US20040051017A1

US20040051017A1 - Roof bracket with air hose clip

Info

Publication number: US20040051017A1
Application number: US10/386,814
Authority: US
Inventors: Jay Mislich
Original assignee: MISLICH BROS Inc
Current assignee: MISLICH BROS Inc
Priority date: 2002-03-18
Filing date: 2003-03-12
Publication date: 2004-03-18

Abstract

The present invention relates to an improved roof bracket that is configured to retain a plank that provides support to a roofer. The roof bracket is configured to allow efficient and safe roof construction. The roof bracket includes a main body having an air hose tab that has a first air hose retention area formed through the air hose tab. The first air hose retention area has a first diameter configured to securably retain an air hose of the pneumatic roofing tool such that the weight of the air hose does not cause the air hose to slide through the air hose tab. The roof bracket may also include interchange angled brackets that allow the plank to be supported at varying angles.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application relates to and claims priority benefits from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/365,115 entitled “Roof Bracket With Air Hose Clip,” filed Mar. 18, 2002, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to improvements in roof brackets and more particularly relates to a roof bracket that includes an air hose clip and/or a level varying angled bracket.

Many buildings, such as residential homes, are constructed such that roofs of the buildings are inclined. The inclined roofs are usually covered with a plurality of overlapping, aligned rows of shingles. The shingles, which are secured to the roof through fasteners, such as nails, screws, or the like, are made of asphalt, wood or other such materials. Typically, shingles are fastened to the roof starting at the bottom, or lower-most edge of the roof.

Often, the incline of the roof is such that a roofer cannot walk up the roof. In order to fasten shingles on the roof at higher levels, the roofer needs to elevate to higher levels, despite the incline of the roof. Many roofers utilize a set of roof brackets in order to assist elevate to higher levels on the roof.

Typically, a first roof bracket is fastened to a portion of the top half of the last layer of shingles that were applied. Also, a second roof bracket is placed a desired distance away from the first roof bracket. The two roof brackets are usually parallel with each other. In order to provide a foothold for the roofer, a plank, such as a 2×4 or 4×6 piece of lumber, is positioned within retaining features of the roof brackets. Thus, the plank provides the roofer with a support, thereby permitting the roofer to stand on the plank. As successive layers of shingles are applied, additional roof brackets are secured to the roof to allow the roofer to elevate even higher, until the entire roof is shingled. As a new set of roof brackets is applied, the roof brackets from the lower levels may be removed; or, the roof brackets may remain on the roof until the entire roof is shingled.

Most shingles are applied to roofs through the use of a pneumatic nail gun. Typical nail guns are attached to an air compressor through long air hoses, such as a ¼″ or ⅜″ diameter air hose. Usually, the air hose is a minimum of fifty feet long and connected to an air compressor that is located on the ground or a lift truck.

As shingles are applied on a steep roof, roofers typically rest the nail gun down on the wood plank in order to align or set a shingle to be nailed. When the nail gun is placed on the wood plank, the force of gravity typically removes all the slack of the air hose. Thus, when the roofer picks up the air hose, the roofer must lift and pull the weight of all of the fifty feet or more of air hose. The repeated lifting of the weight of the air hose may fatigue the roofer. Additionally, the weight of the air hose may cause the nail gun to fall from the plank upon which it initially rests, thereby causing damage to the nail gun as it impacts the ground. Also, a falling nail gun is a serious threat to workers on the ground (if one should be unfortunate enough to be within close proximity of the falling nail gun).

Thus a need exists for a roof bracket apparatus that allows a roofer to work more efficiently and safely. In particular, a need exists for a roof bracket that allows a roofer to more efficiently and safely use a nail gun, such as a pneumatic nail gun.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide an improved roof bracket configured to retain a support structure, such as a plank, that provides support to a roofer. The improved roof bracket has a main body comprising a toe strap, a roof-abutting member, and an air hose tab.

The toe strap includes a base and is configured to securably retain a portion of the support structure at a first angle with respect to the base. The roof-abutting member is connected to the toe strap. The improved roof bracket is configured to be removably secured to a roof through at least one fastener positioned through the roof-abutting member.

The air hose tab includes a first air hose retention area formed therethrough. The first air hose retention area has a first diameter configured to securably retain an air hose of a pneumatic roofing tool, such as a nail gun. The air hose tab may also include an air hose inlet area that allows an air hose to pass into the air hose tab. The air hose inlet area has a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter of the first air hose retention area. The diameter of the air hose inlet is also greater than the diameter of the air hose. The air hose tab may also include a second air hose retention area that has a second diameter that is different from that of the first air hose retention area. In general, the air hose tab may have more than two air hose retention areas, such that each of the air hose retention areas have a diameter that differs from that of another of said air hose retention areas. The air hose tab may extend away from the toe strap and the roof-abutting member. Overall, at least one of the air hose retention areas are configured so that the weight of an air hose does not cause the air hose to slide through the air hose tab. Further, the air hose retention areas are configured to securably retain an air hose of the pneumatic roofing tool so that the weight of the pneumatic roofing tool does not cause the air hose to slide through the air hose tab even when the pneumatic roofing tool is unsupported by the support structure.

The improved roof bracket may also include at least one angled bracket that is removably secured to at least one of the toe strap and the roof-abutting member. The angled bracket is configured to support the support structure at a second angle with respect to the base of the toe strap. Further, the improved roof bracket may include a plurality of angled brackets that are interchangeable and removably secured to at least one of the toe strap and the roof-abutting member. Each of the plurality of angled brackets has an inclined strap that may be oriented at an angle that is different from that of other of the plurality of angled brackets, such that the plurality of angled brackets are configured to support the support structure at varying angles with respect to the base of the toe strap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a roof bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0013]
FIG. 2 illustrates a roof bracket secured to a roof according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0014]
FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a roof bracket according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.[0015]
The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings, certain embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the attached drawings. [0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a [0017] roof bracket 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The roof bracket 10 may be formed of steel, aluminum, lead, iron, wood, or other such materials that are capable of supporting the weight of a roofer. The roof bracket 10 includes a main body 100 having a roof-abutting member 102 that connects to, or is otherwise formed integral with, a lower strap 106. The plane of the lower strap 106 may be perpendicular to the plane of the roof-abutting member 102. That is, the lower strap 106 may connect to, or otherwise be formed integral with, the roof-abutting member 102 at a right angle. Alternatively, the lower strap 106 may connect to, or otherwise be formed integral with, the roof-abutting member 102 at any desired angle.
The [0018] lower strap 106 also connects to, or is formed integral with, a support brace 108. In FIG. 1, the lower strap 106 and the support brace 108 are formed, or connect to each other, such that an obtuse angle θ is formed between the lower strap 106 and the support brace 108 (with respect to an interior cavity 107). Alternatively, however, the lower strap 106 and the support brace 108 may connect at other angles.
The [0019] support brace 108 is formed integral with (or may otherwise be connected to) a toe support member 109, which may be, as shown in FIG. 1, parallel with the plane of the lower strap 106. The toe support member 109 assists in supporting a toe strap 110, which is positioned within the roof bracket 10. The toe strap 110 may be oriented in a variety of fixed angles. As shown in FIG. 1, the plane of the toe strap 110 is perpendicular to that of the roof-abutting member 102. The toe support member 109 may be formed at the same angle as a terminal end 111 of the toe strap 110. That is, the toe support member 109 may cradle the terminal end of the toe strap 110. The size of the toe strap member 109 may vary depend on the size of the plank to be used in conjunction with the roof bracket 10.
The [0020] toe support member 109 cradles the toe strap 110 at one terminal end 111 while another terminal end 113 of the toe strap 110 abuts against a front surface 115 of the roof-abutting member 102. The toe strap 110 may be secured to the front surface 115 of the roof-abutting member 102 and the toe support member 109 through screws, nails, or other such fasteners. Optionally, the toe strap 110 may be welded into place. Alternatively, the toe strap 110 may be formed integral with the rest of the roof bracket 10.
The [0021] toe strap 110 provides a support base for a plank (not shown in FIG. 1). That is, a plank may slidably, or otherwise (such as snapably), engage the toe strap 110. When two roof brackets 10 are aligned and positioned parallel with each other, a plank may be placed across the toe straps 110 of the roof brackets 110, such that one roof bracket 10 supports one portion of the plank, while the other roof bracket 10 supports a second portion of the plank. Thus, a level, or otherwise walkable plane, is created by the insertion of a plank into the toe straps 110 of two (or more) roof brackets 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the toe strap also includes a plank-overlapping member 120 that may overlap a portion of the inserted plank to help ensure that the plank does not become dislodged. The plank-overlapping member may include a fastener through-hole that allows the passage of a fastener, such as a nail, into the plank. Alternatively, the plank-overlapping member 120 may not be included on the toe strap 110. Optionally, the plank-overlapping member 120 may extend from the toe support member 109 as opposed to the toe strap 110.
The [0022] roof bracket 10 also includes fastener notches 104 formed through an upper end of the roof-abutting member 102. The roof bracket 10 may be positioned on a roof and secured into place by fasteners, such as nails or screws, which are positioned through the fastener notches 104. While three fastener notches 104 are shown in FIG. 1, more or less fastener notches 104 may be formed through the roof-abutting member 102. The weight of the plank, the weight of the roofer standing on the plank, and the orientation of the fastener notches 104 in the direction of line A typically ensures that the roof brackets 10 do not slide away from the fasteners positioned within the fastener notches 104.
The [0023] toe strap member 109 is connected to, or otherwise formed integral with, the air hose tab 112. The air hose tab 112 extends outwardly from the toe strap member 109 away from toe strap 110. The plane of the air hose tab 112 may be parallel with the toe strap 110, or angled upwardly or downwardly therefrom. The air hose tab 112 includes an air hose inlet area 114, a first air hose retention area 116, and a second air hose retention area 118. The first air hose retention area 116 has a first diameter D₁, while the second air hose retention area 118 has a second diameter D₂.
FIG. 2 illustrates a [0024] roof bracket 10 secured to a roof 130. As shown in FIG. 2, only one roof bracket 10 is shown, but another roof bracket 10 would support another end of the plank 132. An air hose 134 of a pneumatic nail gun 136 is inserted into the air hose tab 112 through the air hose inlet area 114, which is wider than the diameter of the air hose 134. The diameter of the air hose 134 is slightly greater than the diameter of at least one of the diameters of the first air hose retention area 116 and the second air hose retention area 118. Because the diameter of the air hose 134 is slightly greater than at least one of the first and second air hose retention areas 116, 118, at least one of the first and second air hose retention areas 116, 118 may securably retain the air hose 134.
While the [0025] air hose 134 is secured within at least one of the first and second air hose retention areas 116, 118, the air hose retention area 116 or 118 that secures the air hose 134 does not secure the air hose to the point where air flow within the air hose 134 is substantially constricted. However, one of the air hose retention areas 116 or 118 receives and retains the air hose 134 such that the movement of the air hose 134 through the air hose retention area 116 or 118 is hindered or completely restricted. For example, the air hose retention areas 116 and 118 may be formed such that unless the air hose 134 is removed from the air hose retention area 116 or 118, the air hose 134 will not slide through the air hose retention area 116 or 118. Alternatively, the air hose retention areas 116 and 118 may be formed such that a desired force (such as one exerted by a roofer pulling on the air hose 134) may be sufficient to slide the air hose 134 through the air hose retention area 116 or 118. Alternatively, the air hose tab 112 may include more or less than 2 air hose retention areas to accommodate varying sizes of air hoses.
When the [0026] air hose 134 is inserted into the air hose retention area 116 or 118, and the nail gun 136 is set down on the plank 132, the slack 140 of the air hose 134 does not fall toward the earth. Consequently, when the roofer picks up the nail gun 136, the roofer does not have to pull the entire weight of the air hose 134. Additionally, because the air hose retention area 116 or 118 retains the air hose 134, if the nail gun 136 is accidentally kicked, pushed, or knocked off the plank 132, the nail gun 136 will not hit the ground. Instead, the nail gun 136 will dangle, or otherwise be suspended, with respect to the air hose tab 112 due to the retention of the air hose 134 within one of the air hose retention areas 116 or 118. Thus, costly damage to the air gun and/or injury to a worker on the ground is prevented.
As shown in FIG. 2, the plane of the [0027] plank 132 in the direction of line E is at a fixed angle with respect to the incline of the roof 130 in the direction of line F. Typically, the plane of the plank 132 in the direction of line E is perpendicular to the incline F of the roof 130. However, the roof bracket 10 may include one or more variable angled brackets that may be inserted into the toe strap 110.
FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a [0028] roof bracket 10 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the roof bracket 10 may include an angled bracket 150. The angled bracket 150 may be clipped or otherwise secured to the toe strap 110 through a securing member 152, such as a clip or latching member. Further, the angled bracket 150 may be secured to the toe strap 110 and/or the front surface 115 of the roof-abutting member 102 through various fasteners, such as screws, nails and the like. Optionally, the angled bracket 150 may be bonded, or otherwise integrally formed, to the toe strap 110 and/or the front surface 115 of the roof-abutting member 102. An additional or spare angled bracket 160 may be removably secured to the roof bracket 10 within the interior cavity 107. The angled bracket 160 may be angled or oriented the same or differently than the angled bracket 150
The [0029] angled bracket 150 includes a base 151 formed integrally with an upwardly extending brace 153. The brace 153 is, in turn, integrally formed with an inclined strap 155. The base 151 is also integrally formed with an upright member 157, which may or may not connect to the inclined strap 155. The plane of the upright member 157 is parallel with the plane of the roof-abutting member 102, while the plane of the base 151 is parallel with the plane of the toe strap 110. The base 151 may be secured to the toe strap 110 through securing member 152.
When the [0030] angled bracket 150 is secured to the toe strap 110 as shown in FIG. 2, a plank 170 may be supported by the roof bracket 10 at an angle a, which is the same as the angle between the base 151 and the inclined strap 155. Thus, a roofer may be supported by a plank that is oriented at an angle other than perpendicular to the incline of the roof. Further, various angled members may be used with the roof bracket 10. For example, the inclined straps of each angled member may be oriented at different angles with respect to the respective bases. Each angled bracket may be individually inserted into the toe strap 110 (or formed integrally with the toe strap 110), and subsequently removed, to enable a plank to be inserted at differing angles according to the preference of a particular roofer.
Thus, embodiments of the present invention provide a roof bracket that allows a roofer to work more efficiently and safely. In particular, embodiments of the present invention provide a roof bracket that allows a roofer to more efficiently and safely use a roofing tool, such as a pneumatic nail gun. [0031]
While the invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. [0032]

Claims

1. An improved roof bracket configured to retain a support structure that provides support to a roofer, said improved roof bracket having a main body comprising:

a toe strap having a base, said toe strap configured to securably retain a portion of the support structure at a first angle with respect to said base;

a roof-abutting member connected to said toe strap, the improved roof bracket configured to be removably secured to a roof through at least one fastener positioned through said roof-abutting member; and

an air hose tab having a first air hose retention area formed therethrough, said first air hose retention area having a first diameter configured to securably retain an air hose of a pneumatic roofing tool.

2. The improved roof bracket of claim 1, wherein said air hose tab further comprises an air hose inlet area that allows an air hose to pass into said air hose tab, said air hose inlet area having a second diameter that is greater than said first diameter of said first air hose retention area.

3. The improved roof bracket of claim 1, wherein said air hose tab further comprises a second air hose retention area, said second air hose retention area having a second diameter that differs from said first diameter.

4. The improved roof bracket of claim 1, wherein said air hose tab comprises more than two air hose retention areas, each of said air hose retention areas having a diameter that differs from another of said air hose retention areas.

5. The improved roof bracket of claim 1, wherein said air hose tab extends away from said toe strap and said roof-abutting member.

6. The improved roof bracket of claim 1, further comprising at least one angled bracket that is removably secured to at least one of said toe strap and said roof-abutting member, said angled bracket being configured to support the support structure at a second angle with respect to said base of said toe strap.

7. The improved roof bracket of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of angled brackets that are interchangeable and removably secured to at least one of said toe strap and said roof-abutting member, each of said plurality of angled brackets having an inclined strap that is oriented at an angle that is different from that of another of said plurality of angled brackets, such that said plurality of angled brackets are configured to support the support structure at varying angles with respect to said base of said toe strap.

8. An improved roof bracket configured to retain a plank that provides support to a roofer, said improved roof bracket configured to allow efficient and safe use of a pneumatic roofing tool, said improved roof bracket comprising:

a main body including an air hose tab having a first air hose retention area formed through said air hose tab, said first air hose retention area having a first diameter configured to securably retain an air hose of the pneumatic roofing tool such that the weight of the air hose does not cause the air hose to slide through said air hose tab

9. The improved roof bracket of claim 8, wherein said first air hose retention area is configured to securably retain an air hose of the pneumatic roofing tool such that the weight of the pneumatic roofing tool does not cause the air hose to slide through said air hose tab even when the pneumatic roofing tool is unsupported by the plank.

10. The improved roof bracket of claim 8, wherein said air hose tab further comprises an air hose inlet area that allows an air hose to pass into said air hose tab, said air hose inlet area having a second diameter that is greater than said first diameter of said first air hose retention area.

11. The improved roof bracket of claim 8, wherein said air hose tab further comprises a second air hose retention area, said second air hose retention area having a second diameter that is different from said first diameter.

12. The improved roof bracket of claim 8, wherein said air hose tab comprises more than two air hose retention areas, each of said air hose retention areas having a diameter that differs from another of said air hose retention areas.

13. The improved roof bracket of claim 8, wherein said air hose tab extends outwardly from said main body.

14. The improved roof bracket of claim 8, further comprising at least one angled bracket that is removably secured to said main body, said angled bracket being configured to support the plank at an orientation other than perpendicular to an incline of a roof.

15. The improved roof bracket of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of angled brackets that are interchangeable and removably secured to said main body, each of said plurality of angled brackets having an inclined strap angled differently from that of another of said plurality of angled brackets, such that said plurality of angled brackets are configured to support the support structure at varying angles.

16. An improved roof bracket configured to retain a support structure that provides support to a roofer, said improved roof bracket having a main body comprising:

at least one angled bracket that is removably secured to at least one of said toe strap and said roof-abutting member, said angled bracket being configured to support the support structure at a second angle with respect to said base of said toe strap.

17. The improved roof bracket of claim 16, wherein said at least one angled bracket comprises a plurality of angled brackets that are interchangeable and removably secured to at least one of said toe strap and said roof-abutting member, each of said plurality of angled brackets having an inclined strap that is oriented at an angle that is different from that of another of said plurality of angled brackets, such that said plurality of angled brackets are configured to support the support structure at varying angles with respect to said base of said toe strap.