Abstract:
A pry bar tool having independent components, including a fulcrum, multiple and different handles, and multiple bar ends. The handles and bar ends are selectively and releasably attachable to the fulcrum to accommodate different pry bar tasks.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
   This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/777,278 entitled “Universal Pry Bar” filed on Feb. 11, 2004 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,913,246. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to a tool commonly used in construction and/or demolition, generically referred to as a pry bar, and more particularly it relates to an assembly of components that can be interchangeably assembled to customize the tool to a variety of tasks. 
   BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
   A pry bar in accordance with the present invention includes a bar end portion, a fulcrum portion and a handle portion. The bar end portion typically (but not necessarily) has a flat leading edge that can be inserted under a member secured to a support, e.g. a to-be-removed floorboard fastened to an under-flooring. A heel or fulcrum portion is located rearward of the leading edge and a handle portion extends rearwardly and upwardly from the heel or fulcrum portion. The tool user forces the flat leading edge under, e.g. the floorboard and forces pivotal movement of the handle about the fulcrum to raise the leading edge. Typically, a first pry motion as described produces partial raising of the board edge to permit the user to further insert the leading edge and further raise the board. A user becomes proficient in the procedure and with a couple of repeats (insert and pry) will accomplish the task of detaching the board from the under-flooring. 
   The above explanation is one of many tasks suitable for the pry bar and the tasks range from a delicate removal task to a task demanding substantial brute force. To accommodate these tasks in the past, either the user carried a number of pry bars or made due with a pry bar of mid-range size. 
   BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   It is an objective of the present invention to provide an assembly of tool components that can be discriminately assembled together to selectively construct any of a variety of different pry bars to accommodate a variety of pry bar tasks. 
   In a preferred embodiment, the three individual components are the handle, the fulcrum and the bar end. The fulcrum may be a single item of, e.g. a half-moon configuration. The rounded bottom provides the abutment surface and the flat top is configured to receive a bar end. The bar end has a flat, straight body portion that engages a substantial length of the flat top and is secured to the flat top with multiple screws seated in threaded holes in the flat surface. The bar end protrudes beyond one end of the fulcrum with the protruded end shaped to provide e.g. a tapered/flared end tip for insertion under a member to be pried. In an alternate embodiment the threaded holes are extended along the flat top and the bar end can be adjusted to protrude different lengths beyond the end of the fulcrum. 
   At the end of the fulcrum opposite the bar end, an enlarged threaded opening is provided, the axis of which is angled relative to the flat top. The enlarged threaded opening removably receives e.g. a cylindrical handle. Further, as may be desired, the fulcrum may be provided with a flat rear end provided below the handle to enable the user to assist the initial insertion step by applying a hammering force. In this latter event, the structure of the fulcrum may require a stronger material. 
   As assembled, the three components make up a pry bar configuration that is designed with a wider range of prying motions and amplified prying forces due at least in part to the strategic size and location of the fulcrum. Where added leverage is desired, the handle can be replaced with a longer handle. Where a different bar end tip is desired, the bar end can be replaced with a substitute bar end of desired end tip configuration. 
   With e.g. three handle lengths and e.g. four or more bar end types, a great latitude in pry bar tasks can be accommodated. Still further, the use can be expanded with different sizes of fulcrums to enable the configuration of even a greater variety of pry bar configurations. 
   The invention will be more fully appreciated upon reference to the following detailed description and drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates in perspective a pry bar assembly in accordance with the invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of the pry bar of  FIG. 1 , partially in section, and shown in use for prying e.g. a board from a sub-flooring; 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates a modification that enables hammering of the fulcrum; 
       FIG. 3  illustrates the tool of  FIG. 2  in an alternate state of assembly; 
       FIG. 4  shows a variety of handles for use with the tool of  FIGS. 1–3 ; 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  are top views of the tools as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ; and 
       FIGS. 7–9  illustrate different bar ends for the tools of  FIGS. 1–3 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a pry bar of the present invention which includes a fulcrum  10 , a bar end  12  and a handle  14 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the pry bar is being used to pry loose a board  16  secured as by nailing, gluing, etc. to a sub-flooring  18 . As is typical for such use, the tool user first places the sharpened end tip  20  of the bar end  12  at the juncture between board  16  and sub-flooring  18 . The tool is initially shoved under the edge of the board (arrow  22 ) as permitted by the tightness of the board to the sub-flooring. The handle is then forced down (arrow  24 ) which typically pries the board edge up enough to insert the bar further under the board (again, arrow  22 ) followed by substantial raising and loosening of the board  16  from the sub-flooring. It will be noted that the projected tip of the bar end is angled relative to the main body portion to present a flat orientation of the tip for this insertion procedure. 
   The above is an example only of but one type of use for the tool/pry bar. The tool is usable in many different ways and many different orientations. For example, it may be used to strip ceiling tiles from overhead, pry up heavy beams to permit a fork lift to slide under, or roll a large cylinder out of the way. The uses of such a pry bar are endless and the criteria is that the bar end, fulcrum and handle are arranged to enable the bar end tip to fit under the object to be pried, the fulcrum contact point positioned sufficiently close and in contact with a support, the bar end configured so as to enable the bar end tip to slide under the object, and with the handle sufficiently extended from the fulcrum to allow the user to apply a desired force to enable the user&#39;s leveraged force (arrow  24 ) to achieve raising of the object. 
   As generally explained above, there are substantial variables depending on the use to be made of the tool. For “lighter” tasks, a lighter, more compact pry bar utilizing the shorter handle will be desired. For heavier tasks, a pry bar having a longer handle which provides greater leverage will be desired. When working overhead or prying off of the floor, i.e. removing tiles, a longer reach and thus longer handle may be desired, etc. 
   To accommodate these task variables, the present invention enables conversion from a short handle to a longer handle and/or conversion from a narrow bar end tip to a wider bar end tip and/or conversion to a different bar end type. Still further, the bar end can be shifted relative to the fulcrum, thus enabling deeper penetration under the object to be pryed. 
     FIGS. 2–9  illustrate a conversion process of a preferred embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the fulcrum component  10  has a curved bottom  26  that serves as the pivotal or engagement surface of the tool (see  FIG. 2  where engagement with sub-flooring  18  is indicated). A rear end  28  has a threaded opening  30  for receiving a tubular handle  14 . The upper side of the fulcrum has a notch  32  that is configured to receive various ones of the bar ends  12 ,  12 ′,  12 ″,  12 ′″ (see  FIGS. 7–9 ). 
   It will be noted from  FIG. 2  that the notch configuration allows a lesser thickness underlying the bar end  12  while providing a greater wall thickness surrounding the opening  30 . This accommodates the desire for lesser weight but without sacrificing strength where desired, e.g., surrounding the threaded opening  30 . With reference to the bar ends  12 ,  12 ′, etc. of  FIGS. 5–9 , they are provided with openings  34  that match up with the threaded holes  36  in the fulcrum  10 . As will be observed with reference to  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  5  and  6  there may be more threaded holes  36  than the number of openings  34  provided in the bar end  12 , i.e. four holding screws  38  may be adequate for holding the bar end  12  but the greater number of threaded holes  36  allows the same bar end to be shifted outwardly as indicated in  FIG. 3 , i.e. the openings  34  are matched up with the outer-most threaded openings  36 . 
   Whereas with all hand tools weight is a consideration, it is preferred that the fulcrum  10  be composed of a strong but light-weight metal e.g. aluminum, with further lightening of the weight provided by the openings  40 . Should the tool be intended for hammering, i.e., striking a flat surface  44  in the alternate fulcrum structure  10 ′ of  FIG. 2A , it may be desired to thicken the web sections or make the fulcrum from a stronger material. 
   Many advantages are provided by a tool assembly as illustrated. A composite of handle, fulcrum and bar end is lighter than traditional pry bars and therefore easier to handle. It is more versatile in the tasks it can perform i.e. with rapid re-assembly options, and can adapt to many different uses. Among them is the ability to use a short handled pry bar when desirable and quickly connect to a longer handle when a longer reach for greater leverage is desirable 
   The half moon shaped fulcrum provides a greater range of motion of the handle (arrow  24 ) which conveys a greater movement to the bar end  20  (compare  FIGS. 2 and 3 .) The ability to swap out or move the bar end on the fulcrum enables the pry bar to be set up for close in, more rapid removal tasks e.g. for the lighter tasks, but also enabling a set up for greater applied force for the heavier tasks. The simplicity of the assembly and re-assembly enables the user to accommodate multiple tasks with greater efficiency. 
   The pry bar, when fully assembled with a smaller handle, can fit into the same tool loops as designed for hammers and the like. The tool is easier to maneuver when standing on a ladder and because the handles are rapidly interchangeable, a user can adapt a tool to accommodate many different situations, e.g. to avoid having to stoop over when one can stand with a longer handle, or use a shorter handle to fit into tight spaces, etc. 
   In general, the pry bar tool can be easily and quickly replaced with a different pry bar end/or handle, creating a multi-usable tool for such varied work tasks as removal of cement, roof tiles, linoleum, plywood, beams, etc. Again, the variables are endless. For example note the provision of the crevice  42  on the bar ends  12  for pulling nails, staples, etc. 
   Whereas the above explanation illustrates a number of variables, many additional variables will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the claims are intended to encompass all such variables and the terms used are to be given their common understanding and meaning.