Roof anchoring safety system

A roof anchoring safety device that may be retro fit to a roofing structure. The safety device is capable of being transitioned from an actuated state to a retracted state. When in a retracted state, the device is concealed. When in an actuated state, the device is capable of connecting to a safety tether. The device may be installed during initial build of roof an accessed in future for maintenance and or future additions therein. The device is concealed by a cap that is designed to prevent ingress of ambient matter.

A. Field of Invention

The present invention generally relates to building construction and safety. More particularly, the present invention relates to a safety device used in relation to construction and repair of roofs.

B. Description of the Related Art

During installation and repair of structures that have an elevation that could cause harm to an operator upon fall, it is necessary for the operator to utilize a safety device that can either prevent the fall or minimize the extent of injury that could be sustained therefore.

In the situation where the elevated structure relates to a roof, particularly a pitched roof, there are practices well-known and used in the field by operators to secure their person while working at dangerous elevations. For example, it is known that an operator on one side of a pitch may connect a safety line to its person and anchor the line to an object on the opposite side of the pitch. While this practice may be effective, integrity of these support structures may not be known until after an injury is sustained. Furthermore, a support may require additional effort in order to make it worthy or capable of connecting with a safety line.

Other known methods include attaching supports onto a portion of a finished or unfinished roof structure and securing a line thereto. Supports to this extent are usually nailed to a roof or connected therein by other known means that ultimately require subsequent repair to the roof to avoid damage attributable to weather such as leaks and pest entry. In some instances the supports may be left attached to the structure or roof and may be unsightly, not to mention may further lead to additional leak and or damage if the support is not installed properly or maintained.

There is a long felt need for a safety device that is capable of being attached to a roof during installation/fabrication, or that may be retrofitted therein wherein the anchor is accessible during use and is hidden when not in use.

The current invention relates to a safety device to prevent and or minimize injury due to accidents that may occur at elevations. The safety device includes an embodiment wherein it comprises an anchor-type device that is capable of being mounted to a portion of a finished or unfinished roof, such as a truss, beam or rafter. The device may be retrofit to anchor to a truss or installed after construction of the structure is complete. An embodiment includes an anchor-type device wherein the device is shaped and designed to be able to connect to an operator such as by accepting a line therein that is connected at another end to an operator and or safety harness therein.

An embodiment of the invention includes a cap that comprises similar function as adjoining sheathing, but that said cap conceals an anchor-type safety device when the safety device is not in use.

Another embodiment of the invention includes accessing the anchor-type safety device by manipulating the cap such as by known means that cause ejection and or exposure of a portion of the safety device, in as much as a portion therein is accessible to be combined with means of supporting an operator, such as a rope, line, chain, or other ties known in the industry.

In an embodiment, the cap may be manipulated so that the anchor is selectively accessible and selectively concealed by an equal or opposing action of manipulation of said cap.

It is a further embodiment that the anchor may be hidden by a cap shaped and sized to resemble a usual or adjoining pattern of a similar structure roof or like such that the location of the anchor is indeterminable and or unobvious.

IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide a safety device for a roof. In particular the invention comprises an anchoring device that may be attached to a portion of a roof, such as a support beam or ridge beam and is capable of satisfying ANSI and OSHA operational safety standards.

An object of the invention is to allow the retractable roof anchoring device to effectively be used as a safety device that is permanently attached to a structure either during installation of a roof or similar structure or attached as a retro-fit, in instance for example after a roof or similar structure is completed or installed, finished, and later accessed by an operator for example based on building code changes, other regulations, or when the structure may be maintained at some future time. An embodiment of the invention includes a retractable roof anchoring device that may be selectively biased to a roof structure, such that it may be transferrable between two states such as an operational and or actuated state and a retracted or storage state. In an actuated state a line and or tether may be connected at one end to an exposed portion of said anchor and the other end of said tether may be connected to an operator, by additional means that includes a harness for example. An embodiment of the invention is to preserve aesthetics and integrity of the roof or similar structure by removing need to use temporary anchoring or other safety devices commonly known and or used in industry that cause damage, are unsightly, or unreliable.

FIG. 1shows an embodiment of a retractable roof anchoring device according to the invention, wherein dotted lines show the device in a retracted and storage state and solid lines show the device in an extended and or operational state. An embodiment includes an anchoring base and or roof structure15that has a region comprising truss (10,20) a mount40connected to said truss and an anchor35having a first portion for connecting to a safety line16and a second portion37that communicates with mount40, so that the anchor can be transferred between a retracted state and an operational state. As shown, anchoring device30attaches to an anchoring base15such as a truss and or fame of a roofing structure that may consists of interconnected, ridge beam(s)20and or supporting beams10also known as rafters, for example. Mount40may be composed of any known material not limited to plastic, wood, metal, and so on.

In roofing operation or similar assembly, sometimes truss, frame or its portions thereof may be shipped partially assembled. And, once at site, portions thereof may be connected to a core weight bearing beam (or beams thereof) known as ridge beam20, which are typically at higher elevations, respectively. During assembly, access to ridge beam20may be required, and depending on height or other hazardous variations therein, certain standards have been established in as much as ANSI and OSHA regulations must be followed to minimize or prevent injury during assembly (or maintenance). Therefore, it is an object of the invention that an embodiment of the anchoring device30satisfies the regulations in as much as it is capable of being easily accessible, capable of bearing load, and sufficient for purposes of height jobs that may relate to roofing maintenance, assembly and other operations.

In use, an operator, inspector, or worker therein, may attach a first end of a safety line16to a portion of anchor35, and connect a second end directly to an individual or other thing being supported. In an embodiment safety line16may include a tether, line, or other known safety line, and said first end may connect to anchor35by a tie, clip, chain or other known means. Said second end (not shown) of safety line16may connect to a harness work by an individual or thing. As shown inFIG. 1, securing device30may connect to structure15, such as a ridge beam20, and comprise anchor35and mount40, wherein anchor35may transfer from an actuating or extended position (as shown in solid lines) to a retracted position or storage position as indicated by direction of arrows (and as shown in broken lines). As shown, anchor35has a portion that extends up and away from mount40, which may also be regarded as above a structures upper boundary. Said portion may be used as an area which can accept a first end of a tether line16, for example. As shown, anchor35comprises an upside down U shape, having an upper portion36distal to mount40(i.e., extends up and away therefrom) may be used as a handle to grip and pull in an upwards direction to force the anchor in an actuated position as shown inFIG. 1, by a hand image.

FIG. 2shows an exploded view of an embodiment ofFIG. 1. As shown, mount40may comprise channels45formed therein such that anchor35can be guided between an operational state and storage state. As shown, an embodiment of anchor35includes an inverted U-shaped, horseshoe-type configuration wherein anchor35has two opposing legs37which are sized and shaped to have an outer diameter that is less than inner diameter of corresponding channel45such that anchor35may be converted from an operational state to a stored state. In an embodiment, legs37have a base portion60that functions as a stop to restrict movement of anchor35to prevent a disconnect. It is understood that by a portion of a leg having an outer diameter greater than inner diameter of channel45would restrict movement therein in as much as on leg may have a consistent diameter and other may have a portion proximal to the apex36of the “U” and distal to end of leg37sufficient to prevent a disconnect of anchor35with base45.

Mount40may comprise two portions, a front plate55and a base plate50. As shown, channels45are formed in base plate50and are bounded by front plate55. Said channels being capable of containing, guiding and or directing leg(s)37from an actuated and or extended state to a retracted state. As shown, when plate55connects to base plate50channels45are formed therein, whereas anchor35is capable of being moved in between an actuated and a retracted state and likewise retained therein. It is understood mount40may essentially consist of a single unit that has channels formed therein that allows anchor35to extend and retract. It is understood that mount40may comprise a base plate and front plate, however the mount40may be formed in a single unit, such as by plastic and or metal molding, injections, and the like, and wherein channel(s) are preformed or drilled after the mount is fabricated. It is further understood that mount40may consist of a single channel. Additionally, mount40may consist essentially of a single C-bracket that when connected to a ridge beam below a structures upper boundary (or upper exterior boundary, for a finished roof) for example, forms a channel that allows an anchor to be extended and retracted therethrough. In such an embodiment, C-bracket may lay in a horizontal plane wherein ends of C-bracket may pass through holes formed in a ridge beam, for example, and secured by nuts on an opposing side of said beam.

FIG. 2shows an embodiment as to how base plate50may be connected to ridge beam20, for example by use of screws51securing upper area to ridge beam, and upon connection with front plate55, by use of screws56—which may secure to wood or be secured on opposite side by use of a washer nut combination as shown inFIG. 3. It is well within the scope of the invention for mount40to a structure by other means, which may be directly related to the composition of the mounting structure. For example, although it is typical a ridge beam may comprise wood, it is known that beams and other structures comprise metals such that the base40may be welded or brazed to a support structure such as a ridge beam.

As shown inFIG. 2, portions of leg37may be shaped and designed to correspond to base50to exhibit locking means. In an embodiment, a portion of leg35has an outer diameter greater than inner diameter of channel45, such that movement of anchor35becomes restricted when inner diameter45is deformed. In an embodiment, for example, channel45may comprise a portion that may indent at66and or have a flare61region. Said portions may correspond to flare37and or dimple65such that when anchor35is transitioned from a retracted state to extended state, anchor35may effectively lock in the actuated state when corresponding regions65and66become engaged, and or when flare is friction fitted within61or both. In either embodiment, apex36of anchor35may be biased to a U-shape, but pliable to the extent that it can convert to a V-like shape, an I-like shape, or an O-like shape for purposes of engaging and disengaging leg dimple65with corresponding base portion66or said flare. Furthermore, leg37may have a consistent exterior diameter, however leg37may be biased in a V-like configuration such that friction of leg(s) against channel wall(s)45is sufficient to cause anchor35to seize movement. It is understood that other well-known locking means may be utilized for example, by a hole being formed through an upper portion of leg37proximal to apex36and distal to channel45, that when a pin having a length greater than the diameter of channel45and is inserted there through, it shall prevent leg37from retracting through channel45. Furthermore, depending on the user, a locking mechanism in an actuated state may be avoided as it is well-known that upon completion of a job, a user may forget to unlock the anchor which may cause unwanted affects associated with egress of water, dirt and rodents etc. Avoiding use of a lock may be a failsafe. Notwithstanding, as shown in figures, anchor35is capable of being maintained in an actuated state by use of locking means not limited to dimple engagement or other as disclosed herein or otherwise known. An advantage of a locking mechanism (or means) nevertheless, allows a single operator to access anchor35and connects itself or something therein without assistance. Additionally, while it is shown that locking means is used to secure anchor35in an actuated state, locking means may also be used to secure anchor35in a retracted and or storage state. Furthermore, it is an embodiment of the invention anchor35is biased in a retracted state.

While securing device30is shown connected to ridge beam20, it may be connected to other load bearing rafters, beams or other fixtures therein. Because ridge beam20is typically a higher portion of structure15and capable of carrying utmost weight however, it may be preferred to designate ridge beam20as anchoring base. Nevertheless, more than one securing device(s)30may be used, in series, parallel or in other arrangements as may be determined depending on intricacies of a site or needs of users.

As shown in the figures, anchor35is U-shaped, which may be a preferred orientation or design as it can allow a user to grip rounded portion or apex36like a handle, and may also provide a stop when anchor35retracts and legs37pass through corresponding channels45. In practice anchor35can be pulled up by an operator exposing a region and or portion of anchor35that shall be accessible and capable of accepting a tether or other safety line, which may be clipped thereon or tied or attached by other known methods, for example at or about apex36.

FIG. 3is a perspective view of embodiment shown inFIG. 2, wherein anchor35is connected to cap90, which may be a shingle or ridge cap for example. In an embodiment cap90is hingedly connected to anchor35, such that when anchor35is in a retracted state, a hinge allows cap90to lay and look as adjacent caps. In another embodiment cap90may also be insulated and or configured such that it will mimic the usual appearance of roofing and or adjacent shingles or ridge caps, such that it is disguised when in a retracted state. In particular, it is an embodiment of the invention that underside91of cap90comprise insulation92which may for example comprise a gasket, weather strip or other known sealant about perimeter of underside91such that when securing device30is in a retracted state insulation92prevents ingress of ambient matter which includes water, pests, dirt, weather, or other that would compromise integrity of whatever structure is under said shingle or ridge cap90. It is understood that insulation92may coat entirety and or a portion of underside91.

In an embodiment, cap90comprises two independent portions,90aand90b, that are connected to hinge95which may allow portions to pivot about axis90c(at x,y) so that cap90will look and lay similar to adjacent caps about a structure. As shown, portions90aand90bare predominantly in a lower hemisphere of (x,y) and or predominantly in quadrant III and quadrant IV, respectively; however said portions may be in any configuration that includes respective quadrants II and I as well, depending on a structure. For example, portions90aand90bmay be in quadrants II and I when device30is mounted in a valley region of a roofing structure. As shown inFIG. 3, cap portions90aand90bare about equally in a downward direction at an angle of θ, which may be in a range of about 10 degrees to about 90 degrees, or between 30 degrees and 60 degrees as shown when used as a ridge cap for example. Additionally, when used as a shingle, θ may be about 90 degrees for both90aand90b, and so on.

FIG. 4shows how cap portions90aand90bmay be connected. In an embodiment, portion90acomprises a region95athat is capable of combining with a similarly formed region95bof portion90b. In an embodiment,95aand95bcombine to form a hinge, which once in a proper arrangement and or angle of θ, may be locked in place by a screw, or other known means.

FIG. 5shows an exploded view of the arrangement of bracket80connecting anchor35to cap90. As shown, bracket80is used to join anchor35by connecting with its apex36and underside91of cap90. The joining may be of a hinge-type connection wherein when rounded apex36of anchor35is similar to a pin. Similarly, connecting member80may be other known connectors like a C-bracket or other means that allow shingle to have a hinged type connection means in so far as there is an allowable error or movement allowed so that shingle90will lay flush with other shingles arranged on structure such as a roof when the device is in a retracted or stored state.

FIG. 5Ashows an embodiment of how the invention may appear when in an actuated state, on a finished structure, such as a roof.FIG. 5Bshows same in a retracted or storage state. As shown cap and or shingle90may be any article that is similar to those that are on a roof or similar structure. It is an embodiment of the invention where shingle90has an additional component such as it may be used to identify location of anchor35, not shown. Furthermore, cap90may have a detachable handle (not shown) that may be selectively attached when necessary to actuate securing device30, and thereafter removable after device30is retracted to a storage state. Additionally, it is an embodiment that the securing device may be actuated by a push-down-pop up mechanism such that anchor35is transferred to an actuated state when pressure is forced down on cap90. And that anchor is thereafter locked in a retracted state when pressure is forced down on cap90. Additional embodiments include cap90being shaped and sized different than other adjoining shingles or caps, having different coloring of adjoining, having distinguishing features such as a faux chimney or other object attached thereto which may include a faux animal such as a bird cat or other, and or having a portion therein capable of allowing a user to lift up shingle90for example or other similarly arranged cover with purpose of exposing securing device30.

Various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the Invention and it is intended that such obvious changes and modifications be embraced by the annexed claims.