U.S. patent application number 14/674568 was filed with the patent office on 2016-10-06 for apparatus for removal of flooring.
The applicant listed for this patent is Hector Rodriguez. Invention is credited to Hector Rodriguez.
Application Number | 20160288478 14/674568 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56939578 |
Filed Date | 2016-10-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160288478 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rodriguez; Hector |
October 6, 2016 |
APPARATUS FOR REMOVAL OF FLOORING
Abstract
An apparatus for removal of flooring is presented. The flooring
removal apparatus comprises a telescopically adjustable top frame
with front wheels and a telescopically adjustable vertical rear
frame coupled to the rear side of the top frame. The vertical rear
frame includes a pair of rear wheels for directional control. The
top frame is configured with one or more braces to securely clamp
the housing of a jack hammer. An adapter suitable for a particular
flooring type is provided for coupling to the tip of the jack
hammer.
Inventors: |
Rodriguez; Hector; (Sylmar,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Rodriguez; Hector |
Sylmar |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56939578 |
Appl. No.: |
14/674568 |
Filed: |
March 31, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 156/1179 20150115;
Y10T 156/1184 20150115; B32B 38/10 20130101; B32B 2471/00 20130101;
B25D 2250/111 20130101; B32B 43/006 20130101; B32B 2419/04
20130101; B25D 17/32 20130101; E04G 23/006 20130101; Y10T 156/1967
20150115; Y10T 156/1961 20150115 |
International
Class: |
B32B 43/00 20060101
B32B043/00; B25D 17/32 20060101 B25D017/32 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for removal of flooring comprising: a top frame
comprising two side members, a front plate and a rear member,
wherein each one of the side members comprises an inner member
inside a lumen through a proximal end of an outer member, wherein
the front plate is vertically coupled at a first end to a distal
end of the outer member of a first one of the two side members and
coupled at an opposing end to a distal end of the outer member of a
second one of the two side members, and the rear member is coupled
at a first end to a proximal end of the inner member of the first
one of the two side members and coupled at an opposing end to a
proximal end of the inner member of the second one of the two side
members, wherein the top frame is telescopically adjustable through
the two side members, wherein said front plate is fixedly coupled
to a top side of said top frame, wherein said rear member further
comprises at least one handlebar extending outside said top frame;
a front brace fixedly coupled to a top end of said front plate and
configured to clamp a distal end of a housing of a jack hammer; a
rear brace coupled to the second member of the two side members and
configured to clamp a proximal end of the housing of the jack
hammer; a vertical rear frame comprising two telescopically
adjustable leg members, wherein each one of the leg members
comprises a first vertical member inside a lumen through a distal
end of a second vertical member, wherein a distal end of the first
vertical member of a first one of the two leg members is coupled to
one end of a bottom plate and a distal end of the first vertical
member of a second one of the two leg members is coupled to an
opposing end of the bottom plate, wherein the second vertical
member of the first one of the two leg members is coupled to one
end of an intermediate plate and the second vertical member of the
second one of the two leg members is coupled to an opposing end of
the intermediate plate, wherein the vertical rear frame further
comprises an adjustment screw coupled via a bearing to said bottom
plate and through said intermediate plate, wherein the second
vertical member of the first one of the two leg members is coupled
at its proximal end to the proximal end of the outer member of the
first one of the two side members of the top frame and the second
vertical member of the second one of the two leg members is coupled
at its proximal end to the proximal end of the outer member of the
second one of the two side members of the top frame, wherein each
of the first vertical members comprises a rear wheel at its distal
end; and a truss comprising two front wheels, wherein said truss is
coupled to a bottom side of said top frame at the distal end of
each of the outer members of the two side members.
2. The apparatus for removal of flooring of claim 1, wherein said
truss comprises an axle and each of the front wheels is coupled to
an end of the axle.
3. The apparatus for removal of flooring of claim 1, further
comprising an adapter configured to couple to a distal tip of said
jack hammer.
4. The apparatus for removal of flooring of claim 1, wherein said
rear wheel provides directional control.
5. The apparatus for removal of flooring of claim 1, wherein said
adjustment screw further comprises an adjustment handle at its top
end.
6. The apparatus for removal of flooring of claim 1, wherein said
intermediate plate further comprises a nut coupled thereto and with
said adjustment screw for setting a height of said rear frame.
7. An apparatus for removal of flooring comprising: a top frame
comprising two side members, a front plate and a rear member,
wherein each one of the side members comprises an inner member
inside a lumen through a proximal end of an outer member, wherein
the front plate is vertically coupled at a first end to a distal
end of the outer member of a first one of the two side members and
coupled at an opposing end to a distal end of the outer member of a
second one of the two side members, and the rear member is coupled
at a first end to a proximal end of the inner member of the first
one of the two side members and coupled at an opposing end to a
proximal end of the inner member of the second one of the two side
members, wherein the top frame is telescopically adjustable through
the two side members, wherein said front plate is fixedly coupled
to a top side of said top frame, wherein said rear member further
comprises at least one handlebar extending outside said top frame;
at least one brace fixedly coupled to a top side of said top frame
and configured to securely clamp a housing of a jack hammer to said
top frame; a vertical rear frame comprising two telescopically
adjustable leg members coupled to a bottom plate and an
intermediate plate to form said vertical rear frame and an
adjustment screw coupled via bearings to said bottom plate and said
intermediate plate, wherein each of said telescopically adjustable
leg members is coupled at its proximal end to a proximal end of the
outer member of a corresponding one of the two side members of the
top frame, wherein each of the two telescopically adjustable leg
members comprises a rear wheel at its distal end; and a truss
comprising two front wheels and coupled to a bottom side of said
top frame at the distal end of each of the outer members of the two
side members.
8. The apparatus for removal of flooring of claim 7, wherein said
truss comprises an axle between said front wheels.
9. The apparatus for removal of flooring of claim 7, further
comprising an adapter configured to couple to a distal tip of said
jack hammer.
10. The apparatus for removal of flooring of claim 7, wherein said
rear wheel provides directional control.
11. The apparatus for removal of flooring of claim 7, wherein said
adjustment screw further comprises an adjustment handle at its top
end.
12. The apparatus for removal of flooring of claim 7, wherein said
intermediate plate further comprises a nut coupled thereto and with
said adjustment screw for setting a height of said rear frame.
13. An apparatus for removal of flooring comprising: a top frame
comprising two side members, a front plate and a rear member,
wherein the front plate is vertically coupled at a first end to a
distal end a first one of the two side members and coupled at an
opposing end to a distal end of a second one of the two side
members, wherein said front plate is fixedly coupled to a top side
of said top frame, wherein said rear member further comprises at
least one handlebar extending outside said top frame; at least one
brace fixedly coupled to a top side of said top frame and
configured to securely clamp a housing of a jack hammer to said top
frame; a vertical rear frame comprising two leg members coupled to
a bottom plate and an intermediate plate to form said vertical rear
frame, wherein each of said leg members is coupled at its proximal
end to a proximal end of the two side members, wherein the vertical
rear frame comprises at least one rear wheel at its distal end; and
at least one front wheel coupled to a bottom side of said top frame
at the distal end of each of the two side members.
14. The apparatus for removal of flooring of claim 13, wherein said
top frame is telescopically adjustable in length.
15. The apparatus for removal of flooring of claim 13, wherein said
vertical rear frame is telescopically adjustable in height.
16. The apparatus for removal of flooring of claim 15, further
comprising an adjustment screw coupled to the bottom plate via a
bearing and through said intermediate plate.
17. The apparatus for removal of flooring of claim 16, wherein said
adjustment screw further comprises an adjustment handle at its top
end.
18. The apparatus for removal of flooring of claim 16, wherein said
intermediate plate further comprises a nut coupled thereto and with
said adjustment screw for setting a height of said rear frame.
19. The apparatus for removal of flooring of claim 13, wherein said
at least one rear wheel provides directional control.
20. The apparatus for removal of flooring of claim 13, wherein each
of said two front wheels is mounted on an end of an axle, wherein
said axle is coupled to a truss at a bottom side of said top frame.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] Embodiments of the invention relates to the field of
construction equipment. More specifically, the invention relates to
apparatus for removal of floor coverings.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] The invention relates to a portable apparatus for removal of
flooring material that has been glued to or similarly secured to
sub-flooring, e.g. floor tiles, linoleum sheets, etc.
[0005] Floor covering materials are widely used because they are
versatile, inexpensive to purchase and install and are easily
maintained. They are used in commercial and residential properties.
However, the removal of such flooring material is both a labor
intensive and time-consuming endeavor using currently available
tools.
[0006] There are currently several motorized tile covering removal
tools available in the marketplace today, but none of them are
efficient, thus requiring several hours to remove flooring from an
average sized room. In addition, these tools are generally
specialized systems thus expensive to purchase and maintain.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] One or more embodiments of the invention are directed an
apparatus for removal of flooring. The flooring removal apparatus
comprises a top frame with two side members coupled to a front
plate and a rear member.
[0008] In one or more embodiments, each one of the side members
comprises a first member and a second member with the first member
located inside a lumen through a proximal end of a second member.
The front plate is vertically coupled at both ends to a distal end
of the second member of two side members and the rear member is
coupled at both ends to a proximal end of the first member of the
two side members to form the top frame.
[0009] In one or more embodiments, the top frame is telescopically
adjustable through the two side members. The front plate is fixedly
coupled to a top side of the top frame and the rear member further
comprises a handle at each end extending outside the top frame.
[0010] Embodiments of the invention are configured to securely hold
a jack hammer thus a front brace is fixedly coupled to the top end
of the front plate. The front brace is configured to clamp a distal
end of the housing of the jack hammer. Also, a rear brace
configured to clamp the proximal end of the housing of the jack
hammer is coupled to the two side members.
[0011] One or more embodiments of the present invention further
comprise a vertical rear frame with two leg members, a bottom plate
and an intermediate plate.
[0012] In one or more embodiments, each one of the leg members is
telescopically adjustable and comprises a first vertical member and
a second vertical member. The first vertical member is located
inside a lumen through a distal end of the second vertical member.
The distal end of each of the first vertical members is coupled to
an end of the bottom plate, with the bottom plate in a horizontal
orientation. Additionally, each of the second vertical members is
coupled to the intermediate plate to form the vertical rear
frame.
[0013] Each of the second vertical members is coupled at its
proximal end to a proximal end of the second member of two side
members of the top frame. In one or more embodiments, the vertical
rear frame is rotatable into a stow position.
[0014] In one or more embodiments, each of the first vertical
members includes a rear wheel at its distal end for directional
control. The rear wheels may be lockable to prevent rolling and
preferably has 360 degrees of freedom in the vertical axis.
[0015] In one or more embodiments, the vertical rear frame further
comprises an adjustment screw coupled via a bearing to the bottom
plate and also routed through a hole in the intermediate plate. The
intermediate plate further includes a nut coupled thereto and with
the adjustment screw for height adjustment.
[0016] In one or more embodiments, a truss comprising two front
wheels coupled to an axle is coupled to the bottom side of the top
frame at the distal end of the two side members.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the
invention will be more apparent from the following more particular
description thereof, presented in conjunction with the following
drawings wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a left side perspective view of the flooring
removal apparatus in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
present invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a right side perspective view of the flooring
removal apparatus in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
present invention.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a top side view of the flooring removal apparatus
in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a back side perspective view of the flooring
removal apparatus in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
present invention.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a close-up view of the back side of the flooring
removal apparatus in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
present invention.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a top side view of the flooring removal apparatus
with the arm in the extended position in accordance with one or
more embodiments of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a bottom side perspective view of the flooring
removal apparatus in a folded position in accordance with one or
more embodiments of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a front side perspective view of the flooring
removal apparatus with a jack hammer attached in accordance with
one or more embodiments of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 9 is a close-up view of the top side of the flooring
removal apparatus with a jack hammer attached in accordance with
one or more embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] The present invention comprising an apparatus for removal of
flooring will now be described. In the following exemplary
description numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a more thorough understanding of embodiments of the
invention. It will be apparent, however, to an artisan of ordinary
skill that the present invention may be practiced without
incorporating all aspects of the specific details described herein.
Furthermore, although steps or processes are set forth in an
exemplary order to provide an understanding of one or more systems
and methods, the exemplary order is not meant to be limiting. One
of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the steps or
processes may be performed in a different order, and that one or
more steps or processes may be performed simultaneously or in
multiple process flows without departing from the spirit or the
scope of the invention. In other instances, specific features,
quantities, or measurements well known to those of ordinary skill
in the art have not been described in detail so as not to obscure
the invention. Readers should note that although examples of the
invention are set forth herein, the claims, and the full scope of
any equivalents, are what define the metes and bounds of the
invention.
[0028] For a better understanding of the disclosed embodiment, its
operating advantages, and the specified object attained by its
uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and
descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary
disclosed embodiments. The disclosed embodiments are not intended
to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein. It is
understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents
are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient,
but these are intended to cover the application or
implementation.
[0029] The term "first", "second" and the like, herein do not
denote any order, quantity or importance, but rather are used to
distinguish one element from another, and the terms "a" and "an"
herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote
the presence of at least one of the referenced item.
[0030] One or more embodiments of the present invention will now be
described with references to FIGS. 1-9.
[0031] As illustrated, one or more embodiments of the present
invention comprise a flooring removal apparatus 100 with a top
frame 170 and a vertical rear frame 180. The top frame 170
comprises two telescopically adjustable side members 102, a front
end plate 128, and a rear end member 112.
[0032] Front end plate 128 further comprises front brace 104 for
tightly securing the distal end of a housing of a jack hammer 804
to front end plate 128. Front brace 104 comprises fixed member 104A
and movable flap 104B (see FIG. 6) coupled together with hinge 132
(FIG. 3). Flap 104B is moveable in either an open or closed
position. In the open position, as illustrated in FIG. 6, flap 104B
accepts placement of the housing of jack hammer 804 onto the top
frame 170. Once the jack hammer 804 is placed onto the top frame
170, flap 104B can be placed in the closed position and secured
with latch 134 thereby clamping the distal end of the housing of
jack hammer 804 tightly in place. Latch 134 may be a bolt and nut
system or any other suitable latching mechanism that would securely
hold the housing of jack hammer 804 in place.
[0033] Each one of side members 102 comprises a member 102B, which
fits and slides inside a lumen of a member 102A at the proximal end
of member 102A. Both members 102A and 102B comprise a plurality of
slot holes 140. Thus, side member 102 is adjustable between a fully
retracted position, as illustrated in FIG. 1, and a fully extended
position, as illustrated in FIG. 6. Pins 138 may be used to fix
side members 102 at the desired extension, i.e. length. Those of
skill in the art would appreciate those embodiments wherein the top
frame is fixed in dimension and not telescopically adjustable is
contemplated and that such embodiments fall within the scope of the
present invention.
[0034] Rear end member 112 further comprises a pair of handles 114,
one coupled to each end of the rear member. In one or more
embodiments, each handle 114 may further include at least one soft
handle bar grip coupled with the handle.
[0035] One or more embodiments of the present invention further
includes a rear brace comprising bar 106 and a belt 806 coupled on
each end to side members 102. Bar 106 could be made of any material
capable of supporting the weight of jack hammer 804. For instance,
bar 106 could be made of the same material as top frame 170. Bar
106 further comprises coupling holes 136 on each end for securing
belt 806 in place. Those of skill in the arts would appreciate that
although two braces are shown, i.e. a front brace and a rear brace,
that other embodiments are contemplated that may only have one
brace or more than two braces so long as the function of securing
the housing of the jack hammer to the top frame is
accomplished.
[0036] Belt 806 clamps the proximal end, i.e. motor end, of the
housing of jack hammer 804 to bar 106. Belt 806 could be made of
any material capable of securing jack hammer 804 tightly to bar 106
to essentially prevent movement or separation of the housing of
jack hammer 804 during operation. For instance, belt 806 may be
metal, composite, or any other suitable material. Belt 806 further
comprises holes 808 at each end for latching onto holes 136 on bar
106. A bolt and nut system, or any other suitable latching
mechanism, may be used to securely hold the proximal end of jack
hammer 804 in place on bar 106.
[0037] In one or more embodiments, flooring removal apparatus 100
further comprises two front wheels 122 at the front end. Each one
of front wheels 122 is coupled to one end of axle 124 of truss
member 126, which is coupled to the bottom side and distal end of
top frame 170. Those of skill in the art would appreciate that Axle
124 could be fixed or rotatable.
[0038] Top frame 170 further comprises one or more semi disks 130
coupled to the proximal end and bottom of side member 102A. In the
illustrated embodiments, the flat end of a semi disk 130 is fixedly
coupled to each side of side member 102A at the bottom side.
[0039] In one or more embodiments, vertical rear frame 180
comprises two telescopically adjustable leg members 120, bottom
plate 149, intermediate plate 150, and height adjustment screw
146.
[0040] Each one of leg members 120 comprises leg member 120B, which
fits and slides inside a lumen of leg member 120A. Both leg members
120A and 120B comprise a plurality of slot holes 121. Thus, leg
members 120 are adjustable between a fully retracted position, as
illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 7, and a fully extended position, as
illustrated in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5. Height adjustment screw 146 is
used to set the height of rear frame 180 to a desired vertical
position for the operator. Those of skill in the art would
appreciate those embodiments wherein the vertical rear frame is
fixed in dimension and not telescopically adjustable is
contemplated and that such embodiments fall within the scope of the
present invention.
[0041] The proximal end of each leg member 120A of rear frame 180
is coupled to semi disks 130 using bolt 144 and pin 152
combination; and bolt 145 and pin 154 combination. The bolt 145 and
pin 154 combination may be removed to allow rotation and stowing of
the rear frame 180 when desired to reduce the footprint of the
flooring removal apparatus 100, as illustrated in FIG. 7. In the
configuration 700, flooring removal tool may be stowed with the
front end plate 128 placed on the floor, similar to stowing of a
hand dolly/truck.
[0042] Height adjustment screw 146 preferably runs through the
center of rear frame 180 (see FIG. 5) and comprises an adjustment
wheel 108 and an adjustment handle 110, coupled to adjustment wheel
108, at its top end. Adjustment wheel 108 and adjustment handle 110
are the means for turning height adjustment screw 146 to achieve a
desired height for rear frame 180. Height of rear frame 180 may be
adjusted such that handle 114 of the top frame 170 is in a
comfortable position for the operator of flooring removal apparatus
100 during operation.
[0043] In operation, an operator holds onto handles 114 while
operating the flooring removal apparatus in order to maneuver
around the area for which flooring is being removed.
[0044] Each leg member 120B further comprises a rear wheel 118
coupled to its bottom end. Rear wheel 118 provides directional
control thus, preferably, has 360 degrees of freedom about its
vertical axis. Rear wheel 118 further comprises a wheel lock
mechanism 116 that may be used to lock the wheel to prevent rolling
motion. Those of skill in the art would appreciate that the
vertical rear frame could be configured with one or more rear
wheels. For instance, the flooring removal apparatus may be
configured as a tri-wheeled device with two front wheels and one
rear wheel. And, other wheel configurations are possible without
deviation from the spirit of the invention.
[0045] Each end of bottom plate 149 is fixedly coupled to a leg
member 120B, at or near the bottom end to form the bottom end of
rear frame 180. Bottom plate 149 further comprises bearing housing
148 fixedly coupled to its topside for securing the bottom end of
height adjustment screw 146. Those of skill in the art would
appreciate that bearing 148 could be a ball bearing or any other
type of mechanical component capable of providing support for the
distal end of the height adjustment screw while allowing free
rotation of the height adjustment screw.
[0046] Each end of intermediate plate 150 is fixedly coupled to a
leg member 120A to form the opposing end of rear frame 180.
Intermediate plate 150 further comprises a hole through which the
height adjustment screw 146 is mounted. Intermediate plate 150
further comprises a nut 147 fixedly coupled to its top side and
aligned with the hole and integrated with the height adjustment
screw.
[0047] In one or more embodiments, intermediate plate 150 further
comprises a guide housing 151 fixedly coupled to its bottom side
for supporting an intermediate end of height adjustment screw
146.
[0048] One or more embodiments of the present invention may further
comprise an adapter 802 that is couplable to the distal tip of jack
hammer 804. Adapter 802 may be sized and configured for different
types of flooring.
[0049] In operation, jack hammer 804 produces rapid and
instantaneous force, F, in the direction shown in FIG. 8. With the
adapter 802 at or near the subflooring, the instantaneous and rapid
linear force exerted on the flooring material results in immediate
and rapid removal of the flooring material. Thus, work that
traditionally takes several hours with currently available tools
would take a fraction of the time to complete with embodiments of
the flooring removal apparatus of the present invention.
[0050] While the invention herein disclosed has been described by
means of specific embodiments and applications thereof, numerous
modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled
in the art without departing from the scope of the invention set
forth in the claims.
* * * * *