Powered Shingle Remover

Abstract

A device used to remove surface covering materials such as shingles. The device is comprised of an end handle having a plurality of switches and an anchoring mechanism, a handle shaft with a straight and curved portion, a secondary handle, and a base assembly. The anchoring mechanism can be used to secure the device to its work surface. The base assembly provides the mechanisms to automate the removal of shingles or other surface covering materials fastened using fasteners such as nails. The base assembly includes a blade assembly, a rotary support, a lever, a piston assembly, and a switch valve. The switch valve controls the routing of the fluid supply connected to the device. The device is powered by a supply of air or other fluid from a source such as a compressor.

1 . A device for the removal of surface covering material from a substrate, the device comprising:
 a. a housing supported for movement across the substrate;   b. a blade attached to the housing, the blade insertable between the covering material and the substrate;   c. a sensor responsive to a force opposing movement of the blade between the surface covering material and the substrate;   d. an actuator coupled to the blade to move the blade away from the substrate to lift the covering material from the substrate; and   
       said actuator being controlled by said sensor upon attainment of a predetermined force opposing the movement of the blade. 
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein upon attainment of the predetermined force the sensor triggers the actuator to move the blade through the extent of its travel to an end position wherein the blade is remote from the substrate and subsequently returns the blade to an initial position wherein the blade is positioned proximal to the substrate. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the blade is movable relative to the head. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3  wherein the sensor detects the movement of the blade relative to the head. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4  wherein the blade is pivotally attached to the housing. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5  wherein the actuator causes pivotal movement of the blade relative to the housing. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6  wherein the blade engages the sensor as the blade moves relative to the head. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7  wherein pivoting of the blade releases the sensor to return to a position sensing no force opposing movement of the blade. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8  wherein the actuator housed in the housing and is pneumatically powered. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 8  wherein the housing comprises at least one finger situated proximal to the blade, and each of the at least one finger is biased to project generally perpendicular to the housing to support the surface covering material. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10  wherein the device further comprises an actuating switch coupled to the actuator to manually actuate the actuator. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11  wherein the housing is supported on wheels and a handle is attached to the housing to permit manipulation of the housing on the substrate. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 12  wherein the handle includes a curved section curved in the transverse plane and proximal to the housing, and a straight section distal to the housing. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 13  wherein the curved section is shaped to permit passage of the surface covering material through the curved section. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 14  wherein the housing includes a pivot assembly to pivotally attach the handle to the housing. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 15  wherein the pivot assembly includes a lock assembly, the lock assembly operable between a locked position, in which relative movement between the housing and handle is inhibited, and a released position in which relative movement between the housing and the handle is permitted. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 16  wherein a release switch is coupled to the lock assembly to operate the lock assembly between said locked and released positions. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 17  wherein the device further comprises at least one anchor assembly mounted on the handle, the anchor assembly including a fastener operable to secure the device on the substrate. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 18  wherein a stabilising handle is situated on the straight section of the handle, the stabilising handle projecting generally perpendicular to the handle and away from the substrate, the stabilising handle being adjustable in its position along the handle. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 19  wherein the release switch, the actuating switch and the anchor assembly are integrated into a yoke attached to the handle at an end opposite to the housing. 
     
     
         21 . A device for the removal of surface covering material from a substrate, the device comprising:
 a. a housing supported for movement across the substrate;   b. a blade attached to the housing, the blade insertable between the covering material and the substrate;   c. at least one finger situated on the housing proximal to the blade, each of the at least one finger biased to extend generally perpendicular to the housing to support the surface covering material; and   d. a handle pivotally connected to the housing at the end opposite to the blade.   
     
     
         22 . The device of  claim 21  wherein the housing is supported on wheels and attached to a handle having a curved section curved in the transverse plane and proximal to the housing, and a straight section distal to the housing, the curve section shaped to permit passage of the surface removing material through the handle. 
     
     
         23 . A device for the removal of surface covering material from a substrate, the device comprising:
 a. a housing supported for movement across the substrate;   b. a blade attached to the housing, the blade insertable between the covering material and the substrate;   c. an actuator coupled to the blade to move the blade away from the substrate to lift the covering material from the substrate;   d. a handle pivotally connected to the housing by a pivot assembly at one end to permit pivotal movement of the handle relative to the blade; and   e. at least one anchor assembly mounted on the handle, the anchor assembly including a fastener operable to secure the device on the substrate.   
     
     
         24 . The device of  claim 23  wherein a sensor a sensor responsive to a force opposing movement of the blade between the surface covering material and the substrate, and the sensor actuates the actuator in response to the force.