the inner surface 3 and then the waterproof layer 4 placed on top of it. In this case, the anchor plate 1 could be screwed or glued in place. There would be no danger of the waterproof layer 4 being compromised. The anchor plate 1 can also be attached to the waterproof layer 4. This attachment would need to be in a way that the waterproof nature of the waterproof layer 4 is not compromised. This could be accomplished through glues or from any fixative substance that is used to hold the outer surface 6 in place. A non-limiting example would be inserting the anchor plate 1 directly in the thin set during the installation of tiles. Finally the anchor plate 1 could be installed directly in the waterproof layer 4 as the waterproof layer 4 is being installed.

[69] The outer surface can be any surface used in building floors or walls. This includes, but is not limited to: wood, parquet, tiles, plaster, drywall, and linoleum. One skilled in the art would make the choice depending on the requirements of the task. [70] FIG 3 discloses an isometric view of a second embodiment of the invention. This shows an adapter plate 2 comprising an adapter post 22 that is attached to an adapter plate base 21. There are through holes 211 in the anchor plate base 21.

[71 ] The shape of the adapter plate base 21 can be other than the rectangle with two rounded ends as shown in the figure. It can be any shape needed to fit the requirements of the task. One skilled in the art would be able to easily determine this. It would also be possible for the adapter plate 2 to have a hole in it to receive a pipe 72 (not shown) or electrical cords.

[72] As in the anchor posts 12 of FIG 1 and 2, there can be numerous adapter posts 22 depending on the requirements of the fixture.

[73] The adapter plate 2 can be made of the same material as the anchor plate of another material. The anchor plate 1 and adapter plate 2 can be comprised of more than one type of material. For example the posts 12 or 22 could be made of metal and the bases 11 or 21 made of carbon fiber.

[74] FIG 4 discloses an isometric view of the system associated with the second embodiment of the invention. The anchor plate 1 is comprised of an anchor plate base 11 , an anchor post 12, and an anchor hole 14. These are arranged in the same manner as described in FIG 1 and 2. The adapter plate 2 is comprised of an anchor plate base 21 , an anchor post 22, and an adapter plate base hole 211. These are arranged in the same manner as described in FIG 3. The anchor plate 1 is found below the outer surface 6. This outer surface 6 has outer fastening holes 62 that are through holes and an outer hole 61. The adapter plate 2 is located on top of the outer surface 6. The fixture 7 is located on top of the adapter plate 2. Anchor fastening means 13 secure the adapter plate 2 to the anchor plate 1. Adapter fastening means 23 secure the fixture 7 to the adapter plate 2. In this way the footprint of the holes in the fixture base 71 (not shown) can be changed from one manufacturer to another without compromising the waterproofing of the room.

[75] While the adapter plate 2 is shown smaller than the anchor plate 1 , this need not be the case. An alternate embodiment would be to have the anchor plate 1 smaller than the adapter plate 2. This can be the case if footprint of the fixture 7 is larger than the previous fixture 7. By footprint of the fixture 7 it is meant the foot print of the fixture base 71. Fixture base 71 is defined to be the part of the fixture 7 that is in contact with outer surface 6.

[76] FIG 5 discloses a cut away side view of the system associated with the second embodiment of the invention. The inner surface 3 is below the waterproof layer 4. The anchor plate 1 is located in between the water proof layer 4 and the outer surface 6. An adapter plate 2 is located between the outer surface 6 and the fixture base 71. A pipe 72 is shown going through all of the parts of the system. The pipe 72 is not needed in some cases.

[77] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the anchor posts 12 and the adapter posts 22 are shown inserted flush with the layer that is above them: the outer surface 6 and fixture base 71 , respectively. In alternate embodiments these could be recessed. This could be an advantage with some surfaces where it is easier to waterproof the fastening means than the adapter posts 22 and/or the anchor posts 12

[78] As mentioned previously, the anchor plate 1 can be under the waterproof layer 4 or inside the waterproof layer 4. Note that this figure does not have heating cables 5 (not shown). As previously discussed these are not necessary for the system.

[79] A toilet is shown as the fixture 7 in figures 2 and 4. This is only a specific example. The present invention can also be used for attaching a shower fixture, towel rack, heated, towel rack, shower head, etc. to a wall, such that the waterproof layer 4 is not compromised. These are only a few of the many examples of fixtures 7 that could be used with the present invention.

[80] The anchor posts 12 and the adapter posts 22 can be different or the same lengths. If desired, the length of each post can vary independently from each other. This will be determined by one skilled in the art depending on the task that is to be completed. Also as such, the lengths of anchor fastening means 13 and the adapter fastening means 23 can also be changed by one skilled in the art.

[81 ] An anchor plate 1 and an adapter plate 2 can, with adjustment of the associated posts (12 and 22), be used to attach more than one fixture 7 at a time.

[82] The anchor posts 12 and the adapter posts 22 are shown in the figures as cylindrical, but this is not the only possibility. Any shape will work as long as it protrudes from the plate base (11 or 21 ). This shape will be chosen based upon construction considerations. Additionally, some polygons may perform better against rotational motion of the anchor post 12 or adapter post 22. Such an adjustment may particularly be needed if the post (12 or 22) is a separate piece from the plate base (11 or 21 ).

[83] In all of the figures, the anchor posts (12 and 22) are shown as

perpendicular to the plate bases (11 and 21 ). This is the preferable embodiment of the invention. However, this may not always be the best configuration. If the fixture was at a sharp angle in the corner, then the angle between the posts and the plate bases might need to be adjusted.

[84] The anchor plate base 11 can be as large ad the inner surface 3. The adapter plate base 21 can be as large as the inner surface 3. In such a way it is possible to make a pattern of holes and posts over an entire room by the installation of a single anchor plate 1 or adapter base 2.

[85] The anchor plate 1 can be in a very wide range of sizes from dimensions of between the dimensions of the inner surface 3 to 1x1 cm, preferably, between the dimensions of the inner surface 3 to 50x20 cm, and most preferably close to the size of the fixture base 71.

[86] The thickness of the anchor plate 1 can, independent of the length and width, have a thickness of between 0.1 to 20 mm, preferably 0.5 to 10 mm, and most preferably between 1 .0 and 1.5 mm.

[87] The adapter plate 2 can be in a very wide range of sizes from dimensions of between the dimensions of the outer surface 6 to 1x1 cm, preferably, between the dimensions of the inner surface 3 to 50x20 cm, and most preferably close to the size of the fixture base 71.

[88] The thickness of the adapter plate 2 can, independent of the length and width, have a thickness of between 0.1 to 20 mm, preferably 0.5 to 10 mm, and most preferably between 1 .0 and 1 .5 mm.

[89] The diameter of the holes 14, 31 , 41 , and 61 can independently vary. These will be made to fit the size of the pipe 72 if one is present. The height of the anchor posts 12 and the adapter posts 22 can vary according to the depth determined by the surface that these posts are passing through. [90] All these dimensions can be determined by one skilled in the art.

[91 ] Use of the anchor plate 1 for the installation of a fixture 7 shall now be explained. The anchor plate 1 is installed underneath the outer surface 6 with the anchor posts 12 inserted into the outer fastening holes 62 and through holes in the fixture base 71. Anchor fastening means 13 are inserted through the outer fastening holes 62 and into the anchor posts 12. This will secure the fixture 7 to the outer surface 6.

[92] The anchor plate 1 can also be used to secure a fixture 7 to an outer surface 6 by being placed in such a way that the waterproof layer 4 is not compromised.

[93] The adapter plate 2 can be used to change from one pattern of holes in the fixture base 72 to another without making new holes in the outer surface 6. The adapter plate 2 is fastened to the outer surface 6 by inserting anchor fastening means 13 through adapter plate base holes 211 , into the outer fastening holes 62, and into the anchor posts 12. The fixture 7 is then mounted to the adapter plate 2 using adapter fastening means 23 through the holes in the fixture base 71.

[94] The "making of holes" in the outer surface 6 does not need to occur by drilling or other penetration means. It can mean that the outer surface 6 that is on top of the present invention has had holes molded into it during fabrication.

[95] The method for installing a fixture 7 is given by the following steps:

a. Placing an anchor plate 1 underneath an outer surface 6.

b. Making outer fastening holes 62 in the outer surface 6 and aligning these holes with the anchor posts 12.

and then performing steps c-d or e-h;

where steps c-d are given by:

c. Placing the fixture 7 on the outer surface 6.

d. Mounting the fixture 7 on the outer surface 6 by using the anchor

fastening means 13. where steps e-h are given by:

e. Placing an adapter plate 2 on the outer surface 6.

f. Connecting the anchor plate 1 to the adapter plate 2 by using the

anchor fastening means 13 through the adapter plate base holes 211 and the outer fastening holes 62 and into the anchor posts 12.

g. Placing the fixture 7 on the adapter plate 2;

h. Mounting the fixture 7 to the adapter plate 2 by using the adapter

fastening means 23.

[96] The method of installing a fixture 7 such that it does not compromise the waterproof layer 4 is by placing the anchor plate 1 on or in the waterproof layer 4 in such a way that the waterproof layer 4 is not compromised.

[97] Even though the adapter plate is described herein as separate, it is meant to be able to function as a part of a anchoring device comprising:

a. An anchor plate 1.

b. An outer surface 6.

c. A fixture 7.

[98] Additionally, the anchoring device can optionally comprise one or more of the following components:

d. A waterproof layer 4.

e. An adapter plate 2.

f. Heating cables 5.

[99] This is not an exhaustive list, other components or layers cold also be added, such as a layer of paint or thin paneling on the outer surface, without negatively effecting the system

[100] Please note that in the following claims "step of" is not to be interpreted as "step for".

Claims

CLAIMS An anchoring device comprising:

an anchor plate (1 ) comprising:

an anchor plate base (11) that is approximately planar with a top surface and a bottom surface;

two or more anchor posts (12) with a top and a bottom side;

a plurality of anchor fastening means (13);

CHARACTERIZED in that:

the anchor posts (12) are configured to fit a footprint of a fixture base (71); the anchoring device is further comprising an adapter plate (2) comprising: an adapter plate base (21) with a top and bottom surface;

an adapter post (22) with a top and bottom side;

a plurality of adapter plate base holes (211 ); and

a plurality of adapter fastening means (23);

the adapter plate base holes (211 ) are arranged to line up with the anchor posts the anchor fastening means (13) passes through the adapter plate base holes (211 ) and into the top side of the anchor posts (12); and

Method of installing a fixture (7) CHARACTERIZED by comprising the following steps:

a. placing an anchoring device that is comprising:

an anchor plate (1 ) comprising:

wherein:

underneath an outer surface (6) that comprises a top side and a bottom side;

an adapter plate (2) comprising:

a plurality of adapter plate base holes (211 );

a plurality of adapter fastening means (23);

the adapter posts (22) are configured to match the footprint of the fixture base (71);

c. connecting the anchor plate (1) to the adapter plate (2) by inserting the anchor fastening means (13) through the adapter plate base holes (211 ), through the outer fastening holes (62), and into the anchor posts (12); d. placing the fixture (7) so that the holes in the fixture base (71) are aligned with the adapter posts (22);

e. remounting the fixture (7) to the adapter plate

(2) by inserting the adapter fastening means (23) through the holes in the fixture base (71) and into the adapter posts (22)

3. Method of installing a fixture (7) in accordance with claim 2 CHARACTERIZED by placing the anchor plate (1 ) in a manner that does not compromise a waterproof layer (4) and where the waterproof layer (4) is underneath the outer surface (6).

4. An anchor plate system CHARACTERIZED by comprising:

a. an anchor device comprising: an anchor plate (1 ) comprising:

two or more anchor posts (12) with a top and a bottom side;

a plurality of anchor fastening means (13);

wherein:

an adapter plate (2) comprising:

an adapter plate base (21) with a top and bottom surface;

an adapter post (22) with a top and bottom side;

a plurality of adapter plate base holes (211 );

a plurality of adapter fastening means (23);

wherein:

the adapter plate base holes (211 ) are arranged to line up with the anchor posts (12); the anchor fastening means (13) passes through the adapter plate base holes (211) and into the top side of the anchor posts (12);

b. an outer surface (6);

c. a fixture (7).

5. An anchor plate system in accordance to claim 4 CHARACTERIZED by further comprising a waterproof layer (4).

6. An anchor plate system in accordance to any of claims 4 to 5

CHARACTERIZED by further comprising heating cables (5).

7. Use of an anchor device comprising:

an anchor plate (1 ) comprising:

two or more anchor posts (12) with a top and a bottom side;

a plurality of anchor fastening means (13);

wherein:

the anchor plate (1 ) is located under the outer surface (6);

an adapter plate (2) that comprises:

an adapter plate base (21) with a top and bottom surface;

an adapter post (22) with a top and bottom side; a plurality of adapter plate base holes (211 );

a plurality of adapter fastening means (23);

wherein:

the anchor fastening means (13) passes through the adapter plate base holes (211 ) and into the top side of the anchor posts (12);

for the installation of a fixture (7) to an outer surface (6).

8. Use of an anchor plate (1 ) in accordance with claim 7 for the installation of the fixture (7) such that it does not compromise a water proof layer (4) located below the outer surface (6).