TECHNICAL FIELD
This disclosure relates to implementations of a roof platform configured for use on an inclined roof.
BACKGROUND
Platforms are frequently used to position equipment on the roof of a building. While the primary purpose of these roof platforms is to provide a horizontal surface on which equipment may rest, some roof platforms may be used as a work platform, a walk platform, or a combination thereof. Since roof platforms are often installed on pitched roofs, some roof platforms are adjustable. These adjustable roof platforms are configured to provide a horizontal surface even when mounted on a pitched (or inclined) roof. However, most, if not all, of these adjustable roof platforms have failed in one or more ways, and none appear to have been commercially successful or readily available in the market place.
Accordingly, it can be seen that needs exist for the roof platform configured for use on an inclined roof disclosed herein. It is to the provision of an adjustable roof platform that is configured to address these needs, and others, that the present invention in primarily directed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Implementations of a roof platform configured for use on an inclined roof are provided. In some implementations, the roof platform is adjustable so that the platform thereof can be positioned in a horizontal orientation even when mounted on a pitched (or inclined) roof. In this way, equipment (e.g., an air conditioning unit, satellite dish, solar panel(s), etc.) may be positioned on the platform and thereby the roof of a building having an inclined roof. In some implementations, the roof platform may be configured for use as a work platform so that one or more workers can stand thereon and perform a task. In some implementation, the roof platform may be configured for use as a walk platform. In this way, the roof may be crossed without stepping directly thereon.
In some implementations, the roof platform assembly may comprise a platform that includes two leg couplings affixed to a first side (or front side) thereof, four tubular legs stabilized by braces, and four pitch adjustable feet configured to be affixed to a roof. In some implementations, the roof platform may further comprise a handrail that is secured to the platform thereof. In this way, the roof platform may be safely used as a work platform.
In some implementations, the platform may include struts configured to support weight positioned on a top side thereof. In some implementations, each leg coupling secured to the platform defines a slot configured to fit about at least a portion of an adjustable tubular leg. In this way, while leveling the platform during installation of the roof platform on an inclined roof, the first and second tubular legs are able to slide within the slot of the first and second leg couplings, respectively. In some implementations, each leg coupling may include a pair of fastener holes positioned on opposite sides thereof that are arranged to permit a portion of a fastener to extend therethrough.
Collectively, the upright tubular legs of the roof platform are configured to hold the platform in a horizontal position.
In some implementations, the first tubular leg and the second tubular leg are each configured to be adjustably positioned within a leg coupling and may include at least one matched pair of fastener holes located on opposite sides thereof. Each matched pair of fastener holes are configured so that a portion (e.g., the bolt) of a fastener can extend therethrough.
In some implementations, once the platform has been horizontally leveled, a bolt portion of a fastener can be inserted through the aligned fastener holes in each leg coupling and the adjustable tubular leg positioned within the slot thereof. Then, in some implementations, the fastener may be secured in place using one or more washers and a nut. In this way, once the platform has been leveled, the fasteners may be used to fix the platform in position.
In some implementations, the roof platform may further comprise a first cap and a second cap configured to fit over the top end of the first tubular leg and the second tubular leg, respectively, and prevent water from entering the hollow interiors thereof. In some implementations, each cap may comprise a hollow cylindrical body that is closed on one end, the hollow interior of the first cap and the second cap may be configured to receive a portion of the first tubular leg and the second tubular leg, respectively, therein.
In some implementations, the third and fourth tubular legs may be fixed to the second side (or back side) of the platform. In some implementations, the third and fourth tubular legs may be a fixed length.
Collectively, the leg braces are configured to stabilize the tubular legs of the roof platform. In some implementations, the roof platform may include a pair of fixed leg braces and three pairs of adjustable leg braces. In some implementations, each leg brace extends from the platform to the tubular leg of the roof platform that it is secured to. In this way, the leg braces may be used to stabilize the tubular legs of the roof platform.
In some implementations, each of the adjustable feet may comprise a base having a pair of upright flanges which are spaced apart and configured so that a bottom portion of a tubular leg can be secured therebetween. In some implementations, a fastener may extend through the upright foot flanges and the corresponding tubular leg, the tubular leg can rotate about the fastener. In this way, the adjustable feet can be positioned at different angles of inclination depending on the pitch angle of the roof on which the roof platform is to be mounted.
In some implementations, one or more fasteners may be used to secure the base of each adjustable foot to the roof, the one or more fasteners used to secure each foot to a roof may extend through a rafter positioned thereunder. In some implementations, the base of each foot may include a slot therein that is configured for a portion of a fastener to extend therethrough. In this way, each of the adjustable feet may be configured to compensate for any variation in rafter spacing found during installation of the roof platform.
In some implementations, pre-formed fasteners holes extending through various portions of the roof platform may not be provided. Instead, dimples or other markings positioned at appropriate locations may be provided to assist the installer with selecting the proper location to drill needed fastener holes during installation and assembly of the roof platform.
Another example implementation of the roof platform assembly may comprise a platform that includes four leg couplings, four tubular legs stabilized by pairs of adjustable braces, and four pitch adjustable feet configured to be affixed to a roof.
In some implementations, the platform may include a centrally positioned opening that extends therethrough. In this way, for example, when a swamp cooler is resting on the platform, the ductwork of the swamp cooler may extend through the opening in the platform. In some implementations, the platform may include struts configured to support weight positioned on a top side thereof, each strut is secured by fasteners to the underside of the platform. The gap between two struts may be increased, or decreased, to accommodate any ductwork that needs to extend therebetween.
In some implementations, each leg coupling of the platform is positioned underneath the top side of the platform, adjacent to an edge thereof. In some implementations, the first and second leg couplings each define a slot configured to fit about at least a portion of an adjustable tubular leg, each slot is aligned with an opening that extends through the platform. In this way, while leveling the platform during installation of the roof platform on an inclined roof, the first and second tubular legs are able to slide within, and through, the slot of the first and second leg couplings, respectively. In some implementations, the third and fourth leg couplings may each define a threaded bore into which the third and fourth tubular legs can be threadedly secured.
In some implementations, the first tubular leg and the second tubular leg are each configured to be adjustably positioned within a leg coupling of the platform. In some implementations, once the platform has been horizontally leveled, a fastener may be used to fix each adjustable tubular leg in position within the slot of the corresponding coupling. In this way, the adjustable tubular legs may be fixed in position relative to the platform. In some implementations, the fastener may extend through both the coupling and the adjustable tubular leg positioned within the slot thereof.
In some implementations, the roof platform may include two mushroom cap plugs, each mushroom cap plug is configured to fit within an opening in the top end of an adjustable tubular leg and thereby seal it. In this way, water may be prevented from entering the hollow interior of a tubular leg through the opening in the top end.
In some implementations, the roof platform may also include two cylindrical plugs, each cylindrical plug is configured to fit within an opening in the bottom end of an adjustable tubular leg and thereby seal it. In this way, water may be prevented from entering the hollow interior of a tubular leg through the opening in the bottom end.
In some implementations, the third and fourth tubular legs can be threadedly secured to the couplings positioned adjacent the second side (or back side) of the platform. In some implementations, the third and fourth tubular legs may be a fixed length.
In some implementations, each tubular leg of the roof platform may be stabilized by a pair of adjustable braces. In some implementation, a clamp connects each pair of adjustable braces to a tubular leg, each clamp is configured to fit about the exterior of a tubular leg, slide thereon, and be fixed in place thereon. In some implementations, each clamp may include fasteners configured to tighten it on the corresponding tubular leg, thereby fixing the associated pair of leg braces in position. In this way, the platform may be stabilized by the pairs of adjustable leg braces.
In some implementations, each pitch adjustable foot may further comprise at least one notched-out cradle structure, each notched-out cradle structure is configured so that a portion of a U-bolt may rest therein and be used in conjunction with a backing plate and fasteners to secure the adjustable foot to an underlying rafter. In this way, by securing each of the adjustable feet to a rafter, the roof platform may be secured to the roof of a structure.
In some implementations, a notched-out cradle structure may comprise a notch in each upright foot flange of an adjustable foot, the two notches of a single notched-out cradle structure are positioned adjacent to each other so that a portion of a U-bolt may rest therein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a roof platform constructed according to the principles of the present disclosure, wherein the roof platform is mounted on an inclined roof.
FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of the underside of the roof platform shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 illustrates a top perspective view of the roof platform shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed view of a tubular leg joint of the roof platform shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 illustrates another side perspective view of the underside of the roof platform shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 illustrates a front perspective view of the underside of the roof platform shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric top view of another example roof platform constructed according to the principles of the present disclosure.
FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric view of the underside of the roof platform shown in FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 illustrates another isometric top view of the roof platform shown in FIG. 7.
FIG. 10 illustrates another isometric view of the underside of the roof platform shown in FIG. 7.
FIG. 11 illustrates an adjustable foot of the roof platform shown in FIG. 7, wherein the adjustable foot is secured to a tubular leg.
FIG. 12 illustrates an isometric view of an adjustable foot of the roof platform shown in FIG. 7, wherein the adjustable foot is secured to a rafter by a U-bolt and a backing plate.
FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of the adjustable foot shown in FIG. 12.
FIG. 14 illustrates an exploded view of a mushroom cap plug of the roof platform shown in FIG. 7.
FIG. 15 illustrates an exploded view an adjustable foot assembly of the roof platform shown in FIG. 7, wherein the cylindrical plug is shown.
Like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIGS. 1-6 illustrate an example roof platform 100 according to the principles of the present disclosure. In some implementations, the roof platform 100 is adjustable so that the platform 110 thereof can be positioned in a horizontal orientation even when mounted on a pitched (or inclined) roof. In this way, the roof platform 100 may be used to position equipment (e.g., an air conditioning unit, satellite dish, solar panel(s), etc.) on a building having an inclined roof. In some implementations, the roof platform 100 may be configured for use as a work platform so that one or more workers can stand thereon and perform a task. In some implementation, the roof platform 100 may be configured for use as a walk platform. In this way, the roof may be crossed without stepping directly thereon.
As shown in FIGS. 1-6, in some implementations, the roof platform assembly 100 may comprise a platform 110 that includes two leg couplings 112a, 112b (collectively 112) affixed to a first side (or front side) thereof, four tubular legs 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d (collectively 120) stabilized by braces (140, 142), and four pitch adjustable feet 130 configured to be affixed to a roof. In some implementations, the roof platform 100 may further comprise a handrail that is secured to the platform 110 thereof (not shown). In this way, the roof platform 100 may be safely used as a work platform.
As shown in FIGS. 1-4, in some implementations, each side of the platform 110 may include a flange 114 that extends from a bottom side thereof. In some implementations, the platform 110 may include three struts 116 configured to support weight positioned on a top side thereof. In some implementations, each strut 116 may extend between two oppositely positioned flanges 114, for example, between the flanges 114 of the first side and the second side of the platform 110 (see, e.g., FIG. 1). In some implementations, a support platform 110 may include more than three struts 116 and/or less than three struts 116.
As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, in some implementations, each leg coupling 112a, 112b secured to the platform 110 defines a slot configured to fit about at least a portion of an adjustable tubular leg 120a, 120b. In this way, while leveling the platform 110 during installation of the roof platform 100 on an inclined roof 102, the first and second tubular legs 120a, 120b are able to slide within the slot of the first and second leg couplings 112a, 112b, respectively. In some implementations, each leg coupling 112a, 112b may include a pair of fastener holes positioned on opposite sides thereof that are arranged to permit a portion of a fastener 105 to extend therethrough. In this way, once the platform 110 has been leveled, the fastener 105 may be used to fix the platform 110 in position.
As shown in FIG. 1, in some implementations, the upright tubular legs 120 of the roof platform 100 are configured to hold the platform 110 in a horizontal position.
As shown in FIG. 4, in some implementations, the first tubular leg 120a and the second tubular leg 120b are each configured to be adjustably positioned within a leg coupling 112a, 112b and may include at least one matched pair of fastener holes 122 located on opposite sides thereof. Each matched pair of fastener holes 122 are configured so that a portion (e.g., the bolt) of a fastener 105 can extend therethrough and thereby fix the platform 110 in position once it has been horizontally leveled (see, e.g., FIG. 1). In some implementations, pre-drilled matched pairs of fasteners holes 122 may be positioned on the first and second tubular legs 120a, 120b so that the platform can be readily fixed in a horizontal position relative to a roof 102 having a pitch angle of between 1/12-12/12, inclusive.
As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4, and 5, in some implementations, once the platform 110 has been horizontally leveled, a bolt portion of a fastener 105 can be inserted through the aligned fastener holes in each leg coupling 112a, 112b and the adjustable tubular leg 120a, 120b positioned within the slot thereof. Then, in some implementations, the fastener 105 may be secured in place using one or more washers and a nut. In this way, the adjustable tubular legs 120a, 120b may be fixed in position relative to the platform 110.
As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, in some implementations, the roof platform 100 may further comprise a first cap 124a and a second cap 124b (collectively 124). In some implementations, the first cap 124a and the second cap 124b may be configured to fit over the top end of the first tubular leg 120a and the second tubular leg 120, respectively, and prevent water from entering the hollow interiors thereof. In some implementations, each cap 124a, 124b may comprise a hollow cylindrical body that is closed on one end. In some implementations, the hollow interior of the first cap 124a and the second cap 124b may be configured to receive a portion of the first tubular leg 120a and the second tubular leg 120b, respectively, therein.
In some implementations, the bottom opening of each tubular leg 120 may be sealed to prevent water from entering therethrough.
As shown in FIG. 6, in some implementations, the third and fourth tubular legs 120c, 120d may be secured to the second side (or back side) of the platform 110. In some implementations, the third and fourth tubular legs 120c, 120d may be a fixed length and welded to the platform 110. In some implementations, the third and fourth tubular legs 120c, 120d may be secured to the platform 110 using any suitable method known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, in some implementations, the roof platform 100 may include a pair of fixed leg braces 140a, 140b (collectively 140) and three pairs of adjustable leg braces 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d, 142e, 142f (collectively 142). Collectively, the leg braces 140, 142 are configured to stabilize the tubular legs 120 of the roof platform 100. In some implementations, each leg brace 140, 142 may be a generally rectangular length of material (see, e.g., FIGS. 1, 3, and 5). In some implementations, each leg brace 140, 142 may be any suitably shaped length of material.
As shown in FIG. 6, in some implementations, the first fixed leg brace 140a and the second fixed leg brace 140b each extend from the bottom side of the platform 110 to the third tubular leg 120c and the fourth tubular leg 120d, respectively. In some implementations, each end of a fixed leg brace 140a, 140b may be welded in position. In some implementations, each end of a fixed leg brace 140a, 140b may be secured in position using any method known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
As shown in FIGS. 1-3, and 5, in some implementations, a first end of each adjustable leg brace 142 may include a fastener hole 146 extending therethrough and a second end of each adjustable leg brace 142 may include at least one longitudinally extending slot 144 therein. In some implementations, each slot 144 may be configured so that a portion (e.g., the bolt) of a fastener 109 can extend therethrough (see, e.g., FIG. 5).
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, in some implementations, the first adjustable leg brace 142a and the second adjustable leg brace 142b may extend from a first strut 116 to the third tubular leg 120c and the first tubular leg 120a, respectively. In some implementations, the first end of the first adjustable leg brace 142a and the second adjustable leg brace 142b may be secured to a strut 116 in an overlapping fashion by a fastener 107 (see, e.g., FIG. 2). In some implementations, the bolt portion of the fastener 107 may extend through the fastener holes 146 in the overlapping pair of adjustable leg braces 142a, 142b and the first strut 116. In some implementations, the fastener 107 may be secured in place using one or more washers and a nut. In some implementations, once the platform 110 has been horizontally leveled, the bolt portion of a fastener 109 may be inserted through the slot 144 of an adjustable leg brace 142a, 142b as well as the matched pair of fasteners holes 122 extending through opposite sides of the tubular leg (e.g., 120a, 120c) located adjacent thereto (see, e.g., FIG. 5). Then, in some implementations, the fastener 109 may be secured in place using one or more washers and a nut. In this way, the first and second adjustable leg braces 142a, 142b may be fixed in position and thereby assist with stabilizing the roof platform 120.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in some implementations, the third adjustable leg brace 142c and the fourth adjustable leg brace 142d may extend from the flange 114 of the first side of the support platform 110 to the first tubular leg 120a and the second tubular leg 120b, respectively. In some implementations, the first end of the third adjustable leg brace 142c and the fourth adjustable leg brace 142d may be secured to the flange 114 in an overlapping fashion by a fastener 107 (see, e.g., FIG. 3). In some implementations, the bolt portion of the fastener 107 may extend through the fastener holes 146 in the overlapping pair of adjustable leg braces 142c, 142d and the flange 114 of the platform 110. In some implementations, the fastener 107 may be secured in place using one or more washers and a nut. In some implementations, once the platform 110 has been horizontally leveled, the bolt portion of a fastener 109 may be inserted through the slot 144 in an adjustable leg brace 142d, 142d as well as the matched pair of fastener holes 122 extending through opposite sides of the tubular leg (e.g., 120a, 120b) located adjacent thereto (see, e.g., FIG. 2). Then, in some implementations, the fastener 109 may be secured in place using one or more washers and a nut. In this way, the third and fourth adjustable leg braces 142c, 142d may be fixed in position and thereby assist with stabilizing the roof platform 120.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in some implementations, the fifth adjustable leg brace 142e and the sixth adjustable leg brace 142f may extend from a second strut 116 to the second tubular leg 120b and the fourth tubular leg 120d, respectively. In some implementations, the first end of the fifth adjustable leg brace 142e and the sixth adjustable leg brace 142f may be secured to a strut 116 in an overlapping fashion by a fastener 107 (see, e.g., FIG. 2). In some implementations, the bolt portion of the fastener 107 may extend through the fastener holes 146 in the overlapping pair of adjustable leg braces 142e, 142f and the second strut 116. In some implementations, the fastener 107 may be secured in place using one or more washers and a nut. In some implementations, once the platform 110 has been horizontally leveled, the bolt portion of a fastener 109 may be inserted through the slot 144 in an adjustable leg brace 142e, 142f as well as the matched pair of fastener holes 122 extending through opposite sides of the tubular leg (e.g., 120b, 120d) located adjacent thereto. Then, in some implementations, the fastener 109 may be secured in place using one or more washers and a nut. In this way, the fifth and sixth adjustable leg braces 142e, 142f may be fixed in position and thereby assist with stabilizing the roof platform 120.
As shown in FIG. 6, in some implementations, each of the adjustable feet 130 may comprise a base 132 having a pair of upright flanges 134a, 134b which are spaced apart and configured so that a bottom portion of a tubular leg 120 can be secured therebetween. In some implementations, a fastener 136 may extend through the upright foot flanges 134a, 134b and the corresponding tubular leg 120, the tubular leg can rotate about the fastener 136. In this way, the adjustable feet can be positioned at different angles of inclination depending on the pitch angle of the roof on which the roof platform 100 is to be mounted.
As shown in FIG. 6, in some implementations, one or more fasteners 138 may be used to secure the base 132 of each adjustable foot 130 to the roof 102. In some implementations, the one or more fasteners 138 used to secure each adjustable foot 130 to a roof 102 may extend through a rafter positioned thereunder. In some implementations, the base 132 of each adjustable foot 130 may include a slot 139 therein that is configured for a bolt portion of a fastener 138 to extend therethrough (see, e.g., FIG. 6). In this way, each of the adjustable feet 130 may be configured (e.g., slide side-to-side) to compensate for any variation in rafter spacing found during installation of the roof platform 100.
In some implementations, a gasket may be positioned between the base 132 of each adjustable foot 130 and the roof to which it is mounted. In some implementations, the gasket may be configured to prevent vibration(s) from any equipment resting on the platform 110 from transferring to the roof. In some implementations, the gasket may be configured to prevent water leaking through the fastener hole(s) in the roof. In some implementations, the gasket may be made of neoprene or any other suitable water proofing material. In some implementations, the gasket may be configured to fit about each of the adjustable feet 130 and/or a portion of the tubular leg 120 to which it is attached.
In some implementations, pre-formed fasteners holes extending through various portions of the roof platform 100 may not be provided. Instead, dimples or other markings positioned at appropriate locations may be provided to assist the installer with selecting the proper location to drill needed fastener holes during installation and assembly of the roof platform 100.
In some implementations, each fastener 105, 107, 109, 136, 138 may comprise a bolt, a nut, and one or more washers. In some implementations, the bolt, nut and/or washer(s) of a fastener 105, 107, 109, 136, 138 may be made of stainless steel. In some implementations, the washer(s) of a fastener 105, 107, 109, 136, 138 may be made of silicone-rubber. In this way, the washer(s) may be used to water seal the openings through which the bolt portion of a fastener extends. In some implementations, the bolt, nut and/or washer(s) of a fastener 105, 107, 109, 136, 138 may be made of any material suitable for use as part of a roof platform constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.
In some implementations, the platform 110, the leg couplings 112, the struts 116, the tubular legs 120, the leg braces (140, 142), and/or the adjustable feet 130 of a roof platform 100 may be made of aluminum. In some implementations, the support platform 110, the leg couplings 112, the struts 116, the tubular legs 120, the leg braces (140, 142), and/or the adjustable feet 130 may be made of any material suitable for use as part of a roof platform 100 constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.
FIGS. 7-15 illustrate another example implementation of a roof platform 700 according to the principles of the present disclosure. Except as noted below, in some implementations, the roof platform 700 is similar to the roof platform 100 disclosed above.
As shown in FIGS. 7-11, in some implementations, the roof platform assembly 700 may comprise a platform 710 that includes four leg couplings 712a, 712b, 712c, 712d (collectively 712), four tubular legs 720a, 720b, 720c, 720d (collectively 720) stabilized by pairs of adjustable braces 742, and four pitch adjustable feet 730 configured to be affixed to a roof.
As shown in FIGS. 7-10, in some implementations, the platform 710 may include a centrally positioned opening 718 that extends therethrough. In this way, for example, when a swamp cooler is resting on the platform 710, the ductwork of the swamp cooler may extend through the opening 718 in the platform 710. In some implementations, each side of the platform 710 may include a flange 714 that extends from a bottom side thereof (see, e.g., FIG. 10). In some implementations, the platform 710 may include struts 716 configured to support weight positioned on a top side thereof, each strut 716 is secured by fasteners 717 to the underside of the platform 710. The gap between two struts 716 may be increased, or decreased, to accommodate any ductwork that needs to extend therebetween. In some implementations, each strut 716 may extend between two oppositely positioned flanges 714 of the platform 710 (see, e.g., FIG. 10). In some implementations, a support platform 710 may include more than two struts 716 and/or less than two struts 716.
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, in some implementations, each leg coupling 712a, 712b, 712c, 712d of the platform 710 is positioned underneath the top side of the platform 710, adjacent to a flange 714. In some implementations, the first and second leg couplings 712a, 712b each define a slot configured to fit about at least a portion of an adjustable tubular leg 720a, 720b, each slot is aligned with an opening 715 that extends through the platform 710 (see, e.g., FIG. 7). In this way, while leveling the platform 710 during installation of the roof platform 700 on an inclined roof, the first and second tubular legs 720a, 720b are able to slide within, and through, the slot of the first and second leg couplings 712a, 712b, respectively. In some implementations, the third and fourth leg couplings 712c, 712d each define a threaded bore into which the third and fourth tubular legs 720c, 720d can be threadedly secured.
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in some implementations, the upright tubular legs 720 of the roof platform 700, in conjunction with the braces 742, are configured to hold the platform 710 in a horizontal orientation.
As shown in FIGS. 7-10, in some implementations, the first tubular leg 720a and the second tubular leg 720b are each configured to be adjustably positioned within the first leg coupling 712a and second leg couplings 712b, respectively.
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in some implementations, once the platform 710 has been horizontally leveled, a fastener may be used to fix each adjustable tubular leg 720a, 720b in position within the slot of the corresponding coupling 712a, 712b. In this way, the adjustable tubular legs 720a, 720b may be fixed in position relative to the platform 710. In some implementations, the fastener may extend through both the coupling 712a, 712b and the adjustable tubular leg 720a, 720b positioned within the slot thereof.
As shown in FIGS. 7, 9, and 14, in some implementations, the roof platform 700 may include two mushroom cap plugs 724, each mushroom cap plug 724 is configured to fit within an opening in the top end of an adjustable tubular leg 720a, 720b and thereby seal it. In this way, water may be prevented from entering the hollow interior of a tubular leg 720a, 720b through the opening in the top end.
As shown in FIG. 15, in some implementations, the roof platform 700 may also include two cylindrical plugs 726, each cylindrical plug 726 is configured to fit within an opening in the bottom end of an adjustable tubular leg 720a, 720b and thereby seal it. In this way, water may be prevented from entering the hollow interior of a tubular leg 720a, 720b through the opening in the bottom end.
In some implementations, condensation build up within the hollow interior of a tubular leg 720a, 720b may be prevented by sealing the opening in the top end and the bottom end thereof.
In some implementations, the mushroom cap plugs 724, the cylindrical plugs 726, or a combination thereof can be made of plastic, rubber, or another suitable weather resistant material.
As shown in FIG. 8, in some implementations, the third and fourth tubular legs 720c, 720d can be threadedly secured to the couplings 712c, 712d positioned adjacent the second side (or back side) of the platform 710. In some implementations, the third and fourth tubular legs 720c, 720d may be a fixed length. In some implementations, the third and fourth tubular legs 720c, 720d may be secured to the platform 710 using any suitable method known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, in some implementations, each tubular leg 720a, 720b, 720c, 720d of the roof platform 700 may be stabilized by a pair of adjustable braces 742. In some implementation, a clamp 746 connects each pair of leg braces (e.g., pairs 742a and 742b, 742c and 742d, 742e and 742f, 742g and 742h) to a tubular leg 720a, 720b, 720c, 720d, each clamp 746 is configured to fit about the exterior of a tubular leg 720a, 720b, 720c, 720d, slide thereon, and be fixed in place thereon. In some implementations, each clamp 746 may include fasteners 750 configured to tighten it on the corresponding tubular leg 720a, 720b, 720c, 720d, thereby fixing the associated pair of leg braces 748 in position. In this way, the platform 710 may be stabilized by the adjustable leg braces 742. In some implementations, each leg brace 742 may include a first end and a second end, the first end may be secured to a clamp 746 and the second end secured to the underside of the platform 710. In some implementations, the second end of a leg brace 742 may be secured to a flange 714, or another suitable structure, extending from the underside of the platform 710 (see, e.g., FIG. 10). In some implementations, each end of a leg brace 742 is configured to pivot about the fastener 750 securing that end in position (see, e.g., FIG. 10).
In some implementations, once the platform 710 has been horizontally leveled, the fasteners 750 of each clamp 246 are tightened down, thereby fixing the clamp 246 in position on the corresponding tubular leg 720a, 720b, 720c, 720d of the roof platform 700. In this way, each pair of adjustable leg braces 742 may be used to stabilize a tubular leg 720a, 720b, 720c, 720d holding the platform 710 upright in a horizontal orientation.
As shown in FIG. 11, in some implementations, the pitch adjustable feet 730 of the roof platform 700 are similar to the pitch adjustable feet 130 discussed above but further comprise at least one notched-out cradle structure 760. In some implementations, each notched-out cradle structure 760 is configured so that a portion of a U-bolt 762 may rest therein and be used in conjunction with a backing plate 764 and fasteners to secure an adjustable foot 730 to an underlying rafter 765 (see, e.g., FIGS. 12 and 13). In this way, by securing each of the adjustable feet 730 to a rafter 765, the roof platform 700 may be secured to the roof of a structure.
As shown in FIGS. 11 and 15, in some implementations, a notched-out cradle structure 760 may comprise a notch 767 in each upright foot flange 734a, 734b of an adjustable foot 730. In some implementations, the two notches 767 of a single notched-out cradle structure 760 are positioned adjacent to each other so that a portion of a U-bolt 762 may rest therein. In some implementations, an adjustable foot 730 may include two notched-out cradle structures 767.
As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, in some implementations, each adjustable foot 730 of a roof platform 700 may be secured to a roof by positioning it over the center of an underlying rafter 765. Then, once two holes have been drilled using the openings 769 in the base 732 of the adjustable foot 730 as guides, a U-bolt 762 may be positioned to rest in the notched-out cradle structure 760 so that each leg 762a, 762b thereof extends through an opening 769 in the base 732. In this way, each leg 762a, 762b of the U-bolt 762 extends along opposite side of the underlying rafter 765. Next, the backing plate 764 is positioned so that each leg 762a, 762b of the U-bolt 762 extends through an opening therein. Then, fasteners may be used to secure the backing plate 764 to the U-bolt 762 so that it rests against the underside of the rafter 765. In this way, each adjustable foot 730 of the roof platform 700 may be secured to the roof of a structure.
As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, in some implementations, the U-bolt 762 may be installed using a notched-out cradle structure 762 that is closest to the upper sloped end of the roof on which the roof platform 700 is being installed.
In some implementations, a roof platform 100, 700 may include more than four tubular legs 120, 720 that are configured to hold the platform 110, 710 in a horizontal orientation.
In some implementations, the roof platform 700 may further comprise a handrail that is secured to the platform 710 thereof (not shown). In this way, the roof platform 700 may be safely used as a work platform. In some implementations, a handrail may include one or more posts configured to be received within couplings 770 positioned in the corners of the platform 710 (see, e.g., FIG. 7). In some implementations, a hitch pin, or other suitable fastener, may be used to secure each post of a handrail within a coupling 770 of the platform 710. In some implementations, the handrail couplings 770 may be similar to the leg couplings 712 described above.
In some implementations, the roof platform 700 may be used in conjunction with pitch adjustable stairs that include an implementation of the pitch adjustable feet 130, 730 described herein.
Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “implementation” or words of similar import means that a particular described feature, structure, or characteristic is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the phrase “in some implementations” or a phrase of similar import in various places throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.
Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.
The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the above description, numerous specific details are provided for a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that embodiments of the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations may not be shown or described in detail.
While operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results.
Patent Application
20190264452
