Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Cupola or skylight
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-27
2001-04-03
Stodola, Daniel P. (Department: 3634)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Cupola or skylight
C052S202000, C052S204620, C052S106000, C049S050000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06209271
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a safety screen for skylights, roof openings, and the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved mounting bracket system for securing the screening material in the proper position around the opening or skylight.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) general industry standards require that every skylight floor opening and hole shall be guarded by a standard skylight screen or a fixed standard railing on all exposed sides. The skylight screens must be capable of withstanding a load of at least 200 pounds applied perpendicularly at any one area of the screen. The construction of the grill work with openings must be not more than four inches long or of slat work with openings not more than two inches wide with length unrestricted. These limitations strictly limit the construction alternatives available.
U.S. Pat. Nos. Des. 354,817 and 5,237,788 illustrate existing skylight screens which comply with OSHA's strict requirements. Working on roof openings normally occurs in hard to reach locations or in close confines. It is extremely difficult to assemble multiple piece assemblies in these locations. U.S. Pat. No. 5,237,788 is extremely complex in its construction and requires considerable expense to construct. It is particularly difficult to assemble.
U.S. Patent No. Des. 354,817 provides a good, safe construction but requires welding skills to permanently secure the grid work to the side brackets. Again, placement and use of welding equipment at the work site makes attachment difficult.
The present invention is less costly to manufacture and requires only a wrench and screw driver to safely mount the screen over a skylight. It should therefore be understood that the present invention is a considerable improvement in the art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a guard assembly for a framed opening in a structure such as a skylight or other roof-top access. The assembly uses two, spaced-apart, ti-flanged mounting brackets for securing a grid work spanning the opening. A first flange depends downwardly along the side of the opening frame; a second, horizontal, flange rests on top of the frame upon assembly; and, a third flange extends upwardly at an angle less than 90° to the horizontal. The intersection of the second and third flange forms a channel which accepts and retains the grid work. The grid work is compressively urged into opposing channels affixed along the opening frame and retaining screws extend through the third flange to further secure the grid work.
The assembly may be retained on the structural framing by use of extended attachment rods or may be affixed directly to the frame with standard fasteners. The assembly meets all OSHA requirements for skylights and may be accomplished with a minimum of equipment in a reduced workspace.
REFERENCES:
patent: D. 354817 (1995-01-01), Kovacs et al.
patent: 4428169 (1984-01-01), Tsakiris
patent: 4571897 (1986-02-01), Kerr
patent: 5237788 (1993-08-01), Sandow
patent: 5502934 (1996-04-01), Coyne et al.
patent: 5664384 (1997-09-01), Cullinan
patent: 5669186 (1997-09-01), Verby et al.
patent: 2125864 (1972-09-01), None
patent: 777177 (1980-11-01), None
Jackson Walker L.L.P.
Stodola Daniel P.
Strimbu Gregory J.
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