System and Method for a Dust-Free Tile Removal Tool

Abstract

Dust free tile removal apparatus comprising a hollow base member, a hollow rake member, a plurality of rake tines, struts, and a handle. The hollow base member includes an opening that is configured to couple to a vacuum source at one end and is in fluid communication with the hollow rake member at another end. The connection of the hollow rake member with the hollow base member forms an obtuse angle. The hollow rake member has a top surface and a first end each having at least two openings. Rake tines extend outward from the first end of the hollow rake member. Struts extend from a bottom surface of the apparatus. The handle spans between the struts.

Claims

1. A dust free tile removal tool connectable to a vacuum source, the dust free tile removal tool comprising: a hollow base member comprising: a first end; and a second end comprising an opening for receiving the vacuum source; a hollow rake member comprising: a top surface comprising a plurality of openings; a first end comprising a plurality of openings; a second end in fluid communication with the first end of the hollow base member and extending at an obtuse angle with respect to a top surface of the hollow base member; a plurality of rake tines coupled to the first end of the hollow rake member and extending outward therefrom; a first strut coupled to the hollow base member and a second strut coupled to the hollow base member, the first strut and the second strut extending outwardly from a bottom surface of the hollow base member; and a handle comprising a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the first strut and the second end coupled to the second strut.

2. The dust free tile removal tool of claim 1, wherein the first strut and the second strut are coupled to the hollow rake member and extend outward therefrom.

3. The dust free tile removal tool of claim 1, further comprising a hollow cylinder coupled to the second end of the hollow base member and in fluid communication with the opening in the second end of the hollow base member, wherein the hollow cylinder is configured to receive the vacuum source.

4. The dust free tile removal tool of claim 1, wherein the second end of the hollow base member comprises an attachment configured to receive the vacuum source.

5. A method for removing dust while raking loose tile comprising: coupling a vacuum source to an opening in a second end of a hollow base member of a dust free tile removal tool; activating the vacuum source to create a suction force through a plurality of openings located on a first end and on a top surface of a hollow rake member that is in fluid communication with the hollow base member of the dust free tile removal tool such that the hollow base member and the hollow rake member form an obtuse angle with respect to a top surface of the hollow base member; gripping a handle that spans from a left strut to a right strut wherein the left strut and the right strut are coupled to the hollow base member and extend outward from a bottom surface of the hollow base member of the dust free tile removal tool; and raking loose tile by exerting a substantially downward force on the handle which is transferred to a plurality of rake tines acting on the loose tile wherein the plurality of rake tines extend outward from the first end of the hollow rake member of the dust free tile removal tool.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein the vacuum source is coupled to a hollow cylinder wherein the hollow cylinder is coupled to the second end of the hollow base member at a location of the opening.

7. The method of claim 5 wherein the vacuum source is coupled to an attachment wherein the attachment is coupled to the second end of the hollow base member of the dust free tile removal tool.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the following figures, like reference numbers refer to similar elements and steps throughout the figures.

[0017] FIGS. 1 and 2 depict perspective views of an implementation of a dust free tile removal tool.

[0018] FIGS. 3 and 4 depict side views of an implementation of a dust free tile removal tool.

[0019] FIGS. 5 and 6 depict oblique frontal views of an implementation of a dust free tile removal tool.

[0020] FIGS. 7 and 8 depict side views of an implementation of a dust free tile removal tool from a second view.

[0021] FIGS. 9 and 10 depict oblique views of an implementation of an adapter handle from a third view.

[0022] FIGS. 11 and 12 depict an oblique of an implementation of a dust free tile removal tool from a fourth view.

[0023] Elements and steps in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence. For example, steps that may be performed concurrently or in different order are illustrated in the figures to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0024] In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the invention. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussed more generally in order to avoid obscuring the invention. In many cases, a description of the operation is sufficient to enable one to implement the various forms of the invention. It should be noted that there are many different and alternative configurations, devices and technologies to which the disclosed inventions may be applied. The full scope of the inventions is not limited to the examples that are described below.

[0025] In one application, a novel system for raking chipped tile and removing associated dust is provided.

[0026] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a dust free tile removal tool. In one non-limiting embodiment, the hollow base member 1 is in fluid communication with the hollow rake member 3 on one end 6 and is in fluid communication with the hollow cylinder 9 on another end 2. In other embodiments the hollow base member 1 may have a different shape or size. The hollow rake member 3 in the particular exemplary embodiment shown is a substantially rectangular prism and has a plurality of openings 13 along a top surface 10. Further, in the particular exemplary embodiment shown, rake tines 11 extend outward from a front surface 14 of the hollow rake member 3. In other embodiments the rake tines 11 may be longer or shorter and may have a different shape or be separated by more or less distance. Further shown in the particular embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, is the left strut 5 which attaches on one end to the hollow base member 1 and, on another end, attaches to one end of a handle 7. In other embodiments, the strut 5 may be a different shape or connected to the hollow base member 1 in a different location or by a different means. It can be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the left strut 5 can have multiple variations.

[0027] In additional embodiments, the hollow cylinder 9 may not be desired.

[0028] In those embodiments, there may be an opening 17 in the hollow base member 1 configured to couple to a vacuum source.

[0029] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate side views of an implementation of a dust free tile removal tool. The exemplary embodiment shown depicts the hollow base member 1 as a combination of a rectangular prism on one end 6 and a substantially triangular prism on another end 2 with a flat top surface 8 and a partially sloped and flat bottom surface 19. However, those of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the hollow base member 1 may be any shape through which air containing dust may flow to a vacuum source. Further shown is the oblique angle created by the connection of the hollow rake member 3 and the hollow base member 1. Additionally illustrated is the hollow cylinder 9 connected at an oblique angle with respect to the top surface of the hollow base member 1. In other embodiments not shown, the connection between the hollow cylinder 9 and the hollow base member 1 may form a different angle including but not limited to a zero-degree angle.

[0030] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate an oblique frontal view of an implementation of a dust free tile removal tool. The particular exemplary embodiment shown includes openings 13 on a top surface 10 of the hollow rake member 3. Further shown are openings 15 on a front surface 14 of the hollow rake member 3. The exemplary embodiment shown further depicts a configuration in which the rake tines 11 are coupled to and extend outward from a front surface 14 of the hollow rake member 3. The particular exemplary embodiment shown further includes the handle 7 coupled to a right strut 4 and a left strut 5 that, themselves, are further coupled to the hollow base member 1.

[0031] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a side view of an implementation of a dust free tile removal tool from a second view.

[0032] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate an oblique view of an implementation of a dust free tile removal tool. Specifically shown is an exemplary embodiment in which the handle 7 spans between a left strut 5 and a right strut 4. The particular embodiment shown depicts the left strut 5 and right strut 4 as being connected to a bottom surface 19 of the hollow base member 1. In other embodiments the left strut 5 and right strut 4 may be connected instead to the hollow rake member 3.

[0033] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate a top oblique view of an implementation of a dust free tile removal tool. The particular embodiment shown depicts a circular or cylindrical opening 17 at one end 2 of the hollow base member 1 configured to couple to a vacuum hose or other vacuum source. In other embodiments the opening may be a different shape. Further, the opening 17 may also be threaded, lined with magnets or a rubber gasket, or may contain rivets, guides, or any other locking or connection mechanism capable of enabling the attachment of a vacuum source to the hollow base member 1 such that suction is generated at the openings in the hollow rake member 3.

[0034] In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. Various modifications and changes may be made, however, without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims. The specification and figures are illustrative, not restrictive, and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined by the claims and their legal equivalents rather than by merely the examples described.

[0035] For example, the steps recited in any method or process claims may be executed in any order and are not limited to the specific order presented in the claims. Additionally, the components and/or elements recited in any apparatus claims may be assembled or otherwise operationally configured in a variety of permutations and are accordingly not limited to the specific configuration recited in the claims.

[0036] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to particular embodiments. Any benefit, advantage, solution to problem, or any element that may cause any particular benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or to become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or components of any or all the claims.

[0037] The terms comprise, comprises, comprising, having, including, includes or any variations of such terms, are intended to reference a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, composition or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements recited, but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, composition or apparatus. Other combinations and/or modifications of the above-described structures, arrangements, applications, proportions, elements, materials, or components used in the practice of the present invention, in addition to those not specifically recited, may be varied or otherwise particularly adapted to specific environments, manufacturing specifications, design parameters, or other operating requirements without departing from the general principles of the same.