Rafter platform

Abstract

A platform installed on a rafter or joist provides stability and improved safety in construction-related settings. The platform may be sized according to the specific rafters, and in some embodiments the platform may span two or more rafters. A non-slip surface on top of the platform improves traction for the user.

1 . A rafter platform comprising: 
 a body having a horizontal stage;    at least one lateral retainer coupled below and substantially perpendicular to the horizontal stage; and    a frictional element affixed to the top surface of the horizontal stage.    
   
   
       2 . The platform of  claim 1  wherein: 
 the body, the horizontal stage, the lateral retainer and the frictional element are integrally formed.    
   
   
       3 . The platform of  claim 2  wherein: 
 the integrally formed body, horizontal stage, and lateral retainer comprise injection molded plastic.    
   
   
       4 . The platform of  claim 2  wherein: 
 the integrally formed body, horizontal stage, and lateral retainer comprise an extruded monolithic component.    
   
   
       5 . The platform of  claim 1  wherein: 
 the horizontal stage is of an elongated form;    a first at least one lateral retainer and a second at least one lateral retainer form a first retaining channel beneath a first end of the horizontal stage, and a third at least one lateral retainer and a fourth at least one lateral retainer form a second retaining channel beneath a second end of the horizontal stage; and    the frictional element comprises a non-slip pad.    
   
   
       6 . The platform of  claim 1  wherein: 
 the horizontal stage and the at least one retaining channel comprise sheet metal; and    the frictional element comprises a non-slip pad.    
   
   
       7 . The platform of  claim 1  wherein: 
 a first at least one lateral retainer and a second at least one lateral retainer form a retaining channel in conjunction with the horizontal stage; and    the frictional element comprises a non-slip pad.    
   
   
       8 . The platform of  claim 1  wherein: 
 the at least one lateral retainer comprises at least one opening suitable to admit a fastener    
   
   
       9 . A system comprising: 
 a first structural rafter;    a second structural rafter, adjacent and substantially parallel to the first and spaced from the first rafter by a distance approximately dictated by construction standards;    a rafter platform having an elongated horizontal stage of a longitudinal dimension sufficient to span a typical spacing between adjacent rafters;    a first retaining channel coupled to a first end of the horizontal stage and disposed upon the first rafter; and    a second retaining channel coupled to a second end of the horizontal stage and disposed upon the second rafter.    
   
   
       10 . An apparatus for use with a horizontal construction beam, the apparatus comprising: 
 a first stage member body having a lower surface and a substantially planar upper surface; and    a first pair of retainers rigidly coupled to the lower surface of the stage member body;    wherein a portion of the lower surface of the first stage member body between the first pair of retainers and adjacent faces of the first pair of retainers define a first retaining channel having a lateral dimension suitable for closely straddling the construction beam.    
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein: 
 the upper surface of the first stage member body has a non-slip texture.    
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 10  further for use with another construction beam, wherein the apparatus further comprises: 
 a second stage member body;    a second pair of retainers rigidly coupled to the second stage member body; and    a horizontal stage having a first end coupled to the first stage member body and a second end coupled to the second stage member body;    such that the apparatus is adapted to be mounted to the beam the other beam.    
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein: 
 the first and second stage member bodies are rotatably coupled to the horizontal stage.