Patent Publication Number: US-11661757-B2

Title: Demolition tool

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     During the course of construction, remodeling, renovation, and deconstruction projects, it is often necessary for a laborer to break apart and tear out existing building structures and materials. These structures and materials are commonly held together with screws, nails, and adhesives. In many cases, joinery, such as “tongue-and-groove” interlocking flooring or window frames pressed together at the factory, may also be utilized to hold structures and materials together. In order to remove these structures and materials, hand tools are commonly utilized. 
     There exist in the market many hand tools that are designed to help complete this type work faster, easier, and at less cost. Most of these tools are each designed primarily to carry out a specific function such as prying, cutting, hammering, breaking, puncturing, or penetrating. In order to save time, money, and energy required to complete this work, it is in the worker&#39;s best interest to use a tool that is well suited for multiple functions within the demolition classification. Subtle differences in design characteristics of these tools make big differences in how effective or ineffective they are in helping a worker complete the desired task. Thus, the most helpful and valuable tools of this type are multifunctional and durable. As such, demolition tools are presented herein. 
     SUMMARY 
     The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented below. 
     As such, demolition tools are presented including: a handle having a proximal end and a distal end; a prying head disposed along the distal end of the handle, the prying head including at least two tines mechanically coupled with a substantially cylindrical cross frame, where the at least two tines each includes: an upper surface forming a width, a proximal end and a distal end; a tapered base including a first end forming a profile complementary to the substantially cylindrical cross frame, the tapered base mechanically coupled to the cylindrical cross frame at the proximal end of the upper surface along the profile, the tapered base tapering upward towards the upper surface from the first end towards the distal end of the upper surface, where the at least two tines each form a fulcrum point where the tapered base is coupled with the cross frame. In some embodiments, the handle further includes a reinforcing gusset mechanically coupled with the prying head. In some embodiments, the handle further includes at least three bends along a handle length. In some embodiments, demolition tools further include: a first bend angle of approximately 10 degrees at a first of the at least three bends; a second bend angle of approximately −6 degrees at a second of the at least three bends; and a third bend angle of approximately −4 degrees at a third of the at least three bends. In some embodiments, demolition tools further include: a striking head mechanically coupled with and disposed along at least one end of the cross frame. In some embodiments, the width of each tines has a width is in a range of approximately 0.4375 to 0.7500 inches. In some embodiments, demolition tools further include: the prying head includes at most six tines mechanically coupled with the cross frame. In some embodiments, demolition tools further include: the substantially cylindrical cross frame includes a rectangular cross-sectional profile. 
     In other embodiments, demolition tools are presented including: a handle having a proximal end and a distal end; a prying head disposed along the distal end of the handle, the prying head including at least two tines mechanically coupled with a substantially cylindrical cross frame, where the at least two tines each includes: an upper surface forming a width, a proximal end and a distal end; a tapered base portion including a first end forming a profile complementary to the substantially cylindrical cross frame, the tapered base portion mechanically coupled to the cylindrical cross frame at the proximal end of the upper surface along the profile, the tapered base portion tapering upward towards the upper surface from the first end to a second end; and a tapered end extending from the tapered base portion towards the distal end of the upper surface, where the at least two tines each form a first fulcrum point where the tapered end extends from the tapered base portion and a second fulcrum point where the tapered base portion is coupled with the cross frame. 
     In other embodiments, demolition tools are presented including: a handle having a proximal end and a distal end; a prying head disposed along the distal end of the handle, the prying head including at least two tines mechanically coupled with a substantially cylindrical cross frame, where the at least two tines each includes: an upper surface forming a width, a proximal end and a distal end; a base portion including a first end forming a profile complementary to the substantially cylindrical cross frame, the base portion mechanically coupled to the cylindrical cross frame at the proximal end of the upper surface along the profile, the base portion having a circular cross section and extending from the first end to a second end; and a tapered end extending from the base portion towards the distal end of the upper surface, where the at least two tines each form a first fulcrum point where the tapered end extends from the base portion and a second fulcrum point where the base portion is coupled with the cross frame. 
     The features and advantages described in the specification are not all inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the drawings, specification, and claims. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
         FIG.  1    is an illustrative representation of a demolition tool in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG.  2    is an illustrative top view representation of a demolition tool in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG.  3    is an illustrative side view representation of a demolition tool in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG.  4    is an illustrative view representation of various prying head configurations in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG.  5    is an illustrative view representation of a demolition tool tine in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG.  6    is an illustrative view representation of a removable striking head of a demolition tool in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG.  7    is an illustrative representation of a demolition tool with a keyhole nail remover in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG.  8    is an illustrative representation of a demolition tool with a keyhole nail remover in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG.  9    is an illustrative representation of a demolition tool with a tabbed nail remover in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG.  10    is an illustrative representation of a demolition tool with a tabbed nail remover in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG.  11    is an illustrative view representation of a demolition tool tine in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG.  12    is an illustrative view representation of a demolition tool tine in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG.  13    is an illustrative view representation of a demolition tool tine in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG.  14    is an illustrative view representation of a demolition tool tine in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG.  15    is an illustrative view representation of a demolition tool tine in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG.  16    is an illustrative view representation of a demolition tool tine in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; and 
         FIG.  17    is an illustrative view representation of a demolition tool tine with non-marring pad in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to a few embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps and/or structures have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention. 
     Because construction materials are typically bonded together using method specifically designed to keep them stable over long periods of time, tearing these materials apart can be strenuous and time consuming work and can add considerable expense to a job. Demolition, as this is commonly referred to as, is usually expensive because tooling and labor costs can easily rise with the complexity and volume of materials to be reduced. One problem with existing demolition tools are that existing demolition tools are somewhat specialized in their functionality, which effectively limits their usefulness. Thus, a laborer may be required to purchase several tools to complete a project, which can be expensive and inconvenient. In some examples, multi-use tools may be available. However, conventional multi-use tools may lack design characteristics that help a laborer to maximize the use of leverage, momentum, weight, and sharpness to create the forces necessary to tear apart materials the fastest and most efficient way possible. Embodiments disclosed herein attempt to overcome such limitations. 
       FIG.  1    is an illustrative representation of demolition tool  100  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, demolition tool  100  includes handle  102  having a proximal end and a distal end; prying head  104  disposed along the distal end of handle  102 —the prying head including tines coupled with a cross frame; and striking head  106  mechanically coupled with and disposed along at least one end of the cross frame of prying head  104 . As such, embodiments may be utilized to pierce, sever, pry, wedge, and hammer on materials. Each aspect of demolition tool  100  will be discussed in further detail below. 
       FIG.  2    is an illustrative top view representation of demolition tool  200  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, demolition tool  200  includes handle  202  having a proximal end and a distal end; prying head  204  disposed along the distal end of handle  202 —the prying head including tines coupled with a cross frame; and striking head  206  mechanically coupled with and disposed along at least one end of the cross frame of prying head  204 . As above, embodiments may be utilized to pierce, sever, pry, wedge, and hammer on materials. In addition, in some embodiments, reinforcing gusset  208  may be mechanically coupled with prying head  204 . Reinforcing gussets may provide additional stability of demolition tool embodiments. It may be appreciated that tines  210  may be spaced to accommodate different sized materials. For example, in embodiments, tines may be spaced to accommodate standard 2×4 lumber such that the narrow side of the lumber may slip between the tines. This spacing may be useful in applying rotating force on a piece of lumber. In some embodiments, tines may be spaced in a range of approximately 1.00 to 3.00 inches without limitation. 
       FIG.  3    is an illustrative side view representation of demolition tool  300  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, demolition tool  300  includes bends  302 ,  304 , and  306 . One purpose of the bends is to offset distal and proximal ends of the handles. Another purpose of the bends is to provide an ergonomic handle. Another purpose of the bends is to provide additional leverage in some positions. In embodiments, the distal end and the proximal end are substantially parallel and are offset  308  by at least 1.50 inches due to the bends. Accordingly, in one embodiment illustrated, bend  302  has bend angle  312  of approximately 10 degrees; bend  304  has bend angle  314  of approximately −6 degrees; and bend  306  has bend angle  316  of approximately −4 degrees. Importantly, a variety of bend angles may be utilized without departing from embodiments provided herein. In addition, a variety of handle lengths may be utilized without departing from embodiments provided herein. For example, in some embodiments, handles may have a length in a range of approximately 24 inches to 64 inches. 
       FIG.  4    is an illustrative view representation of various prying head configurations in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular prying head  400  includes two tines  402  coupled with cross frame  404 ; prying head  410  includes three tines  412  coupled with cross frame  414 ; and prying head  420  includes six tines  422  coupled with cross frame  424 . Therefore, as may be appreciated, a variety of tine configurations may be utilized differing in both number and spacing without departing from embodiments provided herein. For example, having fewer tines may provide a demolition tool that may be utilized in narrow spaces while having more tines may provide a demolition tool that may utilized in a larger work area more efficiently. In application, embodiments may include from two to six tines. 
       FIG.  5    is an illustrative view representation of tine  500  of a demolition tool in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, tine  500  includes base  502 ; body  504  that extends from base  502 ; and tapered end  506  that extends from body  504 . Further illustrated, tapered end  506  may have an angle  508  of approximately 20 degrees in embodiments. Still further tine  500  may include width  510  that may be in a range of approximately 0.4375 to 0.7500 inches. It may be appreciated that tine embodiments may coupled with cross frames illustrated above in any manner known in the art without limitation. Furthermore, tines may be manufactured from a variety of materials including, with limitation, steel, high carbon steel, tempered steel, aluminum, and the like. In some embodiments, tines may be hardened. 
       FIG.  6    is an illustrative view representation of a removable striking head  600  of a demolition tool in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, removable striking head  600  may be removably coupled with cross frame  604 . In embodiments, removable striking heads may have a weight in the range of approximately 10 to 50 ounces. In some embodiments, cross frame  604  may define a hollow cavity  602  that may received loose weights such as lead or steel pellets to provide a dead blow action to demolition tool embodiments. A variety of weight combinations are possible using pellets without departing from embodiments provided herein. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  7  and  8   , which are illustrative representations of a demolition tool  700  with keyhole nail remover  704  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As may be seen, keyhole nail remover  704  may be positioned along back side of cross frame  702 . In use, a protruding nail may be captured by its head in keyhole nail remover  704 , whereupon a user may then lift out an embedded nail. As may be seen, the tines and handle function in unison provide the leverage required for lifting out an embedded nail. Keyhole nail remover embodiments may be machined or formed in any manner known in the art without departing from embodiments provided herein. Although two keyhole nail removers are illustrated, embodiments require one or more keyhole nail removers, which may be positioned anywhere along the backside of the cross frame. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  9  and  10   , which are illustrative representations of a demolition tool  900  with tabbed nail remover  904  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As may be seen, tabbed nail remover  904  may be positioned along back side of cross frame  902 . In use, a protruding nail may be captured by its head by tabbed nail remover  904 , whereupon a user may then lift out an embedded nail. The tabs provide a slot that may be angled or straight in embodiments. In some embodiments, tabs may extend from the cross frame in a range of 0.50 to 1.50 inches and may be wedge shaped in profile. As may be seen, the tines and handle function in unison to provide the leverage required for lifting out an embedded nail. Although two tabbed nail removers are illustrated, embodiments require one or more tabbed nail removers, which may be positioned anywhere along the backside of the cross frame. 
     ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG.  11    is an illustrative view representation of a demolition tool tine  1100  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, tine  1100  includes tapered base  1102  that is continuously tapered from end  1106  positioned with the proximal end of upper surface  1108  to end  1110  located at the distal end of upper surface  1108 . It is noted that a fulcrum point is located where the tapered base is coupled with the cross frame. Further illustrated is profile view  1104  that shows a rectangular profile of tine  1100 . In embodiments, tapered base has an angle of approximately 20 degrees with respect to the upper surface. Still further tine  1100  may include width  1120  that may be in a range of approximately 0.4375 to 0.7500 inches. It may be appreciated that tine embodiments are coupled with cross frames illustrated above in any manner known in the art without limitation. Furthermore, tines may be manufactured from a variety of materials including, with limitation, steel, high carbon steel, tempered steel, aluminum, and the like. In some embodiments, tines may be hardened. 
       FIG.  12    is an illustrative view representation of a demolition tool tine  1200  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, tine  1200  includes tapered base portion  1202  that is tapered from end  1208  positioned with the proximal end of upper surface  1210  to tapered end  1204 , which tapers in curved fashion to end  1212  of upper surface  1210 . It is noted that the tapered end forms a first fulcrum point for demolition tool embodiments where the tapered end meets the tapered base portion. A second fulcrum point is located where the base portion is coupled with the cross frame. Further illustrated is profile view  1206  that shows a rectangular profile of tine  1200 . Still further tine  1200  may include width  1220  that may be in a range of approximately 0.4375 to 0.7500 inches. It may be appreciated that tine embodiments are coupled with cross frames illustrated above in any manner known in the art without limitation. Furthermore, tines may be manufactured from a variety of materials including, with limitation, steel, high carbon steel, tempered steel, aluminum, and the like. In some embodiments, tines may be hardened. 
       FIG.  13    is an illustrative view representation of a demolition tool tine  1300  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, tine  1300  includes tapered base portion  1302  that is tapered from end  1308  positioned with the proximal end of upper surface  1310  to tapered end  1304 , which tapers to end  1312  of upper surface  1310 . It is noted that the tapered end forms a first fulcrum point for demolition tool embodiments where the tapered end meets the tapered base portion. A second fulcrum point is located where the base portion is coupled with the cross frame in embodiments. Further illustrated is profile view  1306  that shows a rectangular profile of tine  1300 . In embodiments, tapered end has an angle of approximately 20 degrees with respect to the upper surface. Still further tine  1300  may include width  1320  that may be in a range of approximately 0.4375 to 0.7500 inches. It may be appreciated that tine embodiments are coupled with cross frames illustrated above in any manner known in the art without limitation. Furthermore, tines may be manufactured from a variety of materials including, with limitation, steel, high carbon steel, tempered steel, aluminum, and the like. In some embodiments, tines may be hardened. 
       FIG.  14    is an illustrative view representation of a demolition tool tine  1400  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIG.  14    illustrates a round tine having a conical tip. As illustrated, tine  1400  includes base portion  1402  having a circular cross section from end  1408  to tapered end  1404 , which tapers continuously to an edge. It is noted that the tapered end forms a first fulcrum point for demolition tool embodiments where the tapered end meets the base portion. A second fulcrum point is located where the base portion is coupled with the cross frame in embodiments. Further illustrated is profile view  1406  that shows a circular profile of tine  1400 . Still further tine  1400  may include width  1420  that may be in a range of approximately 0.4375 to 0.7500 inches. It may be appreciated that tine embodiments are coupled with cross frames illustrated above in any manner known in the art without limitation. Furthermore, tines may be manufactured from a variety of materials including, with limitation, steel, high carbon steel, tempered steel, aluminum, and the like. In some embodiments, tines may be hardened. 
       FIG.  15    is an illustrative view representation of a demolition tool tine  1502  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. It may be appreciated that cylindrical cross frame embodiments may include different cross-sectional profiles. In  FIG.  15   , tine  1502  is permanently coupled with cylindrical cross frame  1504  along profile  1506 . As illustrated, cylindrical cross frame  1504  has a circular cross-sectional profile. In some embodiments, cylindrical cross frames are filled or solid. 
       FIG.  16    is an illustrative view representation of a demolition tool tine  1602  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. It may be appreciated that cylindrical cross frame embodiments may include different cross-sectional profiles. In  FIG.  16   , tine  1602  is permanently coupled with cylindrical cross frame  1604  along profile  1606 . As illustrated, cylindrical cross frame  1604  has a rectangular cross-sectional profile. In some embodiments, cylindrical cross frames are filled or solid. These figures are presented for clarity in understanding that any number of cross-sectional profiles for cross frames may be utilized by one skilled in the art without limitation and without departing from embodiments disclosed herein. 
       FIG.  17    is an illustrative view representation of a demolition tool tine  1702  with non-marring pad  1704  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. It may be appreciated that in some demolition circumstances, a non-marring pad may be useful to reduce or avoid damage to an underlying substrate. For example, when removing tile from a concrete surface, it may be desirable to avoid damaging the concrete where new tile will be installed over the existing substrate. As such, a non-marring pad may be removably coupled with demolition tine embodiments as disclosed herein. Non-marring pads may be manufactured from a metallic or a polymeric material without limitation. In some embodiments, non-marring pads are manufactured from high density polyethylene. In embodiments, non-marring pads may be bolted, riveted, glued or otherwise mechanically coupled with tines without limitation. 
     The terms “certain embodiments”, “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “the embodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “some embodiments”, and “one embodiment” mean one or more (but not all) embodiments unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including”, “comprising”, “having” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise. The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise. 
     While this invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention. Furthermore, unless explicitly stated, any method embodiments described herein are not constrained to a particular order or sequence. Further, the Abstract is provided herein for convenience and should not be employed to construe or limit the overall invention, which is expressed in the claims. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.