Fall Protection Systems

Abstract

In one embodiment, a fall protection system including a J-shaped stanchion that attaches to a roof truss (or rafter) in such a manner as to enable the entire girth of the roof truss overhang (or rafter) to be the sole support for the stanchion. The stanchion is designed to bend below the fascia and return up above the roof surface where successive stanchions similarly attached are connected via a fall protection guardrails providing fall protection for all workers. This single point of attachment allows the carpenters to attach the stanchions prior to hoisting the trusses onto the roof bearing walls. As soon as the trusses are properly braced, the guardrails can be hoisted and secured. In another embodiment, the disclosure includes a combination fall protection and catwalk system for above-ground floors. In another embodiment, the disclosure includes a fall protection system for reroofing applications.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED INVENTIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11 / 329,404, filed Jan. 10, 2006, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11 / 177,009, filed Jul. 7, 2005, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]This invention relates to fall protection devices and systems which are attached to roofs or other structures under construction. More particularly, this invention relates to fall protection devices and systems which are mounted on trusses or rafters of structures under construction or to the roofs of existing structures. This invention also relates to fall protection devices and systems for above-ground floors or decks under construction.[0004]2. Description of the Background Art[0005]The Occupational Safety and Health Act mandates that every trade who must build or stand on a roof surface should have fall protecti...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017]For the purpose of summarizing this invention, one embodiment of this invention comprises a fall protection system including a J-shaped stanchion which attaches to a roof truss (or rafter) in such a manner as to enable the entire girth of the roof truss overhang (or rafter) to be the sole support for the stanchion. The J-shaped stanchion is designed to exceed the 200 pound minimum impact currently required by OSHA for a slide guard or guardrail. The J shape of the stanchion is configured to extend below the fascia and return up above the roof surface. During assembly, a plurality of stanchions is attached along the roof line. Horizontal fall protection guardrails are then connected to the upstanding stanchions thereby providing fall protection for workers. Notably, the single point of attachment to the trusses along the roof line allows the carpenters to attach the stanchions prior to hoisting the trusses onto the roof bearing walls. As soon as the trusses are properly braced, the guardrails can be hoisted and installed. Furthermore, the trusses may optionally be fabricated with a separate attachment bracket to which the J-shaped stanchion is removably connected. This feature of the preferred embodiment has the potential of protecting workers during the entire construction process of the structure which involves working on the roof. When all workers are safely off the roof, the stanchions may be easily removed and reused.

Problems solved by technology

In practice, the framing carpenter installs a slide guard on the roof surface, but it is often promptly removed when the framing is finished since it becomes an obstacle to some subsequent trades.

Thus, the prior art cannot be employed in buildings designed with no fascia.

Further, even though the buildings are designed with fascia, damage may occur where the fascia is the finished product.

Still further, where the roofing requires a metal eave drip to the fascia to be installed before roofing, the connection to the fascia may have to be removed, thus rendering the prior art inoperable.

Finally, the prior art cannot be properly attached until the fascia is constructed.

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