Safety Rail for Quick Connect Roof Clip and Roof Jack

Abstract

A safety rail attached to a baluster, suitable for attachment to a roof jack and/or which works in conjunction with a quick connect roof clip.

Description

This application claims the benefit of the filing dates of application Ser. No. 12/948742, filed Nov. 17, 2010, and PCT/US11/59026, filed Nov. 2, 2011, for any matter disclosed herein and therein; these applications are incorporated herein by this reference. This application is a continuation-in-part of such applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION WITH BACKGROUND INFORMATION

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Generally stated, roof jacks are used on roofs to provide a temporary platform for standing, bracing against, placing equipment and supplies, and similar. A prior art roof jack is shown in FIG. 1, showing part of FIG. 2 of the drawing figures for U.S. Pat. No. 6,715,254. In a typical use case, two or more roof jacks are attached to a pitched roof at substantially the same vertical height; the roof jacks have a horizontal member (relative to the ground), 1.002 in FIG. 1. A plank is placed between the two horizontal members, forming the platform mentioned above.

The prior art roof jacks are not suited for attachment of a safety rail.

In addition, and as discussed in applications Ser. No. 12/948742 and PCT/US11/59026, prior art roof jacks often damage the roof membrane or other roof systems. Disclosed in applications Ser. No. 12/948742 and PCT/US11/59026 is a roof jack, which roof jack may attach to a quick connect roof clip, which quick connect roof clip is attached to and left on the roof.

The art has not demonstrated a satisfactory safety rail for attachment to a roof jack nor a stand-alone safety rail which may attach to a quick connect roof clip.

Generally stated, the disclosed invention is directed to a safety rail suitable for attachment to a roof jack and/or which works in conjunction with a quick connect roof clip.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art roof jack.

FIG. 2 is an elevation view of a roof jack and an attached safety rail baluster.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a set of roof jacks, attached safety rail balusters, safety rails, and a plank.

FIG. 4 is an elevation view of a roof jack and an attached safety rail baluster, showing alternative embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a set of roof jacks, attached safety rail balusters, safety rails, and a plank, showing alternative embodiments.

FIG. 6 is an elevation view of embodiments of a housing plate.

FIG. 7 is a close elevation view of embodiments of a housing plate.

FIG. 8 presents perspective and perspective wire-frame views of a housing and a baluster.

FIG. 9 presents an elevation view of a roof jack and a safety rail housing, showing where the housing attaches to the roof jack.

FIG. 10 presents an elevation view of a safety rail baluster attached to a safety rail base attached to a quick connect roof clip.

FIG. 11 presents perspective and perspective wireframe views of a safety rail baluster attached to a quick connect roof clip.

FIG. 12 presents an elevation view of a detail of a housing plate and baluster embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. The reference numbers in the drawings follow a pattern of XX.YYY, where XX is the figure number and YYY is a number identifying an element in the drawing. The same YYY numbers in different drawings identify the same or similar elements. Where “XX” is used in the specification, it refers to the element number as depicted in any of the figures where the element is depicted. YYY reference numbers herein which are the same as the YYY number in a parent application refer to the same parts.

The following detailed description is for the purpose of illustrating embodiments of the invention only, and other embodiments are possible without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is limited only by the appended claims. The figures and elements discussed in this specification use terms meant as examples and not as limitations. Functions equivalent to those illustrated in the figures may be provided by other device(s) or structure(s).

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art roof jack, discussed above.

FIG. 2 is an elevation view of a roof jack and an attached safety rail baluster. In this view, a first baluster 2.031 connects to a housing 2.040, which housing 2.040 is connected to a roof jack 2.017. The housing 2.040 comprises a first housing plate 2.039 and a second housing plate X.065, shown in FIG. 3 and other of the figures. The housing plates X.039/X.065 are generally parallel to one another. A first axle 2.047 spans from the first housing plate 2.039 to the second X.065. The first axle 2.047 may be secured to the housing 2.040 via, for example, a nut on threading and a washer. The first baluster 2.031 comprises a first baluster hole X.103 (in FIG. 8 at element 8.103). The first axle 2.047 may further comprise a sleeve, bushing, bearings, or similar between the first axle 2.047 and the baluster 2.031 as well as washers. The baluster may rotate around the first axle 2.047 when attached to the housing 2.040

The baluster 2.031 has a second baluster hole X.104 (visible in FIG. 8, at element 8.104); in FIG. 2, the second baluster hole is in the baluster 2.031 in the location of the second arc hole 2.043 and the pin of the first releasable pin 2.057. The second baluster hole X.104 intersects with the first and second housing plates along arc segments defined in large part by the location of the first axle 2.047, the location of the second baluster hole X.104, and the rotation of the baluster 2.031 around the first axle 2.047.

The housing 2.040 further comprises a first arc hole 2.041, a third arc hole 2.044, and a fourth arc hole 2.045. The arc segments and arc holes are discussed further in relation to FIG. 6. Corresponding arc holes in housing plate X.065 are shown in FIG. 8, though not numbered.

The baluster 2.031 may rotate around the first axle 2.047 and may be releasably secured in a particular orientation relative to the housing 2.040 by inserting the first releasable pin 2.057 through one of the arc holes; FIG. 2 shows the first releasable pin 2.057 as being inserted through arc hole 2.043.

The housing 2.040 further comprises a first housing attachment hole 2.059 in the first housing plate 2.039, through which a second releasable pin 2.061 may be passed; a corresponding housing attachment hole in the second housing plate X.065 is shown in FIG. 8 at element 8.058. Following removal of the second releasable pin 2.061, the length of the adjustable leg 2.025 (comprising first portion 2.026 and second portion X.109, both with adjustable leg holes X.028) may be adjusted such that adjustable leg holes X.028 in first portion 2.026 and second portion 2.109 align, the first housing attachment holes 2.059/8.058 may be aligned with the aligned adjustable leg holes X.028; the second releasable pin 2.061 may then be inserted through the aligned holes to secure the adjusted length of the adjustable leg and the housing on the roof jack.

The housing 2.040 further comprises a second housing attachment hole 2.053 in the first housing plate 2.039; a corresponding second housing attachment hole in housing plate X.065 is shown in FIG. 8 at element 8.106. A fastener, such as a bolt/nut combination, a releasable pin, and similar may be attached through the second housing attachment hole 2.053. All uses of the term “fastener” herein shall be understood to refer to any of a bolt/nut combination, a releasable pin, and similar. The second housing attachment hole 2.053 is depicted in figure two as being congruent with the roof jack top axle X.110 (in FIG. 9 at element 9.110), though the second housing attachment hole 2.053 may be congruent with an adjustable leg hole X.028, with a dedicated hole, or similar. When a fastener is passed through the second housing attachment hole 2.053, through the roof jack top axle X.110, and through the corresponding second housing attachment hole X.106, then the housing 2.040 is attached to the roof jack, though the housing 2.040 may rotate around the roof jack top axle X.110 and the length of the adjustable leg 2.025 may be adjusted; when a fastener, such as the second releasable pin 2.061, is inserted through the aligned adjustable leg holes X.028, as discussed above, then the housing 2.040 is attached to the roof jack 2.017 and the length of the adjustable leg is releasably set.

FIG. 2 also depicts first and second plate bolts at 2.049 and 2.051. These bolts attach the first housing plate 2.039 to the second housing plate X.065 through holes (see elements 8.100 and 8.102). One or more spacers, tube(s), washer(s) or similar may be located between the first and second housing plates 2.039/X.065 to hold the housing plates apart when one or more nuts are screwed onto the end(s) of the attachment holes/bolts at 2.049 and 2.051. An example of a spacer is shown in FIG. 12, feature 12.235. The housing plates may thereby be secured, one to the other, at a distance approximating the width of the adjustable leg 2.025.

FIG. 2 also depicts that the bottom of the roof jack is approximately 70 degrees up from a vertical line, 20 degrees down from a horizontal line. The plank-receiving portion 2.024 is not depicted as horizontal. These angles are shown as examples only; see FIG. 4 for an example of a roof jack and baluster set to accommodate a roof with a pitch angle of 45 degrees. By providing a roof jack and a baluster attachment which are adjustable, the roof jack and baluster may be used on a wide range of roof angles, accommodate a range of use cases and preferences, including standing materials on the plank receiving portion and giving the plank receiving portion a non-horizontal.

FIG. 2 also depicts first and second rail brackets 2.033 and 2.037. Some or all of the rail brackets may be threaded; washer(s) 2.034 (a flat plate with two perforations where the rail brackets pass) and nuts, such as 2.035 or similar, may be screwed onto the threaded portion to thereby hold a rail on the baluster (see FIG. 3).

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a set of roof jacks, attached safety rail balusters, safety rails, and a plank. FIG. 3 depicts a plank 3.029, the plank-receiving portion 3.024 of a first roof jack 3.017.A, first and second rails 3.036 and 3.038, and a second roof jack 3.017.B.

FIG. 4 is an elevation view of a roof jack and an attached safety rail baluster, showing alternative embodiments. In this depiction, an alternative housing 4.071 comprises the first axle 4.047 as well as a second axle 4.073. In this embodiment, a releasable pin 4.056 has been inserted through openings in the housing 4.071, such as at the location labeled 4.073, and through the first baluster hole X.103, thereby attaching the baluster 4.031 to the alternative housing 4.071. As before, the baluster 4.031 may rotate around the second axle 4.073. The second axle 4.73 may comprise the releasable pin 4.056. In the depiction in FIG. 4, the releasable pin 4.057 is inserted through the first arc hole 4.041, securing the baluster 4.031 to the housing 4.071, with an approximately vertical aspect. FIG. 4 is an example of an alternative configuration. Additional alternative configurations of axle(s) and arc holes are shown in and discussed in relation to FIG. 6.

In FIG. 4, the bottom of the roof jack is depicted as approximately 45 degrees up from a vertical line. The plank-receiving portion 4.024 has an approximately horizontal aspect and the adjustable leg 4.025 has been lengthened (compared to the adjustable leg shown in FIG. 2 at 2.025), with the releasable pin 4.061 inserted through another set of aligned adjustable leg holes 4.028 to achieve this configuration.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a set of roof jacks, attached safety rail balusters, safety rails, and a plank, showing the example alternative housing 5.071.

FIG. 6 is an elevation view of embodiments of a housing plate. In housing plates 6.080, 6.082, 6.084, 6.086, and 6.088 there is a first axle 6.047. The first axle 6.047 has a relationship with the first arc hole 6.041, with equal-length line segments drawn between the first axle 6.047 and each of the first through fourth arc holes, 6.041, 6.043, 6.044, and 6.045. The arc holes are arranged along a first arc segment 6.081. As discussed above, the arc segment 6.081 is defined in large part by the location of the first axle 6.047, the location of the second baluster hole X.104 (not shown in FIG. 6, but occurring along arc segment 6.081), and rotation of the baluster X.031 around the axle. The location of the arc holes may be varied along the arc segment 6.081; the size and number of the arc holes may also be varied.

Housing plate 6.082 shows the first axle and arc holes shown in housing plate 6.080 as well as a second axle 6.089. Housing plate 6.082 is meant to be similar to housing plate X.071. The line segment drawn between the second axle 6.089 and arc hole 6.041 in housing plate 6.082 is meant to be the same length as the line segments between the first axle 6.047 and the arc holes along arc segment 6.081 in housing plate 6.080.

Housing plate 6.084 shows the features shown in housing plate 6.082 as well as a second arc segment 6.087 with a second set of arc holes along the second arc segment 6.087, obtained, approximately, by rotating a group around point 6.085, the group comprising: i) the set of arc holes along arc segment 6.081 and ii) the first axle 6.047.

Housing plate 6.086 shows the features shown in housing plate 6.084, less the arc hole which would otherwise be found within dotted circle 6.099. This arc hole may be omitted, for example, if the omitted arc hole is too close to another arc hole, such as arc hole 6.043. Instead of being omitted, one or more of the arc holes may be moved along the arc radii.

Housing plate 6.088 shows the features shown in housing plate 6.084, except that the set of arc holes radiating from the second axle and the second axle have been shifted down, such that the arc segments overlap at location 6.091, and except that the set of arc holes radiating from the second axle and the second axle have also been rotated counter-clockwise slightly around location 6.091, such that the arc holes in the two arc segments do not overlap. A close view of the arc segments from housing plates 6.084 and 6.088 is shown in FIG. 7.

Housing plate 6.090 shows the features in housing plate 6.080, except that the group comprising the set of arc holes radiating from the first axle and the first axle have been rotated counter-clockwise such that the line segment between locations 6.093 and 6.095 is greater than vertical and such that the line between 6.093 and 6.096 is approximately vertical.

FIG. 6 is meant to show that more than one axle is possible and that other arrangements of axles and arc holes are possible. Additional arrangements are possible, such as the example shown in FIG. 12, including one baluster axle 12.148, first 12.145, second 12.143, and third baluster holes, and, on a housing, staggered arc holes on two arc segments, a first arc segment being defined by the distance between the one baluster axle and the second baluster hole, the second arc segment being defined by the distance between the one baluster axle and the third baluster hole.

FIG. 7 is a close elevation view of embodiments of a housing plate.

FIG. 8 presents perspective and perspective wire-frame views of a housing and a baluster, features of which are discussed elsewhere.

FIG. 9 presents an elevation view of a roof jack and a safety rail housing, showing where and how the housing attaches to the roof jack. The second housing attachment hole 2.053 engages with the roof jack top axle 9.110 while the releasable pin 9.061 at the first housing attachment hole 9.059 engages with hole 9.107 in the adjustable leg second portion 9.109, releasably securing the length of the adjustable leg 9.025.

FIG. 10 presents an elevation view of a safety rail baluster 10.111 attached to a safety rail base 10.115 attached to a quick connect roof clip 10.004. In this view, the safety rail base 10.115 is bolted to a semi-circular housing 10.113. The semi-circular housing 10.113 comprises two semi-circular plates 10.124 and 11.126. The two semi-circular plates 10.124 and 11.126 are held together by connectors 10.117, 10.119, and axle 10.121 at a first baluster hole, illustrated by element 11.129 in FIG. 11. The connectors may comprise sheaths, tubes, washers, or other separators or spacers to hold the two semi-circular plates 10.124 and 11.126 a fixed distance apart. The baluster 10.111 includes a second baluster hole, illustrated by element 11.131 in FIG. 11. The second baluster hole describes an arc segment along the two semi-circular plates 10.124 and 11.126. Arc holes along the arc segment, such as arc hole 10.123, form openings from one side of the housing 10.113 to the other. The releasable pin 10.125 may be inserted into one of the openings and through the second baluster hole 11.131 to releasably secure the baluster 10.111.

In the view presented in FIG. 10, the safety rail base 10.115 is connected to the quick connect roof clip 10.004 by an attachment head 10.016. The attachment head 10.016 is connected to the safety rail base 10.115 by, for example, two bolts, such as 10.019. The attachment head 10.016 comprises a projection 10.018, which releasably connects the attachment head 10.016 and the attached safety rail base 10.115 to the quick connect roof clip 10.004

FIG. 11 presents perspective and perspective wireframe views of a safety rail baluster attached to a quick connect roof clip.

FIG. 12 presents an elevation view of a detail of a housing plate and baluster embodiment.

As used herein, “releasably attachable” and “releasably connectable” are understood to be equivalent; “attach” and “connect” (and “attachable” and “connectable”) are also understood to be equivalent; and “releasable,” “releasably,” “releasably attachable,” and/or “releasably connectable” are understood to mean being able to be repeatedly connected/disconnected (or engaged/disengaged) through the use of the hands, feet, or human appendage, with application of human-scale work effort, not generally requiring the use of a tool.

The components discussed in this specification may be made of or from a wide range of materials non-exclusively including aluminum, steel, iron, copper, tin and alloys between and including these and other materials, as well as and/or including composites such as fiber-glass, aramid, carbon-fiber, an other fibers combined with resin and/or epoxy, and wood.

Claims

1. A rail holder for attachment to a roof jack comprising:

a housing comprising an attachment for a roof jack;

a baluster;

a releasable connection between the baluster and the housing; and

wherein the housing and the baluster are connected at a first axle.

2. The rail holder according to claim 1 wherein the baluster comprises at least one rail bracket.

3. The rail holder according to claim 2 wherein the rail bracket is distal to the first axle.

4. The rail holder according to claim 2 further comprising a rail attached to the baluster.

5. The rail holder according to claim 4 wherein the rail is releasably attached to the baluster by the rail bracket.

6. The rail holder according to claim 1 wherein the releasable connection between the baluster and the housing comprises:

the baluster with a first hole;

the housing with a second hole; and

a rod which may pass through the first hole and the second hole.

7. The releasable connection between the baluster and the housing of claim 6 wherein the rod may be releasably secured in the first and second holes when the first and second holes are aligned.

8. The releasable connection between the baluster and the housing of claim 6 wherein the second hole is one of a set of holes in the housing, which set of holes are arranged along an arc segment, which arc segment is defined by the first hole and the axle.

9. The releasable connection between the baluster and the housing of claim 8 wherein the set of holes arranged along an arc segment includes a hole aligned with the first axle along a line, which line is parallel to a leg of a roof jack to which the housing is attached.

10. The rail holder according to claim 1 further comprising a second axle connecting the baluster and the housing.

11. The rail holder according to claim 10 wherein the releasable connection between the baluster and the housing comprises:

the baluster with a first hole;

the housing with first and second sets of arc holes, the first set being arranged along a first arc segment and the second set being arranged along a second arc segment wherein the first arc segment is defined by the first hole in the baluster and the first axle and the second arc segment is defined by the first hole in the baluster and the second axle; and

a rod which may pass through the first hole in the baluster and an arc hole in the first or second arc segment when the first hole and the arc hole in the first or second arc segments are aligned.

12. The rail holder according to claim 11 wherein the first and second arc segments share a common arc hole.

13. The rail holder according to claim 12 wherein the first and second arc segments share a common arc hole and wherein the non-shared holes do not overlap.

14. The rail holder according to claim 1 further comprising the roof jack.

15. The rail holder according to claim 14 wherein the roof jack comprises a connection head which connection head comprises a projection, which projection releasably connects the connection head, and through the connection head, the roof jack, to a quick connect roof clip.

16. The rail holder according to claim 14 wherein the roof jack comprises a leg with an adjustable length.

17. The rail holder according to claim 16 wherein the leg with an adjustable length comprises overlapping segments, one of which may fit inside the other.

18. The rail holder according to claim 16 wherein the attachment for a roof jack comprises first components which secure the housing to the roof jack and second components which secure an adjusted length of the adjustable leg.

19. The rail holder according to claim 18 wherein:

the roof jack comprises a plank-receiving portion which portion connects to the leg with an adjustable length; and

wherein the first components which secure the housing to the roof jack connect to the roof jack at the location where the plank-receiving portion and the leg with an adjustable length connect.

20. The rail holder according to claim 19 wherein the first components comprise a rod which passes through the housing and through the plank-receiving portion and the leg with an adjustable length.

21. The rail holder according to claim 18 wherein:

the leg with an adjustable length comprises overlapping segments which overlapping segments comprise first and second openings which may be aligned; and wherein

the second components which secure an adjusted length of the adjustable leg comprise a rod which passes through the housing and through the first and second openings.

22. A rail holder for attachment to a quick connect roof clip comprising:

a base connected to a connection head, wherein the connection head releasably connects the roof jack to a quick connect roof clip;

a housing;

a baluster;

a releasable connection between the baluster and the housing; and

wherein the housing and the baluster are connected at a first axle.

23. The rail holder according to claim 22 wherein the baluster comprises at least one rail bracket.

24. The rail holder according to claim 22 wherein the rail bracket is distal to the first axle.

25. The rail holder according to claim 22 further comprising a rail attached to the baluster.

26. The rail holder according to claim 22 wherein the rail is releasably attached to the baluster by the rail bracket.

27. The rail holder according to claim 22 wherein the releasable connection between the baluster and the housing comprises:

the baluster with a first hole;

the housing with a second hole; and

a rod which may pass through the first hole and the second hole.

28. The releasable connection between the baluster and the housing of claim 27 wherein the rod may be releasably secured in the first and second holes when the first and second holes are aligned.

29. The releasable connection between the baluster and the housing of claim 27 wherein the second hole is one of a set of holes in the housing, which set of holes are arranged along an arc segment, which arc segment is defined by the first hole and the axle.

30. The rail holder according to claim 22 further comprising the quick connect roof clip.

31. The rail holder according to claim 22 wherein the connection head comprises a projection, which projection releasably connects the connection head, and through the connection head, the rail holder, to a quick connect roof clip.