GB2522938A

GB2522938A - Apparatus for working on a roof

Info

Publication number: GB2522938A
Application number: GB1407243.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stephen James Mceachran; Gary Wayne Forbes
Original assignee: ASBESTOGLIDE Ltd
Current assignee: ASBESTOGLIDE Ltd
Priority date: 2014-04-24
Filing date: 2014-04-24
Publication date: 2015-08-12
Anticipated expiration: 2034-04-24
Also published as: WO2015162436A1; GB2522938B; GB201407243D0

Abstract

A platform support member 1 suitable for supporting a platform from which a person works on a roof. The platform support member comprises a support surface 3 for supporting a platform and an engaging means 5 for engaging a roof. The engaging means 5 is spaced apart from and located in a different plane to, the support surface, and is connected to the support surface by connecting means 7 extending from the support surface. The engaging means 5, the connecting means 7 and the support surface 3 define at least one cavity 9 therebetween, and wherein the engaging means 5 is made from a resiliently deformable material for gripping the roof. The present invention also relates to a method of assembling a stable, moveable apparatus for a worker on a roof comprising the steps of positioning at least one platform support member on the roof and positioning a platform (29, Fig 4) on the platform support member such that the platform is retained by the support member.

Description

APPARATUS FOR WORKING ON A ROOF

The present invention relates to a platform support member for retaining a work platform and particularly, but not exclusively, to a platform support member that can be utilised to provide a moveable apparatus for people working on an asbestos root

BACKGROUND

Often when working on roofs there are protrusions such as screw heads that need to be treated and manoeuvred around. For example, on an asbestos roof; screw heads can require cleaning, an anticorrosion treatment or an asbestos coating, In such situations it is desirable 1.0 be easily moved along the roof, since many treated screw heads will require further treatment.

Additionally, any apparatus atop an asbestos roof is at risk of exposing harmthl asbestos fibres. Asbestos roofs are not dangerous, per se, if undamaged. However, if disturbed or damaged in sonic way they can become friable ind be easily crumbled. In this friable state asbestos can release harmful fibres that can produce fatal health problems if inhaled, It is therefore essentia' that any apparatus for work on asbestos roofs he designed so as to not compromise the integrity of the roof Apparatuses that allow work to be performed on roofs are well known and exist in many different forms. One conventional such apparatus is a rooting ladder, which hooks over the ridge of the roof and allows the worker to climb up the roofs inclined surface. Such roofing ladders, once positioned, either lie directly on the surface on the roof or comprise supports in the form of bars or feet that engage the surface.

Roof ladders allow movement in a longitudinal direction but not a transverse direction, Such longitudinal movement requires the worker to climb down from and reposition the ladder. A single roof ladder also does not easily allow for a stable, planar work surface should a platform to stand or rest tools on be desired.

It is known to use more than one roof ladder to support a work platform. However abutment with the roof via the bars or feet as dcscribcd above does not distribute loads evenly and can create point loads if the feet are small. In addition, given the rigid construction of a roof ladder there is no flexibility to manoeuvre around protruding screw heads, which may be distributed unevenly!hroughout the surface of the roof This could result iii part of the ladder resting unevenly on one a screw head creating a point load which could break or otherwise damage the integrity of the roof One alternative is to use toe boards or roof jacks and walk boards. Although they provide a support for a work platform suitable to either stand or store tools on, the toe boards or roof jacks are required to be nailed or fastened to the roof shingles or decking to suppOrt (he boards. In addition, they only provide adequate support for naiow boards and therefore the worker is usually required to touch or lean against the surface of the roof for adequate support. Such requirements render this equipment highly unsuitable for working on fragile roofs.

A further alternative is to use a set of steps or stairs to provide small platforms to be used to support a single, longer work platform. 1-lowever, these suffer the same disadvantages of the single ladder with the added disadvantage of rcqturing thstening or fixing to the roof A still further alternative is to use a set of conventional supports to retain a work platform. Particularly on a roof with a gentle incline, a makeshift work station could be constructed by placing a work platform on any number of block-shaped supports, for example wooden or cinder blocks. Such block-shaped supports often sit unevenly on the screw heads, creating undesirable point loads, and are not made of a material that can softly engage the surface of the roof; rendering such a setup unsuitable for It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for working on a roof that is easily moveable and can adapt to various roof terrains, while being easy to assemble anti disassemble. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for working on a roof that can softly engage the roof below so as to minimise damage, while still being able to grip tl1e surface of the roof to prevent slipping.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a plattbrm support member as recited in the appended independent claim 1.

The cavity of the platform support member defined by the engaging nieans, the connecting means and the support surface allows tile support member to be securely positioned on a roof that contains protrusions such as screwhcads. The platform support member can be positioned over the screwhead such that no part of the screwhead touches any part of the platform support member. This allows a worker to position themselves over a serewhead that they have already treated without compromising the integrity of said screwhead.

Additionally, the resiliently deformable engaging means capable of gripping the roof means that the engaging means can dcform around an uneven roof terrain to provide stability even on very uneven roofs. The engaging means will also softly engage the surfitce of the roof and prevent slipping if the roof incline is steep.

Further preferable features of the platform support member are defined in the appended dependent claims 2 to 7.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for providing a stable, movcablc apparatus for a worker on a roof according to appended independent claim 38.

The plurality of platfonii support members allow an apparatus to be safely constructed on a roof with numerous protrusions, as often these protrusions are not in rigid, defined lines, hi such situations Ilie platform support members can be placed, as necessary, such thai (lie protrusion is within the cavity. The platform can extend across some or all of the platlbrrn support members. Additional platform support members may be piaced adjacent to existing members and the platform can be slid along to be atop these additional members, In tins way tile apparatus is easily moveable back and forth across the roof. Endniost members may be removed and placed adjacent members at the opposite end, allowing ease of movement back and forth across the roof without the need for a large number of platforni support members.

Further preferable method steps are defmed in the appended dependent claims 37 to 54.

DESCRIPTION OF TIlE FIGURES

Embodiments of the present invention will now he described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figurc I is a pcrspcctivc view of a platform support member according to the present invention; Figures 2a and 2b are perspective views of a platfoim support member of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3a is a perspective view of a retaining member according to the present invention; Figure 3 b is a perspective view of a platform support member according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3c is a front view of a platfonn support member and retaining member according to one embodiment of the present. invention; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a platform support member, retaining nieinber and platform according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5a is a perspective view of a platform support member and platform according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figurc Sb is a front view of a platform support member and plafform according to onc embodiment of the present invention; Figure Sc is a perspective view of a platform support member and platform accordhig to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure Sd is a front view of a platform support member and platform according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figures 6 and 7 are schematic views of an apparatus according to one embodiment. of the present invention; Figures 8a is a front view of an apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figures 8b is a front view of an apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 9 is a perspective view ofan alternative retaining member, together with a platform support member and platform, according to tile present invention.

DETAILED DESCRWTION

An embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 1 wherein a perspective view of a platform support member i is provided. The platform support member comprises a support surface 3 and engaging means 5 that are connected to the support surface 3 by connecting means 7. The support surface 3, engaging means 5 and connecting means 7 delimit a cavity 9 in the platfonn support member. In the embodiment of Figure 1 the cavity has sufficient measurements to enable the platform support member 1 to be placed over a screw head Ii such that no part of the screw head 11 is in contact with the platform support member I. The engaging means 5 is made of a resilient gripping material such as rubber or sponge so that when placed on a surface such as an inclined surface of a roof the matcrial can engage with the roof to provide good grip and prevent the platform support member 1 slipping. The engaging means 5 may be made of a resiliently deformable material capable of gripping the roof; making the platform support member 1 suitable for placement on uneven and inclined surfaces. For example, many roofs have sinusoidal cross sections and the resiliently deforinable material will be able to deform around the terrain of the roof ensuring that the platform support member 1 is stable enough to support the weight of a person, work tools, further equipment etc., even if the roof is inclined, In Figure 1, the support surthce 3 is rectangular, the connecting means 7 resemble a pair of legs and the engaging means 5 resemble a pair of feet, giving the support member a chaimel or trougl1-like appearance; however it is to be understood that in an alternate embodiment any type or shape of engaging means 5 and connecting means 7 could be provided. For example, the support surface 3 could be substantially circular, the engaging means 5 could he circular or semi-circular and the connecting means 7 could resemble a curvcd wall. The cavity 9 would then he cylindrical and the support surface 1 would resemble a cylindrical block.

Referring additionally now to Figures 2a and 2b, the platform support member I comprises interlocking means, shown as male 11 and female 13 hiterlocking members. As shown in Figure 2a, the interlocking members may be complementarily designed such that the male member 11 can matingly engage with the female member 13, allowing two platform support members to be joined together. Figure 2b illustrates how two platform support members 1 may be joined together using the male 11 and female 13 interlocking members hi this way.

Referring additionally now to Figures 3a 3c, a detachable retaining member 15 for retaining a platform is shown. As shown in Figure 3a, the retaining member 15 comprises a base 16 and two waIls 17 further comprising retaining flanges 19 delimiting a channel 21. A platform (not shown) may be slid into the channel 21 of the retaining member 15. l'he walls 17 delimiting the channel preveni longitudinal movement of the platform and the retaining members 15 prevent vertical movement.

As shown in Figure 3b, the support surface 3 of the platform support member 1 further comprises a recess 23. As shown in Figure 3e, the retaining member 15 further comprises a male member 25 for complementary engagement with the recess 23 of the support surface 3. The recess 23 may extend for the length of the support surface 3 resembling a channel and the male member 25 may extend for the length of the retaining member resembling an inverted channel (i.e. a protrusion), The retaining member 15 may bc joined to the support surface 3 by utilising complementary engagement between thc male member 25 and the recess 23. Tn alternate embodiments an number of male members 25 and recesses 23 may be provided in either of the retaining member and the support surface 3. Means for reducing friction is provided.

In the present embodiment, said friction reducing means is provided as one or more ball units 27 in the support surface 3 to allow ease of movement across the support surface 3. Advantageously, one side wall 17 is provided with said friction reducing means. Alternatively, the male member may be provided in the platform in situations where it is desirable to have direct contact with the platform and the platiorms support member, As an alternative to the arrangement shown in Figure 3, the retaining member 15 in a thrther embodiment shown in Figure 9 is provided with a lip or flange 50 which downwardly projects along one edge of the retaining member IS. The flange 50 is provided instead of an inverted channel 25 and is used to allow the retaining member to essentially hook onto (i.e. locate in abutment with) the platform support member 1, which itself need not then be provided with a recess 23. The flange 50 is itself provided with a plurality of rollers for allowing ready movement of the retaining member 15 whilst iii abutment with the platfonn support member 1. Alternative means (to rollers) may be used for reducing effects of friction in restricting the movement of the retaining member 1 5 relative to the platform support member I. Also, once the correct position of retaining member 15 relative to the platform support member I has been achieved, the relative position of the two components is locked/retained by the use of securing means 30. For example, slots may be provided in the retaining member 15, the support surface 30 or both for screws or bolts (or, alternatively, one or more safety/split pins or T-bars) to hold the two components together. Furthermore, the platfonn 29 is itself provided with means 52 for reducing the effects of friction in restricting the movement of the platfonn 29 relative to the retaining member 15. More specifically, the platform 29 is provided with a phirality of rollers 52 embedded in and along the edges 54 of the platform 29 which will tend to abut walls 17 of the retaining member 15.

Referring additionally now to Figure 4, the platform support member 1 is shown retaining a platform 29. 1'he platform 29 being slid into the retaining member 15 which is engaged with the platform support member 1. In the embodiment of Figure 4 the retaining member 15 is secured to the platform support member 1 by securing means 30. For example, slots may be provided in the retaining member 15, the support surface 30 or both for screws or bolts (or, alternatively, one or more safety/split pins or T-hars) to hold the two components together. Alternatively, a less permanent arrangcmcnt could be to have slots provided for the insertion of pegs. Altcrnatively, the platform may be directly secured to the platform support member by securing means. the securing means may be provided in either the platform support member, the platform or the retaining member, These securing means may comprise screws or bolts (or, alternatively, one or more safety/split pins or T-bars).

Referring additionally now to Figures 5a -Sc!, a platform 29 is shown atop the platform support member 1 whereon a worker may perform work on a roof or any other surface. A handrail 3 1 is also provided on the platform to allow for stability.

One or more platform support members 1 may be provided as nceessaiy depending on the size of the platform 29, the area being worked on, the amount of stability required, etc. As shown in Figure 4b, rollers 35 are provided to allow the platform to be slid along the length of the support member with ease. Securing means may also be provided in either the platform or platform support member to hold the platform 29 in place As shown in Figure 4c, ball transfer units 36 are provided in the support suriuce to allow tlie platform 29 or plalform retaining member 15 (not shown) to slide easily across the platform support member 1. Clamps 38 may clamp the platform 29 or platform retaining member 15 (not shown) in place when it is in the desired position.

As shown in Figure 4d, means for attaching the platform to a scaffold, shown as an adjustable clamp 37, are attached to the platform 29 to enable the platform to be attached to a scaffolding tube 39.

Referring additionally to Figure 6, to use the platform support member Ito assemble a stable apparatus that can easily be moved across the roof, a first platform support ineniber is initially placed on the roof. A further platforni support member can be placed on the roof longitudinally abutting the first platform support member. In cases where minimal contact with the roof is desirable, for example to minimise the risk of producing dust containing asbestos fibres from an asbestos roof, the first platform support member may be slid onto the roof from scaffolding or a ladder on the side of the roof The further platform support mernhej. can then push the first platform support member along the roofs suirfacc and take the place of the first platfonn support member. Additionally, the two platform support members may be joined together using the male and female interlocking members. Further platform support members may be joined and provided along the roof in this way, creating a long row of interlocked platform support members.

If the roof contains protrusions, such as protruding screw threads, then the platform support members nmy be carefully positioned such that the screw threads are contained iii the cavity of the platform support member such that no part of the screw threads abut aily part of the platform support member, winch would cause the platform support member to sit atop the roof in an unstable fashion, An additional platform support member may he provided at an interval ifirther down the roof, and frirther platform support members may be interlocked to form a second row in the manner described above, In this way any number ol rows of platform support members may be assembled that extends across alt or part of the surface of the rooL A platform may then he slid along the grid of platform support members such that the platform is retained by any number of the platform support members. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, four rows of three platform support members are assembled, with the platform extending across all of the second platform support members in each row, hut it is to be understood that any number of platform support members forming any number of rows may he provided in keeping with the principles

of the present disclosure.

When the worker wishes to move the apparatus along the roof, the outermost platform support members 2 may he placed adjacent to the opposite outermost platform support members 4. The platform may then be slid along the X axis so that the platform again extends across the all of the second platform support members in each row, in this way, the apparatus can move to a different area of the roof; and can easily be moved hack and forth along the roof; as required.

Figure 7 schematically illustrates the movement of the platform across the roof by moving the platform support members in the maimer described above, Referring additionally now to Figurcs 8a* and 8b, two embodiments of the asscniblcct apparatus arc shown. I'he platform is attached to scaffolding tube (not shown) by attaching Inealls, shown as an adjustable clamp, at one end of the platform. A roller 35 is provided at the opposite end of (lie platform 29 to allow tIm platform to be easily slid along the support members, In Figure 8a, ball transfcr units 36 are provided to further allow the platform 29 to be easily slid along the platform support members.

The platform 29 may he retained by one or more retaining members 15. As shown in Figure Ra, one of the platform support members 1 may contain a recess 23 and the retaining member 15 may contain a complementary male mcniber 25 for engagement therewith. In this way transvcrsc movcmcnt along the roof is prevented.

The present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein.

Alternative arrangements and suitable materials xvill be apparent to a reader skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMSI. A platform support nicnibe for supporting a platform floin which a person works on a roof; the platfonn support member comprising: a support surface for supporting a platform; and engaging means for engaging a i'oof wherein the engaging means is spaced apart from, and located in a different plane to, the support surface, and is connected to the support surface by connecting means extending from the support surface; and thrther wherein the engaging means, the connecting means and the support surface define at least one cavity therebetween, and preferably wherein the engaging means is made from a resiliently deformable material for gripping the roof.
2. A platform support member according to claim 1 wherein the material is rubber or sponge,
3. A platform support member according to claims 1 or 2 wherein the engaging means is a pair of feet.
4. A platform support member according to claim 3 wherein the connecting means extends from opposing sides of the support surface.
5. A platform support member according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising interlocking means, 6, A platform support member according to claim 5 wherein the interlocking means comprises (i) at least one male interlocking member; and/or (ii) at least one female interlocking member, 7. A platform support member according to claim 6 wherein male and female interlocking members are complomentari ly designed so as to matingly engage with one another.8. An apparatus for supporting a worker on a roof comprising: a platform support member according to any one of the preceding claims; and a platform.9. An apparatus according to claim S wherein the platform comprises a handrail.10. An apparatus according to claim 8 or 9 wherein the platform further comprises means for attaching the platform to a scaffolding tube.11. An apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the means for attaching the platform to a scaffolding tube comprises an adjustable clamp.12. An apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 11 wherein the platform support member fortlier comprises secur ng means for securing the platform support member to the patforrn.13. An apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 12 wherein the platform further comprises securing means for securing the platform support. member to the platform.14. An apparatus according to claim 12 or 13 wherein said securing means comprises (i) a e1arnp and/or (ii) at least one peg and slot pair.15. An apparatus according to claim 12 or 13 wherein said securing means of the platform support member comprises at least one recess in the support surfbcc.16. An apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the or each recess extends the length of the support surface, 17. An apparatus according to any one of ci ai in 1 5 or 1 6 wherein securing means of the platform comprises at least one male member for complementary engagement with the at least one i'ecess of the support surface, said complementary engagement restricting movement in a transverse direction of the platform support member.18. An apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 17 further comprising a retaining member for retaining a platform i'dative to the piafform support member.19. An apparatus according to claim 18 wherein the retaining member further comprises a base and two walls delimiting a channel therebetween for receiving the platform.20. An apparatus according to claim 19 wherein each of the two walls further comprise retaining flanges.21. An apparatus according to any one of claims 18 to 20 wherein the platform support member further comprises securing means for securing the platform support member to the retaining member.22. An apparatus according to any one of claims 18 to 21 wherein the retaining member further comprises securing means for securing the platform support member 1.0 the retaining member.23. An apparatus according to claim 21 or 22 wherein the securing means comprises (i) a clamp; and/or (ii) at least one peg and slot pair.24. An appiratus according to claim 21 or 22 wherein the sceuring means of the platform support member is at least one rcccss in the support surface.25. An apparatus according to claim 24 wherein the recess extends the length of the support surface.26. An apparatus according to any one of claim 22 to 25 wherein the securing means of the retaining member is at least one male member for complementary engagement with the at least one recess of the support surface, said complementary engagement restricting movement in a transverse direction.27. An apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 26 wherein the platform support member comprises sliding means.28. An apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 26 wherein the platform farther comprises sliding means.29. An apparatus according to any one of claims 18 to 26 wherein the retaining member thrthcr comprises sliding means.30. An apparatus according to any one of claims 27 to 29 wherein the sliding means comprises (i) at least one ball transfer unit; and/or (ii) at least one roller.31. An apparatus according to any One of claims 8 to 30 wherein the platform support member further comprises locking means.32. An apparatus accordmg 1.o any one of claims 8 to 30 wherern the platform -further comprises locking means.33, An apparatus according to any one of claini 18 to 30 wherein (he retaining nicinbcr further comprises locking means.34. An apparatus according any one of claims 31 to 33 wherein (lie locking means comprises (i) a clamp; and/or (H) at least one peg and slot pair.35. A roof system comprising a roof; and an apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 29.36. A method for assembling a stable, moveable apparatus for a worker on a roof; the method comprising the steps of; positioning at least one platform support member on a roof; and positioning a platform on the platform support member such that the platform is retained by the support member; wherein the platform support member comprises a support surface; and engaging means for engaging the roof; wherein the engaging means is spaced apart from, and located in a different plane to, the support surface, and is connected to the support surface by connecting means extending from the support surface; ftrthcr wherern the engaging means, the connecting means and the support surface define at Icast one cavity therebetween.37. A method according to claim 36 wherein at least one platform support member is positioned over a protrusion iii the roof; preferably such that no part of the protrusion touches any part of the platform support. member.38. A method according to claim 36 or 37, wherein at least. two platform support members comprise interlocking means, the method further comprising tile step ofjoining the at least two platform support members together using the interlocking means.39. A method according to claim 38, wherein the interlocking means comprises (i) at least one male interlocking member; and/or (ii) at least one female interlocking member.40. A method according to any one of claims 36 to 40, wherein the platform further comprises means for attaching the platfoi'tii to a scaffolding tube, the method further comprising the step of attaching said means to a scaffolding tube.41. A method according to claim 40 wherein the means for attaching the plattbrm to the scaffolding tube comprises an adjustable clamp.42, A method according to any one of claims 36 to 41, wherein the platform support member further comprises securing means for securing the platform support member to the platform, the method ftrther comprising the step of securing the platform support member to the platform using the securing means.43. A method according to any one of claims 36 to 42, wherein the platform further comprises securing means for securing the platform support member to the platform, the method further comprising the step of securing the platform support member to the platform using the securing means, 44. A method according to any one of claims 36 to 43, whcrcin the platform suppoit member and/or the platform ftutther Comprises shdi ng means, the method ftu-ther comprising the steps of sliding the platform along the at least one platform support members using the sliding means.45. A method according to any one of claims 36 to 44, wherein the platform support member andlor the platform further comprising locking means, wherein the method further comprises the steps of locking the platform into place so as to prevent movement of the platform.46. A method according to claim 45 wherein the platform support members are joined together in rows and the platform is positioned such that the platform is atop at least one platform support member in each row; wherein the platform is slid in the longitudinal direction of the row via the sliding meuns and locking the platform into place by the locking means; wherein further at least one endmost platform support member is removed from at least one row and placed at the opposite end of said row and interlocked with the endmost platform support member at the opposite end of said row using the interlocking means, thereby extending the row in the longitudinal direction.47. A method according to claim 46 wherein the platform is slid along the extended row thereby allowing access to a previously inaccessible part of the roof 48. A method according to any one of claims 36 to 41, further comprising a retaining member for retaining the platform, \herein positioning the platform on the platform support member tUrther comprises the step of sliding the platfonn into the retaining member.49. A method according to claim 4R, wherein the platform support member further comprises securing means for securing the ilatforrn support member to the retaining member, the method ftirlhcr conipuising the step of securing (lie platfbrm support menther to the retaining member using the securing means 50. A method according to claim 49, wherein the retaining member ftirther comprises securing means for securing the platform support member to the retaining member, the method thrther comprising the step of securing the platform support member to the platform using the securing means.51. A method according to any one claims 48 to 50, wherein the platform support member and/or the retaining member further comprises sliding means, the method Itirther comprising the steps of sliding the retaining member along the at least one platform support members.52. A method according to any one of claims 48 to 51, wherein [he platform support member and/or the retaining member further comprising locking means, wherein the method further comprises the steps of locking the retaining member into place so as to prevent movement of the platfonn.53. A method according to claim 52 wherein the platform support members are joined together in rows and the retaining member retaining the platform, is positioned such that the retaining member is atop at least one platform support member in each row; wherein the retaining member is slid in the longitudinal direction of the row via the sliding means and locking the retaining member into place by the locking means; wherein further at least one endrnost platform support member is removed from at least one row and placed at thc opposite end of said row and inter ocked with the cndmost platform support member at the opposite end of said row using the interlocking means, thereby extending the row in the longitudinal direction.54, A method according to claim 53 whcrcin the retaining member is slid along the extended VOW therchy allowing access to a previously inaccessible part, of the roof 55, A platform support member as hcrein deseilbed with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.56. An apparatus for supporting a worker on a roof as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.57. A method of providing a stable, moveable scaffold for a worker on a roof as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.