Abstract:
A roof safety device includes a fixed arm having a generally arched portion and a first cross-beam, a hook-slide slidably cooperating with the arched portion of the fixed arm. The hook-slide also includes a second cross-beam. The roof safety device includes a means for removably locking the hook-slide into fixed engagement with the fixed arm. A harness is connected to the fixed arm and worn by a user of the roof safety device.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/902,965, filed Nov. 12, 2013. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The invention relates to a safety device associated with the roofing industry. More particularly, the invention relates to a safety device that minimizes the potential for injury related to falling off of a roof surface. More specifically, the invention relates to a roof safety device that anchors to the surface of a medium-to-high pitch roof of a structure about the apex and/or roof vent of the roof to minimize potential injury to workers by preventing falls while mounting or dismounting a ladder. 
         [0004]    2. Background Art 
         [0005]    The roof of a structure is integral in protecting both the structure and also the occupants beneath and/or within the structure from environmental elements. In order to maintain the roof of a structure, the owner and/or workers must frequently climb atop the roof utilizing a ladder, or other climbing means, such as scaffolding. Such work may include, but is not limited to, inspections, cleaning of gutters, clearing drain pipes, and/or hanging festive lights. In order to accomplish these tasks, the workers may be required to climb atop the roof and, further, move around on the surface of the roof to accomplish the various tasks. 
         [0006]    Maneuvering from the ladder to the roof or from the roof to the ladder can be one of the most dangerous aspects related to working on the roof. When performing these maneuvers, a worker may potentially lose their balance, the ladder may shift, etc., causing the worker to slip and/or fall from the ladder or the roof structure. A worker falling from the roof and/or ladder may potentially be subjected to serious bodily injury and even death. 
         [0007]    In this manner, prior art roof safety devices were developed to minimize the potential harm to workers while conducting work activities on the roof of a structure. Prior art roof safety devices typically are fixedly mounted on the apex of the roof structure, or alternatively, on the opposite side of the roof structure from the ladder, or other climbing means. Such prior art roof safety devices typically provide enough leverage to support a worker on the inclined surface of the roof. 
         [0008]    Prior art roof safety devices are generally complex in design and require the worker to step onto the roof from the ladder, or other climbing means, to install the prior art roof safety device prior to utilizing the device in place. In this manner, the worker is required to step onto the roof surface without a prior art safety device. Additionally, the prior art roof safety device typically directly abuts at least one side of the roof apex and/or ridge vent potentially causing damage to the abutted side of the roof apex, the ridge vent, or both. 
         [0009]    Therefore, a need exists in the art for an improved roof safety device that is simple in design and capable of being installed prior to a worker stepping onto the roof from the ladder or other climbing means, ensuring the worker&#39;s safety while moving from the ladder to the roof surface. Further, a need exists for a roof safety device that is easily adapted to roofs having different roof pitches while minimizing potential damage to the roof surface, the roof apex and/or ridge vent. 
         [0010]    The roof safety device of the present invention overcomes these problems. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    Objectives of the present invention include providing a roof safety device with a relatively simple design which is durable and that allows the worker to install and remove the roof safety device from the safety of a ladder, or other secured climbing means. 
         [0012]    A further objective of the present invention is to provide a roof safety device that is easily adaptable to roof structures having different roof pitches without contacting the roof apex and/or ridge vent minimizing potential damage to the roof apex and/or ridge vent of the roof structure. 
         [0013]    These objectives and advantages are obtained by a roof safety device comprising a fixed arm having a generally arched portion and a first cross-beam; a hook-slide slidably cooperating with said arched portion of said fixed arm, said hook-slide including a second cross-beam a means for removably locking said hook-slide into fixed engagement with said fixed arm; a harness connected to said fixed arm. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    The preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrative of the best mode in which Applicant has contemplated applying the principles, is set forth in the following description, is shown in the drawings, and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims. 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a prior art roof safety device positioned on a roof of a structure; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a perspective side view of a preferred embodiment roof safety device of the present invention, with the extension pole removed from the safety device; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment roof safety device shown in  FIG. 2 , showing the adjustable hook slide capable of adjusting to different roof pitches and showing the wheels and the harness clip of the roof safety device; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a perspective rear view of the preferred embodiment roof safety device shown in  FIG. 2 , showing the secondary harness eyelet of the roof safety device; and 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment roof safety device following installation on a roof, with the extension pole attached to the roof safety device. 
       
    
    
       [0020]    Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout the drawings. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0021]    In order to better understand the structure, assembly and operation of the preferred embodiment roof safety device of the present invention and its various configurations, the structure, assembly and operation of a typical prior art roof safety device will be described in detail below. 
         [0022]    A prior art roof safety device  10  is shown in  FIG. 1 . Prior art roof safety device  10  is shown fully installed on a roof  12  of a structure  27  (not shown), as will be described. Roof  12  includes a pair of inclined members  14 ,  16  that form a roof apex  18 . Inclined surfaces  14 ,  16  are generally covered with shingles  29 , which are arranged and attached to the inclined members in a manner well know to those having skill in the art. It should be understood that alternative means for covering the roof structure exist such as metal sheeting and rubber sheeting as are generally well known in the art. A ridge vent  28  extends longitudinally along apex  18  of roof  12 . Ridge vent  28  is mounted on inclined member  14 , 16  at apex  18  in a manner well known in the art. Ridge vent  28  includes openings (not shown) formed along the longitudinal sides of the ridge vent that provide air flow from the attic space below roof inclined members  14 , 16  to atmosphere. Ridge vent  28  is typically formed from plastic or aluminum or other similarly suitable material. Prior art roof safety device  10  generally includes an anchor portion  20 , a stabilizer portion  22 , a cord  24 , and a harness  26 . Anchor portion  20  and stabilizer portion  22  are arranged generally perpendicular to one another to provide leverage when in use to support a worker attached to harness  26 . 
         [0023]    The positioning of anchor portion  20  flat upon roof inclined member  16  may damage shingles  29  on the roof member, and/or ridge vent  28 , More specifically, because anchor portion  20  of prior art roof safety device  10  rests flat on ridge vent  28  and shingles  29  attached to roof inclined member  16 , the safety device can potentially cause damage to the ridge vents and/or the shingles or other roof covering. Additionally, a worker must step off of a ladder, or other climbing means (not shown), and climb the pitched or slanted roof member  14  to install prior art roof safety device  10  upon roof  12 . In this manner, the worker must climb from the ladder to roof  12  and maneuver across the roof without being attached to roof safety device  10  or any other restraining means, increasing the potential for injury and/or slipping from the roof  12  of the building. 
         [0024]    Likewise, a worker removing prior art safety device  10  will be required to move from roof apex  18  where the roof safety device is anchored back to the ladder, and from the roof onto the ladder, without any form of restraint (safety) to prohibit the worker from falling from the roof of the structure. 
         [0025]    Therefore, a need exists in the art for an improved roof safety device that is simple in design, durable, and minimizes and/or eliminates potential damage to the ridge vent and/or roof. Additionally, a need exists for an improved roof safety device that is capable of being installed and uninstalled while the worker remains on the secured ladder minimizing the potential for slipping and/or falling from the roof, ladder, or other climbing means. The roof safety device of the present invention accomplishes these needs. The structure and installation of the roof safety device of the present invention will now be described in detail below. 
         [0026]    Turning now to  FIGS. 2-5 , a preferred embodiment roof safety device of the present invention is indicated generally at reference number  100 . Preferred embodiment roof safety device  100  of the present invention generally includes a fixed arm  102 , a hook slide  104 , and a pair of crossbeams  106 ,  108 . Fixed arm  102  includes an arched or curved portion  110 , a straight portion  112 , and a harness support portion  128 . Hook slide  104  has a generally arched or curved shaped and is formed with an opening  114  to accept curved portion  110  of fixed arm  102 . Additionally, hook slide  104  is formed with an opening  116  at about its midpoint to accept a hitch pin  118 . Hitch pin  118  is disposed through a corresponding opening (not shown) in curved portion  110  of fixed arm  102  to secure hook slide  104  to the fixed arm forming a generally U-shaped, arched structure that anchors about the apex of the roof of a structure, as will be described below. 
         [0027]    Hook slide  104  further includes a secondary harness eyelet  120  protruding near the distal end of the hook slide. The distal end of hook slide  104  is rigidly connected to cross beam  108 , preferably by welding, and the cross beam extends generally perpendicular to the hook slide. Cross beam  108  is a generally flat rectangular shape and is formed with a pair of openings  122  ( FIG. 4 ). A compressible pad  124  is attached to the bottom surface of cross beam  108 . Compressible pad  124  is preferably formed from a foam material to minimize impacts to the roof and also to promote additional contact friction between cross beam  108  and the upper surface of roof  12 . 
         [0028]    Curved portion  110  of fixed arm  102  includes markings  126  that provide indications to the user of roof safety device  100 , for adjusting the roof safety device to the slope or pitch of roof apex  18 . More particularly, each marking  126  corresponds to an opening (not shown) formed in curved portion  110  that accepts hitch pin  118  of hook slide  104 . In this manner, each marking  126  corresponds to an angle A that may be adjusted to correspond to and accommodate roof apex  18  and/or ridge vent  28  of roof  12  by sliding fixed arm  102  into and out of hook slide  104 . Additionally, straight portion  112  of fixed arm  102  is rigidly connected to cross beam  106 , preferably by welding. Cross beam  106 , like cross beam  108 , is a generally flat rectangular plate that is formed with a pair of openings  134 . A compressible pad  130  is attached to the bottom surface of cross beam  106 . Compressible pad  130  is preferably formed from a foam material to minimize impacts to the roof and also to promote additional friction between cross beam  108  and the upper surface of the roof 
         [0029]    Harness support portion  128  of fixed arm  102  is generally triangular in shape and includes an opening  132  formed between straight portion  112  and the harness support portion. A removable harness clip  142  is connected to harness support portion  128  to provide a location for the worker to attach a safety line  150  thereto. Harness support portion  128  further includes a wheel opening (not shown) that accepts a fastener  136 , preferably a bolt, with a corresponding washer  138  and a nut (not shown) to removably attach a pair of wheels  140  to the harness support portion. Wheels  140  are preferably formed of rubber or other similar material. 
         [0030]    Opposite from cross beam  108 , a coupler end  144  of straight portion  112  is formed with a threaded coupler opening  146 . A pole  152  is connected to preferred embodiment roof safety device  100  by screwing a threaded end of the pole (not shown) into threaded coupler opening  146  of coupler end  144  to attach the pole to roof safety device  100 . In this manner, preferred embodiment roof safety device  100  of the present invention may be assembled by the worker prior to climbing a ladder  156 , or other secured climbing means, minimizing the potential for injury, as will be described below. Other connections of pole  152  to coupler end  144  of straight portion  112  of roof safety device  100  could also be utilized, such as a pole that is slip fit onto the coupler end and held in place with a connecting pin, or other known means of securement, without changing the overall concept or operation of the present invention. 
         [0031]    Turning now to  FIG. 5 , now that the structure of preferred embodiment roof safety device  100  of the present invention has been described, the installation and operation of the roof safety device will be described in detail below. Prior to ascending ladder  156 , or other climbing means, the worker, or user of roof safety device  100 , adjusts angle A to account for the roof pitch of the structure he/she is about to perform work on, by sliding fixed arm  102  into and out of hook slide  104 . More specifically, the worker uses markings  126  to adjust roof safety device  100  to correspond to the pitch of roof apex  18  to ensure optimal placement of the roof safety device and to minimize potential damage to the roof apex and/or ridge vent  28  of roof  12 . Upon determining the marking  126  that corresponds to the pitch of roof apex  18 , hitch pin  118  is inserted through opening  116  and the corresponding opening (not shown) in curved portion  110  of fixed arm  102 . In this manner, angle A generally corresponds to the slope or pitch of roof apex  18  ensuring optimal placement of the roof safety device  100  and minimizing potential damage of roof  12  and/or the ridge vent of the roof by the roof safety device. 
         [0032]    After proper adjustment of angle A of roof safety device  100 , worker attaches their harness  154  to either harness clip  142  or harness eyelet  120 . User then connects pole  152 , as described above, to preferred embodiment roof safety device  100  of the present invention prior to the user stepping onto ladder  156 , or other climbing means. Once roof safety device  100  is configured to the proper adjustment angle and assembled, the user then delivers the roof safety device to roof  12  by ascending ladder  156 . Roof safety device  100  of the present invention is oriented by the worker in such a way on roof  12  so that the wheels  140  are in contact with roof  12  and pads  124 ,  130  are facing generally away from the roof Roof safety device  100  of the present invention is wheeled or maneuvered across roof  12  by the worker utilizing pole  152  so that curved portion  110  and hook slide  104  are positioned over roof apex  18  and/or ridge vent. Once positioned, preferred embodiment roof safety device  100  is rotated about  180  degrees utilizing pole  152  such that pads  124 , 130  of crossbeams  106 ,  108 , respectively, contact roof  12 . In this manner, curved portion  110  and hook slide  104  straddle roof apex  18  and/or ridge vent  28  of roof  12 . Pads  124 ,  130  of crossbeams  106 ,  108 , respectively, minimize potential damage to roof  12 , while providing traction or contact friction to roof safety device  100 , thereby resulting in optimal, secure installation of the roof safety device on the roof. Additionally, if roof  12  is unfinished, fasteners (not shown) may be disposed through openings  122 ,  134  of cross beams  106 , 108 , respectively, and fixed to the roof to further secure preferred embodiment roof safety device  100  to the roof. 
         [0033]    Once preferred embodiment roof safety device  100  is positioned over roof apex  18  and/or the ridge vent, the user may safely disembark from ladder  156 . In this manner, worker is able to safely exit ladder  156  onto roof  12 , while minimizing the potential risk of slipping and/or falling from the roof, as a result of being safely harnessed to preferred embodiment roof safety device  100 . 
         [0034]    Once the worker is on roof  12 , preferred embodiment roof safety device  100  of the present invention maintains the safety of the worker. For example, if the worker slips on roof  12  and slides towards the edge of the roof, safety harness  154  connected to roof safety device  100  of the present invention, will minimize the potential consequences of the fall. More specifically, harness  154  is connected to harness clip  142  or harness eyelet  120  of roof safety device  100  of the present invention. In this manner, once line  150  of the safety harness  154  tightens, the line pulls the harness clip  142  or harness eyelet  120 . Roof safety device  100  of the present invention remains fixed atop roof apex  18  of the roof as a result of the leverage created by crossbeam  106 ,  108  as well as the additional friction created from the contact of pads  124 , 130  with roof  12 , thereby minimizing movement of the roof safety device and stabilizing the worker who slipped and fell. In this manner, the potential consequences of the user falling from roof  12  are minimized. 
         [0035]    Upon completion of the task on roof  12 , the worker maneuvers towards ladder  156 , or other climbing means, and exits the roof onto the ladder. In this manner, the user is safely harnessed to roof safety device  100  upon exiting roof  12 , thereby preventing a potential slip and/or potential fall from roof  12 . Roof safety device  100  is then oriented onto wheels  140  such that the wheels are in contact with the surface of roof  12  and pads  124 ,  130  are facing generally away from the roof. The roof safety device is wheeled or maneuvered by the worker utilizing pole  152  towards ladder  156  from roof apex  18  and/or the ridge vent of the roof Once back to the ladder, roof safety device  100  can be removed from roof  12  and lowered to the ground by the worker. 
         [0036]    Roof safety device  100  of the present invention is lighter than typical prior art roof safety device  10  and may be installed about roof apex  18  and/or ridge vent  28  of roof  12  minimizing potential damage to the ridge vent or roof covering of the roof. Additionally, roof safety device  100  of the present invention is installed, and uninstalled, while the worker remains on ladder  156  minimizing the potential for slipping and/or falling from the ladder or structure. 
         [0037]    It is contemplated that shapes of curved portion  110  of fixed arm  102  and hook slide  104 , other than generally U-shaped, may be utilized without changing the overall concept or operation of the present invention. It is also contemplated that additional harness clip  142  and/or harness eyelet  120  may be utilized without changing the overall concept or operation of the present invention. It is even further contemplated that harness support portion  128  may include other shapes, other than triangular, without changing the overall concept or operation of the present invention. It is contemplated that additional cross beams  106 ,  108  may be utilized without changing the overall concept or operation of the present invention. It is contemplated that other securing means, other than hitch pin  118 , may be utilized without changing the overall concept or operation of the present invention. It is also contemplated that a single wheel  140  or a plurality of wheels may be utilized without changing the overall concept or operation of the present invention. It is even further contemplated that a single opening  134 ,  122  or a plurality of openings  134 ,  122  may be utilized without changing the overall concept or operation of the present invention. It is contemplated that other materials may be used for friction pads  124 ,  130  without changing the overall concept or operation of the present invention. It is also contemplated that pole  152  may be a fixed length or telescoping without changing the overall concept or operation of the present invention. 
         [0038]    Accordingly, the roof safety device of the present invention is simplified, provides an effective, safe, inexpensive and efficient structure and method which achieves all the enumerated objectives, provides for eliminating difficulties encountered with prior roof safety devices, and solves problems and obtains new results in the art. 
         [0039]    In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness and understanding; but no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirements of the prior art, because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. 
         [0040]    Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is by way of example, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described. 
         [0041]    Having now described the features, discoveries and principles of the invention, the manner in which the roof safety device of the present invention is used and installed, the characteristics of the construction, arrangement and method steps, and the advantageous, new and useful results obtained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, process, parts and combinations are set forth in the appended claims.