US3866715A

US3866715A - Adjustable roofing platform

Info

Publication number: US3866715A
Application number: US462855A
Authority: US
Inventors: Frank M Foulk
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1974-04-22
Filing date: 1974-04-22
Publication date: 1975-02-18
Anticipated expiration: 1992-02-18

Abstract

This roofing platform is made of three steel frames interconnected to be adjustable for any roof slope and a stage mounted on one of the frames in any of a number of positions for adapting the platform to any roofing slope. One frame lies against the roof. A second frame is generally L-shaped with a vertical riser and a horizontal stage bracket. The bottom of the riser is pivotally connected to the top of the roof frame. A diagonal brace is pivotally connected to the top of the riser and can be connected to a mid portion of the roof frame in any of a number of positions so that the riser remains vertical on any roof slope. Spikes on the bottom of the riser embed in the roof to keep the platform from sliding. Since these spikes are provided only at the top of the portion engaging the roof they can be fitted beneath the flaps of composition shingles and the platform can be used on a completed roof. A flat stage is mounted on the stage bracket in any of a number of positions forwardly from the roof frame so that the front edge of the stage is quite close to the roof to keep the roofing platform from tipping.

Description

United States Patent [191 Foulk [451 Feb. 18,1975

[ 1 ADJUSTABLE ROOFING PLATFORM [76] Inventor: Frank M. Foulk, 2015 S. Primrose,

South Pasadena, Calif. 91030 22 Filed: Apr. 22, 1974 21 Appl. No; 462,855

Primary Examiner-Reinaldo P. Machado Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Christie, Parker & l-lale [5 7] ABSTRACT This roofing platform is made of three steel frames interconnected to be adjustable for any roof slope and a stage mounted on one of the frames in any of a number of positions for adapting the platform to any roofing slope. One frame lies against the roof. A second frame is generally L-shaped with a vertical riser and a horizontal stage bracket. The bottom of the riser is pivotally connected to the top of the roof frame. A diagonal brace is pivotally connected to the top of the riser and can be connected to a mid portion of the roof frame in any of a number of positions so that the riser remains vertical on any roof slope. Spikes on the bottom of the riser embed in the roof to keep the platform from sliding. Since these spikes are provided only at the top of the portion engaging the roof they can be fitted beneath the flaps of composition shingles and the platform can be used on a completed roof. A flat stage is mounted on the stage bracket in any of a number of positions forwardly from the roof frame so that the front edge of the stage is quite close to the roof to keep the roofing platform from tipping.

11 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures 1 ADJUSTABLE ROOFING PLATFORM BACKGROUND For many years roofers have had to on on roofs with a substantial pitch which in many cases is high enough that the roofer cannot stand without assistance. A variety of jury rigged platforms have been devised, usually in the form of wood scaffolding to provide the roofer with a place to stand and a place to support shingles as he works. Some portable platforms have had hooks that extend over the peak of the roof so that the platform hangs from the peak. These are not always satisfactory since if the roof is surmounted by a flat portion there is nothing for the hooks to grasp. Such arrangements continually need adjustment as one moves up the roof.

In other arrangements, platforms have been provided with spikes that embed in the roof surface to prevent sliding and such platforms have been made adjustable to accommodate different roof angles. These platforms are not satisfactory and have not been adopted extensively since the spikes perforate the roofing material and lead to leakage. This means that the platform can be used only on unroofed portions and since roofing is done from the bottom up, such platforms have very limited utility. Further, in such an arrangement the spikes do not uniformly embed in the roof at desirable angles and may tend to pull out, particularly on steep roofs where the hazard is greatest.

It is therefore desirable to provide a roofing platform that is adjustable to accommodate any roof pitch and which can be used on completed roofing without leaving perforations that can lead to leakage. The roofing platform should be adjustable to accommodate the roof pitch without requiring any changes in adjustment for various parts of the roof. It should be easy to adjust and easily moved from one position to another on the roof. It should be stout enough that the roofer can use it for standing or for storage of materials.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION There is, therefore, provided in practice of this invention according to a presently preferred embodiment, an adjustable roofing platform having a roof frame adapted to lie flat against a sloping roof and an L- shaped platform support having a vertical riser and a horizontal stage bracket. The bottom of the riser is pivotally connected to the top of the roof frame and the top of the riser is pivotally connected to a diagonal brace. The other end of the brace can be connected to a number of points along the length of the roof frame for adjustment to accommodate different roof slopes. Vertical spikes at the lower end of the riser embed in the roof to prevent sliding. A stage mounts on the stage bracket forwardly of the roof frame in a variety of locations so that the front edge of the stage is near the roof and prevents tipping.

DRAWINGS These and other features and advantages will be appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description of a presently preferred embodiment when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable roofing platform constructed according to principles of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a partly exploded side view of the platform; and

FIG. 3 is a detail of one of the spikes for digging into a roof.

DESCRIPTION FIG. 1 illustrates in perspective an adjustable roofing platform in position on a shingle roof and FIG. 2 is a side view of the roofing platform with the stage portion exploded to show the means for adjustment. As illustrated in this embodiment there is a roof frame 10 which like the balance of the roofing platform is welded out of angle steel. The roof frame has a pair of parallel side members 11 connected at their lower end by a cross piece 12. A second cross piece 13 interconnects the side members near the upper end to form a rigid flat frame. It will be noted that the ends of the side members 11 extend upward a short distance beyond the cross piece 13 for purposes of clearance. The roof frame 10 sits flat against the roof 14 on which the platform is used. This provides a reasonable area for support and the lower end of the roof frame extends far enough down the roof to prevent overturning of the platform.

A generally L-shaped platformsupport frame 16 is mounted on the roof frame by a pair of pivot pins 17. The pivot pins are at the top end of the roof frame and permit pivoting about an axis extending across the width of the platform. In use this is a horizontal axis lying close to the roof. The platform support frame has a vertical riser 18 including a cross brace 19 near the lower end to maintain rigidity and provide a bearing support against the roof surface. A horizontal stage bracket 21 is rigidly connected to the riser 18 and bending is prevented by a diagonal brace 22. A pair of cross beams 23 (FIG. 2) extend across the top of the stage support frame for rigidity. Preferably the entire platform support frame is welded together although, if desired, a combination of bending, bolting and welding can be used for fabrication.

A pair of pivot pins 24 are provided near the top of the riser for connection to a diagonal brace frame 26. These pivot pins connect to the top ends of side pieces 27 extending along the diagonal brace frame. The pivot axis is parallel to the pivot axis of the pins 17 between the roof frame and the riser. Three cross pieces 28 between the side members 27 provide rigidity, and when the platform is in use can serve as steps for the user.

A row of holes 29 is provided along each side piece 11 of the roof frame in a portion near the lower end. A bolt 31 is positioned through a hole in each side member 27 of the diagonal brace. Each bolt 31 passes through one of the several holes 29 in the roof frame 10 and is secured in place to serve as a means for adjustment.

The riser l8, roof frame 10, and diagonal brace frame 26 form a triangle with

pivots

17 and 24 at two of the corners. The third corner of the triangle is connected by the bolt 31 thereby forming a completely rigid structure. The position of the bolt 31 in the several holes 29 along the roof frame adjusts the angles of the triangle so that the angle between the riser and roof frame can be accommodated to any desired roof slope. When it is desired to use the roofing platform the bolts 31 are positioned in selected holes so that when the roof frame is flat against the roof the riser 18 is substantially vertical. This serves an important function in carrying load and also assured that the stage bracket 21 is horizontal.

A stage 32 is mounted on the stage bracket 21. This stage is exploded from the balance of the structure in FIG. 2 for purposes of clarity. The stage is formed of a pair of angle steel side pieces 33 with a flat sheet 34 on top. The flat sheet can be a steel piece welded across or, preferably, is a metal frame with a piece of wood inserted therein.

A pair of bolt holes 36 are provided through the sides of the stage bracket 21. Two rows of bolt holes 37 are provided through each side piece of the stage with the spacing between corresponding holes in the two rows being the same as the spacing between the holes 36 in the stage bracket. The side pieces 33 of the stage straddle the stage bracket and bolts are inserted through the

holes

36 and 37 on the two members for securing them together. A number of bolt holes are provided on the stage so that it can be positioned along the length of the stage bracket in a position determined by the angle of the roof. The stage is positioned so that the front edge 38 of the stage is in or only slightly above the plane of the roof frame 10. This means that during use the front edge of the stage is barely touching or up to about inch from the surface of the roof. It will be apparent that, in lieu ofa double row of holes 37 in the stage side pieces, one can use an elongated slot for one set of holes and the other can be a number of holes as illustrated.

A pair of spikes 41 are mounted to the lower end of the riser 18. As better seen in FIG. 3 each of the spikes has a pointed end 42 extending beyond the lower end of the riser. A pair of U-bolts 43 are used for tightly connecting each of the spikes to the riser. Such a connection permits adjustment of the length of the spike that can embed in a roof so that the depth of perforation can be limited. Further, this mounting permits removal of the spikes for sharpening or replacement.

The cross piece 19 on the riser frame is quite near the bottom so that it bears against the roof as the platform is used. This provides weight distribution onto the roof since much of the weight of the person is carried down the vertical risers. In addition, it limits the depth of penetration of the spikes into the roof.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2 it will be seen that the spikes are thus at the uppermost portion of the roof frame that lies against the surface of the roof. When composition shingles are being put on a roof a portion of each shingle overlaps the underlying shingle so that most of the roof surface actually has a double thickness of roofing material. It is only in the slots 44 between adjacent flaps 46 of the shingles that there is a single layer. The composition shingles are flexible when reasonably warm and can be curled up to expose a surface that is ordinarily protected by the overlying flap after shingling is completed.

Thus, to use the adjustable roofing platform a pair of flaps are curled up and the roofing platform is slid up the roof so that the spikes are in the region ordinarily protected by the flap 46 when curled down. One then simply steps on the platform, either on the rear portion of the stage or on one of the cross pieces 28 on the diagonal brace to press the spikes through the underlying material and embed them firmly in the roof. Since the spikes are aligned with the vertical riser the load forces them vertically into the roof irrespective of adjustment of the angle of the platform. This assures firm engagement of the spikes with the roof and eliminates the possibility of slippage on any roof pitch. It will be noted that the spikes at the top of the roof frame are the only members perforating the roof. This assures that both spikes can be positioned in a region under the curled up flaps or shingles. After the platform is removed the perforations are thus protected by the shingles and there is no possibility of leakage.

It is an important element of the adjustable shingling rack that there is only a single pair (or row) of spikes at the upper end of the portion that engages the roof so as to fit beneath the flaps of shingles and that the weight bearing portion of the adjustable platform is forward of (or uphill from) the spikes. This permits load bearing on the roof without danger of overturning and permits use of the platform on portions of the roof that have already been shingled.

When the shingling platform is mounted on the roof and a person stands upon it, the upper portion of the roof frame at the spikes always remains in firm engagement with the roof. The forward edge of the stage is always close to the roof so that if a persons weight is forward of the riser 18 the entire roofing platform tilts slightly towards the roof so that the front edge is in engagement. This may lift the bottom end of the roof frame slightly away from the roof but this is of no consequence since the lower end is present for bearing weight and preventing overturning, and slippage on the roof is controlled only by the spikes at the upper end of the roof frame. It is thus important to adjust the position of the stage so that the front edge is on or slightly spaced apart from the roof, thereby permitting firm engagement of the spikes with the roof.

If the roofing platform is to be used on a shake roof where shingles cannot be peeled back to temporarily expose a protected area, the length of the spikes below the riser can be adjusted so that they embed into the shakes a sufficient distance to prevent slippage but insufficient to perforate and cause leakage.

Although but one embodiment of adjustable roofing platform constructed according to principles of this invention has been described and illustrated herein, many modifications and variations will be apparent to one skilled in the art. Thus, for example, if desired one can provide plows on the upper end of the roof frame so that as the roofing platform is slid up along the roof the flaps of shingles are automatically curled back to provide an accommodation for the spikes in a protected area. Although bolts are conveniently used for adjusting the position of the diagonal brace and the platform to accommodate changes in roof slope it will be apparent that other locking arrangements can be provided.

It will be recognized that the diagonal brace 26 serves to vary the angle between the roof frame 10 and riser 18 by varying the other two angles in the triangle. This is done by varying the effective length of the side of the triangle formed by the roof frame by moving the lower end of the diagonal brace between several positions defined by the holes 29. Clearly the same effect can be obtained by having a series of holes along the length of the riser 18. Alternatively all three connections in the corners of the triangle can be effectively fixed in position and the total length of the diagonal brace adjusted by any of a variety of conventional means. Ratchet type length adjustments can be used on the diagonal brace,

or a variety of notch and overcenter folding arrangements can also be used.

Many other modifications and variations will be apparent to one skilled in the art and it is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

What is claimed is:

1. An adjustable roofing platform comprising:

a roof frame adapted to lie flat against a sloping roof;

an L-shaped platform support frame comprising:

a riser; and a stage bracket normal to the riser and rigidly secured thereto;

means for pivotally interconnecting the lower end of the riser and the upper end of the roof frame;

a diagonal bracing frame;

means for pivotally interconnecting the upper end of the bracing frame to the platform support frame at an upper portion thereof; means for connecting the lower end of the bracing frame to the roof frame at any of a plurality of positions spaced below the riser for setting the riser in a vertical plane and the stage bracket in a horizontal plane on a sloping roof; a stage; means for mounting the stage on the stage bracket in any of a plurality of positions along the length thereof so that an edge of the stage is in or only slightly above the plane of the roof frame; and

spike means only at the upper end of the roof frame for embedding in a roof and preventing sliding of the roofing platform.

2. An adjustable roofing platform as defined in claim 1 wherein the spike means comprise a pair of spikes mounted on the riser to extend beyond the lower end thereof for driving vertically into a sloping roof.

3. An adjustable roofing platform as defined in claim 2 wherein the spike means each comprise:

a pointed spike; and

a pair of U-bolts connecting each of the spikes to the riser.

4. An adjustable roofing platform as defined in claim 1 wherein the means for mounting the stage comprises a pair of mounting bolt holes spaced rearwardly from the front edge of the stage bracket and a plurality of bolt holes in the stage for bolting the two together in any of a number of preselected positions.

5. An adjustable roofing platform as defined in claim 4 wherein the means for interconnecting the diagonal bracing frame and the roof frame comprises a plurality of mounting bolt holes along the roof frame for connection at any of a number of preselected positions.

6. An adjustable roofing platform as defined in claim 5 wherein the diagonal bracing frame'comprises a plurality .of cross pieces extending horizontally for steppmg.

7. An adjustable roofing platform as defined in claim 5 wherein the spike means comprises a pair of spikes mounted on the riser to extend beyond the lower end thereof for driving vertically into a sloping roof.

8. An adjustable roofing platform comprising:

a roof frame adapted to lie flat against a sloping roof;

means at the upper end only of the roof frame for embedding in a roof and preventing slipping of the platform;

a stage pivotally mounted on the upper or forward end of the roof frame and extending generally forwardly thereof with a front edge of the stage in or only slightly above the plane of the roof frame; and

means for adjusting the angle between the stage and the roof frame for maintaining the stage in a horizontal plane on a sloping roof.

9. An adjustable roofing platform as defined in claim 8 further comprising means for shifting the stage fore and aft relative to the roof frame so that the front edge of the stage is no more than a very short distance from the roof.

10. An adjustable roofing platform as defined in claim 9 wherein the means for adjusting comprises:

a pivotal interconnection between the top of the roof frame and a lower portion of the stage;

a diagonal bracing member extending between an upper portion of the stage and a lower portion of the roof frame; and

means for adjusting the angles between the diagonal bracing member and the roof frame, and between the bracing member and the stage, respectively.

1 1. an adjustable roofing platform as defined in claim 10 wherein the stage comprises a generally L-shaped member having a vertical riser pivotally connected to the upper end of the roof frame and a stage bracket rigidly connected to the riser frame and extending normally thereto above and forwardly of the pivotal interconnection.

Claims

1. An adjustable roofing platform comprising: a roof frame adapted to lie flat against a sloping roof; an L-shaped platform support frame comprising: a riser; and a stage bracket normal to the riser and rigidly secured thereto; means for pivotally interconnecting the lower end of the riser and the upper end of the roof frame; a diagonal bracing frame; means for pivotally interconnecting the upper end of the bracing frame to the platform support frame at an upper portion thereof; means for connecting the lower end of the bracing frame to the roof frame at any of a plurality of positions spaced below the riser for setting the riser in a vertical plane and the stage bracket in a horizontal plane on a sloping roof; a stage; means for mounting the stage on the stage bracket in any of a plurality of positions along the length thereof so that an edge of the stage is in or only slightly above the plane of the roof frame; and spike means only at the upper end of the roof frame for embedding in a roof and preventing sliding of the roofing platform.

3. An adjustable roofing platform as defined in claim 2 wherein the spike means each comprise: a pointed spike; and a pair of U-bolts connecting each of the spikes to the riser.

6. An adjustable roofing platform as defined in claim 5 wherein the diagonal bracing frame comprises a plurality of cross pieces extending horizontally for stepping.

8. An adjustable roofing platform comprising: a roof frame adapted to lie flat against a sloping roof; means at the upper end only of the roof frame for embedding in a roof and preventing slipping of the platform; a stage pivotally mounted on the upper or forward end of the roof frame and extending generally forwardly thereof with a front edge of the stage in or only slightly above the plane of the roof frame; and means for adjusting the angle between the stage and the roof frame for maintaining the stage in a horizontal plane on a sloping roof.

10. An adjustable roofing platform as defined in claim 9 wherein the means for adjusting comprises: a pivotal interconnection between the top of the roof frame and a lower portion of the stage; a diagonal bracing member extending between an upper portion of the stage and a lower portion of the roof frame; and means for adjusting the angles between the diagonal bracing member and the roof frame, and between the bracing member and the stage, respectively.

11. an adjustable roofing platform as defined in claim 10 wherein the stage comprises a generally L-shaped member having a vertical riser pivotally connected to the upper end of the roof frame and a stage bracket rigidly connected to the riser frame and extending normally thereto above and forwardly of the pivotal interconnection.