Device for removing building material

Abstract

A device capable of being attached to a work machine and which is designed to remove fireproofing, insulation and other material from buildings. The device includes a brush element that, when in contact with the material, rotates and strips the material from the building. The device is elevated by the work machine to contact the material to be stripped. This enables rapid clearing of the material with significantly fewer personnel.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A device for removing building material comprising:
 at least one brush element arranged along an axis transverse to a direction of travel of a work machine;   a universal mounting plate, wherein said universal mounting plate is removably attached to said work machine; and   an arm connecting said at least one brush element and said universal mounting plate,   wherein said arm is configured to position and maintain said device in an elevated position to engage said at least one brush element with said building material,   wherein said at least one brush element is connected to a drive unit, and   wherein said drive unit powers a rotation of said at least one brush element about said axis.   
     
     
         2 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said building material includes at least one of: fireproofing and insulation. 
     
     
         3 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least one brush element is of a substantially cylindrical shape. 
     
     
         4 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least one brush element includes bristles, and wherein said bristles are of a sufficient stiffness for removing said building material. 
     
     
         5 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said arm further includes at least one connection joint, wherein said connection joint includes a locking mechanism for fixing the joint in a predetermined position. 
     
     
         6 . The device according to  claim 5 , wherein said arm further includes an extendable section. 
     
     
         7 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said work machine is a skid-steer loader. 
     
     
         8 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said drive unit is powered by at least one of: hydraulic, electric, engine-transmission, and direct-drive means. 
     
     
         9 . The device according to  claim 8 , wherein said drive unit is further connected to said work machine by at least one of: hydraulic, electric, and engine-transmission means. 
     
     
         10 . A method for removing building material using a device having: at least one brush element arranged along an axis transverse to a direction of travel of a work machine, a universal mounting plate, wherein said universal mounting plate is capable of removably attaching to said work machine, an arm connecting said at least one brush element and said universal mounting plate, wherein said arm is configured to position and maintain said device in an elevated position so as to engage said at least one brush element with said building material, wherein said at least one brush element is connected to a drive unit, and wherein said drive unit powers the rotation of said at least one brush element around said axis, said method comprising steps including:
 engaging said building material with an outer surface of said at least one brush element;   rotating said at least one brush element relative to said building material;   stripping said building material from a zone of structural elements of a building;   moving said at least one brush element in a direction of travel of said work machine; and   removing said stripped building material from a work environment,   
       said engaging step includes elevating said at least one brush element to enable contact with said building material, and 
       said moving step includes moving the at least one brush element to a different zone of said structural elements. 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein said removing step includes using a suction apparatus, and wherein said suction apparatus removes said stripped building material from said work environment. 
     
     
         12 . A kit for assembly of a device for removing building material, comprising:
 a brush unit including at least one brush element and a housing capable of removable attachment of said at least one brush element;   an arm unit including at least one of: at least one extendable section, at least one rigid structural member, and at least one connection joint;   a mounting unit including a universal mounting plate, wherein said universal mounting plate is capable of removably attaching to a work machine; and   a drive unit for connecting to said brush unit and thereby rotating said at least one brush element.   
     
     
         13 . The kit according to  claim 12 , wherein said drive unit rotates said at least one brush element using at least one of: hydraulic, electric, engine-transmission, and direct-drive means. 
     
     
         14 . The kit according to  claim 12 , wherein said drive unit further includes a connection means for connecting said drive unit to said work machine. 
     
     
         15 . The kit according to  claim 12 , further comprising an installation manual containing instructions for a user to assemble of said device for removing building material