Abstract:
Roofing material removing apparatus are provided. More particularly, roofing material removing apparatuses with an adjustable guide assembly wherein the adjustable guide assembly provides for continual forward motion and continuous control of the flow of roofing material are presented. The adjustable guide assembly is adaptable to various tool assemblies and applications.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to the field of construction equipment and more particularly to a pneumatic roofing material removing apparatus for detaching various types of shingles, roofing material, or other related material. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Several attempts have been made to automate or assist in the job of removing roofing material. In general apparatus are known to consist of familiar and generally similar configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs. In many cases, known machines are impracticable due to their size, shape, and weight. Further, many known machines have many moving parts and systems that all have to work together to achieve the desired outcome. Many machines require a start/stop process and setting up and using these machine is often time consuming. Prior art machines have inherent control challenges with cables, cutting ends and other moving parts. In some instances, it is difficult to control the collection of the shingles, especially in machines where the trap must be continuously emptied. 
         [0003]    Due to the problems with the current machines, a roof material removing apparatus which allows not only for continuous motion and removal of material for maximum efficiency, but also operator comfort and ergonomics, is needed. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    Roofing material removing apparatus are provided. One embodiment is comprised of a chassis frame, a handle assembly coupled with the chassis frame, an actuator connected with the chassis frame, a tool assembly reversibly connected with the actuator; and an adjustable guide assembly pivotally and adjustably connected with the chassis frame. Many embodiments also include a pair of wheels connected with the chassis frame. Vertically oriented members of the chassis frame provide mounting for the handle assembly, wheels, guide assembly and shields/body panels/aesthetic pieces and decals. The actuator connects with the chassis frame and provides a power source for driving the tool assembly. In many embodiments, the actuator is a pneumatic cylinder, and has a front portion which accommodates multiple different types of tool assemblies. 
         [0005]    In one example, the tool assembly has multiple teeth of a curved angular shape, which are substantially parallel to each other and substantially equally spaced apart on the toolbar. Generally in these embodiments, the front portion of the teeth have an acute angle. 
         [0006]    The handle assembly commonly consists of a top and bottom section whereby the handle assembly generally extends from the chassis frame rearward at an inclining angle and can be folded for transport and storage. 
         [0007]    In one aspect, the adjustable guide assembly is adjustably connected with the chassis frame and consists of multiple curved guide rods which are spaced apart and parallel to each other. In this embodiment, the guide rods are pivotally and adjustably coupled with a lower and an upper pivot support member. The lower pivot support member can position each guide rod relative to the tool assembly both proximately and vertically below the trailing end of the tool assembly toolbar. The lower pivot support member offers a point of rotation for the guide rods. In many configurations, the upper pivot support member positions the upper part of each guide rod. In this case, the upper pivot support member has multiple length adjustment settings, which enable the guide rods to be positioned selectively and independently fore and aft at multiple angles for desired roofing material direction and flow. The entire adjustable guide assembly is removable, allowing different guide assembly combinations such as curved rods, straight rods, solid section guide plate, rods plus solid guide plate, and the like to be installed for optimum performance based upon the environmental conditions and different materials being removed 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    There are shown in the drawings certain exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Other embodiments and variations are within the scope of the appended claims. In the drawings: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is a pictorial view of an embodiment in use on a pitched roof. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a partial side view demonstrating the motion of the tool assembly. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  demonstrates a partial side view of an embodiment in use. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is partial front view of an embodiment in use. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  illustrates a front view. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a top view. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the components of one embodiment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is an isolated view of an embodiment with the handle assembly folded. 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  shows a partial side view of potential multiple adjustable guide assembly positions. 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is an isolated view of a handle assembly. 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  is an isolated view of an alternative embodiment of the handle assembly. 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  is an isolated view of a tool assembly. 
           [0021]      FIG. 13  is an isolated view of an alternative embodiment of the tool assembly. 
           [0022]      FIG. 14  is an isolated view of guide rods. 
           [0023]      FIG. 15  is an isolated view of alternative embodiments of the adjustable guide assembly. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0024]    With reference now to the drawings, and in particular, to  FIGS. 1 through 15  thereof, an embodiment of the roofing material removing apparatus generally designated by the reference number  10  will be described. 
         [0025]    One embodiment is comprised of a chassis frame  12 , an actuator  26 , a handle assembly  18 , a tool assembly  38 , an adjustable guide assembly  22 , and a pair of wheels  20 . The chassis frame  12 , having two structural, vertically orientated members  14  which are connected to each other by a cross-beam support  16 . The vertical members  14  of the chassis frame  12  also provide mounting for the handle assembly  18 , wheels  20 , adjustable guide assembly  22  and any shields/body panels/aesthetic pieces/decals  24 . The wheels  20  attach to the lower rear, outboard portion of the chassis frame vertical members  14 . Alternatively, skid plates or other means of enabling motion across a roof could be used in place of the wheels  20  shown in the embodiment demonstrated by  FIG. 7 . 
         [0026]    The actuator  26  provides a power source for the tool assembly  38 , and could be in the form of an electric motor, small engine, manual mechanism or pneumatic cylinder. Another alternate power source could be powered wheels  20  to drive and engage the tool assembly  38 . The actuator  26 , shown as a pneumatic cylinder, mounts to the chassis frame cross-beam support  16 , which connect the vertical members  14 . When the actuator  26  is a pneumatic cylinder, the pneumatic cylinder  26  has a front portion  28  which accommodates multiple tool assemblies. The pneumatic cylinder  26  has a rear portion  34  and has an air supply hose  36  extending outward therefrom. 
         [0027]    The tool assembly  38  has a shaft  32  at the rear end which inserts and is captured by the front portion  28  of the pneumatic cylinder  26 . The front end of the shaft  32 , connects and attaches to a toolbar  40  which positions and secures tool assembly engaging teeth  42 . In one embodiment, the tool assembly engaging teeth  42 , are a curved angular shape  44 , are parallel to each other, and are equally spaced apart  46  (approximately 3″ apart) on the toolbar, with the front portion of the tool assembly engaging teeth  42  having an acute angle  48 . Depending on environmental conditions and material, the spacing of the teeth could be reduced, i.e. more teeth per inch, or increased, i.e. less teeth per inch to optimize performance. The shape of the teeth could also vary. Optimal performance teeth shape and pattern examples may include, but are not limited to, a “V” shaped teeth pattern, longer teeth, i.e. teeth with a smaller angle, shorter teeth, i.e. teeth with a steeper angle, and the like. The skilled artisan will be able to choose the appropriate spacing and shape of the teeth without undue experimentation. 
         [0028]    The adjustable guide assembly  22  connects to the chassis frame  12  and is comprised of guide rods  50  which are spaced apart  52  and parallel to each other. In many embodiments, the guide rods  50  are pivotally  54  and adjustably  56  coupled to a lower  58  and upper  60  pivot support members. The lower pivot support member  58  positions a lower portion  62  of the guide rod  50  relative to the tool assembly  38  proximately and vertically below a trailing end  41  of the tool assembly and offers the point of rotation  54  for the guide rods  50 . The upper pivot support member  60  positions the upper end  68  of the guide rods and has multiple length adjustment settings  70  enabling the guide rods to be positioned selectively and independently fore  70  and aft  72  at multiple angles for the desired material direction and flow. The lower pivot support member  58  couples to the lower, front portion  74  of the chassis frame  12  vertical members  14 . The upper pivot support member  60  adjustably  56  couples to the chassis frame  12  vertical members  14 . The lower portion  62  of the guide rod  50  are positioned vertically just above the toolbar  46 , laterally in-between the teeth  76  and within the fore/aft side profile of the tool assembly engaging teeth  42  and toolbar motion  120  so material doesn&#39;t get caught on them and stop movement. The entire adjustable guide assembly  22  is removable, allowing different guide assembly combinations to be installed depending upon environmental conditions and different materials being removed. Optimal performing guide assembly combination examples may include curved rods, straight rods, solid section guide plate, rods plus solid guide plate, and the like. 
         [0029]    The handle assembly  18  is comprised of a top section  78  and a bottom section  80 , which extends from the chassis frame  12  rearward at an inclining angle. The bottom section of the handle assembly  80  is pivotally  82  and adjustably  56  coupled to the chassis frame  12  vertical members  14 . The top section of the handle assembly  78  is pivotally coupled  82  to the bottom section handle assembly  80 . The handle assembly  18  provides mounting and positive routing points  86  for the air supply hose  36  which connects to the rear portion  34  of the pneumatic cylinder  26 , mounting points for an operation control valve assembly  88  at the upper end of the top section of the handle assembly  78 , and an ergonomic height and shape to reduce fatigue on an operator. The operation control valve assembly  88  offers a lever  90  extending inwardly from the operation control valve assembly  88 , parallel to lateral top section of the handle assembly  78 , such lever  90 , which can be depressed by the operator&#39;s hand to activate and enable air to flow to the pneumatic cylinder  26 , making it operational. The operation control valve assembly  88  offers a connection point for the air supply  92  at the rear portion of the valve. In many embodiments, the air supply  92  is an air compressor. 
         [0030]    The operation of the roofing material removing apparatus begins first with an operator grabbing the top handle section  78  and engaging the control valve assembly lever  90  which opens the valve and sends compressed air to the pneumatic cylinder  26 . Said compressed air causes a piston with within the pneumatic cylinder  26  to rapidly move back and forth  120 , engaging the shaft  32  of the tool assembly  38 . The tool assembly  38  as a result extends and retracts back and forth  120 . The apparatus  10  is maneuvered and positioned as desired to engage the tool assembly teeth  42  underneath the shingles or desired material  98  for removal. The roofing material removing apparatus can operate in any direction to remove material (vertically, horizontally, diagonally or other path), but in many embodiments a vertical motion starting at the roof peak and working down the roof is most advantageous. 
         [0031]    Once the roofing material removing apparatus is in a desired operating position, the leading teeth  42  of the tool assembly  38  engage and come in contact with shingles and roofing material  96 . The teeth&#39;s inclined, acute curved shape  44  and penetrating toolbar motion  120  thrust between the shingles/roofing material  96  and parent material  98  (typically plywood  100 ), causing shingles, nails, and roofing material to be lifted up, separating from the parent material  98 . As the apparatus continues across the roof, the shingles  96  and nails progress up the teeth  42 , disengaging fully from the parent material  98 , allowing the teeth to continue their motion and contact the guide assembly rods  50  which direct the material upward and forward in the desired path, eventually turning over in front of the roofing material removing apparatus (shingles upside down with nails facing up), finding their way to the edge of the roof or where directed. The position of the adjustable guide assembly  22  can be adjusted fore  70  and aft  72  to get the most desired positioning to remove material. A steeper angle, as illustrated with the guide rods  50  in the forward position  70 , may be more desired for material like wood shingles, which turn over easily. Shingles with nails facing up slide easier down the roof, as the nails are less likely to catch, aiding the removal of material and overall performance. 
         [0032]    Additionally, the chassis frame  12  and pneumatic cylinder  26  are disposed relative above the tool assembly engaging teeth  42  to give height and clearance  110  for nails still fixed to the parent material  98 , or shingles  96  still fixed to the parent material  98 , or loosen nails  112  or the like; to freely pass underneath the chassis without disrupting the performance of the tool assembly  38  and overall performance of the apparatus  10 . Furthermore, the roofing material removing apparatus can be pivoted about the wheels  20  to lift shingles  96  or other material over desired roof edges or bumps or buildups, giving it further versatility. 
         [0033]    Once operation has ceased, the roofing material removing apparatus has the ability to fold  114  the top section of the handle assembly  78 . by loosening knobs  116  to maximize moving and transporting the apparatus in a compact, efficient manner. In many embodiments, the top section of the handle assembly  78  will be folded forward. 
         [0034]    In one embodiment, the roofing material removing apparatus provides continual forward motion and flow of roofing material, thereby controlling the roofing material and keeping it in front of the apparatus. In many embodiments, the roofing material removing apparatus is comprised of a minimum number of moving parts and highly engineered for (a) maximum performance, (b) ease of construction/assembly, (c) ergonomics, (d) durability, and (e) ease of service. 
         [0035]    In certain embodiments, the roofing material removing apparatus is made light in weight, easy to control, and easy to maneuver. In these embodiments, the roofing material removing apparatus is often commonly portable, adjustable, and easy to transport. 
         [0036]    In exemplary embodiments, the tool assembly is optimized to engage for maximum effectiveness and shingle removal speed. Use of tool assemblies which differ from those shown in the embodiments in the figures are contemplated. 
         [0037]    An alternative embodiment of the handle assembly is a fixed handle  118  as shown in  FIG. 11 . Yet another alternative embodiment of the handle assembly is a “T” handle  128  as shown in  FIG. 11 . Additionally, another alternative of the handle assembly is to integrate the handle with the chassis frame and combinations thereof. 
         [0038]    An alternative embodiment of the tool assembly as shown in  FIG. 13  is a tool assembly  126  comprised of three teeth and equally spaced for optimized performance based on material removing and conditions. In other embodiments, the teeth of the tool assembly  126  will not be equally spaced. Further alternative embodiments of the tool assembly are increases or decreasing the number teeth, thus decreasing or increasing the space between each tooth. Other alternative embodiments include the tool assembly in the shape of the toolbar with teeth (v-shaped fore/aft, v-shaped vertically, curved, and the like). Yet another alternative embodiment of the tool assembly is a one piece, instead of a multiple piece assembly. Additionally, a further alternative embodiment is the shape of the shaft thereof (round, triangle, square, and so forth). Further alternative embodiments of the tool assembly include varying materials manufacturing and heat treating processes to achieve desired performance. 
         [0039]    An alternative embodiment of the guide rods is a solid guide plate  122  or combination rod and plate  124  as shown in  FIG. 15 . Other alternative embodiments of the guide rods include alternative shapes such as straight, oval, elliptical, and so forth. Additionally, in another alternative embodiment, the guide rods comprise guide bars instead of rods. Furthermore, the guide rods can be configured to have adjustable widths and be individually replaceable for service. 
         [0040]    An alternative embodiment of the guide assembly is a rigid, non-adjustable guide assembly. Additionally, another alternative embodiment is to integrate the guide assembly with the chassis frame and combinations thereof. 
         [0041]    Alternative embodiments of the wheels incorporate suspended wheels, which offer a range of motion. Additionally, another alternative embodiment of the wheels comprises powered wheels which turn and assist in moving the apparatus in desired motion. 
         [0042]    An alternative embodiment of the actuator is to integrate it into the chassis frame (one-piece assembly) and combinations thereof.