US20110203220A1 - Portable temporary support for workers - Google Patents
Portable temporary support for workers Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110203220A1 US20110203220A1 US13/033,274 US201113033274A US2011203220A1 US 20110203220 A1 US20110203220 A1 US 20110203220A1 US 201113033274 A US201113033274 A US 201113033274A US 2011203220 A1 US2011203220 A1 US 2011203220A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- bracket
- truss
- truss member
- worker
- atop
- 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
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Classifications
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04D—ROOF COVERINGS; SKY-LIGHTS; GUTTERS; ROOF-WORKING TOOLS
- E04D15/00—Apparatus or tools for roof working
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04G—SCAFFOLDING; FORMS; SHUTTERING; BUILDING IMPLEMENTS OR AIDS, OR THEIR USE; HANDLING BUILDING MATERIALS ON THE SITE; REPAIRING, BREAKING-UP OR OTHER WORK ON EXISTING BUILDINGS
- E04G3/00—Scaffolds essentially supported by building constructions, e.g. adjustable in height
- E04G3/24—Scaffolds essentially supported by building constructions, e.g. adjustable in height specially adapted for particular parts of buildings or for buildings of particular shape, e.g. chimney stacks or pylons
- E04G3/26—Scaffolds essentially supported by building constructions, e.g. adjustable in height specially adapted for particular parts of buildings or for buildings of particular shape, e.g. chimney stacks or pylons specially adapted for working on roofs
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04G—SCAFFOLDING; FORMS; SHUTTERING; BUILDING IMPLEMENTS OR AIDS, OR THEIR USE; HANDLING BUILDING MATERIALS ON THE SITE; REPAIRING, BREAKING-UP OR OTHER WORK ON EXISTING BUILDINGS
- E04G5/00—Component parts or accessories for scaffolds
- E04G5/04—Means for fastening, supporting, or bracing scaffolds on or against building constructions
- E04G5/041—Means for fastening, supporting, or bracing scaffolds on or against building constructions for fastening scaffolds on roof frameworks or on roofs
Definitions
- the present invention relates to worker support systems for use in improving the safety, efficiency, and convenience of building construction workers when installing roof trusses or the like. More particularly, the present invention consists of a portable worker support bracket that is releasably engagable with a roof truss or other structure.
- the bracket is for use in the construction industry, particularly in the construction of frame buildings, specifically during the erecting of roof frames.
- a roof frame is characteristically formed of a series of trusses which are spaced apart using truss spacers, or the like.
- a worker involved in placing and securing the trusses is perched atop a truss while receiving, accurately spacing, and securing each subsequent truss in the roof series. Workers climb over each subsequent truss as each additional truss is hoisted to them by crane. This work arrangement is awkward and dangerous.
- the present invention seeks to provide a secure, portable and convenient device to aid workers in various environments, such as roof construction.
- the present device endeavors to provide a more secure working arrangement that is portable, easily manipulated by a worker, and flexible in its application.
- the invention allows workers erecting roof trusses, for example, to more securely stabilize themselves on a roof truss while working on neighboring trusses.
- the invention further provides a device that allows a worker to work more safely and efficiently on steeply inclined surfaces, and further permits the worker to more safely utilize both hands when working.
- the present invention also provides a device that can be utilized with many types of trusses and beams, and may also include means to store and carry articles to the work site.
- the worker support of the present invention is formed from a support bracket which can be releasably secured to a truss member or beam, and is of a size and weight easily lifted and manipulated by a single worker.
- the support structure is configured to fit over the truss or beam that has already been secured in place so that a worker can straddle it and be supported. A worker straddles the support bracket, which allows the worker, if working in a roof construction environment, to work on an adjacent truss that is not yet secured.
- the worker can move from truss to truss by moving the bracket not in use to a newly completed truss, then moving from the bracket being used to the new bracket so that the worker is then supported on the newly secured truss and in position to guide a new truss into position so that it can be secured. The process is repeated until all trusses have been secured.
- a preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a three-sided bracket which includes a pair of spaced apart side walls, defining a channel therebetween, and at least one overlying cross member.
- the bracket further preferably includes releasable fastening means for engagement of the truss.
- the bracket is designed to fit over the top of a truss so as to engage the truss and support a worker thereon, and is preferably sufficiently rigid to fit closely over the truss, such that the bracket closely aligns with the slope of the truss when a worker is supported thereon.
- the bracket further includes support structures for the legs or feet of the worker to provide worker stability while straddling the bracket.
- One means of attaching the support bracket to a truss or the like is by a nail and keyhole arrangement, in which a keyhole is supplied to the inside surface of the cross member, or alternatively, may extend entirely through the cross member, and a corresponding nail is secured by the worker to the truss upon which the support bracket is to be placed.
- the nail engages the keyhole and assists in reducing longitudinal slippage along the truss, or other member upon which the worker is to be supported.
- a gripping mechanism such as a work holding clamp such as a VISE-GRIP®, or alternatively, a cammming device utilizing a pawl or the like incorporated into the channel and adapted to engage a truss or other structure like structure.
- the invention also includes a method of erecting trusses, in which a first bracket is attached to a first truss that has been secured in place, a worker straddles the bracket while securing a second, adjacent truss in place, the worker then attaches a second bracket to the second truss and climbs to the second bracket, the worker then straddles the second bracket while securing a third truss in place adjacent the second truss, and the worker moves the first bracket from the first truss onto the third truss. This pattern is repeated until the needed number of trusses has been secured.
- the method may be practiced using a single bracket wherein the worker simply moves the bracket from a truss to an adjacent truss, while straddling the truss.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention and showing it straddling a truss member by way of example.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a side plan view of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 and illustrating a keyhole in the cross member.
- FIG. 5 is an end view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 6 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention and illustrating use as support for a worker on a roof truss member.
- FIG. 7 is a view of an embodiment of the present invention and illustrating an alternative, vice grip attachment mechanism.
- FIG. 8 is a view of an embodiment of the present invention, similar to that of FIG. 7 but showing another alternative attachment mechanism.
- FIG. 9 is a view of an embodiment of the present invention, similar to that of FIGS. 7 and 8 , but showing another alternative attachment mechanism.
- FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the present invention and illustrating an attached, hinged spacer arm.
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 in use to support a worker atop a truss and to properly position and space incoming trusses by way of a pivotable spacer arm.
- an embodiment of the present invention comprises a support bracket 10 having a pair of opposed sidewalls 12 defining a channel 14 therebetween, and a cross member 11 .
- the bracket 10 is adapted to fit over and straddle a truss member 16 (shown in phantom), or other construction member, to thereby provide a base for a worker 18 (shown in phantom) atop the truss member 16 .
- the channel 14 is preferably made having a predetermined width, with the channel width corresponding to the width of the truss member 16 or other construction member to be straddled. This arrangement ensures effective engagement of the bracket 10 to the truss 16 to be worked on.
- the bracket 10 may be manufactured with a channel 14 of any of a variety of widths, to thereby accommodate work on differently sized trusses 16 or other construction members.
- each side wall 12 preferably includes a supporting gutter or trough member 20 which extends laterally from the side wall 12 and runs substantially parallel to each side wall 12 .
- the gutter/trough member 20 is designed to receive a worker's lower leg 22 (see FIG. 6 ) to thereby provide a means for supporting a worker 18 on the bracket 10 .
- the gutter/trough elements 20 may be padded for worker comfort.
- the bracket 10 preferably further includes foot supporting pegs 24 laterally extending from each side wall 12 at a convenient location, for additional worker 18 support.
- the bracket 10 is placed over an individual truss 16 or other construction member, with the components being frictionally engaged. Additional attachment of the truss 16 and bracket 10 may be provided by way of releasable fastening means.
- the releasable fastening means may include at least one keyhole 26 located on an inside surface 28 of the cross member 11 (see particularly FIG. 4 ). As further seen, the keyhole 26 may extend entirely through the cross member 11 .
- the keyhole 26 is adapted to engage a nail head (not shown), or other upstanding member positioned and fastened by the worker 18 on a truss 16 at a convenient location.
- This feature provides additional locking at a specific location on a truss 16 and assists in reducing longitudinal slippage along the truss 16 or other member upon which the worker 18 is to be supported, particularly when the device is used on steep inclines (see FIG. 6 ).
- the nails or other upstanding members may be added by the worker 18 as needed, or may be attached to the truss 16 before it is elevated in place, as desired.
- Alternative releasable fastening means for attaching the bracket 10 to a truss 16 may be seen particularly in the view of FIG. 7 , in which a work-holding clamp 40 is incorporated into the channel 14 .
- a suitable work holding clamp 40 may be of the type manufactured by VISE-GRIP®, by way of example.
- Another alternative releasable fastening means may be seen in FIG. 8 wherein a camming device 42 is illustrated and utilizing a pawl 43 , which is incorporated into the channel and adapted to engage a truss or the like. Further is illustrated in FIG. 9 , another alternative gripping means.
- the bracket 10 further preferably includes angled abutments 30 to provide support and reinforcement for the supporting gutter/trough elements 20 .
- each angled abutment 30 extends laterally from the wall 12 at an angle designed to meet and support the trough element 20 .
- each abutment 30 runs substantially parallel to a corresponding supporting trough element 20 .
- the abutments 30 offer an added purpose in cooperating with the outer surface 32 of side walls 12 to form storage areas 34 on the bracket 10 .
- the storage area 34 may be used to bring extra truss spacers 36 (shown in phantom), or the like, to the operation location, thereby adding convenience.
- the bracket 10 may be further equipped with at least one handle 38 for ease in portability and maneuverability on a job site.
- the handle 38 may be placed on any convenient bracket surface, as desired, such as the illustrated central handle 38 located on the cross member 11 . Additional or alternative handles may be placed on the bracket 10 as required, such as the forward handle 38 a located on the forward end of the bracket 10 and depicted in the Figures.
- the handle 38 may also be used to loop a safety cord (not shown) through, if desired.
- FIGS. 10 and 11 An additional variation of the support bracket of the present invention may be seen in FIGS. 10 and 11 .
- the support bracket 10 as described previously may be further fitted with at least one pivotable spacer arm 44 having a distal end 46 and a proximal end 47 .
- the pivotable spacer arm 44 is pivotally connected at its proximal end 47 to the support bracket 10 a, and is movable between a storage position that is substantially parallel to the sidewalls 12 and an in use position perpendicular the sidewalls 12 .
- FIG. 10 depicts a pivotable spacer arm 44 on each side of the bracket 10 a.
- the pivotable spacer arm 44 is particularly useful in roof truss 16 construction, as it allows a worker to correctly space, and temporarily secure, a new truss 16 in place prior to a permanent spacer bar 36 being attached. This feature allows for more rapid truss 16 placement and permits the crane operator (not shown) assisting the truss worker 18 to more quickly move to the next truss 16 to be secured.
- the appropriate pivotable spacer arm 44 is rotated by the worker 18 supported on the bracket 10 a, and is used to accurately space the .incoming truss 16 .
- the distal end 46 of the pivotable spacer arm 44 is preferably provided with a U-shaped truss grip 48 which the worker 18 places over the incoming truss 16 to be secured, so that the selected pivotable spacer arm 44 holds the truss 16 to be secured while the worker positions and secures the permanent spacer bar 36 to the truss 16 .
- the worker 18 disengages the U-shaped truss grip 48 of the pivotable spacer arm 44 from the truss 16 , and rotates it back into storage position on the support bracket 10 a. The worker 18 is then able to move to the next truss 16 and repeat the operation.
- the present invention also includes a method of erecting trusses atop a building structure, in which a first bracket 10 is attached to a first truss 16 that has been secured in place.
- a worker 18 straddles the bracket 10 or 10 a atop the first truss 16 while securing a second, adjacent truss 16 in place.
- the worker 18 may either attach a second bracket 10 to the second truss 16 or move the first bracket 10 to the adjacent truss 16 .
- the worker then moves to the second truss 16 and straddles either the moved, first bracket 10 or a second bracket 10 .
- the worker 18 secures a third truss 16 in place adjacent the second truss 16 , and the worker 18 either moves the first bracket 10 from the first truss 16 onto the third truss 16 , or again moves the first bracket 10 to the third truss 16 . This pattern is repeated until the needed number of trusses 16 is secured.
- the method may include the steps of: (1) providing a first truss 16 erected atop a building structure; (2) attaching a movable, worker-supporting bracket 10 to the first truss member 16 , said bracket 10 including a pair of spaced apart side walls 12 defining a channel 14 therebetween, at least one cross member 11 , and each one of said pair of side walls 12 including a laterally extending, substantially parallel trough member 20 ; (3) straddling said bracket 10 while fixing a second truss member 16 atop the building structure, adjacent to and separated from, the first truss member 16 ; (4) disengaging said bracket 10 from said first truss member 16 ; (5) moving said bracket 10 from said first truss member 16 to said second truss member 16 ; (6) attaching said bracket 10 to said second truss member 16 ; (7) climbing onto and straddling said bracket 10 while fixing a third truss member 16 atop the building structure adjacent to and spaced from the second
- the method may be practiced using more than one bracket 10 and including the steps of (1) providing a first truss member 16 erected atop a building structure; (2) attaching a first movable, worker-supporting bracket 10 to the first truss member 16 , the bracket 10 including a pair of spaced apart side walls 12 defining a channel 14 therebetween, at least one cross member 11 , and each one of said pair of side walls 12 including a laterally extending, substantially parallel trough member 20 ; (3) straddling the first bracket 10 while fixing a second truss member 16 atop the building structure adjacent to and separated from the first truss member 16 ; (4) providing a second movable, worker-supporting bracket 10 , the bracket 10 including a pair of spaced apart side walls 12 defining a channel 14 therebetween, at least one cross member 11 , and each one of the pair of side walls 12 including a laterally extending, substantially parallel trough member 20 ; (5) attaching the second truss member 16
- bracket 10 a including the steps of: (1) providing a first truss member 16 erected atop a building structure; (2) attaching a first movable, worker-supporting bracket 10 a to the first truss member 16 , said bracket 10 including a pair of spaced apart side walls 12 defining a channel 14 therebetween, at least one cross member 11 , each one of said pair of side walls 12 including a laterally extending, substantially parallel trough member 20 , and further including a pivotable spacer arm 44 ; (3) straddling said first bracket 10 a while rotating the spacer arm 44 to a position substantially perpendicular to the first truss member 16 ; (4) placing the distal end 46 of the pivotable spacer arm 44 over the incoming second truss member 16 to be secured, so that the pivotable spacer arm 44 holds the incoming second truss member 16 to be secured; (5) fixing a second truss member 16 atop the building structure adjacent to and separated
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- Architecture (AREA)
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- Conveying And Assembling Of Building Elements In Situ (AREA)
- Clamps And Clips (AREA)
Abstract
A portable worker support bracket for releasable engagement of a work surface such as a truss member or other construction member.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/833,129 filed 25 Jul. 2006.
- The present invention relates to worker support systems for use in improving the safety, efficiency, and convenience of building construction workers when installing roof trusses or the like. More particularly, the present invention consists of a portable worker support bracket that is releasably engagable with a roof truss or other structure. The bracket is for use in the construction industry, particularly in the construction of frame buildings, specifically during the erecting of roof frames. A roof frame is characteristically formed of a series of trusses which are spaced apart using truss spacers, or the like. Typically, a worker involved in placing and securing the trusses is perched atop a truss while receiving, accurately spacing, and securing each subsequent truss in the roof series. Workers climb over each subsequent truss as each additional truss is hoisted to them by crane. This work arrangement is awkward and dangerous.
- Other similar work environments, such as that encountered in the iron working industry, also require workers to continuously move about to position and secure various components, with much of the work being done while the worker straddles a component such as a beam.
- Typically, adequate and convenient support means for truss and joist workers is either non-existent or inconvenient. The present invention seeks to provide a secure, portable and convenient device to aid workers in various environments, such as roof construction.
- The present device endeavors to provide a more secure working arrangement that is portable, easily manipulated by a worker, and flexible in its application. The invention allows workers erecting roof trusses, for example, to more securely stabilize themselves on a roof truss while working on neighboring trusses. The invention further provides a device that allows a worker to work more safely and efficiently on steeply inclined surfaces, and further permits the worker to more safely utilize both hands when working. The present invention also provides a device that can be utilized with many types of trusses and beams, and may also include means to store and carry articles to the work site.
- To accomplish the above objectives, the worker support of the present invention is formed from a support bracket which can be releasably secured to a truss member or beam, and is of a size and weight easily lifted and manipulated by a single worker. In one embodiment of this invention, the support structure is configured to fit over the truss or beam that has already been secured in place so that a worker can straddle it and be supported. A worker straddles the support bracket, which allows the worker, if working in a roof construction environment, to work on an adjacent truss that is not yet secured. By using a pair of the brackets, the worker can move from truss to truss by moving the bracket not in use to a newly completed truss, then moving from the bracket being used to the new bracket so that the worker is then supported on the newly secured truss and in position to guide a new truss into position so that it can be secured. The process is repeated until all trusses have been secured.
- A preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a three-sided bracket which includes a pair of spaced apart side walls, defining a channel therebetween, and at least one overlying cross member. The bracket further preferably includes releasable fastening means for engagement of the truss. The bracket is designed to fit over the top of a truss so as to engage the truss and support a worker thereon, and is preferably sufficiently rigid to fit closely over the truss, such that the bracket closely aligns with the slope of the truss when a worker is supported thereon. The bracket further includes support structures for the legs or feet of the worker to provide worker stability while straddling the bracket.
- One means of attaching the support bracket to a truss or the like is by a nail and keyhole arrangement, in which a keyhole is supplied to the inside surface of the cross member, or alternatively, may extend entirely through the cross member, and a corresponding nail is secured by the worker to the truss upon which the support bracket is to be placed. The nail engages the keyhole and assists in reducing longitudinal slippage along the truss, or other member upon which the worker is to be supported. Another releasable fastening means for attaching to the support structure is by way of a gripping mechanism, such as a work holding clamp such as a VISE-GRIP®, or alternatively, a cammming device utilizing a pawl or the like incorporated into the channel and adapted to engage a truss or other structure like structure.
- The invention also includes a method of erecting trusses, in which a first bracket is attached to a first truss that has been secured in place, a worker straddles the bracket while securing a second, adjacent truss in place, the worker then attaches a second bracket to the second truss and climbs to the second bracket, the worker then straddles the second bracket while securing a third truss in place adjacent the second truss, and the worker moves the first bracket from the first truss onto the third truss. This pattern is repeated until the needed number of trusses has been secured. Alternatively, the method may be practiced using a single bracket wherein the worker simply moves the bracket from a truss to an adjacent truss, while straddling the truss.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention and showing it straddling a truss member by way of example. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 is a side plan view of the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2 . -
FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 3 and illustrating a keyhole in the cross member. -
FIG. 5 is an end view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 6 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention and illustrating use as support for a worker on a roof truss member. -
FIG. 7 is a view of an embodiment of the present invention and illustrating an alternative, vice grip attachment mechanism. -
FIG. 8 is a view of an embodiment of the present invention, similar to that ofFIG. 7 but showing another alternative attachment mechanism. -
FIG. 9 is a view of an embodiment of the present invention, similar to that ofFIGS. 7 and 8 , but showing another alternative attachment mechanism. -
FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the present invention and illustrating an attached, hinged spacer arm. -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 10 in use to support a worker atop a truss and to properly position and space incoming trusses by way of a pivotable spacer arm. - Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structures. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.
- As may be seen in the drawings, an embodiment of the present invention comprises a
support bracket 10 having a pair ofopposed sidewalls 12 defining achannel 14 therebetween, and across member 11. As shown particularly inFIGS. 1 and 6 , thebracket 10 is adapted to fit over and straddle a truss member 16 (shown in phantom), or other construction member, to thereby provide a base for a worker 18 (shown in phantom) atop thetruss member 16. Thechannel 14 is preferably made having a predetermined width, with the channel width corresponding to the width of thetruss member 16 or other construction member to be straddled. This arrangement ensures effective engagement of thebracket 10 to thetruss 16 to be worked on. Thebracket 10 may be manufactured with achannel 14 of any of a variety of widths, to thereby accommodate work on differently sizedtrusses 16 or other construction members. - As seen particularly in
FIG. 4 , eachside wall 12 preferably includes a supporting gutter ortrough member 20 which extends laterally from theside wall 12 and runs substantially parallel to eachside wall 12. The gutter/trough member 20 is designed to receive a worker's lower leg 22 (seeFIG. 6 ) to thereby provide a means for supporting aworker 18 on thebracket 10. The gutter/trough elements 20 may be padded for worker comfort. As may be observed in the Figures, thebracket 10 preferably further includesfoot supporting pegs 24 laterally extending from eachside wall 12 at a convenient location, foradditional worker 18 support. - In use, the
bracket 10 is placed over anindividual truss 16 or other construction member, with the components being frictionally engaged. Additional attachment of thetruss 16 andbracket 10 may be provided by way of releasable fastening means. As illustrated inFIGS. 1-6 , the releasable fastening means may include at least onekeyhole 26 located on aninside surface 28 of the cross member 11 (see particularlyFIG. 4 ). As further seen, thekeyhole 26 may extend entirely through thecross member 11. Thekeyhole 26 is adapted to engage a nail head (not shown), or other upstanding member positioned and fastened by theworker 18 on atruss 16 at a convenient location. This feature provides additional locking at a specific location on atruss 16 and assists in reducing longitudinal slippage along thetruss 16 or other member upon which theworker 18 is to be supported, particularly when the device is used on steep inclines (seeFIG. 6 ). The nails or other upstanding members (not shown) may be added by theworker 18 as needed, or may be attached to thetruss 16 before it is elevated in place, as desired. - Alternative releasable fastening means for attaching the
bracket 10 to atruss 16 may be seen particularly in the view ofFIG. 7 , in which a work-holdingclamp 40 is incorporated into thechannel 14. A suitablework holding clamp 40 may be of the type manufactured by VISE-GRIP®, by way of example. Another alternative releasable fastening means may be seen inFIG. 8 wherein acamming device 42 is illustrated and utilizing apawl 43, which is incorporated into the channel and adapted to engage a truss or the like. Further is illustrated inFIG. 9 , another alternative gripping means. - As may be noted particularly in
FIGS. 2 and 5 , thebracket 10 further preferably includesangled abutments 30 to provide support and reinforcement for the supporting gutter/trough elements 20. Seen in the Figures, eachangled abutment 30 extends laterally from thewall 12 at an angle designed to meet and support thetrough element 20. As may be further observed in the Figures, eachabutment 30 runs substantially parallel to a corresponding supportingtrough element 20. As is illustrated inFIG. 5 , theabutments 30 offer an added purpose in cooperating with theouter surface 32 ofside walls 12 to formstorage areas 34 on thebracket 10. Thestorage area 34 may be used to bring extra truss spacers 36 (shown in phantom), or the like, to the operation location, thereby adding convenience. - As may be seen in the Figures, the
bracket 10 may be further equipped with at least onehandle 38 for ease in portability and maneuverability on a job site. Thehandle 38 may be placed on any convenient bracket surface, as desired, such as the illustratedcentral handle 38 located on thecross member 11. Additional or alternative handles may be placed on thebracket 10 as required, such as the forward handle 38 a located on the forward end of thebracket 10 and depicted in the Figures. Thehandle 38 may also be used to loop a safety cord (not shown) through, if desired. - An additional variation of the support bracket of the present invention may be seen in
FIGS. 10 and 11 . As illustrated, thesupport bracket 10 as described previously may be further fitted with at least onepivotable spacer arm 44 having adistal end 46 and aproximal end 47. As seen particularly inFIG. 10 , thepivotable spacer arm 44 is pivotally connected at itsproximal end 47 to thesupport bracket 10 a, and is movable between a storage position that is substantially parallel to thesidewalls 12 and an in use position perpendicular thesidewalls 12. As may be observed,FIG. 10 depicts apivotable spacer arm 44 on each side of thebracket 10 a. This arrangement allows the user to utilize thepivotable spacer arm 44 feature while working ontrusses 16 to either side of thebracket 10 a. As illustrated inFIG. 11 , thepivotable spacer arm 44 is particularly useful inroof truss 16 construction, as it allows a worker to correctly space, and temporarily secure, anew truss 16 in place prior to apermanent spacer bar 36 being attached. This feature allows for morerapid truss 16 placement and permits the crane operator (not shown) assisting thetruss worker 18 to more quickly move to thenext truss 16 to be secured. - In use, and as depicted in
FIG. 11 , the appropriate pivotablespacer arm 44 is rotated by theworker 18 supported on thebracket 10 a, and is used to accurately space the .incoming truss 16. Thedistal end 46 of thepivotable spacer arm 44 is preferably provided with aU-shaped truss grip 48 which theworker 18 places over theincoming truss 16 to be secured, so that the selectedpivotable spacer arm 44 holds thetruss 16 to be secured while the worker positions and secures thepermanent spacer bar 36 to thetruss 16. Once thepermanent spacer bar 36 is secured, theworker 18 disengages theU-shaped truss grip 48 of thepivotable spacer arm 44 from thetruss 16, and rotates it back into storage position on thesupport bracket 10 a. Theworker 18 is then able to move to thenext truss 16 and repeat the operation. - The present invention also includes a method of erecting trusses atop a building structure, in which a
first bracket 10 is attached to afirst truss 16 that has been secured in place. As seen inFIGS. 6 and 11 , aworker 18 straddles thebracket first truss 16 while securing a second,adjacent truss 16 in place. Theworker 18 may either attach asecond bracket 10 to thesecond truss 16 or move thefirst bracket 10 to theadjacent truss 16. The worker then moves to thesecond truss 16 and straddles either the moved,first bracket 10 or asecond bracket 10. Theworker 18 secures athird truss 16 in place adjacent thesecond truss 16, and theworker 18 either moves thefirst bracket 10 from thefirst truss 16 onto thethird truss 16, or again moves thefirst bracket 10 to thethird truss 16. This pattern is repeated until the needed number oftrusses 16 is secured. - The method may include the steps of: (1) providing a
first truss 16 erected atop a building structure; (2) attaching a movable, worker-supportingbracket 10 to thefirst truss member 16, saidbracket 10 including a pair of spaced apartside walls 12 defining achannel 14 therebetween, at least onecross member 11, and each one of said pair ofside walls 12 including a laterally extending, substantiallyparallel trough member 20; (3) straddling saidbracket 10 while fixing asecond truss member 16 atop the building structure, adjacent to and separated from, thefirst truss member 16; (4) disengaging saidbracket 10 from saidfirst truss member 16; (5) moving saidbracket 10 from saidfirst truss member 16 to saidsecond truss member 16; (6) attaching saidbracket 10 to saidsecond truss member 16; (7) climbing onto and straddling saidbracket 10 while fixing athird truss member 16 atop the building structure adjacent to and spaced from thesecond truss member 16; and (8) repeating this procedure for erectingtrusses 16 one after another. - Alternatively, the method may be practiced using more than one bracket 10 and including the steps of (1) providing a first truss member 16 erected atop a building structure; (2) attaching a first movable, worker-supporting bracket 10 to the first truss member 16, the bracket 10 including a pair of spaced apart side walls 12 defining a channel 14 therebetween, at least one cross member 11, and each one of said pair of side walls 12 including a laterally extending, substantially parallel trough member 20; (3) straddling the first bracket 10 while fixing a second truss member 16 atop the building structure adjacent to and separated from the first truss member 16; (4) providing a second movable, worker-supporting bracket 10, the bracket 10 including a pair of spaced apart side walls 12 defining a channel 14 therebetween, at least one cross member 11, and each one of the pair of side walls 12 including a laterally extending, substantially parallel trough member 20; (5) attaching the second truss member 16 to the second worker-supporting bracket 10; (6) climbing from the first bracket 10 to the second bracket 10; (7) straddling the second bracket 10 while fixing a third truss member 16 atop the building structure adjacent to and separated from the second truss member 16; (8) disengaging the first bracket 10 from the first truss member 16; (9) moving the first bracket 10 from the first truss member 16 to the third truss member 16; (10) attaching the first bracket 10 to the third truss member 16; (11) climbing onto and straddling the first bracket 10 while fixing a fourth truss member 16 atop the building structure adjacent to and spaced from the third truss member 16; and (12) repeating this procedure for erecting trusses one after another.
- Alternatively, the method may be practiced using alternative bracket 10 a including the steps of: (1) providing a first truss member 16 erected atop a building structure; (2) attaching a first movable, worker-supporting bracket 10 a to the first truss member 16, said bracket 10 including a pair of spaced apart side walls 12 defining a channel 14 therebetween, at least one cross member 11, each one of said pair of side walls 12 including a laterally extending, substantially parallel trough member 20, and further including a pivotable spacer arm 44; (3) straddling said first bracket 10 a while rotating the spacer arm 44 to a position substantially perpendicular to the first truss member 16; (4) placing the distal end 46 of the pivotable spacer arm 44 over the incoming second truss member 16 to be secured, so that the pivotable spacer arm 44 holds the incoming second truss member 16 to be secured; (5) fixing a second truss member 16 atop the building structure adjacent to and separated from the first truss member 16; (6) providing a second movable, worker-supporting bracket 10 a, said bracket 10 a including a pair of spaced apart side walls 12 defining a channel 14 therebetween, at least one cross member 11, each one of said pair of side walls 12 including a laterally extending, substantially parallel trough member 20, and further including a pivotable spacer arm 44; (6) attaching the second worker-supporting bracket 10 a to said second truss member 16; (7) climbing from said first bracket 10 a to said second bracket 10 a; (8) straddling said second bracket 10 a while rotating the spacer arm 44 to a position substantially perpendicular to the second truss member 16; (9) placing the distal end 46 of the pivotable spacer arm 44 over the incoming third truss member 16 to be secured, so that the pivotable spacer arm 44 holds the incoming third truss member 16 to be secured; (10) fixing a third truss member 16 atop the building structure adjacent to and separated from the second truss member 16; (11) disengaging said first bracket 10 a from said first truss member 16; (12) moving said first bracket 10 a from said first truss member 16 to said third truss member 16; (13) attaching said first bracket 10 a to said third truss member 16; (14) climbing onto and straddling said first bracket 10 a while fixing a fourth truss member 16 atop the building structure adjacent to and spaced from the third truss .
member 16; and (15) repeating this procedure for erecting trusses one after another. - The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.
Claims (16)
1. A bracket for supporting a worker atop a work surface such as a truss or construction member including:
a pair of spaced-apart sidewalls defining a channel therebetween;
at least one cross member;
each one of said pair of sidewalls including a laterally extending, substantially parallel trough member; and
means for attaching said bracket to said work surface.
2. The bracket of claim 1 , wherein said cross member includes said means for attaching said bracket to said work surface.
3. The bracket of claim 2 wherein said means for attaching said bracket to said work surface comprises releasable fastening means.
4. The bracket of claim 3 wherein said releasable fastening means comprises a keyhole in said cross member, said keyhole being adapted to receive an upstanding member on said work surface.
5. The bracket of claim 3 wherein said releasable fastening means comprises a work holding clamp.
6. The bracket of claim 3 wherein said releasable fastening means comprises a naming device.
7. The bracket of claim 1 wherein each one of said pair of sidewalls further includes a laterally extending foot peg member.
8. The bracket of claim 1 wherein each one of said pair of sidewalls further includes a laterally extending, angularly disposed abutment to support said trough members.
9. The bracket of claim 1 further including at least one handle member.
10. The bracket of claim 1 further including at least one pivotally mounted spacer arm.
11. A method for erecting roof trusses atop a building structure comprising the steps of:
providing a first truss member erected atop the building structure;
providing a portable, worker-supporting bracket, said bracket including a pair of spaced apart side walls defining a channel therebetween, at least one cross member, and each one of said pair of side walls including a laterally extending, substantially parallel trough member;
attaching said bracket to said first truss member
straddling said bracket while fixing a second truss member atop the building structure adjacent to and separated from said first truss member;
disengaging said bracket from said first truss member;
moving said bracket from said first truss member to said second truss member;
attaching said bracket to said second truss member;
climbing onto and straddling said bracket while fixing a third truss member atop the building structure adjacent to and separated from said second truss member; and
repeating this procedure for erecting trusses on after another.
12. The method of claim 11 further including the step of providing said bracket with at least one spacer arm pivotally supported by said bracket.
13. The method of claim 12 further including the step of pivotally moving said spacer arm laterally relative to a selected, previously positioned, truss member supporting said bracket as a means of laterally positioning at a pre-selected dimension, a truss member relative to said previously positioned truss member supporting said bracket.
14. A method for erecting roof trusses atop a building structure comprising the steps of:
providing a first truss member erected atop the building structure;
providing a first portable, worker-supporting bracket, said bracket including a pair of spaced apart side walls defining a channel therebetween, at least one cross member, and each one of said pair of side walls including a laterally extending, substantially parallel trough member;
attaching said first bracket to said first truss member;
straddling said first bracket while fixing a second truss member atop the building structure adjacent to and separated from the first truss member;
providing a second portable, worker-supporting bracket, said bracket including a pair of spaced apart side walls defining a channel therebetween, at least one cross member, and each one of said pair of side walls including a laterally extending, substantially parallel trough member;
attaching said second worker-supporting bracket to said second truss member;
climbing from said first bracket to said second bracket;
straddling said second bracket while fixing a third truss member atop the building structure adjacent to and separated from the second truss member;
disengaging said first bracket from said first truss member;
moving said first bracket from said first truss member to said third truss member;
attaching said first bracket onto said third truss member;
climbing onto and straddling said first bracket while fixing a fourth truss member atop the building structure adjacent to and spaced from the third truss member; and
repeating this procedure for erecting trusses one after another.
15. The method of claim 14 further including the step of providing at least one of said first and second brackets with at least one spacer arm pivotally supported by said at least one bracket.
16. The method of claim 15 further including the step of pivotally moving said spacer arm laterally relative to a selected, previously positioned, truss member supporting said at least one bracket, as a means of laterally positioning at a pre-selected dimension, a truss member relative to said previously positioned truss member supporting said at least one bracket.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/033,274 US20110203220A1 (en) | 2006-07-25 | 2011-02-23 | Portable temporary support for workers |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US83312906P | 2006-07-25 | 2006-07-25 | |
US11/880,932 US7896131B2 (en) | 2006-07-25 | 2007-07-25 | Portable temporary support for workers |
US13/033,274 US20110203220A1 (en) | 2006-07-25 | 2011-02-23 | Portable temporary support for workers |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/880,932 Division US7896131B2 (en) | 2006-07-25 | 2007-07-25 | Portable temporary support for workers |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20110203220A1 true US20110203220A1 (en) | 2011-08-25 |
Family
ID=38982028
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/880,932 Expired - Fee Related US7896131B2 (en) | 2006-07-25 | 2007-07-25 | Portable temporary support for workers |
US13/033,274 Abandoned US20110203220A1 (en) | 2006-07-25 | 2011-02-23 | Portable temporary support for workers |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/880,932 Expired - Fee Related US7896131B2 (en) | 2006-07-25 | 2007-07-25 | Portable temporary support for workers |
Country Status (2)
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US (2) | US7896131B2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2008013815A2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20160222670A1 (en) * | 2015-02-03 | 2016-08-04 | Scott G. BOND | Standing seam mounting brackets |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8225904B2 (en) * | 2009-08-12 | 2012-07-24 | Lennie Davis | Apparatus for supporting a worker on an upper chord of a roof truss |
WO2011114201A1 (en) * | 2010-03-16 | 2011-09-22 | August Wilhelm Lamos | Personal kneeling posture support assembly |
US9016433B1 (en) * | 2012-01-19 | 2015-04-28 | Robert S. Duffy | Firefighter safety device |
US10196857B2 (en) * | 2017-01-24 | 2019-02-05 | Enloe Industries | Ladder knee rest |
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- 2007-07-25 WO PCT/US2007/016655 patent/WO2008013815A2/en active Search and Examination
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US2448427A (en) * | 1946-12-06 | 1948-08-31 | Gordon Benjamin | Knee pad dolly |
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20160222670A1 (en) * | 2015-02-03 | 2016-08-04 | Scott G. BOND | Standing seam mounting brackets |
US9816279B2 (en) * | 2015-02-03 | 2017-11-14 | Scott G. BOND | Standing seam mounting brackets |
US10329779B2 (en) | 2015-02-03 | 2019-06-25 | Scott G. BOND | Standing seam mounting brackets |
US20190264451A1 (en) * | 2015-02-03 | 2019-08-29 | Scott G. BOND | Standing seam mounting brackets |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US7896131B2 (en) | 2011-03-01 |
WO2008013815A3 (en) | 2008-12-11 |
US20080022628A1 (en) | 2008-01-31 |
WO2008013815A2 (en) | 2008-01-31 |
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Legal Events
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Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO PAY ISSUE FEE |