CA2467554A1 - Roof access device and method of use - Google Patents
Roof access device and method of use Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2467554A1 CA2467554A1 CA 2467554 CA2467554A CA2467554A1 CA 2467554 A1 CA2467554 A1 CA 2467554A1 CA 2467554 CA2467554 CA 2467554 CA 2467554 A CA2467554 A CA 2467554A CA 2467554 A1 CA2467554 A1 CA 2467554A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- housing
- roof
- trusses
- lifeline
- cover member
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 15
- 238000004873 anchoring Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000011120 plywood Substances 0.000 description 8
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000009194 climbing Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000003014 reinforcing effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 3
- 241000218657 Picea Species 0.000 description 2
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- ATJFFYVFTNAWJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Tin Chemical compound [Sn] ATJFFYVFTNAWJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 208000027418 Wounds and injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 210000003195 fascia Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 description 1
- 208000014674 injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000003973 paint Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002987 primer (paints) Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003566 sealing material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011270 tar paper Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B7/00—Roofs; Roof construction with regard to insulation
- E04B7/18—Special structures in or on roofs, e.g. dormer windows
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04D—ROOF COVERINGS; SKY-LIGHTS; GUTTERS; ROOF-WORKING TOOLS
- E04D13/00—Special arrangements or devices in connection with roof coverings; Protection against birds; Roof drainage ; Sky-lights
- E04D13/12—Devices or arrangements allowing walking on the roof or in the gutter
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- Building Environments (AREA)
Abstract
A roof access device comprising a housing, having open top and bottom ends, is suitably arranged for mounting between adjacent trusses in a sloped roof structure. The device is mounted at the ridge of the roof and supports lifeline anchors thereon to which a person fall restraint lifeline can be tethered.
Persons working on a roof can thus access the roof through the roof access device and secure their personal lifeline to the anchor thereon prior to taking even a first step onto the roof. A suitable cover member selectively encloses the roof access device.
Persons working on a roof can thus access the roof through the roof access device and secure their personal lifeline to the anchor thereon prior to taking even a first step onto the roof. A suitable cover member selectively encloses the roof access device.
Description
a.
ROOF ACCESS DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a roof access device for providing access to a sloped roof, and more particularly relates to a method of use of the device for anchoring a personal fall restraint lifeline on a sloped roof.
BACKGROUND
When inspecting or performing work on conventional wooden truss sloped roofs it is common practice to access the roof by placing a ladder against the edge of the roof for climbing onto the roof. Leaning ladders against the edges of roofs commonly causes damage to eaves in the form of denting or chipping of paint.
When walking about on a sloped roof it is often desirable to tether persons to anchors commonly placed at the ridge of the roof. US patent 5,287,944 to Woodyard discloses one example of a ridge mounted roof anchor. A common problem with conventional ridge anchors exists in that it is not possible to secure the lifeline of the worker to the ridge anchor without first walking up the roof from the ladder to the ridge while not being tethered. Thus even when it is the intention to make use of a lifeline or fall restraint type device, accidents may occur causing damage or injury before the lifeline or restraint can even be secured.
SUMMARY
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a roof access device for use on a sloped roof supported by trusses, the device comprising:
a housing having open top and bottom ends for permitting access of a person therethrough;
a cover member for selectively enclosing the open top end of the housing; and anchoring means for securing the housing between an adjacent pair of the trusses.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a roof access device for use on a sloped roof supported by trusses, the device comprising:
a housing having open top and bottom ends for permitting access of a person therethrough;
a cover member for selectively enclosing the open top end of the housing;
anchoring means for securing the housing between an adjacent pair of the trusses; and a lifeline anchor mounted on the housing for securing a personal fall restraint lifeline thereto.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a roof construction for a sloped roof comprising:
a plurality of trusses;
a housing having open top and bottom ends and which is secured between an adjacent pair of the trusses for permitting access of a person therethrough;
roofing material spanning the trusses about the housing;
a cover member for selectively enclosing the open top end of the housing.
The roof access device provides access to a sloped roof between a pair of adjacent trusses such that the housing can be located adjacent the ridge or any other convenient location on the roof. The roof may then be accessed by inspectors or workers without requiring use of a ladder against the eaves of the roof normally causing damage when conventionally accessing the roof. Providing access to the roof which can be placed adjacent the ridge also permits a ridge anchor to be located in proximity to the access point to the roof so that a lifeline or fall restraint can be anchored thereon before a person even steps onto the roof. In a preferred embodiment, the anchor for the lifeline is part of the roof access device itself.
The lifeline anchor is preferably supported in a wall of the housing oriented perpendicularly to the anchoring means for securing the housing to the trusses.
When the cover member is pivotally supported on the housing by a hinge, the lifeline anchor is preferably supported in a wall of the housing which is oriented perpendicularly to the hinge.
When the housing is generally rectangular in shape including a pair of short sides and a pair of long sides, the anchoring means preferably comprises bolt apertures for receiving bolts to secure to the trusses located in the long sides of the housing.
The cover member may include an internal lock mechanism preventing the cover member from being opened by unauthorized persons at an external side of the cover member.
The housing preferably snugly fits between the adjacent pair of trusses when the trusses are supported at a conventional spacing for securement to the trusses using threaded fasteners.
The cover member may be pivotally supported on the housing by a hinge which is oriented perpendicularly to a ridge of the sloped roof.
A ladder may be supported in an attic space defined by the trusses spanning between a floor of the attic space and the open bottom end of the housing.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of anchoring a personal fall restraint lifeline to a sloped roof supported by trusses, the method comprising:
providing a roof access device comprising a housing having open top and bottom ends and a cover member for selectively enclosing the open top end of the housing;
securing the housing between an adjacent pair of the trusses;
mounting a lifeline anchor in proximit)r to the open top end of the housing;
accessing the roof through the open top and bottom ends of the housing; and securing the lifeline to the lifeline anchor'.
The method may include locating the lifeline anchor on a wall of the housing lying perpendicular to a different wall of the housing which is secured to one of the adjacent pair of the trusses, The method may also include locating the lifeline anchor on a waN of the housing lying parallel to a ridge of the root.
Preferably a pair of horizontal supports are installed on said adjacent pair of trusses respectively which are abutted against the open bottom end of the housing.
At least a portion of a king post is preferably installed in said adjacent pair of trusses between which the housing is secured for securement to the housing.
When using the roof access device, preferably one°s lifeline is secured to the lifeline anchor prior to stepping out onto the roof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the present invention:
_5_ Figure 1 is a front elevational view of the roof access device shown installed on a roof.
Figure 2 is a front elevational view of a first roof access device and a side elevational view of a second roof access device, both shown with roofing material removed from the surrounding trusses.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the roof access device.
Figure 4 is a schematic inside elevational view one of the trusses supporting the device thereon.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to the accompanying drawings, there is illustrated a roof access device generally indicated by reference numeral 10.
The device 10 is particularly suited for use on sloped roofs 12 formed by wooden trusses 14 supported spaced apart with one another and joined at their apex by a tie beam 16 defining the ridge of the completed roof structure. Each truss includes a pair of principal rafters 18 forming opposing slaped surFaces of the roof and a plurality of struts 20 spanning the height of the truss at spaced positions between the ends thereof. The truss and the illustrated embodiment is of a Fink or W design as opposed to a King post design having a vertical post at the apex.
When suitable roofing material including plywood, tar paper, shingles and the like spans the trusses, an enclosed attic space 22 is defined within the area across which the trusses span.
The device 10 generally comprises a rectangular steel housing 24 comprising four wall, an open top end 26 and an open bottom end 28. A through opening extends between the open top end and the open bottom end suitable for a person to climb therethrough.
The narrow dimension of the housing 24 is suitably sized for fitting snugly between two adjacent trusses which are supported at a conventional spacing.
The opposing pair of longer walls of the housing 24 are bolted at spaced positions to the trusses respectively. Each of the long sides of the housing 24 includes plural bolt apertures 30 at spaced positions longitudinally across a bottom end of the housing for adjustably bolting to the trusses at various positions depending upon the slope of the roof. One of the apertures is centrally located with remaining apertures being spaced apart near the short sides of the housing for fastening to the principal rafters of the truss respectively. The plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures readily permits the housing to be bolted between principle rafters of adjacent trusses far any slope of roof between a flat roof and a 12,112 slope having a 45 degree incline.
The roof is built with a gap in the tie beam 1 fi along the ridge between two adjacent trusses. A reinforcing sheet of plywood 32 is supported on the outer sides 34 of the trusses supporting the device thereon which face away from the device. If a King post is not already present in the truss, a reinforcing King post 36 is mounted within the truss to span approximately twE:nty inches below the apex for overlapping the plywood reinforcing sheet 32 fitted along side the truss adjacent the apex thereof. The sheet 32 has a height of approximately two feet at the apex with a base which is approximately four feet in length to~ provide an adequate support surface for securement of the long sides of the housing 24 directly thereon in abutment.
Horizontal supports 38 in the form of two by fours are supported symmetrical with the apex on confronting inner sides 40 of the pair of trusses mounting the housing 24 of the device therebetween. The horizontal supports are mounted approximately a foot below the apex for resting the bottom edges of the housing thereon in such a manner that the device projects upwardly above the peak with all walls of the housing beginning below the surface of the roof at a point of intersection therewith to extend upwardly above the surface of the roof. The roofing material spanning the trusses includes a suitable opening therein through which the housing of the device projects so that the roofing material surrounds the device and is sealed against the walls of the housing by suitable flashing and any other conventional sealing materials used in roofing.
A cover member 42 is pivotally supported on the housing for movement between a closed position spanning across the open top end of the housing in sealing engagement therewith and an open position in which the open top end is clear of obstruction. The cover member is hinged along one of the long sides of the housing so as to have an axis which is perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the tie beam 16 defining the ridge of the roof. The hinge 44 co-operates with a sliding brace mechanism 46 at each end of the housing. In a fully extended position, the brace can be locked with the cover member being oriented vertically, perpendicular to the open top end of the housing. Disengaging the braces 46 permits the cover member to be pivoted downwardly for sealing engagement with the housing by conventional sealing members.
The cover member 42 includes an internal handle 48 mounted on an inner surface thereof and an internal lock 50 which us operated and securable from an internal side of the cover member to restrict access by unauthorized persons to the interior of the device when the cover member is closed and the lock is engaged.
A lifeline anchor 52 is mounted centrally within each of the short sides of the walls of the housing 24 of the device. The short sides mounting the anchor therein are oriented parallel to the ridge of the roof offset on opposing sides thereof and are oriented perpendicularly to the wall supporting the hinge of the cover member and bolt holes for securerr~ent to the trusses therein. Each anchor comprises an eye bolt with a 5I8 inch shaft secured at an inner end to an internal reinforcing channel 54 which spans the interior of the housing on the opposing short sides for added structural integrity A cover flange 56 is provided on an external surface of each of the short walls parallel to the ridge so that the flanges are positioned directly above the respective lifeline anchors 52. Each cover flange 56 is generally an inverted V-shape to protect the respective anchors from the elements and from damage due to impacts and the like.
Within the attic space 22, a ladder 58 is supported to span between the access panel in the ceiling below the attic space and the opening through the housing of the device 10. The housing is located between an adjacent pair of trusses directly adjacent the roof access panel to the: attic space with a platform 60 being provided along a floor of the attic space at the base of the ladder 58 to span between the base of the ladder and the roof access panel to the attic for convenience in reaching the roof access device 10.
In use the external roof structure can be accessed by climbing through the attic space and subsequently through the open top and bottom ends of the roof access device when the cover is opened. To open the cover, the lock 50 is first disengaged and the braces are then locked with the cover member in a vertical orientation. A personal fall restraint lifeline is then secured to the lifeline anchor 52 on a side of the housing which faces the roof area which the person desires to access before the person steps out onto the roof area.
The device 10 was developed to eliminate the hazard of accessing the roof by climbing over the eaves using a ladder. The device is installed in the ridge of the roof and accessed from the attic access inside trie building. When the top of the unit is opened the person may attach their lifeline to the anchor points on either side _g_ of the access box. When the person climbs out onto the roof they are protected from falling.
The device is designed as a Permanent Fall Restraint Anchor, which is required to have a load capacity of 8.75 kilonewtons (1,967 pound). The device has been certified by a professional engineer as a Permanent Fall Restraint with a 2:1 safety factor (17.5 kilonewtons or 3,934 pounds).
The device meets the intent of the Occupational Heath and Safety Code in Alberta, Canada of October 2003, Section 154(4) & (5) which comes into force on April 30, 2004. The anchor point is capable of withstanding twice the maximum arresting force limit of 8 kilonewtons (1,800 pounds force). The worker must use equipment as per the legislation including a shock-absorbing lanyard.
Therefore the device meets the requirements as a fall arrest anchor for a wood framed, sloped roof structure.
Installation of the device 10 is accomplished by the following steps:
1 ) Two trusses are selected where the device 10 will be installed.
This will typically be in the truss space next to the attic access for the building. A
platform and ladder may be built as shown in the attached drawings if desired.
2) '/ inch thick spruce plywood is then installed on the outside of the two trusses. 2 pieces of % inch spruce plywood 2 feet by 4 feet and cut the roof slope from the center of the top edge. The plywood is installed on the outside of the two selected trusses with wood glue and screws. There are fifty 1 %2 inch course wood screws provided.
3) A center king post is installed on the trusses consisting of a 2 inch by 4 inch piece of lumber 20 inches in length, while fastening to the plywood as well. This is only required on Fink or "W' trusses as the King Post truss already has a center post.
4) A level verfiical line is drawn down the center of the center post from the peak of the truss. Measuring down from.the peak along the vertical fine, a distance is marked of: a) 8" if the slope of the roof is ~41 12; b) 11" if the slope of the roof is 6112; or c) 14" if the slope of the roof is 8112. The device may be used on slopes greater than 8112, however the horizontal piece of lumber should never be set lower than 14 inches from the top of the truss. The ends of the device containing the anchor may need to be framed out underneath to the roof deck and a wider flashing may be required.
ROOF ACCESS DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a roof access device for providing access to a sloped roof, and more particularly relates to a method of use of the device for anchoring a personal fall restraint lifeline on a sloped roof.
BACKGROUND
When inspecting or performing work on conventional wooden truss sloped roofs it is common practice to access the roof by placing a ladder against the edge of the roof for climbing onto the roof. Leaning ladders against the edges of roofs commonly causes damage to eaves in the form of denting or chipping of paint.
When walking about on a sloped roof it is often desirable to tether persons to anchors commonly placed at the ridge of the roof. US patent 5,287,944 to Woodyard discloses one example of a ridge mounted roof anchor. A common problem with conventional ridge anchors exists in that it is not possible to secure the lifeline of the worker to the ridge anchor without first walking up the roof from the ladder to the ridge while not being tethered. Thus even when it is the intention to make use of a lifeline or fall restraint type device, accidents may occur causing damage or injury before the lifeline or restraint can even be secured.
SUMMARY
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a roof access device for use on a sloped roof supported by trusses, the device comprising:
a housing having open top and bottom ends for permitting access of a person therethrough;
a cover member for selectively enclosing the open top end of the housing; and anchoring means for securing the housing between an adjacent pair of the trusses.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a roof access device for use on a sloped roof supported by trusses, the device comprising:
a housing having open top and bottom ends for permitting access of a person therethrough;
a cover member for selectively enclosing the open top end of the housing;
anchoring means for securing the housing between an adjacent pair of the trusses; and a lifeline anchor mounted on the housing for securing a personal fall restraint lifeline thereto.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a roof construction for a sloped roof comprising:
a plurality of trusses;
a housing having open top and bottom ends and which is secured between an adjacent pair of the trusses for permitting access of a person therethrough;
roofing material spanning the trusses about the housing;
a cover member for selectively enclosing the open top end of the housing.
The roof access device provides access to a sloped roof between a pair of adjacent trusses such that the housing can be located adjacent the ridge or any other convenient location on the roof. The roof may then be accessed by inspectors or workers without requiring use of a ladder against the eaves of the roof normally causing damage when conventionally accessing the roof. Providing access to the roof which can be placed adjacent the ridge also permits a ridge anchor to be located in proximity to the access point to the roof so that a lifeline or fall restraint can be anchored thereon before a person even steps onto the roof. In a preferred embodiment, the anchor for the lifeline is part of the roof access device itself.
The lifeline anchor is preferably supported in a wall of the housing oriented perpendicularly to the anchoring means for securing the housing to the trusses.
When the cover member is pivotally supported on the housing by a hinge, the lifeline anchor is preferably supported in a wall of the housing which is oriented perpendicularly to the hinge.
When the housing is generally rectangular in shape including a pair of short sides and a pair of long sides, the anchoring means preferably comprises bolt apertures for receiving bolts to secure to the trusses located in the long sides of the housing.
The cover member may include an internal lock mechanism preventing the cover member from being opened by unauthorized persons at an external side of the cover member.
The housing preferably snugly fits between the adjacent pair of trusses when the trusses are supported at a conventional spacing for securement to the trusses using threaded fasteners.
The cover member may be pivotally supported on the housing by a hinge which is oriented perpendicularly to a ridge of the sloped roof.
A ladder may be supported in an attic space defined by the trusses spanning between a floor of the attic space and the open bottom end of the housing.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of anchoring a personal fall restraint lifeline to a sloped roof supported by trusses, the method comprising:
providing a roof access device comprising a housing having open top and bottom ends and a cover member for selectively enclosing the open top end of the housing;
securing the housing between an adjacent pair of the trusses;
mounting a lifeline anchor in proximit)r to the open top end of the housing;
accessing the roof through the open top and bottom ends of the housing; and securing the lifeline to the lifeline anchor'.
The method may include locating the lifeline anchor on a wall of the housing lying perpendicular to a different wall of the housing which is secured to one of the adjacent pair of the trusses, The method may also include locating the lifeline anchor on a waN of the housing lying parallel to a ridge of the root.
Preferably a pair of horizontal supports are installed on said adjacent pair of trusses respectively which are abutted against the open bottom end of the housing.
At least a portion of a king post is preferably installed in said adjacent pair of trusses between which the housing is secured for securement to the housing.
When using the roof access device, preferably one°s lifeline is secured to the lifeline anchor prior to stepping out onto the roof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the present invention:
_5_ Figure 1 is a front elevational view of the roof access device shown installed on a roof.
Figure 2 is a front elevational view of a first roof access device and a side elevational view of a second roof access device, both shown with roofing material removed from the surrounding trusses.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the roof access device.
Figure 4 is a schematic inside elevational view one of the trusses supporting the device thereon.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to the accompanying drawings, there is illustrated a roof access device generally indicated by reference numeral 10.
The device 10 is particularly suited for use on sloped roofs 12 formed by wooden trusses 14 supported spaced apart with one another and joined at their apex by a tie beam 16 defining the ridge of the completed roof structure. Each truss includes a pair of principal rafters 18 forming opposing slaped surFaces of the roof and a plurality of struts 20 spanning the height of the truss at spaced positions between the ends thereof. The truss and the illustrated embodiment is of a Fink or W design as opposed to a King post design having a vertical post at the apex.
When suitable roofing material including plywood, tar paper, shingles and the like spans the trusses, an enclosed attic space 22 is defined within the area across which the trusses span.
The device 10 generally comprises a rectangular steel housing 24 comprising four wall, an open top end 26 and an open bottom end 28. A through opening extends between the open top end and the open bottom end suitable for a person to climb therethrough.
The narrow dimension of the housing 24 is suitably sized for fitting snugly between two adjacent trusses which are supported at a conventional spacing.
The opposing pair of longer walls of the housing 24 are bolted at spaced positions to the trusses respectively. Each of the long sides of the housing 24 includes plural bolt apertures 30 at spaced positions longitudinally across a bottom end of the housing for adjustably bolting to the trusses at various positions depending upon the slope of the roof. One of the apertures is centrally located with remaining apertures being spaced apart near the short sides of the housing for fastening to the principal rafters of the truss respectively. The plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures readily permits the housing to be bolted between principle rafters of adjacent trusses far any slope of roof between a flat roof and a 12,112 slope having a 45 degree incline.
The roof is built with a gap in the tie beam 1 fi along the ridge between two adjacent trusses. A reinforcing sheet of plywood 32 is supported on the outer sides 34 of the trusses supporting the device thereon which face away from the device. If a King post is not already present in the truss, a reinforcing King post 36 is mounted within the truss to span approximately twE:nty inches below the apex for overlapping the plywood reinforcing sheet 32 fitted along side the truss adjacent the apex thereof. The sheet 32 has a height of approximately two feet at the apex with a base which is approximately four feet in length to~ provide an adequate support surface for securement of the long sides of the housing 24 directly thereon in abutment.
Horizontal supports 38 in the form of two by fours are supported symmetrical with the apex on confronting inner sides 40 of the pair of trusses mounting the housing 24 of the device therebetween. The horizontal supports are mounted approximately a foot below the apex for resting the bottom edges of the housing thereon in such a manner that the device projects upwardly above the peak with all walls of the housing beginning below the surface of the roof at a point of intersection therewith to extend upwardly above the surface of the roof. The roofing material spanning the trusses includes a suitable opening therein through which the housing of the device projects so that the roofing material surrounds the device and is sealed against the walls of the housing by suitable flashing and any other conventional sealing materials used in roofing.
A cover member 42 is pivotally supported on the housing for movement between a closed position spanning across the open top end of the housing in sealing engagement therewith and an open position in which the open top end is clear of obstruction. The cover member is hinged along one of the long sides of the housing so as to have an axis which is perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the tie beam 16 defining the ridge of the roof. The hinge 44 co-operates with a sliding brace mechanism 46 at each end of the housing. In a fully extended position, the brace can be locked with the cover member being oriented vertically, perpendicular to the open top end of the housing. Disengaging the braces 46 permits the cover member to be pivoted downwardly for sealing engagement with the housing by conventional sealing members.
The cover member 42 includes an internal handle 48 mounted on an inner surface thereof and an internal lock 50 which us operated and securable from an internal side of the cover member to restrict access by unauthorized persons to the interior of the device when the cover member is closed and the lock is engaged.
A lifeline anchor 52 is mounted centrally within each of the short sides of the walls of the housing 24 of the device. The short sides mounting the anchor therein are oriented parallel to the ridge of the roof offset on opposing sides thereof and are oriented perpendicularly to the wall supporting the hinge of the cover member and bolt holes for securerr~ent to the trusses therein. Each anchor comprises an eye bolt with a 5I8 inch shaft secured at an inner end to an internal reinforcing channel 54 which spans the interior of the housing on the opposing short sides for added structural integrity A cover flange 56 is provided on an external surface of each of the short walls parallel to the ridge so that the flanges are positioned directly above the respective lifeline anchors 52. Each cover flange 56 is generally an inverted V-shape to protect the respective anchors from the elements and from damage due to impacts and the like.
Within the attic space 22, a ladder 58 is supported to span between the access panel in the ceiling below the attic space and the opening through the housing of the device 10. The housing is located between an adjacent pair of trusses directly adjacent the roof access panel to the: attic space with a platform 60 being provided along a floor of the attic space at the base of the ladder 58 to span between the base of the ladder and the roof access panel to the attic for convenience in reaching the roof access device 10.
In use the external roof structure can be accessed by climbing through the attic space and subsequently through the open top and bottom ends of the roof access device when the cover is opened. To open the cover, the lock 50 is first disengaged and the braces are then locked with the cover member in a vertical orientation. A personal fall restraint lifeline is then secured to the lifeline anchor 52 on a side of the housing which faces the roof area which the person desires to access before the person steps out onto the roof area.
The device 10 was developed to eliminate the hazard of accessing the roof by climbing over the eaves using a ladder. The device is installed in the ridge of the roof and accessed from the attic access inside trie building. When the top of the unit is opened the person may attach their lifeline to the anchor points on either side _g_ of the access box. When the person climbs out onto the roof they are protected from falling.
The device is designed as a Permanent Fall Restraint Anchor, which is required to have a load capacity of 8.75 kilonewtons (1,967 pound). The device has been certified by a professional engineer as a Permanent Fall Restraint with a 2:1 safety factor (17.5 kilonewtons or 3,934 pounds).
The device meets the intent of the Occupational Heath and Safety Code in Alberta, Canada of October 2003, Section 154(4) & (5) which comes into force on April 30, 2004. The anchor point is capable of withstanding twice the maximum arresting force limit of 8 kilonewtons (1,800 pounds force). The worker must use equipment as per the legislation including a shock-absorbing lanyard.
Therefore the device meets the requirements as a fall arrest anchor for a wood framed, sloped roof structure.
Installation of the device 10 is accomplished by the following steps:
1 ) Two trusses are selected where the device 10 will be installed.
This will typically be in the truss space next to the attic access for the building. A
platform and ladder may be built as shown in the attached drawings if desired.
2) '/ inch thick spruce plywood is then installed on the outside of the two trusses. 2 pieces of % inch spruce plywood 2 feet by 4 feet and cut the roof slope from the center of the top edge. The plywood is installed on the outside of the two selected trusses with wood glue and screws. There are fifty 1 %2 inch course wood screws provided.
3) A center king post is installed on the trusses consisting of a 2 inch by 4 inch piece of lumber 20 inches in length, while fastening to the plywood as well. This is only required on Fink or "W' trusses as the King Post truss already has a center post.
4) A level verfiical line is drawn down the center of the center post from the peak of the truss. Measuring down from.the peak along the vertical fine, a distance is marked of: a) 8" if the slope of the roof is ~41 12; b) 11" if the slope of the roof is 6112; or c) 14" if the slope of the roof is 8112. The device may be used on slopes greater than 8112, however the horizontal piece of lumber should never be set lower than 14 inches from the top of the truss. The ends of the device containing the anchor may need to be framed out underneath to the roof deck and a wider flashing may be required.
5) A level horizontal line is drawn from this mark across the center post and the top chords of the truss. This is repeated on the opposing truss.
inch by 4 inch piece of lumber is installed on the insides of both trusses below this line. The device sits on these horizontal pieces and is centered on the vertical line.
inch by 4 inch piece of lumber is installed on the insides of both trusses below this line. The device sits on these horizontal pieces and is centered on the vertical line.
6) One tong side of the housing is secured to the respective truss at one time, starting with the hinge side. 518" holes are drilled into the truss cords to match holes in the metal box. There are 5 holes on each side of the unit. It is only necessary to use 3 holes on each side. The center hole on each side should always be used. On 4/12 slopes the second holes in from each side should be used and on 6/12 and 8/12 slopes the outside holes should be used. This will allow for the holes to be drilled approximately in the center of the truss chords. When installing the device on slopes greater than 8/12 it may be necessary to drill an additional 518"
hole in the metal box to ensure the hole is in the center of the truss chord.
hole in the metal box to ensure the hole is in the center of the truss chord.
7) Once the hinge side is in place, the unit is squared, then holes are drilled in the opposite truss in a similar manner. All bolts are installed from the inside using a washer against the metal and a washer against the plywood on the outside along with metal lock nuts. The hinge bolts are then aligned and the cover is installed with nylon lock nuts.
8) Long flashing is provided for the lower horizontal edge and step flashing is provided for the sides of the unit. Six pieces of flashing seal strip are also provided to cover the top edges of the flashing to obtain a weather tight seal. Some minor cutting with tin snips may be required during installation. The center of the seal strip should be at the top of the flashings. The seal strip is installed with the rubber side up against the flashing and affixed with 3/" screws to the sides of the unit. Pre-drilled 1I8" holes are preferred for the screws through the seal strips and the housing walls. The tips of the screws will protrude into the access area of the housing thus it is recommend that the tips be wrapped with a protective material, for example duct tape, to prevent cuts and scraps while climbing through the access box.
In the preferred embodiment, the device 10 disassembles into 3 pieces, which allows for easier transportation and installation as the sections can individually be raised up onto the roof for installation through the hole formed in the roof instead of requiring a crane and the like for loading the housing onto the roof from above. The 3 pieces include the cover member 42 which can be separated by a removable hinge pin in the hinge 4.4, and the housing which is formed in two sections 100. Each section 100 includes one of the short side walls of the housing supporting one of the anchors 52 thereon and half of each long side walls so as to be generally U-shaped. The sections 100 are assembled at a seam 102 in which the side walls mate by a lap joint. The sections 100 are bolted together at each side of the housing through co-operating apertures at the lap joint. Location of the seam to divide the housing transversely to the longitudinal direction is preferred for reducing the overall length the sections when disassembled.
The device is supplied with primer coating. The purchaser is required to finish coat the unit on the outside only. This is typically painted the color of the fascia on the building. The unit is equipped with a hasp and staple, which will accommodate a lock. The purchaser should lock the unit to prevent unauthorized access to the roof.
While one embodiment of the present invention has been described in the foregoing, it is to be understood that other embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention. The invention is to be considered limited solely by the scope of the appended Claims.
In the preferred embodiment, the device 10 disassembles into 3 pieces, which allows for easier transportation and installation as the sections can individually be raised up onto the roof for installation through the hole formed in the roof instead of requiring a crane and the like for loading the housing onto the roof from above. The 3 pieces include the cover member 42 which can be separated by a removable hinge pin in the hinge 4.4, and the housing which is formed in two sections 100. Each section 100 includes one of the short side walls of the housing supporting one of the anchors 52 thereon and half of each long side walls so as to be generally U-shaped. The sections 100 are assembled at a seam 102 in which the side walls mate by a lap joint. The sections 100 are bolted together at each side of the housing through co-operating apertures at the lap joint. Location of the seam to divide the housing transversely to the longitudinal direction is preferred for reducing the overall length the sections when disassembled.
The device is supplied with primer coating. The purchaser is required to finish coat the unit on the outside only. This is typically painted the color of the fascia on the building. The unit is equipped with a hasp and staple, which will accommodate a lock. The purchaser should lock the unit to prevent unauthorized access to the roof.
While one embodiment of the present invention has been described in the foregoing, it is to be understood that other embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention. The invention is to be considered limited solely by the scope of the appended Claims.
Claims (20)
1. A roof access device for use on a sloped roof supported by trusses, the device comprising:
a housing having open top and bottom ends for permitting access of a person therethrough;
a cover member for selectively enclosing the open top end of the housing; and anchoring means for securing the housing between an adjacent pair of the trusses.
a housing having open top and bottom ends for permitting access of a person therethrough;
a cover member for selectively enclosing the open top end of the housing; and anchoring means for securing the housing between an adjacent pair of the trusses.
2. The device according to Claim 1 wherein there is provided a lifeline anchor mounted on the housing for securing a personal fall restraint lifeline thereto.
3. A roof access device for use on a sloped roof supported by trusses, the device comprising:
a housing having open top and bottom ends for permitting access of a person therethrough;
a cover member for selectively enclosing the open top end of the housing;
anchoring means for securing the housing between an adjacent pair of the trusses; and a lifeline anchor mounted on the housing for securing a personal fall restraint lifeline thereto.
a housing having open top and bottom ends for permitting access of a person therethrough;
a cover member for selectively enclosing the open top end of the housing;
anchoring means for securing the housing between an adjacent pair of the trusses; and a lifeline anchor mounted on the housing for securing a personal fall restraint lifeline thereto.
4. The device according to any one of Claims 1 through 3 wherein the lifeline anchor is supported in a wall of the housing oriented perpendicularly to the anchoring means for securing the housing to the trusses.
5. The device according to any one of Claims 1 through 4 wherein the cover member is pivotally supported on the housing by a hinge and the lifeline anchor is supported in a wall of the housing which is oriented perpendicularly to the hinge.
6. The device according to any one of Claim 1 through 5 wherein the housing is generally rectangular in shape including a pair of short sides and a pair of long sides, wherein the anchoring means comprises bolt apertures for receiving bolts to secure to the trusses located in the long sides of the housing.
7. The device according to any one of Claims 1 through 6 wherein the cover member includes an internal lock mechanism preventing the cover member from being opened by unauthorized persons at an external side of the cover member.
8. A roof construction for a sloped roof comprising:
a plurality of trusses;
a housing having open top and bottom ends and which is secured between an adjacent pair of the trusses for permitting access of a person therethrough;
roofing material spanning the trusses about the housing;
a cover member for selectively enclosing the open top end of the housing.
a plurality of trusses;
a housing having open top and bottom ends and which is secured between an adjacent pair of the trusses for permitting access of a person therethrough;
roofing material spanning the trusses about the housing;
a cover member for selectively enclosing the open top end of the housing.
9. The roof construction according to Claim 8 wherein there is provided a lifeline anchor mounted on the housing for securing a personal fall restraint lifeline thereto.
10. The roof construction according to either one of Claims 8 or 9 wherein the housing snugly fits between the adjacent pair of trusses when the trusses are supported at a conventional spacing.
11. The roof construction according to any one of Claims 8 through wherein the housing is secured between the adjacent pair of the trusses by threaded fasteners.
12. The roof construction according to any one of Claims 8 through 11 wherein the cover member is pivotally supported on the housing by a hinge which is oriented perpendicularly to a ridge of the sloped roof.
13. The roof construction according to any one of Claim 8 through 12 wherein a ladder is supported in an attic space defined by the trusses spanning between a floor of the attic space and the open bottom end of the housing.
14. A method of anchoring a personal fall restraint lifeline to a sloped roof supported by trusses, the method comprising:
providing a roof access device comprising a housing having open top and bottom ends and a cover member for selectively enclosing the open top end of the housing;
securing the housing between an adjacent pair of the trusses;
mounting a lifeline anchor in proximity to the open top end of the housing;
accessing the roof through the open top and bottom ends of the housing; and securing the lifeline to the lifeline anchor.
providing a roof access device comprising a housing having open top and bottom ends and a cover member for selectively enclosing the open top end of the housing;
securing the housing between an adjacent pair of the trusses;
mounting a lifeline anchor in proximity to the open top end of the housing;
accessing the roof through the open top and bottom ends of the housing; and securing the lifeline to the lifeline anchor.
15. The method according to Claim 14 including locating the lifeline anchor on a wall of the housing lying perpendicular to a different wall of the housing which is secured to one of the adjacent pair of the trusses.
16. The method according to either one of Claims 14 or 15 including locating the lifeline anchor on a wall of the housing lying parallel to a ridge of the roof.
17. The method according to any one of Claims 14 through 16 including installing a pair of horizontal supports on said adjacent pair of trusses respectively which are abutted against the open bottom end of the housing.
18. The method according to any one of Claims 14 through 17 including installing at least a portion of a King post in said adjacent pair of trusses between which the housing is secured.
19. The method according to any one of Claims 14 through 18 including pivotally supporting the cover member on the housing about an axis lying perpendicularly to a ridge of the roof.
20. The method according to any one of Claims 14 through 19 including securing the lifeline to the lifeline anchor prior to stepping out onto the roof.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2467554 CA2467554A1 (en) | 2004-05-19 | 2004-05-19 | Roof access device and method of use |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2467554 CA2467554A1 (en) | 2004-05-19 | 2004-05-19 | Roof access device and method of use |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2467554A1 true CA2467554A1 (en) | 2005-11-19 |
Family
ID=35452174
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2467554 Abandoned CA2467554A1 (en) | 2004-05-19 | 2004-05-19 | Roof access device and method of use |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2467554A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20200230914A1 (en) * | 2016-04-16 | 2020-07-23 | Module Design, Inc. | Removable and re-attachable roof system for modular residential construction |
-
2004
- 2004-05-19 CA CA 2467554 patent/CA2467554A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20200230914A1 (en) * | 2016-04-16 | 2020-07-23 | Module Design, Inc. | Removable and re-attachable roof system for modular residential construction |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |