US20120080264A1

US20120080264A1 - Adjustable platform for use on roof

Info

Publication number: US20120080264A1
Application number: US12/894,602
Authority: US
Inventors: Arnold LORD
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-09-30
Filing date: 2010-09-30
Publication date: 2012-04-05

Abstract

An adjustable roof platform which comprises a work platform having first and second ends and opposed top and bottom surfaces. A pair of first and second spaced apart support legs each having a first end and a second end and opposed top and bottom surfaces. The first end of the work platform is pivotally connected with the first ends of the support legs and the bottom surfaces of each support legs carries a replaceable foam layer. At least one member connects the first and the second support legs with one another and at least one adjustable arm adjustably connects the second end of the work platform to the support legs so that an angle, formed between the work platform and the first and second support legs, can be varied between about 0 degrees and about 45 degrees.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an adjustable roof platform which facilitates building, repairing, replacement, painting and other construction and/or maintenance on roofs of different pitches in a safe and convenient manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As is well known in the art, a variety of different devices and apparatuses, such as staging, support structures, or roofing apparatuses, which facilitate building, repairing, replacement, painting and other construction and/or maintenance on roofs are conventionally used by roofers, masons, painters, contractors and the like. However, many presently known staging, support structures and/or roofing apparatuses are generally time consuming to install and/or assemble, typically require the use of nails or the like to secure the same to the roof, and thus are not easily transportable or movable to another location, on the roof, which facilitates use at virtually any desired location on a roof while still providing a safe, level support and work platform which is large enough in size so as to facilitate the desired building, repairing, replacement, painting and other construction and/or maintenance on roofs while still accommodating tools, supplies, items and other associated project equipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Wherefore, it is an object of the present invention to overcome the above mentioned shortcomings and drawbacks associated with the prior art staging, support structures and roofing apparatuses.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable roof platform that can be repeatedly used on a roof for an extended period of time without damaging the shingles, cedar shakes, tiles or other exterior surface of the roof.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable roof platform that is easily installed and assembled on a roof so as to avoid extended setup-time prior to performing the desired building, repairing, replacement, painting and other construction and/or maintenance project on the roof as well as extended removal time after performing the desired project.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable roof platform that is both lightweight and ergonomically designed so a user may easily transport, move, reposition and/or relocate the adjustable roof support to virtually any desired location on a roof to preform the desired building, repair, replacement, painting and other construction and/or maintenance.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable roof platform that is readily adjustable so that the work platform can be adjusted to generally level orientation, e.g., generally parallel to the surface of the ground, while also providing a work platform which is sufficiently large enough in size so as to facilitate the desired building, repairing, replacement, painting and other construction and/or maintenance project on the roof.
The present invention relates to an adjustable roof platform comprising: a work platform having first and second ends and opposed top and bottom surfaces; a base having a first end and a second and opposed top and bottom surfaces, the first end of the work platform being pivotally connected to the first end of the base and the bottom surface of the base having a foam layer; and at least one adjustable arm for adjustably connecting the second end of the work platform to the base.
The present invention further relates to an adjustable roof platform comprising: a work platform having first and second ends and opposed top and bottom surfaces; first and second spaced apart support legs each having a first end and a second end and opposed top and bottom surfaces, the first end of the work platform being pivotally connected to the first ends of the support legs and the bottom surfaces of each support legs having a foam layer; at least one member connecting the first and the second support legs with one another; and at least one adjustable arm for adjustably connecting the second end of the work platform to the support legs.
When in use, the adjustable roof platform forms an angle α, between the work platform and the base, and the angle α can vary depending upon the pitch of the roof where the project is to be undertaken. The angle α is dependent on the selected position of the adjustable arms, relative to the base, such that, when the adjustable roof platform is placed on a roof, the adjustable arms are positioned so the work platform is secured in a position substantially horizontal, relative to the ground, in order to provide a safe and secure working support.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic rear elevational view of the work platform according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic side elevational view of the work platform of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic top view of the work platform of the work platform of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic side view of the adjustable arm coupled to a lower surface of the work platform;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic top plan view of the support legs according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a rear section of the support legs along section line A-A of Fig.

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic side view of the adjustable roof platform according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic rear view of the assembled adjustable roof platform according to the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic representation showing the adjustable roof platform installed on a roof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As generally shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the adjustable roof platform unit 2 includes a work platform 4, on which a user may stand, knee or sit on while using the adjustable roof platform unit 2 to perform a desired building, repairing, replacement, painting and other construction and/or maintenance project on the roof.
With reference now to FIGS. 1-5, a description concerning the various components of the present invention will now be briefly discussed. As generally shown in FIGS. 1-3, the work platform 4 typically has a length of between about 16 and about 24 inches, preferably has a length of about 20 inches, and has a width of between about 16 and about 24 inches, preferably has a width of about 20 inches, and has a thickness of between an ⅛ of an inch to an inch or so, preferably has a thickness of about 1 inch. A top surface 6 of the work platform 4 typically has a surface area between at least about 225 square inches and about 576 square inches, preferably about 400 square inches. It is to be appreciated that the overall dimensions of the work platform 4 can vary depending upon the type of material from which the work platform 4 is manufactured as well as the particular application for the adjustable roof platform unit 2. If desired, a perimeter edge of the work platform 4 can be provided with a small lip (not shown) which provides the user with an indication that the user is adjacent the edge of the work platform 4.
The top surface 6 of the work platform 4 generally includes an anti-slip coating, material or layer 8 disposed substantially over the entire top surface 6 thereof. The an anti-slip coating, material or layer 8 is typically adhered or otherwise affixed to the top surface 6 of the work platform 4 by an adhesive or in some other conventional manner. An important feature of the an anti-slip coating, material or layer 8 is that at least the top exposed surface of the anti-slip coating, material or layer 8 contains a constituent, component or feature having a high coefficient of friction so that such constituent, component or feature, of the anti-slip coating, material or layer 8, minimizes or eliminates the risk of slippage by the user during use of the adjustable roof platform unit 2.
A pair of platform hinges 12, arranged spaced apart and substantially parallel to one another, are supported by a bottom surface 10 of the work platform 4. As diagrammatically shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the platform hinges 12 are connected to the bottom surface 10 of the work platform 4 by screws, bolts or some other conventional fastener (not numbered), however, the platform hinges 12 may be connected to the bottom surface 10 of the work platform 4 by welding, mating nuts and bolts, a permanent adhesive or any other conventional but permanent attachment arrangement. The platform hinges 12 have a length which is approximately equal to that of the work platform 4, a width of between about 2 and about 6 inches, preferably a width of about 4 inches, and a height of between about 2 inches and about 6 inches, preferably a height of about 4 inches, depending upon the type of material from which the platform hinges 12 are manufactured.
As shown in FIG. 1, the platform hinges 12 each generally has a “T-shaped” configuration with a base portion 14 thereof connected to the bottom surface 10 of the work platform 4 and a central leg 16 extending substantially normal to the base portion 14. Each of first and second opposed ends 18, 20 of the platform hinge 12 have a platform hinge opening 22 extending completely therethrough, the function of the platform hinge opening 22 will be become apparent from the following discussion.
An optional storage pouch 24, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is supported by the bottom surface 10, or possibly the side surfaces, of the work platform 4. The storage pouch 24 is made of a flexible material and is generally sized to accommodate a variety of tools, material or other items which may be used by the contractor, the roofer, the painter, the maintenance worker, the home owner or other user while using the adjustable roof platform 2 for performing the building, repair, replacement, painting and other construction and/or maintenance project on the roof. The storage pouch 24 is preferably attached to the bottom surface 10, or possibly the side surfaces, of the work platform 4 in a conventional manner on three contiguous sides, e.g., either continuously or at spaced intervals, and is open along the fourth side in order to provide an access opening to the storage pouch 24 by the user. If desired, a flap, or some other releasable, resealable closure member (not shown), may be provided for closing the access opening of the storage pouch 24 and preventing tools, material, items, etc., from inadvertently falling out or being removed from the storage pouch 24 during use or transport thereof.
The adjustable roof platform unit 2 further includes a pair of spaced apart adjustable arms 26, 28, one of which is shown in FIG. 4. Each of the pair of spaced apart adjustable arms 26, 28 has first and second opposed ends 30, 32. A through bore 34 extends completely through each of the first and the second opposed ends 30, 32 of the adjustable arms 26, 28. As generally shown in FIG. 4, both the first and the second opposed ends 30, 32 of the adjustable arms 26, 28 are rounded or generally circular in shape and the respective through bores 34 are formed substantially concentric with the first or the second ends 30, 32. The pair of adjustable arms 26, 28 typically have a length of between about 16 and about 48 inches, preferably have a length of about 20 inches, and have a width between about 1 and 4 inches, preferably a width of about 2 inches, and have a thickness of between about ¼ of an inch and about 2 inches, preferably have a thickness of about 1 inch. It is to be appreciated that the overall dimensions of the adjustable arms 26, 28 can vary depending upon the type of from which the adjustable arms 26, 28 are manufactured. The size of each of the through bores 34 is substantially the same size as that of the platform hinge openings 22 formed adjacent the second end 20 of each platform hinge 12.
The adjustable roof platform unit 2 further includes a pair of spaced apart support legs 36, 38 which will now be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8. The pair of spaced apart support legs 36, 38 and the one or more leg cross members 54 (discussed below) together form a base for the adjustable roof platform unit 2.
The support legs 36, 38 extend substantially parallel to one another and have a length of between about 24 to about 72 inches, preferably have a length of approximately 40 inches. Each of the support leg 36, 38 preferably has a width of between about 1 and about 8 inches, preferably has a width of about 2 inches, and has a thickness of between about ¼ and about 3 inches, preferably has a thickness of about 2 inches. As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, each one of the first and the second support legs 36, 38 has a generally “U-shaped” configuration which defines an elongate channel which extends along an inner central area of each of the support legs 36, 38. As diagrammatically shown, each channel has a width of which is slightly larger than the width of the adjustable arms 26, 28. That is, each channel has a width of between about a ¼ of an inch and 6 inches, preferably a width of about 1 inch, and has a height of between about a ¼ of an inch and about 2 inches, preferably a height of about 1 inch. Each one of the support legs 36, 38 has a first end 40 and an opposed second end 42. The bottom surface of the channel forms an engagement surface 44 which mates with a respective one of the adjustable arms 26, 28 and assists with maintaining the adjustable roof platform 2 in a proper position, as will be described in detail below.
A hinge aperture 46 extends completely through both opposed side walls of the generally “U-shaped” configuration of the support legs 36, 38 adjacent the first end 40 of each of the support legs 36, 38. The size of the hinge aperture 46 is substantially the same size of the platform hinge opening 22 provide adjacent the first end 18 of each of the platform hinges 12. A respective first connector pin 56 passes through the hinge aperture 46, in the first side wall of one of the support legs 36 or 38, the platform hinge opening 22 formed in the platform hinge 12, and then the hinge aperture 46, in the other side wall of the support leg 36 or 38, so as to pivotally connect those two components with one another while facilitating relative pivoting movement between the work platform 4 and the support legs 36, 38 or base.
Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a plurality of uniformly spaced apart engagement features, slots or openings 48 extend completely through both of the side walls of the support legs 36, 38, adjacent the second end 42 of each of the support legs 36, 38. Each of the engagement features, slots or openings 48 has substantially the same size as that of the through bores 34 provided in the second end 32 of each of the adjustable arms 26, 28 to facilitate engagement therewith. The engagement features, slots or openings 48 are equally spaced apart from one another along the second end 42 of each of the support legs 36, 38 a desired distance, e.g., spaced apart from one another by about a ½ inch to about ½ inches, so as to preferably facilitate adjusting the angle α, formed between the work platform 4 and the support legs 36, 38 (see FIG. 7), in about 5 degree increments.
A foam material 52 is applied to and disposed substantially over an entire bottom surface 50 of each one of the support legs 36, 38. The foam pad or layer 52 is typically manufactured from a polymer based material, such as closed cell EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) foam rubber, expanded EPDM rubber foam, closed cell closed cell polyurethane, neoprene, SBR (styrene-butadiene-rubber) blends and the like, and attached to the bottom surface by a conventional adhesive which adhesively secures the foam pad or layer 52 while still permitting periodic replacement of the foam pad or layer 52 in the event that the foam pad or layer 52 becomes sufficiently worn or torn. One suitable foam is an engineered foam sold under the trade name of Armacell™ by Armacell LLC of Spencer W. Va. This material has the following properties:
Density: 0.144±0.032 g/cm³
Hardness, Durometer Shore 00: 50±5 kPa
Compression Deflection (25%): 48±14 kPa
Tensile Strength: 690 kPa
Tear Strength: 3.3 kN/m
Elongation: 150%
Resilience: 30%
The bottom, roof engaging surface of the foam pad or layer 52 is designed to engage intimately with and grip the top exposed surface of roof, during use of the adjustable roof platform unit 2, and thus prevent any sliding or other movement thereof with respect to the roof. The foam pad or layer 52 typically has a thickness of between about ¼ and 2 inches, preferably has a thickness of about ½ of an inch thick. One characteristic of the foam pad or layer 52 is that the foam pad or layer 52 compresses fairly easily during use, as such compression ensures inmate contact with the exposed surface of the roof and gripping of the foam pad or layer 52 with the shingles, shakes or other exposed surface of the roof, without causing any damage to the same. In addition, the foam pad or layer 52 must still be sufficiently durable so as to permit repeated repositioning of the adjustable roof platform unit 2 for completion of that project or performance of additional projects.
At least one, and more preferably two or more leg cross members 54 interconnect the support legs 36, 38 with one another so as to maintain the desired spacing of the support legs 36, 38, during use of the adjustable roof platform 2, and also provide further support and rigidity for the adjustable roof platform 2. As shown in FIG. 5, a first leg cross member 54 connects the first ends 40 of the first and the second support legs 36, 38 with one another. As also shown in FIG. 5, a second leg cross member 54 connects an intermediate section of the first and the second support legs 36, 38 with one another. The first and the second leg cross members 54 are both connected to the support legs 36, 38 in a conventional manner, e.g., by conventional fasteners such as a screws, mating nuts and bolts assembly, welding, or some other conventional connection arrangement (not shown in detail). While FIG. 5 depicts a pair of spaced apart leg cross members 54 connecting support legs 36, 38 with one another, it is to be appreciated that a variety of other types of components and connection configurations or arrangements could be utilized to connect the support legs 36, 38 with one another without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The important aspect of the leg cross member 54 is that it/they maintains an adequate spacing of the support legs 36, 38 from one another, during use, and helps prevents the support legs 36, 38 from moving relative to one another. Preferably each leg cross member 54 is spaced vertically away from a plane defined by bottom surfaces 50 of the support legs 36, 38 so that the cross member(s) 54 avoids contact or other engagement with the roof, during use of the adjustable roof platform 2, and thus does not inadvertently damage the roof or otherwise hinder reposition or movement of the adjustable roof platform 2 on the roof. As noted above, the first and the second spaced apart support legs 36, 38 and the at least one leg cross member 54 generally form a stable base for the adjustable roof platform 2.
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a respective second set of connector pins 56 pivotably connect the respective platform hinge opening 22, provided adjacent the second end 20 of the platform hinge 12, with the mating through bore 34 provided adjacent the first end 30 of the respective adjustable arms 26 or 28. The second connector pins 56 each extend through the through bore 34, of the adjustable arm 26, 28 and the platform hinge opening 22 of the platform hinge 12, to pivotally connect the work platform 4 to the adjustable arms 26, 28. The leading end of each second connector pin 56, once inserted completely through the through bore 34 and the platform hinge opening 20, engages with a washer and nut, a lock nut, a pair of nuts, a locking pin, or any other conventional assembly so as to captively retain each second connector pin 56 in its installed location and prevent the second connector pin 56 from being inadvertently dislodged or removed therefrom, while still provide the desired pivoting motion between the platform hinge 12 and the adjustable arms 26, 28.
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first and second adjustable arms 26, 28 are interconnected with one another by at least one, and preferably first and second spaced apart arm cross members 60. The first and the second spaced apart arm cross members 60 interconnect the first and the adjustable arms 26, 28 with one another and maintain the relative spacing and parallel arrangement of the adjustable arms 26, 28, during use of the adjustable roof platform 2, while also providing further support for the adjustable roof platform 2. Each one of the arm cross member(s) 60 is connected to the adjustable arms 26, 28 in a conventional manner, e.g., by a conventional fastener, such as a screw, a nut and bolt assembly, welding, or some other conventional connection (not shown in detail).
The opposite second end 32 of each of the adjustable arms 26, 28 is received by and located within the channel of one of the support legs 36, 38 and generally slidably engages with the engagement surface 44 of the respective support leg 36 or 38. A pair of releasable securing bolts 58 selectively engage the through bore 34, formed in the second end 32 of the adjustable arms 26, 28, with a desired one of the plurality of engagement features, slots or openings 48 of the support legs 36, 38 to fix a relative orientation of the work platform 4 with respect to the support legs 36, 38 and also prevent inadvertent disengagement of the adjustable arm 26, 28 from the selected engagement feature, slot or opening 48 of the support legs 36, 38, during use of the adjustable roof platform 2. That is, once the second end 32 of the adjustable arm 26, 28 is aligned with a selected one of the plurality of engagement features, slots or openings 48, the securing bolt 58 is inserted through first side wall of the selected one of the plurality of engagement features, slots or openings 48, then through the through bore 34 of the adjustable arm 26 or 28, and finally through the other side wall of the selected one of the plurality of engagement features, slots or openings 48. Once installed, each securing bolt 58 is securely affixed by way of a nut and bolt assembly, a latch, a bolt and quick release pin assembly, ball pin assembly, or some other conventional quick coupling mechanism so that the adjustable arms 26, 28 are securely attached to the support legs 36, 38 and thus are no longer able to move axially along the support legs 36, 38. As a result of such connection, the work platform 4 is locked into a desired orientation with respect to the legs 36, 38, e.g., the base.
According to one embodiment of the securing bolt 58, the securing bolt 58 is size to have a slight clearance fit with at least the plurality of engagement features, slots or openings 48. In addition, each securing bolt 58 has at least one detent(s) (possibly two or more detents) formed in a side surface thereof adjacent a lead end surface of the securing bolt 58 and a push pin is located adjacent the opposite end of the securing bolt 58 and coupled for actuation of the at least one detent(s). Each detent is spring biased radially outward so as to have an interference fit with the selected one of the plurality of engagement features, slots or openings 48, and locked in that position by the push pin, and thus prevent inadvertent withdrawal of the securing bolt 58 from the selected engagement feature, slot or opening 48. However, when the push pin is actuated, the detent(s) can move radially inward, against the force of the spring, so that the securing bolt 58 may be withdrawn from the selected engagement feature, slot or opening 48 and the adjustable arms 26, 28 may be repositioned, as desired.
As noted above, the work platform 4 forms an angle α relative to the support legs 36, 38 and this angle can be a substantially identical complementary angle β to the angle formed between the ceiling joists and the rafters of the roof so that the work platform 4, once engaged with that roof, will be maintained in a substantially horizontally orientation with respect to the ground. Such orientation facilitates formation of a substantially level work platform for use by the contractor, the roofer, the painter, the maintenance worker, the home owner or some other user to stand, knee or sit on while using the adjustable roof platform 2 and accomplishing a desired project on the roof.
As generally shown in FIG. 7, when the adjustable arms 26, 28 move, in tandem with one other, within the respective channels and along the engagement surfaces 44, toward the first end 40 of the support legs 36, 38 so that they engage with and are retained by the last pair of engagement features, slots or openings 48 of the support legs 36, 38, the angle α, formed between the work platform 4 and the support legs 36, 38, increases to a maximum angle of about 45 degrees. However, when the adjustable arms 26, 28 are move, in tandem with one other, within the respective channels and along the engagement surfaces 44, toward the second end 42 of the support legs 36, 38 so that they are located past the last pair of engagement features, slots or openings 48 of the support legs 36, 38, the angle α, formed between the work platform 4 and the support legs 36, 38, decreases to a minimum angle of about 0 degrees. By selectively engaging the adjustable arms 26, 28 with a desired pair of engagement features, slots or openings 48 of the support legs 36, 38, a desired incremental angle α of between about 0 and about 45 degrees, e.g., 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees, 35 degrees, 40 degrees and 45 degrees for example, can be readily achieved between the work platform 4 and the support legs 36, 38.
Preferably, the adjustable roof platform 2 is light weight, e.g., typically has a total overall weight of between 15 and 25 pounds. Due to its light weight, the adjustable roof platform 2 facilitates ease of use by the contractor, the roofer, the painter, the maintenance worker, the home owner or some other user.
With further reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, a description concerning use and repositioning of the adjustable roof platform 2, according to the present invention, will now be provided. When use of the adjustable roof platform 2 is desired, the user will typically place or load any desired tools, items and/or other materials inside the storage pouch 24, supported by the bottom surface 10 of the work platform 4. Thereafter, the user will then transport the adjustable roof platform 2 to the desired location where the building, repairing, replacement, painting and other construction and/or maintenance project is to occur on the roof. Next, the user will remove the two securing bolts 58 from their engagement with the currently engaged pair of engagement features, slots or openings 48 and then adjust the adjustable arms 26, 28 to a desired set of engagement features, slots or openings 48 of the support legs 36, 38. Once each of the through bores 34 in the second end 32 of the adjustable arms 26 or 28 is aligned with the engagement features, slots or openings 48, e.g. depending upon the pitch of the roof, the securing bolt 58 passes through those aligned openings and thus secures the work platform 4 in a desired orientation with respect to the first and the second support legs 36, 38 so that the angle α formed between the work platform 4 and the first and the second legs 36, 38 is substantially equal to and complimentary to the angle β formed between the ceiling joists and the roof rafters of the roof. As a result of such adjustment, the work platform 4, once foam pad or layer 52 carried by the bottom surfaces 50 of the adjustable roof platform 2 engage with the roof, will be located and arranged substantially horizontal to the ground and thereby provide a substantially horizontal work platform which facilitates safe use by the user to carry out the desired project.
When necessary or desired, the user can thereafter reposition the adjustable roof platform 2 at another desired location on the roof. Due to inherent weight of the adjustable roof platform 2, as well as the relative softness of the foam pad or layer 52 supported by the bottom surface 50 of the support legs 36, 38, the foam material 52 will be compressed against and intimately engage with and follow the contour of the exposed surface of the roof. The foam pad or layer 52 facilitates achieving maximum surface contact and engagement with the exposed surface of the roof and thus achieves a secure but releasable adhesion between the adjustable roof platform 2 and the roof. When the user then steps on the work platform 4 of the adjustable roof platform 2, this additional weight further compresses the foam pad or layer 52, against the exterior surface of roof, and such further compression generally increases the gripping action between the foam pad or layer 52 of the adjustable roof platform 2 and the exterior surface of the roof.
As the adjustable roof platform 2 is solely secured to the roof as a result of the compressed foam pad or layer 52, it is very easy and convenient to reposition the adjustable roof platform 2 to another desired location on the roof by merely stepping off of the work platform 4 of the adjustable roof platform 2, picking up the adjustable roof platform 2 and moving and placing the adjustable roof platform 2 at another desired location or position where the foam pad or layer 52 will again be compressed against and intimately engage with and follow the contour of the exposed surface of the roof due to the inherent weight of the adjustable roof platform 2. If the pitch of the roof changes, then adjustment of position of the adjustable arms 26, 28, as discussed above, may be warranted or desirable.
In an alternative embodiment, the engagement features, slots or openings 48 may be replaced by other means of securing the second end 32 of the adjustable arms 26, 28 when engaged with the engagement surface 44, such as, providing notches or retention ridges on the engagement surface 44, providing the engagement surface 44 with a grip surface (not shown) similar to that of the grip material layer 8 of the work platform 4, or providing recesses in the side walls of the support legs 36, 38 and providing the second end 32 of the adjustable arms 26, 28 with a mating protrusion or some other mating feature to be securely mated within the recesses of the support legs 36, 38.
Additionally, in a further alternative embodiment, a single elongate connector pin 56 and securing bolt 58 may extend the entire width of the adjustable roof platform 2 so that the single connector pin 56 and the single securing bolt 58 can simultaneously mate with and secure both the adjustable arms 26, 28. For example, the connector pin 56 may be long enough to connect both hinge apertures 46 of each of the support legs 36, 38 to the respective hinge openings 22 of the hinges 12. In this alternative embodiment, the amount of connector pins 56 and securing bolts 58 used for operation of the adjustable roof platform 2 would be reduced by one half.
In a further alternative embodiment, the platform hinges 12 may have a different configuration, e.g., be “L-shaped” where the base portion 14 and the leg portion 16 form a right angle with one another, and the platform hinges 12 are coupled to the work platform by the base portion 14, by screws, fasteners, nut and bolt assembly, adhesive or other conventional means.
Preferably the foam pads or layers 52 have a surface area between about 80 square inches and about 300 square inches, more preferably the foam pads or layers 52 have a surface area between about 120 square inches and about 240 square inches, and most preferably the foam pads or layers 52 have a surface area about 160 square inches. If increased gripping between the adjustable roof platform 2 and the roof is desired, it is to be appreciated that either the length and/or the width of the first and the second support legs 36, 38 may be increased. Any such increased surface area of the support legs 36, 38 is also covered with the foam pad or layer 52 in order to increase the contact surface area, between the adjustable roof platform 2 and the roof, which in turn provides the additional gripping force. If desired, the adjustable roof platform 2 can be provided with leg extenders (not shown), for each one of the support legs 36, 38, which have the foam pad or layer 52 adhered to a bottom surface thereof and are readily releasably connectable to each of the support legs 36, 38 to extend their length and the overall contact surface area.
Since certain changes may be made in the above described adjustable roof platform, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention herein involved, it is intended that all of the subject matter of the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted merely as examples illustrating the inventive concept herein and shall not be construed as limiting the invention.

Claims

1. An adjustable roof platform comprising:

a work platform having first and second ends and opposed top and bottom surfaces;

a base having a first end and a second end and opposed top and bottom surfaces, the first end of the work platform being pivotally connected to the first end of the base and the bottom surface of the base having a foam layer; and

at least one adjustable arm for adjustably connecting the second end of the work platform to the base.

2. An adjustable roof platform comprising:

first and second spaced apart support legs each having a first end and a second end and opposed top and bottom surfaces, the first end of the work platform being pivotally connected to the first ends of the support legs and the bottom surfaces of each support legs having a foam layer;

at least one member connecting the first and the second support legs with one another; and

at least one adjustable arm for adjustably connecting the second end of the work platform to the support legs.

3. The adjustable roof platform according to claim 2, wherein a first end of a first adjustable arm is pivotally connected to the second end of the work platform and an opposite end of the first adjustable arm is releasably connected with the first support leg, and a first end of a second adjustable arm is pivotally connected to the second end of the work platform and an opposite end of the second adjustable arm is releasably connected with the second support leg.

4. The adjustable roof platform according to claim 3, wherein at least one arm cross member connects the first adjustable arm with the second adjustable arm so that the first and second arms move together in unison with one another.

5. The adjustable roof platform according to claim 2, wherein at least one leg cross member connects the first leg support with the second leg support.

6. The adjustable roof platform according to claim 2, wherein the foam layer has a surface area of between about 80 square inches and about 300 square inches and, once engaged with a roof, the foam layer intimately engages and grips a top exposed surface of the roof so as to prevent undesired movement the adjustable roof platform unit relative to the roof.

7. The adjustable roof platform according to claim 6, wherein the foam layer substantially covers the entire bottom surface of each of the first and the second support legs.

8. The adjustable roof platform according to claim 6, wherein the foam layer has a thickness of between about ¼ and 2 inches and is manufactured from a polymer material.

9. The adjustable roof platform according to claim 3, wherein each of the first and the second support legs has a generally U-shaped configuration which defines an elongate channel which extends along an inner central region of each of the first and the second support legs.

10. The adjustable roof platform according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of spaced apart engagement openings are provided adjacent a second end of each of the first and the second support legs, and a second end of the first adjustable arm engages with a selected one of the spaced apart engagement openings of the first support leg, and a second end of the second adjustable arm engages with a selected one of the spaced apart engagement openings of the second support leg.

11. The adjustable roof platform according to claim 10, wherein the engagement openings are spaced apart from one another by a distance of between about a ½ inch to about 1½ inches so as to preferably facilitate adjusting an angle formed between the work platform and the first and second support legs between about 0 degrees and about 45 degrees.

12. The adjustable roof platform according to claim 11, wherein the engagement openings are spaced apart from one another so as to adjust the angle formed between the work platform and the first and second support legs in substantial 5 degree increments.

13. The adjustable roof platform according to claim 2, wherein the adjustable roof platform includes a storage pouch for accommodate at least one item.

14. The adjustable roof platform according to claim 2, wherein the top surface of the work platform has one of an anti-slip coating, an anti-slip material and an anti-slip layer which reduces slippage during use of the adjustable roof platform.

15. The adjustable roof platform according to claim 2, wherein a top surface of the work platform 4 typically has a surface area between at least about 225 square inches and about 576 square inches.