Shingle removal tool

Abstract

A tool for removing roof shingles is disclosed having a handle, a split shaft, a pair of roller wheels and a replaceable blade member. A pair of handles extends orthogonally from the proximal end of the shaft, while the distal end of the shaft separates into a first and second portion that support a flat, shingle-removing blade. Roller wheels are positioned adjacent to the blade such that the blade and wheels can be positioned along the roof surface to allow sliding of the blade under shingles and to provide a fulcrum point from which to lift the blade from beneath any secured roof shingles during removal. The shaft upper portion may include a slight upward bend to reduce back strain, while the user handles are preferably rotatably support to allow the tool to rotate as it is slide without the handles rotating relative to the user's hands and causing blisters.

Claims

1. A shingle removal device, comprising: a bifurcating shaft having a proximal end, a distal end and a shaft bifurcation point; said proximal end comprising a singular shaft orthogonally connecting to first and second handle; said proximal end terminating at a first and second shaft end; a blade member connected to said first and second shaft end; said first and second shaft end further comprising a first and second roller wheel having a common center and equal outer diameter; said blade member having a lower surface forming a plane tangent to said roller wheel outer diameters such that said blade lower surface and said roller wheels contact a support surface when in use.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said blade member connection to said first and second shafts orients said blade member at an angle relative to an axial direction established by said shaft distal ends.

3. The device of claim 1, where said aligned roller wheels provide a fulcrum point, whereby downward motion of said shaft proximal end creates upward motion of said blade member, and vise versa.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein said shaft further comprises an upward bend that offsets said an axial direction established by said shaft proximal end and said shaft distal end.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein said blade member is removably connected to said shaft distal ends.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein said bifurcation point further comprises a reinforcement member to prevent material yielding.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein said shaft is length adjustable.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein said length adjustable shaft comprises a first and second concentric shaft slideably adjustable with respect to one another and securable into a static configuration.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein said handle further comprises grip members.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein said handle further comprises rotatable grip members.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein said rotatable grip members further comprise an interior surface adapted to rotate about said handle, said handle having an end comprising an end cap to prevent said grip from disconnecting from said handle and said grip interior surface having a minimal gap to allow relative rotation with respect to said handle.

12. The device of claim 10, wherein said rotatable grip members further comprise an interior surface separated from said handle exterior surface by a rotatable bearing assembly.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein said shaft is a hollow and tubular member.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

(2) FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 2 shows a close up view of the present invention relating to the lower section.

(4) FIG. 3 shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

(5) FIG. 4 shows a view of the present invention in a working position, prying shingles from the roof structure.

(6) FIG. 5 shows a cross section view of an embodiment of the rotatable handle.

(7) FIG. 6 shows a cross section view of another embodiment of the rotatable handle.

(8) FIG. 7 shows an isometric view of the present invention with the added embodiment of an adjustable singular shaft.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(9) Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the shingle removal device. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for removing shingles. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

(10) Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of the shingle removal tool 11 of the present invention. The device comprises a handle end 33 orthogonally joined at its midpoint to the tool shaft 13 at its proximal end, which divides 20 into two bifurcated shafts 14 and 14 that terminate at a blade member 19 and 19 at the shaft distal end. The blade member 18 is situated at an angle relative to the axial direction of each shaft member 14, 14 such that the blade lower surface may be placed along a roof surface while the shaft 13 extends upward toward a standing user at a defined angle from the roof surface. Positioned adjacent to the blade member 18 is a first and second roller wheel 16, 16 that allows the distal end of the tool and the blade 18 to slide along the roof surface. The blade can be slid under a roof shingle, while the wheel contact point with the roof can then function as a fulcrum point for which to pry the shingle upward. The elongated shaft 13 provides leverage and mechanical advantage from the device fulcrum. The roller wheels 16 and 16 are aligned and have a common diameter. The outer diameter of the wheels is aligned with a plane defined by the blade member, such that the wheels and blade can be in simultaneous contact with a roof surface during deployment, facilitating movement of the blade therealong and under shingles to be removed.

(11) The blade member is preferably a removable structure or one that is permanently secured to the distal end of the bifurcated tool shaft. The blade itself includes a plurality of forward notches 18 or a serrated leading edge facing the shingles during deployment. The ends of the blade 17 are preferably square with the leading edge and include a rear chamfered corner to prevent snagging. However, an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, includes a rounded leading edge to catch off-angle shingles and reduce staging of the blade on adjacent shingles. The notches 18 facilitate the capture of roofing nails or other fasteners responsible for securing the shingles, while the removable attachment of the blade is preferably a plurality of fasteners that secure into an aperture along the distal end 19 of the first 14 and second 14 shaft.

(12) The handle of the device includes user grips 12 positioned between end caps 32 along the exterior edge of the handle. A preferred embodiment of each grip contemplates rotatable grips that prevent rubbing and relative movement of the grips within the user's hands during sliding and lifting actions on the tool. The interior portion of the grips includes an upstanding flange 22 that prevents sliding inward of the user's hands, which is a common feature for most hand grips. Further down the shaft at the bifurcation point 20 may be positioned an external structural member 21 and reinforces this area of the shaft. The user exerts axial, shear and bending loads through the shaft proximal end during use, therefore this bifurcation point 20 is introduced to considerable stress during operation. Any weaknesses in the joint must be reinforced to prevent failure or yielding of the shaft during deployment.

(13) Materials associated with the fabrication of the shaft, handles, grips, roller wheels and blade member are commonly known to those skilled in the art of hand tools, where necessary strength and stiffness standards must be met for reliable and efficient use in the tool intended environment. Paints, plating techniques and powder coating all offer additional means to protect the frame of the tool and increase both its longevity and structural integrity. This standard also applies to any associated hardware such as screws, nuts, washers, pins and all other fasteners utilized to assemble the tool. The material found along the exterior surfaces of both handles can be soft, elastic material to offer a comfortable user interface while being deployed, as well as a surface capable of providing enough friction for a user to maintain their grip without slippage. The wheels can be fabricated from metal, composites, plastics or other known materials that offer maximum wear resistance in order to increase their longevity due to constant abrasion while deployed. Rolling resistance is also a consideration. Wheel bearings are preferably utilized within the roller wheels to reduce mechanical wearing and drag on the wheels while in operation.

(14) The present invention 11 is constructed using methodologies for the purpose of limiting overall weight while maintaining a rugged and durable configuration. A tubular shaft fabricated from metal will add increased rigidity to the tool and also present a light weight solution which is a critical factor for users focused on maintaining their balance while working in elevated environments. The process of welding and brazing offer both well-known and inexpensive techniques to form the frame while pipe benders are routinely utilized for shaping the desired form. These methods are prominent in the construction field however other techniques may be available to further decrease weight and increase rigidity. The shaft may alternatively be comprised of a solid material or non-metallic, as desired by the end user and his or her requirements for the tool.

(15) Referring now to FIG. 2 there is shown a close up view of the present invention focusing on an exemplary embodiment of the shaft distal ends 19. The dual shaft frame is shown terminating at a connection with the blade member 17, whereby a hole along a flattened portion 19 of shaft lines up with a corresponding hole in the blade 17. A removable fastener 23 and 23 is then inserted into a blade aperture, passing through both holes in the tool ends until being secured by a nut 24 and 24 to make the blade removable for repair or replacement. A flat head screw combined with a countersunk hole along the underside of the blade 17 will maintain a flush underside surface, thereby eliminating any protrusions that may cause interferences during deployment. An alternate embodiment of the blade connection comprises a permanent, welded connection. This alternate provides less flexibility for the user and does not permit the user to replace worn blade members 17. Therefore the removable blade is preferred for long term use of the device without excess waste and expenditure. The roller wheels 16 and 16 adjacent to the blade 17 protrude outward from the first 15 and second 15 shaft ends. The plane of the blade member 17 intersects the wheels' outer diameter to create tangent plane, whereby the blade lower surface will be in flush contact with a support surface while both wheels are making corresponding contact with the surface. The wheels allow ready sliding of the blade 17 along the support surface, and further create a fulcrum point to lift shingles from below their structure.

(16) Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention 11, wherein the shaft includes an upward bend therealong. The bend may be positioned along the lower bifurcated region 14 of the shaft or along the upper portion 13. The goal is to prevent the user from leaning forward and utilized his or her back while using the tool. The upward bend offsets the axial direction established by the shaft proximal end and the shaft distal end. Also visualized is the structural reinforcement or support member 21 positioned at the bifurcation point of the tool, which prevents yielding at this location when significant load is being introduced by the user through the handle 33 and grip 12 end of the tool. Along the distal end of the tool, the underside surface of the blade member 17 is visualized, along with its relative inclination with respect to axial direction of the distal end of the tool shafts distal ends.

(17) Several different methods can be employed to position the wheels while still maintaining their ability to rotate freely. Bearings represent the most prominent device used to provide this function, further allowing the wheels to be removable for repair or replacement. During installation, the wheels slide along the mounting cylinder until contact occurs with a flange or other mechanical stop placing the wheel at the appropriate distance from the tubular frame. The wheel is then firmly secured by either a pin inserted through both ends of the mounting cylinder on the opposite side of the wheel relative to the mechanical stop or a screw inserted into a tapped open edge of the mounting cylinder through the wheel base introducing a compressing force. Although the ideal wheel locations and mounting procedures for the present invention are described herein, suitable substitutions can be made based on either increasing the efficiency of the device or meeting additional needs of users limited only by the confines of the described scope.

(18) Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown an view of the present invention 11 utilizing the blade 17 to supply a forward or upward force against the underside surface of a shingle 25 designated for removal, thereby lifting it from the roof structure. When deployed, the blade portion 17 of the present invention is inserted underneath a section of shingles 25 in order to unseat the fasteners that bond the shingle with the roof. The efficiency of performing this process is drastically improved through the use of wheels 16 that are found on both sections of the tool, which share the same rotational axis and allow the blade to be flush with the roof surface while sliding. These wheels reduce both friction associated with situating the device and the recurrence of hard stops. Hard stops frequently occur with current tools found in the art when a portion of the tool comes in contact with the roof causing a sudden halt of forward momentum and immediate loss of stability. A plurality of notches are found on the leading edge of the blade which comes into direct contact with the shingles to further facilitate the capture of fasteners and penetrate deeper underneath the targeted shingles providing better leverage. Once set, a downward force is applied to the handle 33, resulting in a pivot action about the roller wheel fulcrum point. The downward force being applied to the handle is then transferred into an upward force being applied to the interior surface of the shingles 25, removing them while remaining in the standing position which eliminates concerns related to physical discomfort commonly associated with continuous crouching and bending at the waist. The rotatable grips of the handle 33 allow this sliding motion or downward rotation to be accomplished with minimal wear on the user's palms. Devices that utilize stationary handles require a user to loosen their grip on the tool to allow for rotation which can detract from the overall stability required to complete the device's intended function.

(19) Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, there are shown two embodiments of the rotatable handle grip of the tool along its proximal end. In a first embodiment and as shown in FIG. 5, the handle grips 12 includes an interior surface or cylinder wall 34 that is concentric with the handle 33. The handle 33 and this grip interior surface 34 create concentric bodies that are capable of relative motion. A small gap between the two bodies allows the outer cylinder 34 of the grip 22 to rotate freely with respect to the handle, while end caps along the tips of the handle 33 prevent the two bodies from disconnecting. The interior edge of each handle grip comprises an upstanding grip flange 22 to protect the user's thumb and hands from contacting the tool shaft during rotation. The rotating grip by way of gapped contact is a common assembly found in motorcycle throttle grips and other similar rotatable tool grips. In an alternate embodiment of the rotatable grip, and as shown in FIG. 6, contemplates the use of a ball or roller bearing assembly between the grip 12 interior surface and the handle 33 exterior surface. The bearing includes an inner race 36 and an outer race 35 separated by bearing elements 37, which allow relative motion between the races and thus relative rotation between the grip 22 and the handle 33. This prevents binding between the two rotatable members and increases efficiency, but is a more costly embodiment over gapped contact grips. The goal of the both assemblies is to allow relative rotation of the grips about the handles such that forward and tilting motion of the tool does not generate friction on the user's hands, eliminating the need for gloves and inevitable blistering. The views of FIGS. 5 and 6 both show the handle 33 as a solid member, however the handle can also be a tubular body as well, if desired.

(20) Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown a perspective view of the present invention with an additional embodiment 26 comprising a means for adjusting the singular shaft portion. The intended functionality would result from two concentric shafts that include a minimal gap between the exterior diameter of the smaller dimensioned shaft 27 and the interior diameter of the larger dimensioned shaft 28. The gap is designed to allow relative sliding of the shafts for adjusting the overall length of the tool. A spring loaded or threaded pin, controlled by a knob 29 positioned on the exterior shaft of the tool provides securement of the two shafts 27, 28 to lock the two into a permanent configuration and overall tool length. The pin is inserted through an aperture along the exterior shaft 28 and into one of a plurality of aligned apertures 30 along the interior shaft 27. Once the pin aligns with one of the plurality of incrementally-spaced apertures located on the interior shaft 27, a user rotates or releases the pin to secure the two shafts together. Alternative methods, such as compression fittings, may exist for adjusting the singular shaft and can be utilized under the assumption that they adhere to the limitations determined by the scope of the present invention.

(21) Removing shingles and shingle nails can be a long and tedious task. If individuals attempt to pry the shingles loose with a crowbar or shingle shovel, they can end up cracking and breaking the shingles into tiny pieces, making a mess for themselves or damaging the underlying roof structure. Additionally, the removal process can require the person to bend over and sit low to the ground, which can put a lot of pressure on the person's back, legs, feet, and knees. The present invention provides a rolling blade member for forcibly removing shingles and prying them upwards through tilting motion of the tool about the roller wheel contact point with the roof. The upward bend in the shaft prevents constant bending of the user's back, while the rotatable handles reduce friction on the user's hands during use. The blade member is removable and replaceable and the structure of the shaft creates a tool for multiple uses over a prolonged period, providing a homeowner or working professional with a reliable and efficient shingle removal tool.

(22) It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

(23) Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.