Abstract: Methods and devices for providing temporary handrail systems such as those used to surround the periphery of a building rooftop. A number of handrail sections are reversibly interconnected to one another to form a continuous protective rail. In practice, the rail is quite stable and resistant to tipping. In described embodiments, the handrail systems of the present invention feature load-distributing support bases and weight support platforms. Weights are selectively added to the weight support platforms to anchor the handrail in place. The weight support platforms are located above the surface of the roof and do not contact the roof surface. The weight load is transmitted via a support leg downwardly to a load-distributing support base that is placed in contact with the roof. As a result, the roof membrane is not damaged by a point load applied to it. In addition, a portion of the weight load from the weight support platform is transmitted directly to the vertical support rails of the rail sections.

Abstract: Devices and systems for housing cables and conduits. An exemplary cable tray is described having a number of interconnectable base members fashioned of pliable elastomer that are designed to be disposed upon a rooftop, floor or other support surface. The base members each contain a number of channels within which cables or conduits are disposed. Separate grooves are provide to retain ground wires. The base members may be formed to provide straight runs, angled turns or T-connection sections that are used as intersections. Cover pieces, also fashioned from pliable elastomer are removably affixed to the base members to enclose the cables or conduits. It is currently preferred to fashion the base member and cover components of the cable tray from crumb rubber or other recycled rubber. The components may thus be easily colored during manufacture. This same material is used for fabrication of interconnectable elements used to create walkways in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: Resilient shock absorbing pads that fully support ground contacting portions of machines, equipment or other loads and, thereby, provide protection from shocks and vibration. The pads receive the ground contacting portions of a load, such as a base plate. Described pads are square-shaped and are substantially formed of a resilient shock and vibration absorbing material, such as elastomer. It is particularly preferred that the pads be fashioned from compression-molded crumb rubber that is readily available from recycled tires. The pads also include structures, such as recessed portions or an upwardly extending rigid dowel, that help to stabilize a load.

Abstract: Equipment support systems and modular platforms provide an equipment support portion with lateral walkways and work areas. The platforms have a skeletal frame that supports a plurality of grates to form the work area. The frame of the platforms also has a number of support legs with circular bases at their lower ends to rest upon the roof or other support surface. The circular bases distribute the load of the supported equipment evenly upon the roof so that specific spots are not overloaded. Outriggers may be removably added to the platform to increase the dimensions of the platform thereby making the platform and supported equipment less prone to overturning from wind loading. Methods are described for providing a support platform designed to resist a specific design wind load. In some preferred embodiments, one or more of the support legs of the platforms are adjustable in length, to allow portions of the platform to be adjusted for differential settlement of the roof.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the support of rooftop piping. A plurality of pipe stands are used to support sections of piping. The pipe stands provide a balanced stand-alone support structure that is unaffixed to the rooftop during use. The stands are balanced in that the frame is supported by multiple bases, and the frame is configured so that movement of the frame with respect to the bases is limited in all directions. Further, weight-distributing bases are provided that prevent the weight loads transmitted through the frame from becoming point loads. In other aspects, a support stand is used for supporting related equipment such as telephone junction boxes. This support stand, like the support stands for the piping, provides a stable support platform for the equipment with more than two points of contact.

Abstract: Methods and devices for providing temporary handrail systems such as those used to surround the periphery of a building rooftop. A number of handrail sections are reversibly interconnected to one another to form a continuous protective rail. In practice, the rail is quite stable and resistant to tipping. In described embodiments, the handrail systems of the present invention feature load-distributing support bases and weight support platforms. Weights are selectively added to the weight support platforms to anchor the handrail in place. The weight support platforms are located above the surface of the roof and do not contact the roof surface. The weight load is transmitted via a support leg downwardly to a load-distributing support base that is placed in contact with the roof. As a result, the roof membrane is not damaged by a point load applied to it. In addition, a portion of the weight load from the weight support platform is transmitted directly to the vertical support rails of the rail sections.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described by which antennas can be securely mounted upon rooftops and similar supporting surfaces. Antenna mounts are described that distribute the load associated with the antenna substantially evenly upon the rooftop or other support surface, so that potential damage to the roof structure is reduced or eliminated. In preferred embodiments, the antenna mounts are provided with support legs and load-distributing base members that are substantially devoid of sharp corners or angles. The antenna mounts also provide a platform located above and proximate the base members for the placement of weights to ensure the stability of the antenna mounts. This ensures that the weights are disposed above the roof and are not in contact with it. Connectors and/or adhesives are not required to secure the mount to a rooftop as the weighting is sufficient to provide a stable and wind resistant mount.

Abstract: A support base is disclosed through which pipe and related equipment typically found on the roofs of commercial buildings may be supported. The support base consists of a single molded plastic structure, flat on its bottom so as to rest in a stable fashion on the roof, and containing functional features on the top. The functional features include a central recess, supporting ridges radiating outward from the central recess, and recesses positioned on the supporting ridges.