Abstract:
A rooftop fall protection system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of at least generally J-shaped stanchions which are attached to the roof. The shorter leg of each stanchion engages the underside of one of the roofing rafters and extends downward lay therefrom, the longer leg of each stanchion is interconnected with the roof&#39;s facia board by a facia board mounting clamp and extends upwardly from the roof, while the interconnecting portion between the above-noted legs extends under the facia board. The facia board mounting clamp allows the corresponding stanchion to slide therethrough so as to establish contact with the underside of one of the rafters as noted above. Thereafter, the facia board mounting clamp may be fixed to the corresponding stanchion in an appropriate manner. This allows the stanchion to be used for multiple pitches for roofs. Installation of a plurality of the noted stanchions allows at least one, and preferably a plurality of, cross-members to be mounted on/extend between adjacent stanchions to establish a barrier of sorts.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to the field of fall protection devices which are attached to roofs of building structures and, more particularly, to a more universal fall protection device in relation to any one or more of roof pitch, roof overhang, and facia board height. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Construction work can be a very dangerous profession. More and more regulations are being put into effect to address the safety of construction workers. One example is in relation to roofing work where construction workers are installing or repairing a roofing structure. Rooftop fall protection devices which meet certain requirements are now required by OSHA for at least certain types of work being done on at least certain types of roofs. 
     Various rooftop fall protection devices have been proposed in the past. Few if any have met with any degree of commercial success. There are numerous contributing factors. One is the complexity of many of the rooftop fall protection devices. Complex designs mean increased manufacturing costs which are of course passed on to the contractor. Contractors will often have a number of roofing jobs going on at the same time which increases the number of fall protection devices which the contractor must purchase. Many contractors simply cannot afford to maintain an adequate inventory of fall protection devices such that the use of fall protection devices becomes cost prohibitive. Increased complexity of the design of the fall protection device also usually means a large number of parts. As the number of parts increases, so to does the likelihood that one or more of these parts will be lost or misplaced. Lost or misplaced parts may render the fall protection device unusable or unsafe if installed, both of which defeats the purpose of the above-noted regulations. 
     Installation may also may become an issue if complex designs are implemented in a given rooftop fall protection device. Certain complexly designed fall protection devices may be time consuming to install. Either the construction job will become more expensive or the installation will be done in haste which increases the likelihood of an improper and thereby unsafe installation. Some rooftop fall protection device designs may be so complex that they would require a contractor to spend adequate time, and therefore money, on training personnel on the proper installation and/or use of the fall protection device. This is somewhat unrealistic due to the often transient nature of construction crews where individual crew members often come and go. Without proper training and if the design is complex, the rooftop fall protection device will often be left on the ground or it will be improperly installed. All of these scenarios are undesirable. 
     Another factor which has likely adversely affected the commercial success of rooftop fall protection systems is the lack of uniformity in rooftop construction. More and more different pitches are being used in current construction projects. Many fall protection devices are designed for use with only a single roof pitch, which means that the contractor would be required to further increase the inventory of rooftop fall protection devices. Those rooftop fall protection devices that may be used on multiple roof pitches likely utilize a complex design. Both of these factors introduce the above-noted types of drawbacks. 
     Finally, many rooftop fall protection devices simply are not practical for the type of work which must be done on the roof. Any rooftop fall protection device which is disposed on the roofing surface or on the surface on which the roof is to be installed limits the instances in which the device may be used. Consider a situation where the rooftop fall protection device is designed to attach to a deck (e.g., plywood nailed onto the upper surfaces of the roofing rafters). This means that up until the time that the deck is installed, the fall protection device would be unusable. Relatively significant safety issues exist in roofing applications up to the time that the deck is installed. Having the fall protection device installed on the deck or other roofing surface also limits the amount of the roof which may be worked on with the fall protection device installed. How is that portion of the roof between the fall protection device and the edge of the roof to be worked upon? These are just some of the impracticalities associated with some rooftop fall protection device designs which have been proposed. 
     FIG. 1 presents a rooftop fall protection system  70  which is admitted to be in the prior art and which is installed on a roof  5 . Generally, the roof  5  includes a plurality of laterally-spaced rafters  10  (only one shown). One characteristic of the roof  5  relates to the orientation of the rafters  10 . Each rafter  10  is disposed at a first angle  65  relative to a horizontal reference plane and which is effectively tantamount to the pitch of the roof  5 . Another characteristic of the roof  5  is its overhang which is that portion of the roof  5  which extends beyond a vertically-disposed wall (not shown) which supports the roof  5 . 
     Each rafter  10  includes a first rafter end  15  which is fixed to an at least generally horizontally disposed facia board  40 . The rafters  10  extend from this facia board  40  to a peak associated with the roof  5  along a generally longitudinally or axially extending path. Each rafter  10  further includes a first rafter edge surface  25  (“top” surface), a vertically spaced second rafter edge surface  30  (“bottom” surface), and a pair of laterally spaced rafter side surfaces  35 . Roofing materials are installed on the first rafter edge surface  25 . The rafters  10  are thereby disposed “on edge” in the installed position. That is, the distance between the first rafter edge surface  25  and the second rafter edge surface  30  is typically greater than the distance between the pair of rafters side surfaces  35 . Typical dimensions used for the rafters  10  include 2×4s. Other dimensions for rafters  10  have been used. 
     The facia board  40  extends along the edge of the roof  5  and is attached to each of the rafters  10  which interfaces therewith such as by nails or the like. More specifically, the facia board  40  includes a first facia board side surface  45  which projects at least generally away from the roof  5 , a second facia board side surface  50  which interfaces with the rafters  10 , a first facia board edge surface  55  which projects at least generally “upwardly”, and a vertically spaced second facia board edge surface  60  which projects at least generally “downwardly.” The facia board  40  is thereby disposed “on edge” in the installed position. That is, the distance between the first facia board edge surface  55  and the second facia board edge surface  60  is typically greater than the distance between the first facia board side surface  45  and the second facia board side surface  50 . Various dimensions are now being used for the facia boards  40 , including 2×4s, 2×6s, 2×10s, and 2×12s. 
     The fall protection system  70  is installed on the roof  5  to protect workers from falling off the same. One component of the fall protection system  70  is a plurality of stanchions  75  which are spaced along the facia board  40  (only one shown in FIG.  1 ). Each stanchion  75  is defined by a first stanchion section  80  which is at least generally longitudinally extending and vertically disposed when mounted on the particular roof  5  of FIG. 1, and a second stanchion section  85  which is also least generally longitudinally extending and horizontally disposed when mounted on the particular roof  5  of FIG.  1 . As such, the stanchions  75  utilize an L-shaped profile. The stanchions  75  are of an integral structure such that there is no mechanical joint between the first stanchion section  80  and the second stanchion section  85 . This integral structure with the noted profile is formed by a bending operation. Another key component of the fall protection system  70  is a plurality of vertically spaced cross-members  92  which extend between at least two of the stanchions  75 . In this regard, each stanchion  75  includes a plurality of cross-member brackets  90  which define a pocket in which a given cross-member  92  may be disposed. 
     Two points of interconnection exist between each stanchion  75  and the roof  5 . One is on the facia board  40  and another is on one of the rafter side surfaces  35  of one of the rafters  10 . In this regard, each stanchion  75  includes a facia board mounting bracket  95  which is fixed to the second stanchion section  85  (e.g., via welding) and through which an appropriate fastener  105  (e.g., screw) extends into the facia board  40 . Each stanchion  75  further includes a rafter mounting bracket  100  which is also fixed to the second stanchion section  85  (e.g., via welding) and to which an appropriate fastener  105  extends into the corresponding rafter  10  through one of its rafter side surfaces  35 . 
     There are a number of key limitations regarding the fall protection system  70  of FIG.  1 . One is that the fall protection system  70  was designed for use with a facia board  40  of only one height, or a facia board  40  having only a certain distance between the first facia board edge surface  55  and the second facia board edge surface  60 . There is a fixed positional relationship between the facia board mounting bracket  95  and the remainder of the stanchion  75 . If a facia board  40  having a height greater than that illustrated in FIG. 1 is used, and if the stanchion  75  is to be retained in the illustrated position with the first stanchion section  80  being disposed perpendicular to the horizontal, the rafter mounting bracket  100  would be too short and could not be properly fixed to the rafter  10 . Another key limitation regarding the fall protection system  70  is that it is designed for use with effectively only a single pitch for a roof  5  due to the fixed positional relationship between the rafter mounting bracket  100  and the remainder of the stanchion  75 , and further between the facia board mounting bracket  95  and the remainder of the stanchion  75 . If the pitch of the roof  5  varied significantly from that illustrated in FIG. 1, and if the stanchion  75  is to be retained in the illustrated position with the first stanchion section  80  being disposed perpendicular to the horizontal, the hole through the rafter mounting bracket  100  may be disposed too close to one of the rafter edge surfaces  25 ,  30  to provide for a safe installation, or may miss the rafter  10  entirely such that the bracket  100  could not even be attached thereto. In the event that the fall protection system  70  was installed on a roof having a pitch different than that illustrated in FIG.  1  and the stanchion  75  was pivoted relative to the facia board  40  so as to allow the hole through the rafter mounting bracket  100  to be aligned with the rafter  10  at an appropriate location on the rafter, the first stanchion section  80  of the stanchion  75  would no longer be vertically disposed. Moreover, there would not be an abutting relation between the facia board mounting bracket  95  and the facia board  40 , or between the rafter mounting bracket  100  and the rafter  10 . This all may reduce the effectiveness of the fall protection system  70  in retarding the movement of a worker falling down the roof  5 . 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to fall protection devices which are attachable to a roof. One roof design on which fall protection devices in accordance with the principles of the present invention may be installed/used includes a facia board and a plurality of rafters. The facia board defines the edge of the roof in that the noted rafters are attached thereto and extend upwardly and away therefrom, such as toward a peak associated with the roof. The facia board includes first and second facia board side surfaces. Typically the first and second facia board side surfaces will be substantially parallel to each other and disposed in an at least substantially vertical orientation when installed on the roof (i.e., perpendicular to a horizontal reference plane). Although facia boards of differing dimensions are now commonly being used in residential construction, one common facia board is a 2×6. In this case the noted first and second facia side surfaces would correspond with surface defined by the 6 inch (actually 5.5 inches) dimension and the length of the facia board, such that the facia board would be installed “on edge” on the roof (i.e., with the two inch (actually 1.5 inch) dimension defining the thickness of the facia board). 
     The plurality of rafters are defined herein as extending upwardly and away from the second facia board side surface at a first angle relative to a horizontal reference plane (i.e., relating to/defining a pitch associated with the roof, which may include more than pitch). These rafters are further defined as including a first rafter edge surface on which roofing materials may be installed (e.g., a plywood deck, shingles) and a second rafter edge surface which is opposite the first rafter edge surface (e.g., “underneath” the roof). Although rafters of differing dimensions may be used in roofing applications, one common roofing rafter is a 2×4. In this case the first and second rafter edge surfaces would correspond with the surface defined by the 2 inch (actually 1.5) dimension and the length of the rafter, such that the rafter would be installed “on edge” on the roof (i.e., with the two inch (actually 1.5 inch) dimension defining the height of the rafter). Typically the end of the rafter which interfaces with the facia board is cut at an angle other than perpendicular to the edge surfaces of the rafter so as to dispose the facia board in the above-noted at least substantially vertical orientation on the roof. 
     A first aspect of the present invention is embodied in a rooftop fall protection system which includes at least one stanchion. Typically a plurality of these stanchions will be installed along spaced locations on the edge of the roof. At least one, and typically a plurality of, cross-members will extend between and be supported by at least adjacent stanchions to define a barrier of sorts along the edge of the roof which is under construction or repair. How these stanchions are attached to and interface with the roof is effectively the subject of this first aspect of the present invention. In this regard, the subject stanchion includes structure for fixing the stanchion to the first facia board side surface, or that surface of the facia board which is opposite that from which the rafters extend away from the facia board. The subject stanchion further includes means for engaging the second rafter edge surface of one of the plurality of rafters, or that surface of the rafter which is opposite that from which roofing materials are typically installed on the rafters. Preferably these are the only two points of contact between the stanchion and the roof for purposes of “supporting” the fall protection system on the roof. As such, the fall protection system in accordance with this first aspect of the present invention does not impair the ability of the construction workers to work on the entirety of the roofing surface. 
     Various refinements exist in relation to the above-noted features of the subject first aspect of the present invention. Further features may also be incorporated in the subject first aspect of the present invention as well. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. The structure for fixing the stanchion to the first facia board side surface may include a mounting bracket. This mounting bracket in turn may include an at least substantially U-shaped section through which a vertically extending portion of the stanchion slidably extends. Collapsing or drawing in the open portion of this U-shaped section may be used to clamp the mounting bracket about the stanchion and maintain such in a fixed position relative to the mounting bracket. Another portion of the mounting bracket may be disposed to interface with the first facia board surface and may include at least one aperture to direct an appropriate fastener therethrough and into the facia board. Preferably this latter portion of the mounting bracket is a substantially planar surface to provide an appropriate interface with the first facia board side surface. Moreover, preferably the mounting bracket extends away from the first facia board side surface a certain distance such that when one of the cross-members is mounted on an adjacent stanchion, an edge thereof will be disposed on or substantially proximate to and uppermost surface of the facia board (e.g., to define a toe board of sorts to reduce the potential for materials sliding down and off the roof). Other types of facia board mounting brackets which include a collar or the like through which the stanchion may slidable extend may be used. Moreover, the position of the stanchion relative to the facia board mounting bracket may be maintained in other manners, such as by the use of one or more set screws or the like. 
     The structure for engaging the second rafter edge surface of one of the plurality of rafters may be realized through a configuration of the stanchion which directs the stanchion under the facia board and then upwardly into engagement with the second rafter edge surface of one of the rafters. With the stanchion being fixed to the facia board in the above-noted manner and if a force is exerted on that portion of the stanchion which is extending upwardly and away from the roof, the stanchion will exert a compressive force on its associated rafter which makes for a firm interconnection between the stanchion and the roof. A rafter mounting bracket may be provided on the stanchion to reduce the potential for the stanchion being twisted away from a position where it no longer engages the second rafter edge surface of its associated rafter. A suitable fastener (e.g., screw, threaded bolt) may extend through this rafter mounting bracket and into the corresponding rafter (therethrough in the case of the threaded bolt such that a nut could be disposed on the opposite side of the rafter) to positionally fix the stanchion relative to the rafter. 
     As noted, the stanchion may be configured such that it engages the second rafter edge surface (again, the surface of the rafter opposite that on which roofing materials are typically installed). One configuration of a stanchion which would provide this function is a stanchion which is at least generally J-shaped. Another way of describing this type of stanchion would be a stanchion having first, second, and third stanchion sections, having first and second free ends, and having the second stanchion section being at least generally semi circular or at to define a generally concave shape for the lower portion of the stanchion to go “down and around” the facia board. In this regard, the first stanchion section would extend away from the first free end at least generally in a first direction (e.g., downwardly) to one side of the second stanchion section, the second stanchion section would extend underneath the facia board, and the third stanchion section would extend from the other side of the second stanchion section in a second direction (e.g., upwardly) to the second free end for engagement with the second rafter edge surface. It need not be a “free end” of the stanchion that engages the second rafter edge surface, but instead could be any portion of the stanchion or structure interconnected therewith. For instance, a “bend” could be formed in the third stanchion section which actually engaged the second rafter edge surface or a generally u-shaped bracket could be incorporated into the structure of the stanchion to engage the second rafter edge surface and at least a portion of the rafter side surfaces of a short segment of the subject rafter. Although the stanchion is described as being multi-sectional, preferably it is of integral (i.e., one piece) construction such that there are no joints between the first and second stanchion sections or between the second and third stanchion sections. 
     In one embodiment, the stanchion may be formed from a piece of square tubing and may be bent into the above-noted profile. Further increases to the strength of the stanchion may be affected by forming a radius on an upper and lower surface of the square tube which will define the surface of the second stanchion section which projects toward the undersurface of the facia board and the surface of the second stanchion section which projects away from the undersurface of the facia board, respectively. These radii may extend toward each other to define opposing concavities for the “upper” and “lower” surfaces of the second stanchion section. 
     The stanchion of the subject first aspect of the present invention may be configured to work with any roof pitch, with any overhang of 5 inches or more (5 inch overhangs are typically the minimum, with the overhang being the distance of the facia board from the adjacentmost wall which supports the roof and as measured along the horizontal), or both, all while maintaining the portion of the stanchion which supports the cross-members in a vertical position or perpendicularly to a horizontal reference plane. Consider the situation where the stanchion is defined by an at least generally J-shaped structure and where the stanchion includes a facia board mounting bracket which may be fixed to the first facia board side surface and which has an aperture through which the longer leg of the J-shaped stanchion may slidably extend. By allowing the longer leg of the J-shaped stanchion to slide through this aperture in the mounting bracket until the shorter leg of the “J” engages the second rafter edge surface of one of the rafters, and by thereafter allowing the stanchion to be secured to or maintained in a fixed position relative to the mounting bracket (e.g., via the above-noted clamping-like action), it can be seen that the stanchion of the subject first aspect may be used with any roof pitch. At most a change in pitch of the roof will only change the distance which the longer leg of the “J” extends vertically beyond the uppermost surface of the facia board. Selecting an appropriate radius for the arcuate portion of the J-shaped structure of the stanchion in the above-described configuration, or the distance between the first and second stanchion sections, further facilitates the use of the stanchion with any roof pitch, as well as having a third stanchion section of suitable length. However, this also allows the stanchion to be used on roofs having different facia board heights (the vertical dimension of the facia board), different overhang widths, or both. In one embodiment, the radius of the arcuate portion of the noted J-shaped structure is about 3.75 inches, which allows the stanchion to be used on any roof having an overhang of at least 5 inches. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
     FIG. 1 is an end view of a prior art rooftop fall protection system. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a rooftop fall protection system in accordance with principles of the present invention as installed on a roof of an exemplary building. 
     FIG. 3 is a view of one end of one of the stanchions of the fall protection system illustrated in FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 4 is a front view of the stanchion illustrated in FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 5 is a view of the other end of the stanchion illustrated in FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 6 is a top view of a facia board mounting bracket used by the stanchion of FIG.  3  and in the “unclamped” position. 
     FIG. 7 is a top view of the facia board mounting bracket used by the stanchion of FIG.  3  and in the “clamped” position. 
     FIG. 8 is the same view of the fall protection system presented in FIG. 3, but on a roof having a different pitch and facia board height. 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the lower portion of the stanchion illustrated in FIG.  3 . 
     FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view take a long line  9 A— 9 A in FIG.  9 . 
     FIGS. 10A-B are alternate configurations for stanchions which may be incorporated into the rooftop fall protection system illustrated in FIG.  2 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention will be described in relation to the accompanying drawings which assist in illustrating its various pertinent features. FIGS. 2-5 present one embodiment of a rooftop fall protection system  190  in accordance with principles of the present invention. The fall protection system  190  is mounted on a particular roof  110  of a building structure  107 . Generally, the roof  110  includes a plurality of laterally-spaced rafters  125 . One general characteristic of the roof  110  relates to the orientation of the rafters  125 . Each rafter  125  is disposed at a first angle  180  relative to a horizontal reference plane and which is effectively tantamount to the pitch of the roof  110 . More than one pitch may exist on any one roof design. Another general characteristic of the roof  110  is its overhang  115  which is that portion of the roof  110  which extends beyond a vertically-disposed wall  120  which supports the roof  110  and which is typically measured along the horizontal. As will be discussed in more detail below, the fall protection system  190  works with a large range of pitches for the roof  110  and with any overhang  115  which is at least five inches in width. 
     Each rafter  125  includes a first rafter end  130  which is fixed to an at least generally horizontally disposed facia board  155  which extends along and more accurately defines an edge of the roof  110 . Opposite the first rafter end  130  is a longitudinally displaced second rafter end  135  which will typically be disposed at a peak  185  associated with the roof  110 . More than one peak  185  may exist on a given roof  110 . Each rafter  125  further includes a first rafter edge surface  140 , a vertically spaced second rafter edge surface  145 , and a pair of laterally spaced rafter side surfaces  150 . Roofing materials are installed on the first rafter edge surface  140 . The rafters  125  are thereby disposed “on edge” in the installed position. That is, the distance between the first rafter edge surface  140  and the second rafter edge surface  145  is typically greater than the distance between the pair of rafter side surfaces  150 . Typical dimensions used for the rafters  125  include 2×4s. The fall protection system  190  may be used on rafters  125  of any dimension, however. 
     The facia board  155  extends along the edge of the roof  110  and is attached to each of the rafters  125  which interfaces therewith such as by nails, screws, or any other appropriate fastener/fastening mechanism. More specifically, the facia board  155  includes a first facia board side surface  160  which projects at least generally away from the roof  110 , a second facia board side surface  165  which interfaces with the rafters  125  or more specifically the first rafter ends  130  (e.g., via a butt joint), a first facia board edge surface  170  which projects at least generally “upwardly”, and a vertically spaced second facia board edge surface  175  which projects at least generally “downwardly.” The facia board  155  is thereby disposed “on edge” in the installed position. That is, the distance between the first facia board edge surface  170  and the second facia board edge surface  175  is typically greater than the distance between the first facia board side surface  160  and the second facia board side surface  165 . As will be discussed in more detail below, the fall protection system  190  accommodates the use of a relatively large range of dimensions for the facia board  155 , particularly in relation to the distance between the first facia board edge surface  170  and the second facia board edge surface  175  which will hereafter be referred to as the “height” of the facia board  155 . 
     The fall protection system  190  functions to reduce the potential for injury to personnel working on the roof  110  by at least reducing the potential for these personnel falling off of the roof  110 . One principal component of the fall protection system  190  are a plurality of similarly configured stanchions  195  which are installed at spaced locations along the facia board  155 . Because of the configuration of the stanchions  195  and the manner in which the same interfaces with the roof  110  and for a stanchion  195  within the above-noted dimensions, the fall protection system  190  may be used on the roof  110  having a pitch which is within a range of about 0 (i.e., flat) to about 12, may be used on any overhang  115  which is at least about five inches in width (the distance from the wall  120  to the first facia board side surface  160  along a line which is at least generally horizontally disposed or perpendicular to the wall  120 ), and with a facia board  155  having a height (i.e., the distance between the first facia board edge surface  170  and the second facia board edge surface  175 ) of up to about 10 inches, all while maintaining the stanchions  195  in the same orientation in each of these cases (e.g., with the first stanchion sections  200  being in the same at least substantially vertical orientation in each of these cases). As such, the stanchions  190  significantly increase the versatility of the fall protection system  190  in relation to prior art rooftop fall protection devices, all while providing a structurally stable barrier to at least impede, and more preferably to terminate, a workers descent down the pitch of the roof  110 . 
     Each stanchion  195  is of an at least generally J-shaped configuration and may be characterized as including first, second, and third stanchion sections  200 ,  205 , and  210 , respectively. A first stanchion end  220  defines the uppermost extreme of a given stanchion  195 . Extending at least generally downwardly from this first stanchion end  220  along an at least generally longitudinally or axially extending path is the first stanchion section  200 . The second stanchion section  205  directs the stanchion  195  under the facia board  155  (at a lower elevation than the second facia board edge surface  175 ), while the third stanchion section  210  proceeds back up toward the associated rafter  125  to a second stanchion end  225  which engages the second rafter edge surface  145  of this rafter  125 . In the illustrated embodiment the second stanchion section  205  is of a generally semi-circular configuration as defined by a radius  215 . In one embodiment, the radius  215  is within the range from about 3.75 inches to about 5.25 inches, and is more preferably about 4.5 inches (measured to the centerline of the stanchion  195 ) so as to direct the stanchion  195  under the facia board  155  and allow the stanchion  195  to engage the second rafter edge surface  145 . Stated another way, the first stanchion section  200  and the third stanchion section  210  are separated by a distance “d.” In one embodiment, the distance “d” is within the range from about 7.5 inches to about 10.5 inches, and is more preferably about 9 inches so as to direct the stanchion  195  under the facia board  155  and allow the stanchion  195  to engage the second rafter edge surface  145 . This relative positioning of sorts of components of the stanchion  195  allows the stanchion  195  to be used on any roof  110  having an overhang  115  which is at least about 5 inches. If the ability to use on virtually any overhang would not be a concern, the first stanchion section  200  and the third stanchion section  210  could be separated by any suitable distance. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the first stanchion section  200  and third stanchion section  210  are disposed in at least substantially parallel relation, although such is not required. However, the first stanchion section  200  and third stanchion section  210  are of different lengths, with the third stanchion section  210  being shorter than the first stanchion section  200 . As such, the second stanchion end  225  is disposed at a lower elevation than the first stanchion end  220 . In one embodiment, the length of the first stanchion section  200  is within a range of about 54 inches to about 56 inches, while the length of the third stanchion section  210  is within a range of about 9 inches to about 11 inches. Stated another way, the first stanchion end  220  is disposed a distance h 1  above the lower extreme of the stanchion  195 , while the second stanchion end  225  (which contacts the second rafter edge surface  145 ) is disposed a distance h 2  above this same lower extreme. In one embodiment, the distance h 1  is within a range of about 54 inches to about 56 inches. In one embodiment, the distance h 2  is within a range of about 9 inches to about 11 inches. Preferably, the first stanchion end  220  is disposed at least about 39 inches above the first facia board edge surface  170 . 
     There are three points of contact between each stanchion  195  and the roof  110 , although only two of such points are for purposes of “supporting” the fall protection system  190  on the roof  110 . Each stanchion  195  is attached to the facia board  155  via a facia board mounting bracket  245  by at least one, and preferably a plurality of, suitable fasteners  253 . Although nails, screws, or the like could be utilized, preferably each stanchion  195  is attached to the facia board  155  by a plurality of threaded bolts which extend through the facia board mounting bracket  245  and facia board  155 , such that a nut may be threaded onto the end of the bolt to compressively retain the facia board mounting bracket  245  on the facia board  155 . 
     Another point of contact between each stanchion  195  and the roof  110  is via the second stanchion end  225  which is disposed “under” one of the rafters  125 , or more specifically against the second rafter edge surface  145 . With each stanchion  195  being pinned to the roof  110  at the facia board  155 , the exertion of an outwardly directed force on the stanchion  195 , or in the direction of the arrow “A” presented in FIG. 3, will cause the stanchion  195  to attempt to pivot in the same direction. This would be the type of force exerted on the fall protection system  190  in a fall-type situation. The interface between the second stanchion end  225  and the second rafter edge surface  145  resists the noted pivoting-like motion of the stanchion  195  to securely retain the stanchion  195  on the roof  110 . However, in order to reduce the potential for the second stanchion end  225  losing contact with the second rafter edge surface  145  and thereby providing the desired resistance to the noted pivoting of the stanchion  195 , a rafter mounting bracket  235  is appropriately attached to the third stanchion section  210 . At least one hole extends through the rafter mounting bracket  235  such that an appropriate fastener(s)  240  may be directed therethrough and into the corresponding rafter  125  at one of its rafter side surfaces  150 . Although nails, screws, or the like could be used for the fastener  240 , once again the preferred fastener  240  is a bolt which extends through the rafter mounting bracket  235  and all the way through the rafter  125  (from one rafter side surface  150  to the opposing rafter side surface  150 ) such that a nut may be disposed on a threaded portion thereof to compressively retain the rafter mounting bracket  235  on the subject rafter  125 . It should be appreciated that the interconnection between the stanchions  195  and their corresponding rafter  125  via the rafter mounting bracket  235  is not purely a load-bearing interconnection, but one which is more for retaining the stanchion  195  in a certain fixed positional relationship relative to the corresponding rafter  125  (i.e., to keep the stanchion  195  from “twisting off” from engagement with the second rafter edge surface  145 ). 
     Another key component of the fall protection system  190  are a plurality of cross-members  285  which extend between adjacent stanchions  195  when mounted on the roof  110 . Each cross-member  285  extends between at least two stanchions  190 , although each cross-member  285  may extend the entire length of the fall protection system  190 . Interconnection between the cross-members  285  and the stanchions  190  is through a plurality of at least generally cup-shaped cross-member brackets or mounts  280  which are appropriately attached to (e.g., welded) and vertically spaced along the first stanchion section  200 . Three such brackets  280  are provided for each stanchion  195  in the illustrated embodiment, although different numbers of brackets  280  could be utilized, as well as different configurations. Preferably there is no more than about a 20 inch spacing between adjacent brackets  280  on a given stanchion  190 . Moreover, preferably one of the cross-member brackets  280  is disposed on a lower portion of the first stanchion section  200  so as to dispose one of the cross-members  285  at least substantially proximate to the facia board  155 . Preferably, there is no more than about a 0.25 inch spacing between the lowermost cross-member  285  and the facia board  155 . Moreover, preferably the upwardly-extending portion of the cross-member brackets  280  is disposed in at least substantially parallel relation to the first facia board side surface  160  and is disposed only slightly therebeyond (away from the roof  110 ). 
     One of the factors which allows the stanchions  195  to be used on roofs  110  having different pitches, different heights for the facia board  155 , and different widths for the overhang  115  is the profile or configuration for the stanchions  195  which is again generally J-shaped. Another contributing factor is the particular manner in which the stanchions  195  interconnect with the facia board  155 . Referring to FIGS. 6-7, in addition to the FIGS. 2-5 as already discussed, each facia board mounting bracket  245  includes a substantially planar mounting section  250  which is disposed in abutting relation with the first facia board side surface  160 . One or more holes are provided in the mounting section  250  for the noted fasteners  253 . Each faciaboard mounting bracket  245  further includes a generally U-shaped clamping section  255 . More specifically, a first section  260  extends at least substantially perpendicularly away from the mounting section  250 , a second section  265  interconnects with this first section  260  and is disposed at least substantially perpendicularly thereto, and the third section  270  interconnects with this second section  265  and is disposed at least substantially perpendicularly thereto. The third section  270  is shorter than the first section  260  such that the third section  270  does not extend entirely back to the first facia board side surface  160 . A hole extends through each of the first section  260  and the third section  270  such that an appropriate fastener  275  may extend therebetween (e.g., a threaded bolt with an appropriate head or the like on one end thereof and with a nut on its opposite end). The first stanchion section  200  slides through the clamping section  255  of the facia board mounting bracket  245 . When it is desired to fix the position of the stanchion  195  relative to the facia board mounting bracket  245 , the fastener  275  is “activated” (e.g., threading the nut further onto the bolt) to move or draw the first section  260  and the third section  270  toward each other so as to compressively retain the first stanchion section  200  therewithin. Based upon this type of interconnection, the first stanchion section  200  may be slid relative to the facia board mounting bracket  245  so as to engage the second stanchion end  225  against the second rafter edge surface  145  of one of the rafters  125 . Changes in the pitch of the roof  110  or the height of the facia board  155  thereby only affect the actual distance which the first stanchion end  220  is disposed above the roof  110 . Other ways of fixing the facia board mounting bracket  245  to the stanchion  195  may be used, such as by using a set screw(s) or the like (e.g., having an encircling collar on the facia board mounting bracket  245  through which the stanchion  195  extends, and having at least one set screw extending into this collar). What is important is the ability of the relative positioning of the stanchion  195  and facia board mounting bracket  245  to be changed and then fixed if it is desired to have a rooftop fall protection device which may be used with a variety of roof pitches and/or heights for facia boards. In this regard, FIG. 8 illustrates the rooftop fall protection device  190  mounted on a roof  110  having a different pitch, overhang, and facia board height than that presented in FIG. 3 (the “prime” designation being used to show structure which corresponds with that illustrated in FIG. 3, but differs in some respect therefrom). 
     Although the stanchions  195  have been described as been of multiple sections, preferably each stanchion  195  is integrally formed or of a one-piece construction (i.e., no joint between any of the first stanchion section  200 , the second stanchion section  205 , or the third stanchion section  210 ). Square tubing may be used to provide the profile for the stanchion  195  discussed above. In one embodiment, 1.5 inch square tubing defined by sides  230   a-d  is used for the stanchions  195  and which has a wall thickness of about 14 gauge. When this tubing is bent into the desired profile for the stanchions  195 , “laterally extending” radii or curves may be formed into the sides  230   a  and  230   d  of the tubing which is believed to further increase the strength of the stanchions  195 . The curvature is illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 9A. 
     The stanchions  195  discussed above are the preferred stanchion configuration for the rooftop fall protection system  190 . However, other configurations could be used which would serve the objective of attaching to the facia board  155  in the above-noted manner and yet still engaging the second rafter edge surface  145  of one of the rafters  125 . FIG. 10A illustrates one such stanchion  290  having an end  295  which would engage the second rafter edge surface  145  and which could be attached to the facia board  155  with the above-described type of facia board mounting bracket  245 . The stanchion  300  of FIG. 10B illustrates that it need not be an end that engages the second rafter edge surface  145 , but instead may be an intermediate portion of the stanchion  300 , such as a convexly-shaped rafter engaging section  305 . Attachment of the stanchion  300  to the facia board  155  could also be affected through the noted facia board mounting bracket  245 . Although these alternative configurations may be used to interconnect with the first facia board side surface  160  and the second rafter edge surface  145 , the configuration of the stanchion  195  is preferred from a strength standpoint, an ease of manufacturing standpoint, and an ease of use standpoint. 
     The foregoing description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present invention. The embodiments described hereinabove are further intended to explain best modes known of practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such, or other embodiments and with various modifications required by the particular application(s) or use(s) of the present invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.