Scaffold bracket for roof structure installation

A work platform system for use while working off the ground in new construction, particularly in installed of roof structures and upper floors where fall protection systems are required and for which no effective work platform systems are available. System consists of frame (10, 12, 14, 16, 18) fabricated from standard galvanized light gauge steel components, with brackets (20, 22), clips (26,28,32) and straps (30) fabricated from standard galvanized stock. Components are welded and/or bolted together, Brackets are attached to partially-completed structure to establish work platform for subsequent construction operation. System utilizes conventional scaffold planks and railings. Installation and use are in accordance with existing regulations for working on work platforms. Use of separate fall protection devices is alleviated by use of this system.

BACKGROUND--FIELD OF INVENTION 
This invention is a scaffold bracket for use in conjunction with 
conventional scaffold planks and railings in performing construction work 
safely while working one or more stories off the ground. 
BACKGROUND--DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART 
Worker safety while working at heights of greater than 6 feet off the 
ground has become an increasingly-important aspect of productivity and 
regulation in the construction industry in recent years. With skyrocketing 
workers compensation costs, a trend toward excessive litigation and 
associated awards, both industry and the regulatory agencies have focused 
on the area of "fall protection" as one extreme importance in construction 
safety. 
Although commercial construction injuries have been most publicized, partly 
due to their frequently dramatic nature, residential construction has been 
under increasing scrutiny, and regulations have been tightened to the 
point of necessitating innovation in the area of worker protection at 
heights. Recent regulations of the Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration and the Corps of Engineers are not consistent with each 
other as regards working at heights. The inconsistent approach of the two 
agencies has not benefited the industry, and resolution of industry's need 
to be productive and profitable currently runs headlong against the 
urgency of regulatory bodies in providing for worker safety at any cost. 
Essentially, both OSHA and the Corps of Engineers require some means of 
preventing workers from free-falling for more than six feet while working. 
Fall protection is not required where there are railings or other positive 
barriers to falling. Some means of fall protection is required where 
adequate work platforms with legal railings are not present. 
Current systems for fall protection in construction include: 
1. Safety belts and lanyards of less than six feet. This system is known to 
result in massive internal injuries and possible death from the 6 foot 
fall. The safety belts will be illegal as of 1966. 
2. Other fall "arrest" systems. Various harnesses, shock absorbers, etc., 
are being invented which will allow workers who fall to dangle in the air 
until they are rescued. 
3. Conventional "tube" scaffolding systems. These are work platform systems 
which are erected from the ground up. These systems restrict work below 
and around the work platform, involve costly labor and equipment 
resources, and are frequently inadequate to provide for proper working 
surfaces. They are sometimes difficult to erect in cases of uneven 
terrain. 
4. "Leading Edge" concept. OSHA has provided some accommodation to the 
needs of industry to get on with the construction work by effectively 
conceding that there are certain aspects of the construction process for 
which there is no current available fall protection system. This work 
includes rolling of trusses, blocking, facia installation, and some other 
specified aspects of roof construction. The framing and erection of second 
floor walls also falls into this category. Current procedures are that the 
contractor designates particular individuals who, with special orientation 
and training, are allowed to work unprotected on these specified aspects 
of the work. Once these portions are completed, the rest of the work must 
be done with fall protection equipment. 
5. Roof-mounted "PR 20 Eave Catchguard." This device is advertised as 
"Patent Pending" and is designed for roofers to use when installing new 
roofing materials or replacing roofs on existing structures. This railing 
system is specifically designed to be attached to roof sheathing which has 
already been installed, and therefore does not function for the initial 
erection of roofs or walls. As such, it is not suitable as a device for 
use in new construction, other than for installation of roofing material. 
In addition, this bracket does not provide a legal working platform. The 
construction, attachment, function, and applicability of this product is 
completely different from the invention proposed in this application, and 
therefore does not constitute any form of competing product. In fact, the 
Roof Rail system proposed herein would not function in the place of the 
Eave Catchguard, since the Roof Rail must be installed prior to roof 
construction, and the PR 20 cannot be installed prior to roof 
construction. 
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES 
My purpose in inventing the Roof Rail system, and its various embodiments, 
was to provide a system for worker safety and productivity for working at 
heights on some of the most hazardous aspects of the construction process. 
In particular, the installation of truss, blocking, facia, and roof 
sheathing and roofing with a proper, safe work platform, rather than 
having to work precariously or unprotected, from above, was the objective. 
This invention was necessary, because none of the existing systems 
provides for full worker safety, and the systems that are available are 
cumbersome, sometimes dangerous, and are excessively costly. Most of the 
systems created as many or more hazards than they solved, and concessions 
were made for the most hazardous of all the operations, the roof work. 
The Roof Rail system and its embodiments constitute a new use of existing, 
available materials to provide for an inexpensive, safe work platform that 
can be used productively and monitored under existing work platform 
regulations. It can be used for structures of any height, on any terrain, 
and can be used by any trades which require access to the upper exterior 
areas, or which require protection from outside falls. In addition to 
providing a safe, productive work platform, the Roof Rail system 
eliminates the need for fall protection devices. 
ADVANTAGES OF ROOF RAIL 
The Roof Rail system is a work platform, not a fall protection system. As 
such, it provides the advantage of providing for worker mobility, ease of 
access to the work, the "peace of mind" that will allow workers to 
concentrate on the quality and productivity of his work, and there is room 
around him to lay down his tools, keep spare fasteners or materials, store 
a water jug, and generally enjoy the same conveniences that he would have 
if he were working on the ground. 
Roof Rail meets all railing and working platform requirements of existing 
regulations. Workers, safety inspectors, and regulatory agencies already 
have been trained as to the rules, and no new rules are required for use 
of the Roof Rail system or its embodiments. 
The Roof Rail system provides for safe installation of work that couldn't 
be done without hazards before. Because a work platform is now available 
for previously-hazardous operations, apprentices, less experienced 
workers, and those who were at risk or uneasy with heights will now be 
able to work on roof truss and related items. 
Roof Rail eliminates need for expensive, cumbersome, and sometimes 
dangerous fall protection devices. In addition, the associated training, 
use of special consultants, and dealing with worker indoctrination and 
training, and other unnecessary costs are eliminated. 
Rather than adding ropes and other constraints to an already hazardous 
roofing operation, an efficient, convenient work platform is provided by 
Roof Rail, which provides for increased productivity and avoid possible 
injury from tripping or other hazards associated with dangling ropes from 
fall protection equipment. 
Since the Roof Rail is manufactured from inexpensive, available materials 
using known technology, the cost of the system is relatively inexpensive. 
The system is also easy to install, providing for a maximum benefit for 
safety and productivity at a minimum cost 
Roof Rail solves fall protection and working platform needs of several 
trades, who would very likely be willing to share the cost of equipment 
among them, or to reduce their prices accordingly if Roof Rail is provided 
by the general or prime contractor. 
The reduced risk of injury should positively impact the injury rate and 
commensurate exposure to insurance companies. This should provide eventual 
relief for workers compensation and liability insurance costs. 
Prior to this invention, it was not possible to provide a safe, convenient 
access to the work for installation of trusses, blocking, facia, and 
related framing work. Previous attempts have created additional hazards of 
dangling ropes, possible trip hazards, and where these couldn't be used, 
concessions have been made to allow "leading edge work." Besides 
preventing injury or death from falls, the Roof Rail system provides a 
convenient working platform to facilitate more efficient installation of 
roof framing. Additional advantages from using this system will become 
evident as the system becomes integrated into the construction work. For 
example, since the trade work will now be safer and more convenient, the 
use of apprentices, helpers, and other less-experienced or disabled 
workers for roof construction will promote training and help contractors 
to be more competitive. The industry will benefit locally, nationally, and 
globally from this invention.

Table I, "Material and Fabrication Specifications" is a listing of each 
component of the Roof Rail bracket, which includes specifications for the 
materials of each, the method by which it is attached to other components, 
and how it is attached to the structure. 
______________________________________ 
List of reference numberals 
______________________________________ 
10 Railing post 
12 Wall post 
14 Joist 
16 Base Piece 
18 Diagonal support 
20 Hanger bracket 
22 Bottom plate 
24 Post cap 
26 Railing clip 
28 Deck clip 
30 Frame strap 
32 Bottom Railing/Deck Clip 
______________________________________ 
SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
The Roof Rail bracket is a light-gauge steel bracket which is hung from and 
attached to vertical walls. Conventional 2.times.10 wood scaffold planks 
and 2.times.4 wood railings are attached to the brackets, and the 
resulting system provides a safe, legal work platform for erection of the 
roof trusses and associated roof framing, roof sheathing, roofing, and 
other roof-mounted items. 
DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION 
Description of assembly. The Roof Rail assembly is as indicated in FIG. 1. 
The various frame components, including the railing post (10), wall post 
(12), joist (14), base piece (16), and diagonal support (18) are all made 
from standard 16 gauge galvanized light gauge steel shapes. Except for the 
diagonal support, which is a 21/2".times.16 gage track with one-inch legs, 
the balance of the frame components are 21/2".times.16 gage tracks with 
one-inch legs nested with 21/2".times.16 gage light gauge steel studs with 
11/4" legs. Section "A" of figure one indicates a section of the frame 
components. The nested studs and tracks are spotwelded with a minimum of 
2" of weld every 24", and the welds are ground and touched up with ZRC 
cold-galvanizing material to resist corrosion. Section "B" of FIG. 1 
indicates the cross-section of the diagonal support member (18). 
The other components of the Roof Rail include Frame straps (30), which are 
used to connect the frame members together, the Hanger bracket (20) and 
Bottom Plate (22), which are used for attachment to the structure, the 
post cap, which is a piece of standard, 16 gauge 11/2" "carrying channel" 
with a 1/4" leg, and the Railing (26) and Deck (28) clips, which are used 
to accommodate and secure the conventional wood scaffold planks and 
2.times.4 railings. The conventional scaffold planks and 2.times.4 
railings are not part of this invention. 
Railing Post (10). The Railing Post functions partly as an integral past of 
the structural frame of the Roof Rail, and partly as the vertical railing 
which is required for a legal work platform under OSHA and Corps of 
Engineers regulations for personnel use at heights greater than 6 feet off 
the ground. This piece is connected by welding and bolting to the Joist 
(14) and Base Piece (16), and has railing clips (26) and a Deck Clip (28) 
screwed to it to receive the scaffold planks and railings. The railing 
clips are located to meet the appropriate regulations for toe board, 
mid-rail, and top rail requirements. 
Wall Post (20). The Wall post is also an integral part of the structural 
frame of the Roof Rail, and in addition, it serves as the attachment point 
for the Hanger Bracket (20) and Bottom Plate (22), which are used to 
securely-attach the Roof Rail to the wall of the structure. Like the 
Railing Post, this member is bolted and welded to the Joist and Base 
Piece. The brackets mentioned above, along with a deck clip (to secure the 
conventional scaffold plans) are screwed to this piece. 
Joist (14). The Joist also functions as part of the Roof Rail structure, 
and additionally serves as the support for the scaffold planks on which 
workers will stand while performing the roof work. The Joist is welded and 
bolted to the Railing Post and Wall post with the Frame Strap (30). The 
length of the joist is set to establish the clearance between the 
completed roof structure and the Railing Post. This clearance must be 
sufficient to accommodate the required work operations, yet may not exceed 
the maximum clearances established by OSHA and the Corps of Engineers. 
Base Piece (16). The Base piece is also integral to the structure of the 
Roof Rail, and welded and bolted to the Railing Post and Wall Post in the 
same manner as is the Joist. The Base Piece length is the same as the 
Joist. 
Diagonal support (18). The Diagonal Support completes the structure of the 
roof Rail. This member gives diagonal rigidity to the Roof Rail frame, and 
in particular, provides support for the outer-end of the Roof Rail. The 
Diagonal Support is fit into place by cutting the legs of the channel, 
spreading the ends flat, cutting the portion that would overhang the 
completed frame, and welding the flat ends to the other frame members. 
After welding, the Frame Straps (30) are installed by welding and bolting. 
As a result, the Diagonal Support is fully integrated into the Roof Rail 
structure by welding and bolting to the other members. 
Frame Strap (30). The Frame Strap is cut from standard coils of 2".times.16 
ga. galvanized steel, and cold-rolled to provide a welding surface for 
connection of the horizontal and vertical frame members of the Roof Rail 
Bracket. Holes are drilled to facilitate installation of #10.times.24 tpi 
(threads per inch) stainless steel machine bolts with lock nuts. Each 
Frame Strap contains two bolts through the horizontal member and one bolt 
through the vertical member. In addition to the bolts, the Frame Strap is 
full-welded to both members where continuous contact is present. 
Hanger Bracket (20). The Hanger Bracket is made from 10 ga. galvanized 
steel, and is sized to fit the particular wall application. The lip of the 
bracket extends over the double plate and partially-covers the top plate. 
Three holes are provided in the lip to fasten the bracket to the wall with 
#10 framing screws. This is to prevent accidental lifting and possible 
detachment of the Roof Rail bracket from the wall in the event that a 
forklift or other piece of equipment accidentally strikes the Roof Rail. 
The Hanger Bracket is attached to the Wall Post with two 1/4" stainless 
steel machine screws, double washers, and nylon-insert lock nuts. 
Bottom Plate (22). The Bottom Plate is made from 10 ga. galvanized steel. 
It is attached to the bottom of the Bottom Plate, and has holes drilled 
for attachment to the wall at the bottom. This bracket provides additional 
stability and hold-down of the Bracket. 
Railing clip (26). Railing Clips are fabricated from 16 ga. galvanized 
steel, and are installed on the Railing Post with 2 ea. #10 framing 
screws. The clips have two holes available for securing of the 2.times.4 
railing members. The Railing Clips may alternatively be installed with 
3/16" stainless steel bolts, washers, and nylon-insert lock nut. 
Deck Clip (28). Deck Clips are fabricated from 10 gage galvanized steel, 
and are installed on the Wall Post and Railing Posts with two #10 framing 
screws to provide a means of securing the conventional scaffold planks to 
the Roof Rail Bracket. A 3/16 hole is provides for screwing the scaffold 
plank to the Roof Rail Bracket. 
Bottom Railing/Deck Clip. The Bottom Railing/Deck Clip is fabricated from 
10 gage galvanized steel, and is installed with a #10.times.24 tpi 
stainless steel machine screw with lock nut. It is drilled with holes on 
the bottom and front flange to secure both the rear conventional scaffold 
plank and the 2.times.4 toe board. 
Post cap. The Post cap is a cut piece of a standard 16 gage "cold-rolled 
carrying channel. The piece is cut to approximately 25/8" to match the 
width of the Railing- and Wall Posts, and is welded to the top along the 
two long dimensions. The sides are caulked, and the purpose of the cap is 
to provide for protection from water intrusion into the inside of the 
posts. 
All welds on the finished Roof Rail Bracket are ground smooth, voids filled 
with additional weld material, and ZRC cold galvanizing compound is 
applied to all weld areas and other areas where the original galvanizing 
was interrupted or damaged. The completed Roof Rail Bracket is painted a 
distinctive, bright color, but which does not conflict with colors of 
emergency or warning devices. 
ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENT I: CATWALK 
An additional embodiment of the Roof Rail is a modification of this bracket 
for use during the construction of floor and upper-floor wall structures 
which are high enough off the ground to require work platforms or fall 
protection systems. 
FIG. 5 shows a typical Catwalk. The structure of the Catwalk is the same as 
the Roof Rail except that the Wall post is shorter, and instead of the 
Hanger Bracket that the Roof Rail uses, the Catwalk uses a 10 gauge 
galvanized backup plate, mounted to the inside of the wall, and uses 21/4 
"stainless steel screws which are drilled between the top and double 
plates of the wall structure, and fastened with lock nuts. The deck clip 
is installed in the reverse of its mounting for the Roof Rail application, 
because the Wall Post is shorter. The height of the Railing post is 
arranged to provide the required railing heights for work platform 
systems. 
The catwalk system is intended to be mounted to the completed wall assembly 
under the same guidelines as is indicated in this application for the Roof 
Rail system. It functions as a legal work platform for the installation of 
the floor structure, floor sheathing, framing and erection of second floor 
walls, exterior wall sheathing, exterior windows, and any other 
appurtenances which can be installed while standing directly on the work 
platform. The Catwalk system can also be used for attachment of the Roof 
Rail brackets to the walls being erected. In particular, the installation 
of the screws in the Bottom Plate of the Roof Rail Brackets is facilitated 
by using the Catwalk system. 
The Catwalk bracket may also be installed other than at the plate line, by 
installing a 2.times.4 flat against at least four vertical studs on the 
inside of the wall, then extending 21/4" stainless bolts or threaded reds 
through the wall to the Upper Bracket and securing with flat washer and 
lock nut. FIG. 5D depicts a typical example of such a condition. 
The rules for operation of the Catwalk system are approximately the same as 
those provided herein for the Roof Rail system. 
ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENT II: BACKUP PLATE SYSTEM FOR CATWALK OR ROOF RAIL 
SYSTEM FOR CONCRETE STRUCTURES. 
A second additional embodiment of this invention is the use of a Backup 
plate system to facilitate using either the Roof Rail or the Catwalk 
system on concrete structures. A typical Backup Plate application is 
indicated in FIG. 5E. The Backup Plate consists of two pieces of 10 gauge 
galvanized steel plate with holes drilled as indicated. 3/8" holes are 
drilled through the concrete structure, and 1/4" stainless steel belts or 
threaded rods are extended through the wall and fastened to the inside 
with lock nuts, and with single conventional nut on the outside to hold it 
in place. The Upper Bracket from the Catwalk or Roof Rail Bracket fits 
over the protruding threaded rods, and is fastened with flat washer and 
lock nut on the outside. The balance of the structural and operational 
aspects of the Roof Rail and Catwalk systems are as otherwise described in 
this application. 
ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENT III: GABLE RAIL 
A third additional embodiment of this invention is a Gable Rail. This 
bracket is intended to be used for rake or gable conditions for roof 
construction where work platform such as the Roof Rail or Catwalk system 
cannot be used. FIG. 6 shows the Gable Rail details. The construction is 
the same as the Railing Post, and except for the 10-gage bracket and 
installation, the structural and operational specifications are the same 
as for the Roof Rail system. 
The Gable Rail functions as a railing only, to preclude the necessity of 
using any fall protection equipment or procedures during roof 
construction. Installation of the Gable Rails must be accomplished under 
existing regulations for railing installation. The Bracket is installed 
before the barge rafter or other attachment member is erected, so that the 
installation of the Gable Rail can be done by simply slipping the post 
over the bracket bolts and securing them with lock nuts. 
OPERATION OF ROOF RAIL SYSTEM 
Layout and estimating requirements. Roof Rail Brackets must be placed at 
all corners and at a maximum of 8' on center around the structure. Because 
each Roof Rail Bracket is constructed for a particular roof overhang and 
slope, where these differ, two or more types of Roof Rail Brackets may be 
required. Where changes in overhang occur, brackets are required at each 
end of the run of each different overhang condition, as well as 
intermediate brackets at a maximum of 8' on center. Brackets must be 
centered between trusses, in order to avoid interference of the Hanger 
Brackets with the securing of the trusses. Where trusses are 24" on 
center, location of brackets is between every fourth truss. If individual 
rafters are to be installed, or if the spacing is other than 24" on 
center, the layout for bracket locations must be adjusted accordingly, but 
not to exceed 8' on center. 
Conventional scaffold planks must be a minimum of 10 feet, to provide the 
required 1' overhang at each end. For corner conditions, the planks are 
cantilevered. They must be long enough to meet the overhang requirements, 
and must not exceed the designed cantilevers for the particular plank. All 
cantilevered planks must be fully lapped to the corners, to provide for 
maximum strength of the cantilevered condition. 
Railing requirements include four lengths of 2.times.4 material. Lengths 
should be a minimum of 16', and joints should be staggered to provide 
additional strength. Railings should be screwed to each railing bracket, 
using the hole provided. If 2.times.4's join other than at brackets, 
31/2".times.20 ga. galvanized steel track a minimum of 24 inches, may be 
used to cover the joint, with a minimum of 8 ea. #10 plated screws 
installed vertically in the nested track and railing. 
Requirements for existing walls. Walls to which Roof Rail Brackets are to 
be attached must be of sufficient strength and rigidity so as to meet the 
minimum design loads and forces of the scaffold system plus the design 
loads and forces for the structure. As a minimum, such walls must meet the 
following minimum criteria: 
1. The walls are constructed in accordance with Uniform Building Code 
requirements. 
2. All nailing or other fastening must be complete 
3. All anchor belts, hold-downs, and other attachments to foundations or 
lower floor must be in place 
4. The entire wall structure, including lateral, return, and interior 
walls, including double plates, must be completely installed 
5. All let-in bracing, shear paneling, and exterior wall sheathing (if 
required) must be installed 
6. There must be a lateral interior wall or equivalent back-brace within 4 
feet of each Roof Rail location 
7. If there is no wall at the location of a Roof Rail Bracket (e.g., at 
carport or garage door openings), a temporary wall at least 16" meeting 
UBC standards, including appropriate fastening at the top and bottom, wide 
must be installed to receive the Roof Rail Bracket. 
Installation--standard configuration. For typical conditions at first floor 
installation the Roof Rail Brackets are hand-lifted from the outside, and 
placed at the layout location on the wall. When in the proper position, 
the Hanger Bracket should be midway between two truss locations, and the 
holes in the Bottom Plate should line up with studs behind the 
#10.times.11/2" minimum framing screws are inserted through the 3 holes in 
the Hanger Bracket, and 4 of the same screws are installed from the 
outside in the Bottom Plate, using holes that line up with studs in the 
wall. When the brackets are fully-installed around the structure, 
conventional scaffold planks are installed and the inner and outer planks 
are screwed with #10.times.1" framing screws through the Deck Clips and 
Bottom Railing/Deck Clips. Finally, the 2.times.4 railings are installed, 
also using at least one #10 framing screw at each Railing Clip. Where 
2.times.4s are joined at Railing Clips, at least one screw must be 
installed in each railing piece. 
Installation--Corner conditions. Roof Rail Brackets must be installed 
between each hip or valley rafter and the adjacent jack rafter, to 
minimize the cantilevering of scaffold planks. After installation of the 
Roof Rail Brackets, conventional scaffold planks must be completely 
lapped, so that the cantilevered conditions are double-planked. Railings 
are then installed, and nailed together where they intersect or bypass. 
Installation--End conditions. Where a length of Roof Rail terminates, such 
as at a gable condition, the scaffold planking and railings must be closed 
off. This is done be nailing 2.times.4s to the existing railings and to 
the wall or structure. 3/8" cable may be used, with attachments to the 
structure which comply with OSHA standards. Other methods of fall 
prevention or protection must be provided where eave conditions not 
covered by the Roof Rail system are not present. 
Installation of conventional scaffold planks. Conventional microlam or 
other approved scaffold planks are installed on the Roof Rail Brackets by 
slipping them under the Deck or Bottom Railing/Deck Clips so as to 
overhang each Bracket by approximately 1foot. Planking should be done from 
left to right, or right to left, so that each new set of planks laps over 
those installed immediately preceding them. Screws must be installed as 
the planks are installed, as the clips are not accessible, once the 
subsequent set of planks is installed. 
Installation of railings. Installation of railings must be done in 
accordance with approved OSHA or Corps of Engineers procedures. 2.times.4s 
should be approximately 16' and arranged so that the joints are staggered. 
Screws should be installed as the railings are placed, so that they can't 
be knocked out of the clips during installation of subsequent railings. At 
corner conditions, one railing may bypass the intersecting railings, 
except in cases, such as inside corner conditions, where this could 
interfere with the work. Bypassing ends at outside corner conditions 
should not exceed 2 feet. All intersecting railings should be nailed in 
accordance with UBC nailing for intersecting studs. 
Inspection prior to use. The designated project safety representative or 
project superintendent should personally inspect the installation of each 
Roof Rail system prior to its being put into use. 
Access to work platform. Access to Roof Rail work platform systems should 
be in accordance with OSHA or Corps of Engineers access requirements. 
Using Roof Rail work platform. Once installed, the Roof Rail work platform 
system is used the same way as any work platform system. Any modifications 
which may be required during the course of construction should be done 
only by persons designated by the project superintendent. Each 
modification should be inspected by the project superintendent or safety 
officer prior to use. All persons using the Roof Rail work platform system 
must comply with all OSHA and/or Corps of Engineers safety requirements 
for working on elevated platforms. 
Disassembly and removal. Removal of the Roof Rail work platform system is 
done essentially in the reverse order in which the system was erected. 
Accesses are first removed or flagged as being out of service. Railings 
and railing attachments to the structure are removed first, followed by 
scaffold planks. Roof Rail Brackets must be removed from the outside by 
lifting the brackets by hand or by fork lift vertically approximately 
21/2", then moving about 4" back from the wall, to allow the inside lip of 
the Hanger Bracket to clear the wall without damaging the underside of the 
eaves of the structure. The bracket is then lowered to the ground for 
removal or relocation. If the bracket is to be moved to another location, 
it must be inspected and documented by an authorized manufacturer's 
representative prior to reinstallation at the next location. 
Advantages of Roof Rail System 
Work platform vs. fall protection system. The invention of the Roof Rail 
Bracket is a significant breakthrough for the construction industry. Until 
this invention, contractors, workers and their representatives, and safety 
enforcement officials have had to consider the alternatives of sacrificing 
productivity or safety of the workers in establishing mutually agreeable 
procedures for construction work at heights. Fall protection devices, 
systems, and procedures previously utilized have been counterproductive, 
expensive, and frequently unsafe. In particular, the installation of roof 
trusses and appurtenances in residential construction have been the 
subject of heated debate and both industry and regulatory bodies have had 
to make sacrifices in order to facilitate the continuation of construction 
projects. In short, no one has been satisfied with other procedures. The 
Roof Rail work platform system eliminates need for fall protection devices 
or procedures, and at the same time, provides a safe, productive work 
platform for the workers. It is particularly oriented toward the most 
exposed of the tasks, the roof structure. 
No new rules required. Since the Roof Rail system constitutes a work 
platform, the installation and use of the system can be monitored without 
the issuance of modifications to existing safety regulations and 
procedures. Therefore, workers, safety officers and supervisors, as well 
as regulatory agencies, may use the knowledge and experience of using 
existing regulations to monitor and control work operations. The only new 
aspect is the Roof Rail Bracket and the attendant operational requirements 
as described above. 
Mobility. By providing a work platform for the roofing work, the workers 
will have better mobility during roof construction. The work platform is 
approximately two feet below the plate line, so that the installation of 
trusses, blocking, facia, and other framing members will require less 
bending, stooping, and precarious footing. This will help reduce fatigue, 
strains, and other injuries, and will permit the workers to concentrate on 
the quality and productivity of their work, rather than being preoccupied 
with maintaining their balance and footing. 
Fewer physical barriers to workers. In the framing trade, many workers are 
denied the opportunity to do work on roofs because of their uneasiness 
with working at heights, their lack of physical dexterity or flexibility, 
or sometimes because they have colds or are on medication which could 
affect their equilibrium. With a safe working platform, these persons, as 
well as apprentices and other less-experienced workers, will be able to 
work on these critical aspects of the construction process. 
Better productivity. Productivity should be markedly improved for roof 
structure work, once the workers begin taking advantage of having a proper 
work platform for roof construction. By not having dangerous, restricting 
ropes hanging from their waists or backs, having the freedom to move 
around without feeling as if they are walking a tightrope, having room to 
stack blocking materials, additional fasteners, places to lay down their 
saws, keep water jugs, etc., much of the work that previously required 
assistance from below will be able to be done by a single person. 
Inexpensive. Contractors will find that the Roof Rail Brackets are 
substantially less costly than using conventional fall protection systems 
or tube scaffolding systems in out-of-pocket costs, labor required to 
install and remove the system, and in the productivity of their work. 
Safer. The most important aspect of the Roof Rail system is that it is far 
safer than any other available system for erecting roof structures. 
Conclusion, ramifications, and scope of invention 
As is evidenced by the above description of the Roof Rail, Catwalk, Gable 
Rail, and other specified embodiments, the Roof Rail system stands to 
provide for worker safety, company productivity, and regulatory efficiency 
in the construction industry. This new invention will greatly enhance the 
construction process, and will work to the benefit of the entire industry. 
Although the description of the Roof Rail and embodied system components 
contain a number of specifics, their itemization should not be construed 
as limitations as to the scope of the invention, but rather as examples of 
certain applications of the invention. Numerous other applications and 
modifications are possible without departing from the basic idea of the 
invention in addition those indicated. 
As examples: 
1. The use of nested conventional galvanized light gauge tracks and studs 
is a typical material that can be used. For larger work surfaces, larger 
sized or heavier gauge studs and tracks could be used, or manufactured 
square, rectangular, or round tubes could be substituted. 
2. Conventional eye bolts could be substituted for the Railing Clips, and 
3/8" wire railings could be substituted. 
3. Different attachment brackets or backup plates, or larger bolts and/or 
threaded rods could be substituted to achieve heavier work platform 
ratings for specialized applications. 
4. An extension post could extend down from the Railing Post to the ground 
below, with a base plate attached to the ground, in lieu of constructing a 
temporary wall at openings where there is no wall to receive the Bottom 
Plate of the bracket to. 
5. Threaded or partially-threaded rods could extend horizontally inside the 
Joist and Base Piece and be bolted at the rear of the Railing Post, to 
provide for additional strength of the system for special applications 
Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the 
itemized embodiments, but by the appended claims and their legal 
equivalents. 
TABLE I 
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Roof Rail 
Material and Fabrication Specifications 
Dennis L. Vennen, Inventor 
Attachment to other rail 
Item Material parts Other attachment 
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methods 
Railing post 
2 1/2" .times. 16 ga. galvanized steel 
track with 1" leg nested with 2 1/2" 
.times. 16 ga. galvanized steel stud with 
1 1/4" leg, spotwelded at seams 
with minimum of 2" weld at 24" 
o.c. Spotwelds to be ground smooth 
and brush-coated with ZRC cold- 
galvanizing compound 
Wall post 
Same as railing post 
Joist Same as railing post 
Frame strap full-welded, plus 
2-#10 .times. 24 stainless machine 
bolts with lock nuts at joist, 
and 1 #10 .times. 24 stainless 
machine bolt with lock nut at 
railing post. 
Base piece 
Same as railing post 
Same as joist 
Diagonal 
2 1/2" .times. 16 ga. galvanized steel 
Full-selded to post, joist, and 
support 
track with 1" leg, leg cup and 
base piece prior to installation 
spread at ends for attachment to 
of frame strap 
frame 
Hanger 10 ga. galvanized steel, cold-rolled 
2 1/4 .times. 24 Stainless steel 
3 3/16" holes on inside flange 
to 
bracket 
to specified shape for wall thickness 
with lock nuts and washers at 
facilitate installing #10 
framing 
plus 1/4" head and nut screws in wall plate 
Bottom plate 
10 ga.. galvanized steel, sheared to 
2-#10 zinc-plated self-tapping 
4 3/16" holes to line up with 
studs 
shape light-gauge steel framing 
behind wall sheathing, for 
screws installation of #10 framing 
screws 
Frame strap 
2" .times. 16 ga. galvanized steel flat 
Full-welded to joint or base 
stock, cold-rolled 
piece, sides welded to post, 
plust bolts per joist or base- 
piece installation specs. 
Deck clip 
10 ga. galvanized steel angle, cold- 
2-#10 zinc-plated self-tapping 
3/16" hold for installing #10 
rolled light-gauge steel framing 
framing screw to secure planks 
screws 
Railing clip 
10 ga. galvanized steel, cold-rolled 
Same as deck clip 
2 3/16" holes to facilitate 
installation of #10 framing 
screws 
to 2 .times. 4 railing pieces 
Post cap 
16 ga. galvanized standard 1 1/2" 
Full-welded in long 
cold-rolled carrying channel 
dimenstions, caulked at edges 
for moisture seal. 
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