Patent Publication Number: US-11638990-B2

Title: Carpet tack strip removal tool

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/930,038 filed on Nov. 4, 2019; the above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to carpet tack strip removal tools. The present invention provides a carpet tack strip removal tool having a lifting arm, a pry bar arm, and fulcrum lever for operation by a user in a standing position. 
     Removing tack strip strips from flooring can be labor intensive and requires the use of specific tools, such as a conventional pry bar and a hammer. Unfortunately, the use of these tools requires a person removing the tack strip to spend an extending period of time on his or her hands and knees, prying the tack strip away from the flooring. This can lead to back strain and unforeseen injuries or wasted time spent taking breaks while removing tack strips. Therefore, there exists a need for a tool that provides better ergonomics by allowing a user to stand while removing tacks and tack strips, thereby preventing undue strain to the user&#39;s body. 
     The present invention relates to a carpet tack strip removal tool and more particularly pertains to a new system for removing carpet tack strips that allows the user to perform the task while standing. 
     The present invention provides a carpet tack strip removal tool that includes a fulcrum lever that is configured for activating the removal tool when a lifting force is applied to the lifting arm, and/or alternatively when the user presses down on the fulcrum lever with the user&#39;s foot. Additionally, pressing on the fulcrum lever activates the pry bar member and removes carpet tack strips. This invention conserves the health of the user while allowing for efficient carpet tack strip removal. 
     In light of the devices disclosed in the known art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements and methods from the known art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement for a carpet tack strip removal tool. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of carpet tack strip removal tools now present in the known art, the present invention provides a new carpet tack strip removal tool wherein the same can be used in a standing position to lift a desired carpet tack strip from a floor surface by transitioning from a setup position to a lifting position by applying a lifting force to the lifting arm 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a carpet tack strip removal tool comprising a shaft having a lifting arm at a first end and a head at a second end; the head includes a pry bar arm at a first side and a fulcrum lever at a second side of the head, wherein the pry bar arm and the fulcrum lever are disposed on opposing sides of the shaft; wherein the pry bar arm and the fulcrum lever are aligned along a same vertical plane; a proximal end of the fulcrum lever extends from a distalmost end of the second end of the shaft and the fulcrum lever curves toward the shaft; wherein the carpet tack strip removal tool is adapted to lift a tack strip by a user in a standing position by transitioning between a setup position to a lifting position; wherein the setup position, the pry bar arm is positioned under the tack strip to be lifted from the floor surface; wherein the lifting position, the lifting arm and the fulcrum lever are operated to move towards the floor surface thereby lifting the pry bar arm and the object from the floor surface. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a carpet tack strip removal tool that allows for standing operation thereof, while providing maximum lifting efficiency when a lifting force is applied to the carpet tack strip removal tool. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention is to provide a carpet tack strip removal tool having a second pry bar member that is removable from the lifting arm. The second pry bar member includes a fulcrum point intermediate a handle and a second pry bar member, wherein the second pry bar member includes V-shaped notch at the tip adapted to remove nails from a floor surface. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a method of removing a carpet tack strip comprising providing the carpet tack strip removal tool; positioned the pry bar arm between a floor surface and the carpet tack strip in the setup position; and standing and applying a lifting force to the lifting arm causing the carpet tack strip removal tool to transition to the lifting position such that the fulcrum lever acts as a fulcrum point to lift the pry bar arm and the carpet tack strip from the floor surface. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved carpet tack strip removal tool that has all of the advantages of the known art and none of the disadvantages. 
     Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout. 
         FIG.  1    shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the carpet tack strip removal tool. 
         FIG.  2    shows a side view of one embodiment of the carpet tack strip removal tool. 
         FIG.  3 A  shows a close-up view of the first end of the embodiment of the carpet tack strip removal tool of  FIG.  1    taken along circle  3 - 3  in a setup position. 
         FIG.  3 B  shows a close-up view of the first end of the embodiment of the carpet tack strip removal tool of  FIG.  1    taken along circle  3 - 3  in a lifting position. 
         FIG.  4    shows a close-up view of the second end of one embodiment of the carpet tack strip removal tool with the secondary carpet tack strip removal tool being removed from the shaft. 
         FIG.  5    shows an alternative close-up view of the second end of one embodiment of the carpet tack strip removal tool with the secondary carpet tack strip removal tool being removed from the shaft. 
         FIG.  6    shows a perspective in use view of one embodiment of the carpet tack strip removal tool removing a tack strip from a floor surface. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the carpet tack strip removal tool. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for removing a tack strip from a floor surface, wherein the tack strip is a plate that is secured to the floor surface via fasteners and includes upright tacks adapted to engage a carpet thereatop. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect. 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiment (s) of the invention. References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “first embodiment”, “second embodiment”, or “third embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. 
     References to “tack strip” or “tack strips” includes, and is not limited to “tack strips”, “tacks”, “carpet nails”, “staples”, and the like. Moreover, references to “floor”, “floor surfaces”, and the like generally refer to surfaces having flat horizontal dimensions, including vertical walls and roofs. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , there is shown a perspective and side view of one embodiment of the carpet tack strip removal tool, respectively. The carpet tack strip removal tool  1000  provides a device that allows a user to stand while removing tack strips from carpeting and other fastening mechanisms generally used on the floor, thereby preventing undue strain to the user&#39;s body. The carpet tack strip removal tool  1000  comprises a shaft  1100  having a lifting arm  1400  at a first end  1200  and a head  1500  at a second end  1300 . In the shown embodiment, the shaft  1100  comprises an elongated member having a general uniform thickness. The shaft  1100  includes a length that is sufficient for the user to stand and handle the lifting arm  1400 , as shown in  FIG.  6   . 
     In the shown embodiment, the head  1500  includes a pry bar arm  1600  at a first side  1510  and a fulcrum lever  1700  at a second side  1520  of the head  1500 . The pry bar arm  1600  is adapted to selectively engage the tack strip and through a lifting action cause the tack strip to be removed from a floor surface. The pry bar arm  1600  and the fulcrum lever  1700  are disposed on opposing sides of the shaft  1100  and wherein the pry bar arm  1600  and the fulcrum lever  1700  are aligned along a same vertical plane with the shaft  1100 . In this way, the pry bar arm  1600 , the fulcrum lever  1700 , and shaft  1100  are symmetrical about that vertical plane. The fulcrum lever  1700  forms a tubular member that extends away from the shaft  1100 . In one embodiment, the fulcrum lever  1700  is curved towards the first end  1200 . A lower side of the head  1500  may be position upright on a floor surface and remain erect in a stable position. 
     The lifting arm  1400  extends from the shaft  1100  and provides an area for handling by the user. The lifting arm  1400  may be integral with the shaft. In an alternative embodiment, the lifting arm  1400  is removable from the shaft. In another embodiment, the lifting arm  1400  includes a curvature that is different from the shape of the curvature of the shaft  1100 . The lifting arm  1400  may include a curve that aligns generally horizontally, so as to be generally parallel with the floor surface in the upright position. In this way, the curvature and position of the lifting arm  1400  allows for pressing downward (towards the floor surface) to cause the head to rotate and cooperatively encourage the pry bar arm  1600  to raise from the floor surface and the fulcrum lever  1700  to rock across the floor surface. 
     The shaft  1100  is shown extending from the head  1500  at an angle, i.e. not vertical. In one embodiment, the pry bar member  1600  and the shaft  1100  form an obtuse angle therebetween and the fulcrum lever  1700  and the shaft  1100  form an acute angle therebetween. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B , there is shown close-up views of the first end of the embodiment of the carpet tack strip removal tool of  FIG.  1    taken along circle  3 - 3  in a setup position and a lifting position, respectively. In the shown embodiment, the carpet tack strip removal tool  1000  is adapted to lift tack strips by a user in a standing position by transitioning between a setup position to a lifting position. In the setup position, the pry bar arm  1600  is positioned under the tack strip (not shown) to be lifted from the floor surface. In the lifting position, the lifting arm (not shown) and the fulcrum lever  1700  are operated to move towards the floor surface thereby lifting the pry bar arm  1600  and the object from the floor surface. 
     In the shown embodiments, as the carpet tack strip removal tool  1000  transitions from the setup position to the lifting position, a fulcrum point remains entirely on the fulcrum lever  1700 . The “fulcrum point” is considered a point where a lever turns; in particular, the pivot point. By having the fulcrum point remain entirely on the fulcrum lever  1700 , the shaft may remain relatively upright throughout the transition between the setup and lifting positions. Additionally, the construction of the shaft  1100  may be simpler and require less intricate construction. For example, other known crowbar type devices may utilize a shaft having a swan neck to function as the fulcrum point. However, having the fulcrum point lie on the shaft requires contact with the floor surface directly. This is disadvantageous as the fulcrum point is not stable during usage. 
     In the shown embodiment, a proximal end  1710  of the fulcrum lever  1700  extends from a distalmost end  1310  of the second end  1300  of the shaft  1100  and the fulcrum lever  1700  curves toward the shaft  1100 . The pry bar arm  1600  and the fulcrum lever  1700  form a continuous lower side  1800 . The continuous lower side  1800  provides stability to the user when the carpet tack strip removal tool  1000  transitions between the setup and lifting positions. 
     In one embodiment, the carpet tack strip removal tool  1000  comprises the shaft  1100 , the fulcrum lever  1700 , and the pry bar arm  1600  which are formed by a rigid monolithic member. In this way, the carpet tack strip removal tool  1000  allows for mechanical advantage during the application of the lifting force to the lifting arm. 
     In the shown embodiment, the angle position of the shaft  1100  relative to the floor surface controls the position of the fulcrum point on the fulcrum lever  1700 , which in turn controls the lifting direction of the pry bar arm  1600  and maximum lifting height  1900 . The angle position of the shaft  1100  relative to the floor surface is best measured from a side view, such as shown in  FIG.  2   . In the shown embodiment, the angle position of the shaft  1100  is between eighty and 60 degrees. However, in alternative embodiments, the angle position of the shaft  1100  may be greater or less than shown. The maximum lifting height  1900  is defined as the distance between the floor surface and the pry bar arm  1600  that would allow for lifting of the desired object. 
     In some embodiments, the fulcrum lever  1700  of the carpet tack strip removal tool  1000  includes a degree of curvature which causes the lifting force exerted on the lifting arm to increase progressively as the maximum lifting height  1900  increases. In other embodiments, the degree of curvature causes the lifting force exerted on the lifting arm to decrease progressively as the maximum lifting height  1900  decreases or remain constant throughout the transition. In some embodiments, the fulcrum lever  1700  of the carpet tack strip removal tool  1000  includes a length provides for additional mechanical advantage and a larger relative maximum lifting height  1900 . 
     In some embodiments, the pry bar arm  1600  of the carpet tack strip removal tool  1000  includes a length provides for additional mechanical advantage and a larger relative maximum lifting height  1900 . 
     In the shown embodiment, the pry bar arm  1600  comprises a V-shaped notch  1650  at a tip thereof. The V-shaped notch  1650  adapted to fit between tack strips to be lifted from the floor surface and receive a nail or other fastener that secures the tack strip to the floor surface. As shown, the V-shaped notch  1650  is facing distally and is positioned at a middle of the pry bar arm  1600 . Additionally, the pry bar arm  1600  is wedge shaped such that it tapers in thickness to a distalmost end thereof, wherein the pry bar arm  1600  is adapted to be positioned under the tack strip to be lifted from the floor surface. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  4  and  5   , there is shown a close-up view of the second end of one embodiment of the carpet tack strip removal tool with the secondary carpet tack strip removal tool being removed from the shaft and an alternative close-up view of the second end of one embodiment of the carpet tack strip removal tool with the secondary carpet tack strip removal tool being removed from the shaft, respectively. In the shown embodiment, the secondary carpet tack strip removal tool  2000  is removably from the lifting arm  1400 . The secondary carpet tack strip removal tool  2000  comprises a second pry bar member  2600  that is removable from the shaft  1100 . The secondary carpet tack strip removal tool  2000  further comprises a fulcrum point  2300  intermediate a handle  2200  and a second pry bar member  2600 . The fulcrum point  2300  of the secondary carpet tack strip removal tool  2000  comprises a curve shape such that applying a lifting force to the handle  2200  causes the second pry bar member  2600  that is fitted between the tack strip and the floor surface to lift the tack strip. 
     In the shown embodiment, the lifting arm  1300  includes a recess  2400  disposed within first end  1200  of the shaft  1100  and is configured to receive the second pry bar member  2000 , such that when the handle  2200  is secured to the lifting arm  1400 , the second pry bar member  2600  of the secondary carpet tack strip removal tool  2000  is concealed. The recess  2400  is oriented away from the shaft  1100  and is adapted to frictionally engage the second pry bar member  2000  to semi-permanently couple. In other embodiments, the second pry bar member  2000  secures to the shaft  1100  via other fasteners, such as a latch, a threaded connection, and the like. The recess  2400 , as shown, includes an asymmetrical shape shaped to receive the tapered second pry bar member  2600 . 
     In the shown embodiment, the second pry bar member  2600  includes V-shaped notch  2650  at the tip adapted to remove tack strips from a floor surface. As shown, the V-shaped notch  2650  is facing distally and is positioned at a middle of the pry bar arm  2600 . Additionally, the pry bar arm  2600  is wedge shaped such that it tapers in thickness to a distalmost end thereof, wherein the pry bar arm  2600  is adapted to be positioned under the tack strip to be lifted from the floor surface. 
     In the shown embodiment, the lifting arm  1400  and the handle  2200  of the secondary carpet tack strip removal tool forms a coextensive exterior when the handle  2200  is secured to the lifting arm  1400 . 
     In one embodiment, the handle  2200  is positioned on the same side as the fulcrum lever  1700 , when the handle  2200  is secured to the shaft  1100 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  6   , there is shown a perspective in use view of one embodiment of the carpet tack strip removal tool removing a tack strip from a floor surface. In operation of the shown embodiment, the carpet tack strip removal tool  1000  is shown in the setup position, wherein the user is in a standing position and gripping the lifting arm  1400  and shaft of the present device. The carpet tack strip removal tool  1000  includes a shaft having a lifting arm at a first end and a head at a second end; the head includes a pry bar arm  1600  at a first side and a fulcrum lever  1700  at a second side of the head, wherein the pry bar arm  1600  and the fulcrum lever  1700  are disposed on opposing sides of the shaft. The pry bar arm  1600  and the fulcrum lever  1700  are aligned along a same vertical plane and a proximal end of the fulcrum lever  1700  extends from a distalmost end of the second end of the shaft and the fulcrum lever  1700  curves toward the shaft. The carpet tack strip removal tool  1000  is adapted to lift the carpet tack strip  3000  by a user in a standing position by transitioning between a setup position to a lifting position. The user positions the pry bar arm  1600  between a floor surface  4000  and the carpet tack strip  3000  in the setup position. The user is standing and applying a lifting force to the lifting arm  1400  causing the carpet tack strip removal tool  1000  to the lifting position such that the fulcrum lever  1700  acts as a fulcrum point to lift the pry bar arm  1600  and the carpet tack strip  3000  from the floor surface. 
     In an alternative operation, the carpet tack strip removal tool  1000  further comprises a secondary carpet tack strip removal tool  2000  having a fulcrum point intermediate a handle and a second pry bar member, wherein the second pry bar member includes V-shaped notch at the tip adapted to remove tack strips from a floor surface. The lifting arm  1400  includes a recess disposed within first end and is configured to receive the second pry bar member such that when the handle is secured to the lifting arm the second pry bar member of the second pry bar member is concealed. 
     It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
     Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.