Patent Publication Number: US-2012042603-A1

Title: Method for removing shingles from a roof

Description:
I. CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This U.S. Patent Application is a divisional of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/894,912, entitled “Apparatus For Removing Shingles From A Roof”, filed on Jul. 20, 2004, still pending. 
    
    
     II. FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to roof shingle peelers and, more specifically, to a method and apparatus for systematically removing shingles and nails from a roof deck. 
     III. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
     There are generally two categories of roof shingle peelers. The first category is the roof shingle peeler that is operated manually. This manual roof shingle peeler is typically the approximate size of a shovel and has serrations at the leading edge of the shovel for prying the roofing nails from the plywood boards, thereby, detaching the shingles from the roof. Such manual roof shingle peelers include U.S. Pat. No. 5,001,946 entitled “Roof Shingle Stripping Apparatus”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,819,603 entitled “Roof Shingle Remover”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,257,094 entitled “Roofing Shingle And Tar Paper Stripper”. There is even U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,439 entitled “Roof Shingle Replacement Tool and Method” which discloses a device to install shingles on generally flat roof surfaces. The problem with these manual shingle peelers is that removing all the shingles and nails from a roof deck (e.g. for a condominium, town home, house, etc. . . .) to install a new roof becomes a laborious, physically demanding effort that can span the course of many hours or days while further increasing the opportunity for fatigue and injury to the workers. 
     Recognizing this problem created the need for a more automated roof shingle peeler. This formed the second category of motor driven roof shingle peelers. These motor driven roof shingle peelers are larger than their manual counterparts and typically powered to simulate the manual operation or include vibrating or oscillating front teeth with shearing type drives to remove the shingle and nails from the roof. Such motor driven roof shingle peelers include U.S. Pat. No. 4,091,535 entitled “Shingle Stripper”; U.S. Pat. No. 4,691,439 entitled “Powered Roof Shingle Detacher And Stripper”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,009,131 entitled “Roof Shingle Stripper Apparatus”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,098,165 to Jacobs entitled “Guided Roofing Materials Removal Apparatus”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,218,766 entitled “Roofing Removal Apparatus”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,800,021 entitled “Shingle Remover And Method Of Removing”. 
     The most relevant is U.S. Pat. No. 4,091,535 to Lehrter entitled “Shingle Stripper.” This patent discloses a guide device removably affixed to a roof that includes a cable extending between the ridge and the gutter edge of the roof. An internal combustion engine is mounted in a housing having an open forward end and a closed rear end. The engine is coupled to two drive shafts and a cable for moving the housing up the roof along the guide device from the gutter to the ridge. As the housing moves up the roof, cutters in the forward end of the housing, consisting of a first and second plurality of spaced reciprocating teeth, cut the nails of the shingles such that the shingles severed from the roof fall into and accumulate in the rear of the housing for later removal. 
     This device, however, has several inherent shortcomings. First, the entire system uses complex moving parts which are expensive and provide maintenance problems. This is exemplified by the gears, dual pulley, cable, and shaft arrangement, the reciprocating plurality of cutters, and the use of the internal combustion engine to move the pulleys and cables and turn the shafts. Second, due to the complexity of the system, the use of the system is limited as it is bulky, slow and too heavy. Third, although the cutters cut the nails to sever the shingles from the roof, the shingles themselves remain intact. As the device moves up the roof, this creates problems as a portion of the shingle may be severed from the roof in front of the device while the remaining portion of the shingle, not located within the front of the device, may still remain affixed to the roof causing pressure or other tension upon the system. It also requires a larger housing to collect the shingles which may likewise impede the use of the device on steep and long roofs due to the increased weight of the full shingles. Lastly, this patent does not disclose or teach the method and apparatus for removing shingles using Applicant&#39;s invention. 
     Likewise U.S. Pat. No. 5,098,165 to Jacobs entitled “Guided Roofing Materials Removal Apparatus” discloses a guide system which secures the shingle removal device and the operator in position on an inclined roof so that the roof can be traversed at various positions along different travel paths while being supported. The problem with this device is that it: (a) is designed solely as a guide and support member for the operator and the shingle removal device, and (b) continues to require an operator to operate the shingle removal device. 
     Thus, there is a need and there has never been disclosed Applicant&#39;s unique method and apparatus for removing shingles from a roof deck. 
     IV. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     It is the primary object of the present invention to systematically remove shingles from a roof deck using a roof shingle peeler device. A related object of the present invention is to provide a saw blade operated by a motor and a wedge coacting to remove nails and shingles from the roof deck. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a horizontal arm and skiis to regulate the depth of the wedge and saw blade for removing and cutting the shingles. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a duct to transport the shingles into a bag for receiving and collecting all the shingles removed from the roof deck. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a hoist and return hoist enabling the roof shingle peeler device to traverse the roof deck from the base to the crest of the roof deck. 
     Still another object of the invention is to provide a roof shingle device that is safe and easy to use. 
     Other objects of the present invention will become more apparent to persons having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     V. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a roof shingle peeler device which comprises a saw blade, a motor to operate the saw blade, a horizontal arm and skiis to regulate the depth of the wedge, the wedge removing the nails and shingles from the roof deck and enabling the saw blade to cut the shingles into a predefined section, and a frame to facilitate the transportation of the predefined section of shingles for being received and collected into a bag for disposal. A hoist and return hoist are used to pull the roof shingle peeler device up and down the roof deck from the base to the crest while removing shingles. 
    
    
     
       VI. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The Description of the Preferred Embodiment will be better understood with reference to the following figures: 
         FIG. 1  is a left side perspective view of Applicant&#39;s invention on a shingled roof deck. 
         FIG. 2  is a left side perspective view of the roof shingle peeler device in operation. 
         FIG. 3  is a cross sectional view, taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 , illustrating the shingles as installed on a roof deck. 
         FIG. 4  is a right side perspective view illustrating the roof shingle peeler device as it begins at the base to remove the predefined section of shingles and nails from the roof deck. 
         FIG. 5  is a left side perspective view illustrating the roof shingle peeler device in the middle of the roof deck and removing the predefined section of shingles from the roof deck. 
         FIG. 6  is an end perspective view illustrating the roof shingle peeler device at the crest of the roof deck after removing a predefined section of shingles from the roof deck. 
         FIG. 7  is a left side, front perspective view of the roof shingle peeler device. 
         FIG. 8  is a left side perspective view of a second embodiment of the roof shingle peeler device. 
         FIG. 9  is a top perspective view, with portions removed, of the second embodiment of the roof shingle peeler device. 
         FIG. 10  is a left side perspective view of the second embodiment of the roof shingle peeler device in operation. 
         FIG. 11  is a left side perspective view, with portions removed, of both the original and second embodiments of the roof shingle peeler device. 
         FIG. 12  is a bottom view of the attachment of the hoist and return hoist cables to the roof shingle peeler device. 
         FIG. 13  is a front perspective view of a third embodiment of the roof shingle peeler device. embodiment of the roof shingle peeler device and, in particular, illustrating the pulley motor that operates the device. 
         FIG. 15  is a left side perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the roof shingle peeler device. 
         FIG. 16  is a top perspective view, with portions removed, of the fourth embodiment of the roof shingle peeler device. 
         FIG. 17  is a front view, with portions removed, of the fourth embodiment of the roof shingle peeler device and, in particular, illustrating the directional flow of the shingles into and around the duct as the roof shingle peeler device proceeds to the crest of the roof deck during a strip run. 
         FIG. 18  is a side perspective view of the hoist for the roof shingle peeler device. 
         FIG. 19  is an enlarged side perspective view, with portions removed, of the hoist for the roof shingle peeler device. 
         FIG. 20  is an enlarged side perspective view, with portions removed, of the hoist for the roof shingle peeler device. 
         FIG. 21  is a top perspective view, with portions removed, of the hoist as the roof shingle peeler device is shown entering the hoist. 
         FIG. 22  is a top perspective view, with portions removed, of the hoist as the roof shingle peeler device is shown continuing into the directional guide of the hoist. 
         FIG. 23  is an end perspective view, with portions removed, of the hoist and, in particular, illustrating the roof shingle peeler device as it enters the hoist. 
     
    
    
     VII. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Turning first to  FIG. 1 , there is illustrated a roof shingle peeler device  30  situated on a roof deck  32  which is covered by shingles  34 . The roof deck  32  is typically used for a house, town home, condominium, etc. Alternatively, the roof deck  32  may be used in connection with any type of dwelling, abode, storage, or any other type of building or facility that requires the use of a roof. The roof deck  32 , based upon its design, forms a roof angle  36 . The roof deck  32  is covered by a layer of a protective sheet  33  ( FIG. 3 ) and then by a layer of the shingles  3 . 4 . The shingles  34  are installed lengthwise into rows along the roof deck  32  from the base  44  to the crest  46 . Nails  50  ( FIG. 3 ) are used to secure both the protective sheet  33  and the shingles  34  to the roof deck  32 . A typical shingle  34  has a length of substantially thirty-six inches (36″) and a shingle thickness  35  ( FIG. 3 ) of substantially one-eighth of an inch (⅛″). The protective sheet  33  and the shingles  34  coact to protect the roof deck  32  against adverse weather and to prevent leaks or other problems that may be caused by the elements. 
     A hoist  38 , operated by a roofer  40  standing on a platform  42 , pulls the roof shingle peeler device  30  up the roof deck  32  from the base  44  to the crest  46 . Preferably, the hoist  38  uses a cable  48  to pull the roof shingle peeler device  30  up the roof deck  32 . As the roof shingle peeler device  30  is being pulled up the roof deck  32 , the roof shingle peeler device  30  removes the nails  50  and cuts the shingles  34  on the roof deck  32  into a predefined section of shingles  34 . The removed nails  50  and the predefined section of shingles  34  removed from the roof deck  32  are then collected in a bag  52 . After the roof shingle peeler device  30  reaches the crest  46  of the roof deck  32 , a return hoist  54  uses a return cable  56  to pull the roof shingle peeler device  30  back down to the base  44  of the roof deck  32  where the roof shingle peeler device  30  originally started. This is referred to as a “strip run.” The roof shingle peeler device  30  is then repositioned lengthwise along the base  44  of the roof deck  32 , below another portion of shingles  34 , and the process is repeated. This process continues until all of the shingles  34  and the nails  50  are removed from the roof deck  32 . During this process, the hoist  38  is provided with a shield  58  to protect the roofer  40  from any loose debris or other material that may be projected from the roof deck  32  while the roof shingle peeler device  30  is in use. Preferably, the shield  58  is a transparent, plastic protective shield capable of resisting .22 caliber bullets. Such a transparent, plastic protective shield is made by Lexan. 
     Applicant&#39;s four embodiments for its roof shingle peeler device  30  and how each embodiment removes the shingles and nails from the roof is described in further detail below. 
     Turning to  FIG. 2 , the first embodiment of Applicant&#39;s roof shingle peeler device  30  is more clearly depicted. This embodiment is referred to herein as the “original or first embodiment.” The shingle peeler device  30  consists of a saw blade  60 . The purpose of the saw blade  60  is to cut the shingles  34  into predefined sections  76  for removal from the roof deck  32 . The saw blade  60  is situated in a vertical position relative to the horizontal or flat shingles  34  nailed to the roof deck  32 . This perpendicular relationship permits the saw blade  60  to make a clean cut through the shingles  34 . As discussed in more detail below, in cutting the shingles  34 , the saw blade  60  cuts through the shingle thickness  35  ( FIG. 3 ) of the shingles  34  but does penetrate into the roof deck  32 , thereby, preserving the roof deck  32  for the installation of a replacement set of shingles  34 . In the preferred embodiment, the saw blade  60  is made of steel and is fourteen inches (14″) in diameter. Alternatively, the saw blade  60  may be of any size provided that it is sufficient to cut through the shingles  34 . 
     The saw blade  60  is operated by a motor  61 . In the preferred embodiment, the motor  61  is an off the shelf, direct drive, three and one-half horsepower, fifteen amp motor. Alternatively, the motor  61  may be any size or horsepower provided there is sufficient power generated by the motor to permit the saw blade  60  to cut through the shingles  34 . 
     The saw blade  60  is aligned and positioned between two parallel supporting brackets  62 . The supporting brackets  62  are attached to a wedge  66  and a frame  68 , at one end, and to a horizontal arm  64 , at the other. 
     The wedge  66  is an elongated member that extends a width  86  in front of the frame  68  and continues a width  88  beyond the front of the frame  68  (see also  FIG. 7 ). In the preferred embodiment, the width  86  is substantially equal to width  88  and the saw blade  60  is positioned in the center of the wedge  66  and at the right side of the frame  68  (see also  FIG. 7 ). Alternatively, this unit of the roof shingle peeler device  30  (i.e., the saw blade  60 , motor  61 , supporting brackets  62 , horizontal arm  64 , and wedge  66 ) may be likewise positioned on the left side of the frame  68  as depicted in phantom in  FIG. 7 . In either of these locations for the roof shingle peeler device  30 , the motor  61  is positioned on the opposite side of the saw blade  60  from the frame  68 . The reason that the motor  61  is positioned in this manner is so that the weight of the motor  61  will counter balance the weight of the frame  68  and thereby provide a more stabilized device with the weight of the device being centrally located at the saw blade  60 . 
     The wedge  66  has a leading edge  78  and a trailing edge  80  which are separated by teeth  82 . The teeth  82  are equally spaced from one another and form channels  84  between them. At the leading edge  78 , the wedge  66 , when in use, is inserted under the shingles  34  such that the teeth  82  abut against the roof deck  32 . The teeth  82  then gradually taper, along the vertical axis, upwardly or at an incline from the roof deck  32  to the trailing edge  80  and, along the horizontal axis, the teeth  82  extend equi-distant from one another from the leading edge  78  to the trailing edge  80  as further illustrated in  FIG. 7 . In the preferred embodiment, the wedge  66  is made of steel or metal. Alternatively, the wedge  66  may be made of any material provided that the material is of sufficient strength and durability for its intended purpose. 
     The purpose of the wedge  66  is to remove the nails  50  from the roof deck  32  and lift the shingles  34  into a position to be cut by the saw blade  60 . To accomplish this, the leading edge  78  of the wedge  66  traverses the roof deck  32  from the base  44  to the crest  46 . With respect to the nails  50 , while traversing the roof deck  32 , either: the leading edge  78  of the teeth  82  engages and forces the nails  50  into the channels  84  to be removed from the roof deck  32 , and/or the nails  50  are directly received into the channels  84  and lifted from the roof deck  32  by the adjoining teeth  82  as the teeth  82  extend from the leading edge  78  to the trailing edge  80 . 
     With respect to the shingles  34 , the leading edge  78  of the wedge  66 , while in use, is burrowed between the roof deck  32  and the shingles  34 . As the wedge  66  proceeds up the roof deck  32 , the shingles  34  traverse over the top surface of the teeth  82 . As the teeth  82  incline or taper upwardly from the leading edge  78  to the trailing edge  80 , the shingles  34  are lifted by the wedge  66  from the roof deck  32 . Additionally, nails  50  that remain attached to the shingles  34  are removed from the roof deck  32  along with the shingles  34 . The lifted shingles  34  are then cut into the predefined section  76  by the saw blade  60  and received into the frame  68 . 
     The frame  68  is preferably a hollow, rectangular member that has a frame height  90  and a frame width  92  (see also  FIG. 7 ). The frame height  90  is of sufficient size to accommodate the shingle thickness  35  of all the shingles  34  in the predefined section  76 . The frame width  92  is of sufficient size to accommodate the width of the entire predefined section  76 . The frame height  90 , the frame width  92 , and length of the frame  68  form a duct  94 . As illustrated and in  FIGS. 4 through 6 , the duct  94  provides an opening in the frame  68  to receive all the shingles  34  in the predefined section  76  and facilitate the easy transportation of the predefined section  76  of shingles  34  into the bag  52 . The bag  52  is securely attached around the exterior circumference of the frame  68  by latches  96 . The purpose of the bag  52  is to receive, collect, and facilitate the easy disposal of the predefined sections  76  of shingles  34  and nails  50  removed from the roof deck  32 . To accomplish this, the bag  52  must be of sufficient strength and durability to avoid tearing due to the generally rigid nature of the shingles  34 , the sharp edges of the shingles  34 , and/or the full weight of the predefined section  76  of shingles  34  collected. In the preferred embodiment, the bag  52  is a standard grade, three milliliter (3 mil.), forty-two gallon (42 gal.) contractor bag. Alternatively, the roof shingle peeler device  30  may be used without the frame  68  and the bag  52 . In this instance, the roof shingle peeler device  30  will operate as described herein except that the predefined sections  76  of shingles  34  cut from the roof deck  32  will remain loose on the roof deck  32  until manually bagged and discarded by the users. 
     The horizontal arm  64  extends outwardly a distance  98  from the supporting brackets  62  terminating in skiis  70 . The purpose of the horizontal arm  64  is twofold: (1) to provide appropriate leverage in pulling the roof shingle peeler device  30  up the roof deck  32 , and (2) enable the wedge  66  and the saw blade  60  to be positioned relative to the roof deck  32  and shingles  34  such that the saw blade  60  can cut and separate the predefined section  76  from the remaining shingles  34  and do so without damaging the roof deck  32 . The appropriate leverage is accomplished by providing the proper distance  98 . In the preferred embodiment, the distance  98  is substantially twenty inches (20″). The horizontal arm  64  is also positioned such that the vertical centerline of the horizontal arm  64  corresponds to the vertical centerline of the saw blade  60 . The positioning of the saw blade  60  relative to the roof deck  32  and shingles  34  is accomplished by the combination of distance  98  of the horizontal arm  64  and the skiis  70 . The horizontal arm  64  and the skiis  70  are preferably made of steel or metal. 
     The skiis  70  are attached to the horizontal arm  64  by threaded screws  72  and corresponding fasteners  74  located on both sides of the horizontal arm  64 . In this manner, if the horizontal arm  64  is desired to be raised higher (i.e., raise the saw blade  60  in relation to the shingles  34  and roof deck  32 ), the fasteners  74  on the top side of the horizontal arm  64  are raised to the desired height, the horizontal arm  64  is correspondingly lifted to that height, and the fasteners  74  located on the underside of the horizontal arm  64  are likewise raised to secure the horizontal arm  64  into that desired height. If, on the other hand, the horizontal arm  64  is desired to be lowered (i.e., lower the saw blade  60  more into the shingles  34  and closer to the roof deck  32 ), the opposite occurs. The fasteners  74  located on the underside of the horizontal arm  64  are lowered to the desired height, the horizontal arm  64  is correspondingly lowered to that height, and the fasteners  74  located on the top side of the horizontal arm  64  are then lowered to secure the horizontal arm  64  into that desired height. 
     The purpose of the skiis  70  is to control and stabilize the cable  48  located between them thereby reducing the yaw of the cable  48 . The fasteners  74  are each provided with sleeves (not illustrated) to assist in securing the cable  48  between the skiis  70 . Preferably, the sleeves are made of brass which is less abrasive on the cable  48 . 
     The skiis  70  also have ski tips  116  which permit the skiis  70  to easily traverse over the roof deck  32  without getting hooked or caught in the shingles  34  or in any other manner inhibiting the forward motion of the device. 
     Alternatively, in lieu of using the skiis  70 , it is contemplated that wheels or any other adjustable means may be used. The adjustable means should also sufficiently support the horizontal arm  64  and traverse the roof deck with minimal friction or difficulty. 
       FIGS. 4 ,  5 , and  6  depict the roof shingle peeler device  30  traversing the roof deck  32  from the base  44  to the crest  46 . As previously discussed, the predefined section  76  of the shingles  34  are collected in the bag  52 . With respect to the shingles  34  that are adjacent to the predefined section  76  and outside the frame  68 , as the roof shingle peeler device  30  traverses the roof deck  32 , the width  88  of the wedge  66  removes the nails  50  from the shingles  34  that it is under. As a result, when the roof shingle peeler device  30  is repositioned to remove the next set of predefined section  76  of shingles  34  from the roof deck  32 , these adjacent shingles  34 , with removed nails  50 , will form the left portion of the next set of predefined section  76  of shingles to be removed. In this manner, as the nails  50  have already been removed from the next set of predefined section  76  of shingles  34 , the width  86  of the wedge  66  will be directed to the remainder of the nails  50  and shingles  34  in that predefined section  76  for removal and collection into the bag  52 . 
     The return hoist  54  enables the roof shingle peeler device  30  to be pulled back down the roof deck  32 , from the crest  46  to the base  44 , to where the roof shingle peeler device  30  originally started. The roof shingle peeler device  30  and the return hoist  54  are then correspondingly repositioned along the roof deck  32  to the right. Alternatively, if the unit was affixed to the left side of the frame  68 , the roof shingle peeler device  30  would remove the shingles  34  from the roof deck  32  in the opposite direction starting on the right edge of the roof deck  32  and repositioning left along the roof deck  32  until all the shingles  34  have been removed. 
     As more clearly illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the return hoist  54  consists of a motor  100  secured to a housing  102  by a clamp  104 . A drive shaft  106  extends outwardly from the motor  100  and attaches to a spool  108  containing the return cable  56 . The spool  108  is likewise attached to the housing  102  by a bar  110 . The housing  102  provides blades  112  to insert between the shingles  34  and the roof deck  32 , thereby, securing the return hoist  54  in position while the roof shingle peeler device  30  is in use during a strip run. When the roof shingle peeler device  30  traverses from the base  44  to the crest  46  of the roof deck  32 , the spool  108  of the return hoist  54  permits the return cable  56 , which is attached to the roof shingle peeler device  30  as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , to follow the roof shingle peeler device  30  to the crest  46 . Preferably, the return cable  56  is in the same vertical centerline of the saw blade  60 . When the roof shingle peeler device  30  is ready to be returned to the base  44  for repositioning, the motor  100  is activated to rotate the drive shaft  106  and pull the roof shingle peeler device  30  back to the base  44  of the roof deck  32 . In the preferred embodiment, the motor  100  is at least a 9 amp, variable speed, reverse alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) motor. 
     Turning to  FIG. 8 , the second embodiment of Applicant&#39;s roof shingle peeler device  30  is more clearly depicted. This embodiment is referred to herein as the “second embodiment.” There are four differences between this embodiment and the original embodiment. First, the horizontal arm  64  is positioned directly in the center of the frame  68 . Second, the parallel supporting brackets  62  have been replaced with a square frame  114 . Third, although the horizontal arm  64  has been relocated, the saw blade  60  remains, as illustrated here, on the right side of the frame  68 . With the unit located on the right side of the frame  68 , the motor  61  is now repositioned on the left side of the saw blade  60 . This is opposite to where the motor  61  is located in the original embodiment. Lastly, the entire wedge  66  is placed directly in front of the frame  68 . In this second embodiment, the roof shingle peeler device is simpler and more stabilized. 
     The horizontal arm  64  and the skiis  70  remain the same as disclosed in the original embodiment. The square frame  114 , illustrated in more detail in  FIG. 9 , provides two parallel front bars  118  each connected to two opposed side bars  120 . The front bars  118  are separated from one another by a front bar distance  122 . In the preferred embodiment, the front bar distance  122  is substantially four and one-half inches (4 ½″). The front bars  118  each have a bore (not illustrated) centrally located for receiving and retaining the horizontal arm  64 . As a result, the parallel front bars  118  provide increased support and stability to the device thereby inhibiting the yaw, pitch, and/or torque that may be experienced or created by the horizontal arm  64  as it traverses the roof deck  32 . 
     The wedge  66  is the same wedge as disclosed in the original embodiment. In the second embodiment, the entire width  86  and  88  of the wedge  66  is located along the frame width  92 . With the wedge  66  as positioned, the roof shingle peeler device  30  will remove the shingles  34  into a larger predefined section  76  than in the original embodiment. Preferably, the second embodiment, in operation as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , will remove a predefined section  76  that is substantially twice as large as the predefined section  76  in the original embodiment and require approximately half as many strip runs. 
     The square frame  114  is also provided with an L-shaped support member  124  ( FIG. 8 ). The L-shaped support member  124  is used to secure the saw blade  60  and motor  61  into position on either the right or the left side of the square frame  114 . As the skiis  70 , the horizontal arm  64 , and the square frame  114  are all centered in relation to the wedge  66  and frame  68 , the motor  61  is positioned on the inside of the saw blade  60  within the square frame  114 . This assists in centralizing the weight of the motor  61  with the entire device and in creating a more stabilized device. 
     The wedge  66 , the frame  68 , duct  94 , and bag  52  are the same, in this second embodiment, as that disclosed in the original embodiment. 
       FIG. 11  more clearly illustrates the attachment of the bag  52  to the frame  68 . The frame  68  provides a rectangular ledge  130 , located on the opposite side of the wedge  66 , around the exterior circumference of the frame  68 . The rectangular ledge  130  is positioned a border distance  134  from the outermost exterior edge of the frame  68  and extends outwardly from the frame  68  a ledge thickness  132 . In the preferred embodiment, the border distance  134  is substantially equal to the ledge thickness  132 . As a result, this forms a uniform ridge  136  around the exterior circumference of the frame  68 . As discussed previously, the bag  52  is folded around the exterior circumference of the frame  68  and the ledge  130 . A rectangular holder  126  having four rigid sides  128  of a uniform holder thickness  138  and forming a hollow center is inserted over the exterior of the bag and into the ridge  136 . As the holder thickness  138  of the rectangular holder  126  is substantially equal to the ledge thickness  132  and border distance  134 , the bag  52  becomes secured between the rectangular holder  126 , the ledge  130 , and the frame  68  which are each flush with one another and providing an equal and opposite force for securing the bag  52  between them. The latches  96  have claws  140  that frictionally grip the frame  68  to secure the holder  126  to the frame  68 . 
     In  FIG. 12 , the attachment of the hoist cable  48  and the return cable  56  of the return hoist  54  to the roof shingle peeler device  30  are more clearly illustrated. The hoist cable  48  extends from the hoist  38 , between the skiis  70 , and attaches to the horizontal arm  64  between the front bars  118 . In the preferred embodiment, the hoist cable  48  is formed into a loop  142  which is secured to the horizontal arm  64  by a bolt  144 . Alternatively, it is contemplated that any other means that is known in the art may be used to secure the hoist cable  48  to the horizontal arm  64 . The bolt  144  has a flat bottom  146  that, upon tightening the bolt  144 , holds the hoist cable  48  to the horizontal arm  64 . The hoist cable  48  is also attached in this location such that the skiis  70  and horizontal arm  64  can be sufficiently pulled into the hoist  38  for enabling the roof shingle peeler device  30  to cut the predefined section  76  of shingles  34  all the way up to the crest  46  of the roof deck  32 . 
     The return cable  56  also has a loop  148  formed into its end. The loop  148  is attached to a handle  150 . Preferably, the handle  150  forms a ring  154  and utilizes a latch  156  for opening and closing the ring  154  to receive the loop  148  of the return cable  56 . The ring  154  also receives a finger loop  152  on the wedge  66 . In this manner, the return cable  56  is secured to the roof shingle peeler device  30 . Alternatively, it is contemplated that any other means may be used to secure the return cable  56  to the roof shingle peeler device  30  provided that this alternate securing means is of sufficient strength for the return hoist  54  to pull the roof shingle peeler device  30  back down the roof deck  32  from the crest  46  to the base  44 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 13 , the third embodiment of Applicant&#39;s roof shingle peeler device  30  is more clearly depicted. This embodiment is referred to herein as the “third embodiment.” In this third embodiment, the saw blade  60 , the supporting brackets  62 , the wedge  66 , the horizontal arm  64 , the skiis  70 , and bag  52  are all the same as that disclosed in the original and/or second embodiments. The roof shingle peeler device  30  also uses the same hoist  38  and return hoist  54  for traversing the roof deck  32 . 
     The roof shingle peeler device  30  does, however, comprise a belt drive or pulley motor assembly  160  to operate the saw blade  60 . In the preferred embodiment, the pulley motor assembly  160  includes a motor  162  that is a 15 amp, 3 ½ horsepower electric alternating current (AC) or gas motor. The motor  162  is also energized by 110 volts. As this is the same voltage that is provided by a typical house electrical outlet, the pulley motor assembly  160  is ideal for use with the roof shingle peeler device  30  as it eliminates the necessity of having to provide a portable electrical generator to run the motor  61  of the original and second embodiments. As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the pulley motor assembly  160  comprises the motor  162 , two pulleys  164  connected by a driving belt  166 , and a drive shaft  168  for engaging the saw blade  60 . A cover  158  is provided for protecting the users from potential injury resulting from the saw blade  60 , especially when in use. 
     A supporting bracket  169  having a vertical plate  170  is attached to a horizontal plate  172  of the wedge  66 . The vertical plate  170  is positioned directly behind the saw blade  60  and the wedge  66 . In use, the nails  50  and shingles  34  of the roof deck  32  are removed and cut, as described previously, by the combination of the wedge  66  and saw blade  60 . As the shingles  34  proceed beyond the wedge  66  and saw blade  60 , the shingles  34  cut by the saw blade  60  are divided or separated by the vertical plate  170  with the shingles  34  on the left side of the saw blade  60  being directed by the vertical plate  170  to the left side of the saw blade  60  and the shingles  34  on the right side of the saw blade  60  being directed by the vertical plate  170  to the right side of the saw blade  60 . The portion of the shingles  34  that do not engage the vertical plate  170  will otherwise pass over the top of the horizontal plate  172 . As a result, the vertical plate  170  facilitates the division or separation of the cut or removed shingles from the shingles that remain attached to the roof deck and enables the roof shingle peeler device to continue to traverse the roof deck uninhibited by the shingles still attached to the roof deck. 
     The benefits of this third embodiment are that: (1) the motor  162  provides a more convenient and efficient motor; (2) in the original and second embodiments, the roof shingle peeler device started to remove shingles from the roof deck from either the left or right side of the roof deck depending upon whether the saw blade was located on the right or left side of the device, respectively. With the motor  162 , saw blade  60 , wedge  66 , horizontal arm  64 , and skiis  70  all positioned in the same vertical centerline, the roof shingle peeler device in this third embodiment can start to remove shingles from the roof deck from any location on the roof deck; (3) the vertical plate  170  assists in the division or separation of the shingles and the movement of the device up the roof deck is not restrained or inhibited by the cut or removed shingles or the shingles that remains attached to the roof deck and have yet to be removed; (4) the roof shingle peeler device can operate with or without the bag; and (5) provides a more balanced device. 
     Turning to  FIG. 15 , the fourth embodiment of Applicant&#39;s roof shingle peeler device  30  is more clearly depicted. This embodiment is referred to herein as the “fourth embodiment.” In this fourth embodiment, the saw blade  60 , the horizontal arm  64 , the skiis  70 , the square frame  114 , the side bars  120 , the wedge  66 , and the bag  52 , if used, are all the same as that disclosed in the second embodiment. The roof shingle peeler device  30  also uses the same hoist  38  and return hoist  54  for traversing the roof deck  32 . 
     This fourth embodiment of the roof shingle peeler device  30 , like the third embodiment, comprises a belt drive or pulley motor  160  to operate the saw blades  60 . In the preferred embodiment, the pulley motor  160  is a  15  amp, 3 ½ horsepower electric alternating current (AC) or gas motor which is supported by the square frame  114 . The pulley motor  160  is also energized by 110 volts. As this is the same voltage that is provided by a typical house electrical outlet, the pulley motor  160  is ideal for use with the roof shingle peeler device  30  as it eliminates the necessity of having to provide a portable electrical generator to run the motor  61  of the original and second embodiments. As illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the pulley motor  160  comprises a motor  162 , two pulleys  164  connected by a driving belt  166 , and a drive shaft  168  for engaging the saw blades  60 . A cover  158  is provided for protecting the users from potential injury resulting from the saw blades  60 , especially when in use. 
     This fourth embodiment provides two differences over the first three embodiments. First, the device provides dual saw blades  60 , one located on the left side of the frame  68  and the other located on the right side of the frame  68 . The dual saw blades  60  are attached to one another by an axle  240  ( FIG. 16 ). The dual saw blades  60  enable the shingles to be cut on both sides of the predefined section  76  ( FIG. 2 ) rather than on just one side as in the first three embodiments. 
     Second, the frame  68  is provided with dual vertical flanges  238  on opposite sides of the frame  68  as illustrated in  FIG. 16 . The purpose of the dual vertical flanges  238  is to separate the predefined section  76  of shingles from the shingles that remain attached to the roof deck  32 . The dual flanges  238  each have a flange leading edge  242  and a flange trailing edge  244 . In the preferred embodiment, the flange leading edge  242  coincides with the front sides of the frame  68  and the entrance to the duct  94 . From the flange leading edge  242 , the dual flanges  238  taper outwardly from the frame  68  to the flange trailing edge  244 . In this manner, upon the dual saw blades  60  cutting the shingles, the predefined section  76  of shingles, also referred to in this embodiment as the center section, proceeds along directional line A ( FIG. 17 ) straight into the duct  94 . The shingles separated from opposite sides of the predefined section  76  of shingles, also referred to in this embodiment as the left section and the right section, are directed, using the dual vertical flanges  238 , along directional line B and around the frame  68  and duct  94 . As a result, the roof shingle peeler device  30  is enabled to proceed from the base  44  to the crest  46  of the roof deck  32  without being inhibited or restricted by the shingles remaining attached to the roof deck  32  and not yet removed. 
     Thus, the benefits of this fourth embodiment are that: (1) the pulley motor provides a more convenient and efficient motor; (2) in the original and second embodiments, the roof shingle peeler device started to remove shingles from the roof deck from either the left or right side of the roof deck depending upon whether the saw blade was located on the right or left side of the device, respectively. With the pulley motor, wedge, horizontal arm, and skiis all positioned in the same vertical centerline and coacting with the dual saw blades, the roof shingle peeler device in this fourth embodiment can, like the third embodiment, start to remove shingles from the roof deck from any location on the roof deck; (3) the dual saw blades improve upon the third embodiment as this device can cut the shingles simultaneously on both the left and right sides of the roof shingle peeler device  30 ; (4) the dual vertical flanges assists in the division or separation of the shingles from the predefined section and also enable the movement of the device traversing up the roof deck without being restrained or inhibited by the shingles that remains attached to the roof deck; (5) the roof shingle peeler device can operate with or without the bag; and (6) provides a more balanced device. 
       FIG. 18  more clearly illustrates the hoist  38 . The hoist  38  comprises a directional guide  174 , dual arms  176 , and the platform  42 . The directional guide  174  and dual arms  176  are connected by a hinge  180  (see also  FIG. 19 ). The hinge  180  enables the hoist  38  to accommodate any roof angle  36  such that the directional guide  174  parallels the front side of the roof deck  32  and the dual arms  176  parallel the back side of the roof deck  32  to the platform  42 . A hoist adjustable means  210  ( FIG. 20 ) is utilized to secure the directional guide  174  and the dual arms  176  of the hoist  38  into this position relative to the front and back sides of the roof deck  32 . The hoist adjustable means  210  comprises two parallel beams  212  separated by a roller  214  which is securely attached to the side of the directional guide  174 . Preferably, the roller  214  is permitted to slide in either direction between the two parallel beams  212 . As the roller  214  slides between the two parallel beams  212 , the directional guide  174  and the dual arms  176  pivot around the hinge  180  ( FIG. 19 ) to accommodate the particular roof angle  36  of the roof deck  32 . Upon reaching the particular roof angle  36  and the desired position of the directional guide  174  and dual arms  176  in relation to the roof deck  32 , a lever  216  attached to the roller  214  is used to tighten the hoist  38  into position. 
     While the hoist  38  is positioned to accommodate the roof angle  36 , it is also secured to the roof deck  32 . An L-bracket  218 , attached to each dual arm  176 , and cleats  220 , attached to each L-bracket  218 , are also used to secure the hoist  38  to the roof deck  32 . The L-bracket  218  is preferably welded to each dual arm  176  and provides pockets  222  to retain the cleat  220  to the L-bracket  218 . The pockets  222  also facilitate each cleat  220  to be inserted directly into the roof deck  32  thereby securing the hoist  38  to the roof deck  32 , especially when in use. Preferably, six cleats  220  per L-bracket  218  on each dual arm  176  is used. Alternatively, it is contemplated that more or less cleats  220  or any other means may be used to secure the hoist  38  to the roof deck  32  provided the hoist  38  is secured to the roof deck  32  sufficient to pull the roof shingle peeler device  30  up the roof deck  32  as described herein. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 18 , a control box  182  is provided to control the operation of the roof shingle peeler device  30  and the hoist  38 . The control box  182  comprises on/off power control switches  184  and  186 . The on/off power control switch  184  controls the electrical power of the roof shingle peeler device  30 . A power cord  188  provides continuous electrical power source to the control box  182 . If the on/off power control switch  184  is toggled to the off position, the roof shingle peeler device  30  and, in particular, the motor  61  will not be energized and prohibited from operating. If the on/off power control switch  184  is toggled to the on position, the electrical power supplied from the power cord  188  will continue through the control box  182  and through a motor cord  190  to permit the operation of the motor  61  and ultimately the roof shingle peeler device  30 . Likewise, the on/off power control switch  186  operates in the same manner as the on/off power control switch  184  except that the on/off power control switch  186  controls the operation of the hoist  38 . The hoist  38  provides a hoist motor cord  192  that extends from the control box  182  to a hoist motor  178  to operate the hoist  38 . As the roofer  40  ( FIG. 1 ) stands on the platform  42  to operate the device, the control box  182  is conveniently positioned for access by the roofer  40 . The control box  182  is also more clearly illustrated in  FIG. 19 . 
     The hoist motor  178  engages, as illustrated in  FIG. 20 , a set of gears  194  for controlling a hoist pulley system  196 . The hoist pulley system  196  provides a housing  202  for the gear drive shafts (not illustrated) and a cable drum  198  for encapsulating the hoist cable  48  that is fitted around a hoist pulley  200  ( FIG. 21 ). This hoist pulley system  196  is used to pull the roof shingle peeler device  30  from the base  44  to the crest  46  of the roof deck  32 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 21 through 23 , when the on/off power control switch  186  is toggled to the on position, the hoist  38  begins to operate. As it begins to operate, the hoist motor  178  powers the set of gears  194  ( FIG. 20 ) which engage the hoist pulley system  196  and begin to rotate the cable drum  198  for turning the hoist cable  48  and, thereby, pulling the roof shingle peeler device  30  up the roof deck  32 . As the roof shingle peeler device  30  reaches the hoist  38  being pulled along direction A, the hoist  38  provides a funneling guide  204  that is fitted with tapered sides  206  to engage the skiis  70  and to redirect, if necessary, the skiis  70  and the horizontal arm  64  into the directional guide  174 . In the preferred embodiment, the directional guide  174  has a guide width  208  that is slightly larger than the width of the horizontal arm  64 . As a result, upon the skiis  70  and horizontal arm  64  entering the directional guide  174 , as illustrated in  FIG. 22 , the roof shingle peeler device  30  is positioned within the center of and becomes stabilized within the hoist  38 . As illustrated in  FIG. 23 , this is facilitated by the hoist pulley  200  and the cable  48  being centered between the skiis  70 . The directional guide  174  is also of sufficient length to accommodate the distance  98  of the horizontal arm  64  such that the roof shingle peeler device  30  may fully reach the crest  46  of the roof deck  32  thereby permitting the wedge  66  to completely remove the shingles  34  within the predefined section  76  all the way up to the crest  46  of the roof deck  32 . 
     After the predefined section  76  of shingles  34  is removed from the roof deck  32  and the roof shingle peeler device  30  is repositioned for the next strip run, the hoist  38  is likewise correspondingly repositioned. To reposition the hoist  38 , the cleats  220  must first be removed from the roof deck  32 . Then, a stepdown lever  224  ( FIGS. 18 and 19 ) is used to lift the hoist  38  from the roof deck  32 . Upon depression of a bar  226 , located on the stepdown lever  224 , towards the roof deck  32 , the opposite end of the stepdown lever  224  provides an upward force on a secondary hinge  228  attached to the hoist  38 . The secondary hinge  228  pivots in an upward direction away from the roof deck  32  such that the weight of the hoist  38  transfers to and rests on a set of wheels  230  attached perpendicularly to the stepdown lever  224 . With the weight on the wheels  230  and the hoist  38  no longer attached to the roof deck  32 , the hoist  38  can be rolled and repositioned along the roof deck  32  to correspond to the same repositioning of the roof shingle peeler device  30  for the next strip run. A second set of wheels  232  are attached to a platform support  234  ( FIG. 18 ) to permit the dual arms  176  and the platform  42  to be repositioned as well. Upon repositioning, the stepdown lever  224  is released such that the secondary hinge  228  pivots towards the roof deck  32  placing the weight of the hoist  28  back on the roof deck  32 . The cleats  220  are then reinserted into the roof deck  32  to again secure the hoist  38  to the roof deck  32 . 
     Thus, there has been provided a unique method and apparatus for removing shingles from a roof. While the invention has been described in conjunction with a specific embodiment, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it in intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.