Adjustable roofing safety apparatus

Abstract

An adjustable roofing safety system is provided which adapted to prevent materials, supplies, tools and workmen performing roofing operations on high-pitched roofs from falling over the edge, protecting both individuals on the roof and individuals who happen to be positioned at levels lower than the edge of the roof from being injured. The apparatus is selectively positionable in both the horizontal and vertical directions as needed as work progresses across the roof surface.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An adjustable roofing safety apparatus adapted to be releasably mounted along an apex of a roof, comprising:
 a scaffold;   at least one frame adapted to support the scaffold;   a track member configured to be secured to the roof near the apex thereof;   a connecting element disposed intermediate the scaffold support frame and the track and being operatively connected thereto; and   a coupler adapted to slidably couple the connecting element to the track.   
     
     
         2 . The adjustable roofing safety apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the at least one frame is formed of a rigid material such as plate steel. 
     
     
         3 . The adjustable roofing safety apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the at least one frame is formed in a generally L-shaped configuration adapted to support the scaffold. 
     
     
         4 . The adjustable roofing safety apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the track member comprises at least one cable extending tautly along the apex of the roof and having first and second end portions secured thereto. 
     
     
         5 . The adjustable roofing safety apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the tack member comprises a flat metal strip having a preselected width. 
     
     
         6 . The adjustable roofing safety apparatus of  claim 6  wherein the coupler includes first and second sides structured and arranged to form a channel member of substantially the same width as the flat metal strip. 
     
     
         7 . The adjustable roofing safety apparatus of  claim 6  wherein the flat metal strip is adapted to slidably fit in the channel member. 
     
     
         8 . The adjustable roofing safety apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the coupler includes bearings disposed in the first and second sides. 
     
     
         9 . The adjustable roofing safety apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the at least one frame includes first and second end portions, the first end portion being adapted to lie on the roof, and the second end portion being configured to extend away from the roof for receiving the scaffold. 
     
     
         10 . The adjustable roofing safety apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the second end portion includes a tongue portion structured and arranged to prevent the scaffolding from rising upwardly away from the roof surface. 
     
     
         11 . The adjustable roofing safety apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the apparatus is adapted to be selectively positioned along the surface of the roof in both a horizontal and in a vertical direction. 
     
     
         12 . The adjustable roofing safety apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the connecting element comprises a ratchet strap. 
     
     
         13 . The adjustable roofing safety apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the connecting element includes means for vertically adjusting the safety apparatus. 
     
     
         14 . The adjustable roofing safety apparatus of  claim 13  wherein the vertical adjusting means comprises a hand crank. 
     
     
         15 . The adjustable roofing safety apparatus of  claim 13  wherein the vertical adjusting means comprises an electric motor.