Patent Publication Number: US-2005120831-A1

Title: Roof ripper

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      Not Applicable  
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH  
      Not Applicable  
     REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX  
      Not Applicable  
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention generally relates to tools and, more particularly, to roof rippers or tools for removing roofing shingles, tar paper, nails and other like roofing materials.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      Roofs of buildings are often covered by shingles. The shingles are generally planar and somewhat soft and flexible The shingles are installed in series one next to the other and overlying, in staggered fashion, a lower coarse of similar shingles. The shingles are typically installed over a layer of roofing felt, tar paper, or the like. The shingles are normally nailed to the roof with roofing nails that have wide, flat heads so that they can securely hold the soft shingle material. The nails of one coarse of shingles are covered by the next overlying coarse of shingles. The nails are unexposed to protect the nails from the elements.  
      When the roof needs re-shingled, a second layer of shingles can be placed of the first layer of shingles in some instances but it is usually not possible to add a third or more layer of shingles because the roof structure may not be able to support the added weight of the additional layers of shingles. Therefore, the old layer or layers of shingles must be removed and discarded prior to installing the new shingles. Shingle removal is a labor intensive process and numerous shingle removing tools have been devised for assisting a roofer to remove roofing materials.  
      Removing shingles is time-consuming and tedious task at least partly because the shingles cover the nails and it is not usually possible to merely raise the flap of one shingle to gain access to the nails. It is typically difficult and inconvenient to gain access to the nails. Shingle removal tools or pry bars of various designs have been proposed which have a blade which is slid between the shingles and the roof. The blade is often provided with slots or notches to engage the nails so that a nail or group of nails can be pried up from the roofing boards to remove the shingles. While such tools may assist in removing the shingles, the removal process remains a physically demanding operation. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved shingle removal tool which eases removal of the shingles from the roof and/or reduces fatigue of the user.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention provides a shingle removal tool which overcomes at least some of the above-noted problems of the related art. According to the present invention, a shingle removal tool includes, in combination, a base and a blade forwardly extending from the base. The blade has a planar portion forming a leading edge. An elongate shaft rearwardly extends from the base. A pair of wheels are rotatably attached to the base rearward of the blade. The wheels are laterally spaced apart and have a common rotational axis.  
      According to another aspect of the present invention, a shingle removal tool includes, in combination, a base; a blade forwardly extending from the base, and an elongate shaft rearwardly extending from the base. At least one wheel is rotatably attached to the base rearward of the blade. The blade has a planar portion forming a leading edge. The shaft has an obtuse angle therein forming a forward portion having a central axis which intersects the plane formed by the planar portion of the blade between the planar portion of the blade and the at least one wheel and a rearward portion which intersects the plane formed by the planar portion of the blade forward of the planar portion of the blade.  
      According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a shingle removal tool includes, in combination, a base, a blade forwardly extending from the base, and an elongate shaft rearwardly extending from the base. The blade forms a leading edge. A rear grip has a passage slidably receiving a rear end of the shaft therein such that the rear grip is axially moveable relative to the shaft. A body of resilient material is located between the rear grip and the shaft to absorb impacts as the rear grip axially moves forward relative to the shaft.  
      According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a shingle removal tool includes, in combination, a base, a blade forwardly extending from the base, and an elongate shaft rearwardly extending from the base. The blade forms a leading edge. A rear grip located at a rear end of the shaft and a fore grip is located along the shaft.  
      According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a shingle removal tool includes, in combination, a base, a blade forwardly extending from the base, and an elongate shaft rearwardly extending from the base. A pair of laterally spaced apart wheels are rotatable about a laterally extending axis of rotation located rearward of the blade. The blade has a planar portion forming a leading edge and the blade and the wheels are positioned such that a plane formed by the planar portion of the blade is substantially tangent to a radial peripheries of the wheels. The shaft has an obtuse angle forming a forward portion having a central axis which intersects the plane formed by the planar portion of the blade between the planar portion of the blade and the wheels and a rearward portion which intersects the plane formed by the planar portion of the blade forward of the planar portion of the blade. A rear grip is located at a rear end of the shaft.  
      From the foregoing disclosure and the following more detailed description of various preferred embodiments it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention provides a significant advance in the technology of tools for removing roofing materials such as shingles. Particularly significant in this regard is the potential the invention affords for providing a high quality, reliable, easily assembled and disassembled, low cost assembly with improved operational performance. Additional features and advantages of various preferred embodiments will be better understood in view of the detailed description provided below. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      These and further features of the present invention will be apparent with reference to the following description and drawings, wherein:  
       FIG. 1  is a left side elevational view of a shingle removal tool according to a first embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the shingle removal tool of  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 3  is a rear elevational view of the shingle removal tool of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ;  
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2 ;  
       FIG. 5  is an enlarged left side elevation view of a base of the shingle removal tool of FIGS.  1  to  4 ;  
       FIG. 6  is a top plan view of the base of  FIG. 5 ;  
       FIG. 7  is an enlarged left side elevation view of a blade of the shingle removal tool of FIGS.  1  to  4 ;  
       FIG. 8  is a top plan view of the blade of  FIG. 7 ;  
       FIG. 9  is an enlarged left side elevation view of a shaft of the shingle removal tool of FIGS.  1  to  4 ;  
       FIG. 10  is a top plan view of the shaft of  FIG. 9 ;  
       FIG. 11  is an enlarged top plan view of a rear grip of the shingle removal tool of FIGS.  1  to  4 ;  
       FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  12 - 12  in  FIG. 11 ;  
       FIG. 13  is an enlarged top plan view of a fore grip of the shingle removal tool of FIGS.  1  to  4 ;  
       FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  14 - 14  in  FIG. 13 ;  
       FIG. 15  is a left side elevational view of a shingle removal tool according to a second embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 16  is a top plan view of the shingle removal tool of  FIG. 15 ;  
       FIG. 17  is a rear elevational view of the shingle removal tool of  FIGS. 15 and 16 ; and  
       FIG. 18  is an enlarged left side elevation view of a shaft of the shingle removal tool of FIGS.  15  to  17 . 
    
    
      It should be understood that the appended drawings are not necessarily to scale, presenting a somewhat simplified representation of various preferred features illustrative of the basic principles of the invention. The specific design features of the shingle removal tool as disclosed herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, and shapes of the various components will be determined in part by the particular intended application and use environment. Certain features of the illustrated embodiments have been enlarged or distorted relative to others to facilitate visualization and clear understanding. In particular, thin features may be thickened, for example, for clarity or illustration. All references to direction and position, unless otherwise indicated, refer to the orientation of the shingle removal tool illustrated in the drawings. In general, up or upward refers to an upward direction within the plane of the paper in  FIG. 1  and down or downward refers to a downward direction within the plane of the paper in  FIG. 1 . Also in general, fore or forward refers to a direction toward the front of the shingle removal tool and a leftward direction within the plane of the paper in  FIG. 1 . Furthermore in general, aft, rear or rearward refers to a direction toward the rear of the shingle removal tool and a rightward direction within the plane of the paper in  FIG. 1 .  
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
      It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that is, to those who have knowledge or experience in this area of technology, that many uses and design variations are possible for the improved tools disclosed herein. The following detailed discussion of various alternative and preferred embodiments will illustrate the general principles of the invention with reference to a tool for removing shingles. Other embodiments suitable for other applications will be apparent to those skilled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure.  
      The term “unitary” is used herein and in the claims to mean a member made of a single continuous material such as, for example, a single cast or molded part. The term “integral” is used herein and in the claims to mean members that are secured together such as, for example, two members connected by welding or bolts. The term “acute angle” is used herein and in the claims to mean an angle which is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees. The term “obtuse angle” is used herein and in the claims to mean an angle which is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees.  
      Referring now to the drawings, FIGS.  1  to  4  show a shingle removal tool  10  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated shingle removal tool  10  includes a base  12 , a blade,  14  a pair of wheels  16 , a shaft or handle  18 , a rear grip  20 , and a fore grip  22 .  
      As best shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the base  12  includes a frame  24 , a shaft support or connector  26 , and an axle  28 . The illustrated frame  24  includes unitary front, central and rear generally planar portions  30 ,  32 ,  34  which are formed by bending a generally flat plate. The front portion  30  is disposed at an acute angle A relative to horizontal such that it slopes upward in a rearward direction from a free or forward edge to a rearward edge. The illustrated front portion  30  is disposed at an acute angle A of about 35 degrees relative to horizontal but other suitable angles can be utilized. The front portion  30  is sized and shaped, provided with a plurality of openings  36 ,  38  and formed at an angle which cooperates with the blade  14  for attachment and positioning of the blade  14  as discussed in more detail hereinafter. The central portion  32  extends rearwardly from the rearward edge of the front portion  30  and is disposed at an acute angle B relative to horizontal such that it slopes downward in a rearward direction from a forward edge to a rearward edge. The illustrated central portion  32  is disposed at an acute angle B of about 20 degrees relative to horizontal but other suitable angles can be utilized. The central portion  32  is provided with a notch or cut-out  40  at its free edge for receiving the shaft connector  26  therein. The central portion  32  is sized and shaped and formed at an angle which cooperates with the shaft connector  26  for attachment and positioning of the shaft  18  as discussed in more detail hereinafter. The rear portion  34  extends upwardly from the rearward edge of the central portion  32  and is disposed at an acute angle C relative to horizontal such that it slopes downward in a rearward direction from a free edge to a rearward edge connected to the rearward edge of the central portion  32 . The illustrated rear portion  34  is disposed at an acute angle C of about 70 degrees relative to horizontal but other suitable angles can be utilized. The rear portion  34  is provided with a pair of tabs  42  which rearwardly extend form opposite lateral edges of the rear portion  34  and are sized and shaped for attaching and supporting the axle  28  as described in more detail hereinafter. The rear portion  34  is sized and shaped and formed at an angle which supports the shaft connector  26  and the axle  28  as discussed in more detail hereinafter. The frame  24  is formed of any suitable material such as, for example, a metal such as steel. It is noted that while a preferred frame  24  is described in detail herein, the frame  24  can alternatively have other suitable sizes, structures, shapes, and materials within the scope of the present invention.  
      The illustrated shaft connector  26  is in the from of a tube having a central passage  44  sized for closely receiving a forward end of the shaft  18  as described in more detail hereinafter. The shaft connector  26  is rigidly secured to and extends from the upper surface of the frame central portion  32  with a central axis  46  extending at an acute angle D relative to horizontal such that it slopes upward in a rearward direction from a closed or forward end at the frame central portion  32  to a rearward or open end. The illustrated shaft connector  26  is disposed at an acute angle D of about 70 degrees relative to horizontal but other suitable angles can be utilized. The shaft connector  26  is formed of any suitable material such as, for example, a metal such as steel. The shaft connector  26  is rigidly secured to the frame  24  in any suitable manner such as, for example, welding. It is noted that while a preferred shaft connector  26  is described in detail herein, the shaft connector  26  can alternatively have other suitable sizes, structures, shapes, and materials within the scope of the present invention.  
      The illustrated axle  28  is a laterally extending rod or tube sized for rotatably attaching the wheels  16  to the frame  24  as described in more detail hereinafter. The axle  28  forms a horizontal and laterally extending rotational axis  48  for the wheels  16 . The opposed ends of the axle  28  are each provided with an opening  50  sized and shaped to receive a fastener  52 . See  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) such as, for example, a cotter pin for retaining the wheels  16  on the axle  28 . Preferably, washers are provided between the wheels  16  and the fasteners  52 . The illustrated axle  28  is rigidly secured to the frame  24  at the rear surface of the frame rear portion  34  and below and engaging the tabs  42 . The axle  28  is formed of any suitable material such as, for example, a metal such as steel. The axle  28  is rigidly secured to the frame  24  in any suitable manner such as, for example, welding. It is noted that while a preferred axle  28  is described in detail herein, the axle  28  can alternatively have other suitable sizes, structures, shapes, and materials within the scope of the present invention. For example, the axle  28  can alternatively be rotatable secured to the frame  24  with the wheels  16  rigidly secured to the axle  28 .  
      As best shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the illustrated blade  14  includes unitary front or scraping and rear or connecting portions  54 ,  56  which are each generally planar and formed by bending a generally flat plate. The scraping portion  54  extends horizontally from a forward or leading edge  58  to a rearward edge. The leading edge  58  of the scraping portion  54  is provided with a plurality of laterally spaced apart slots or notches  60  sized and shaped to receive the shanks of nails therein. The lower surface  62  of the illustrated scraping portion  54  is substantially flat. The upper surface  64  of the scraping portion  54  is also substantially flat except for a taper  66  at the leading edge  58  to form a relatively sharp leading edge  58  which slips under the shingles more easily. The connecting portion  56  extends rearwardly from the rearward edge of the scraping portion  54  and is disposed at an acute angle E relative to horizontal such that it slopes upward in a rearward direction from a forward edge connected to the scraping portion  54  to a free or rearward edge. The illustrated connecting portion  56  is disposed at an acute angle E of about 35 degrees relative to horizontal but other suitable angles can be utilized. The connecting portion  56  is sized and shaped to cooperate with the forward portion of the base frame  24  in order to rigidly connect the blade  14  to the base  12 . The connecting portion  56  is provided with a pair of openings  68  and a pair of downwardly extending positioning tabs  70  which respectively cooperate with the openings  36 ,  38  in the front portion  30  of the base frame  24 . The blade  14  is formed of any suitable material such as, for example, a metal such as steel. It is noted that while a preferred blade  14  is described in detail herein, the blade  14  can alternatively have other suitable sizes, structures, shapes, and materials within the scope of the present invention.  
      As best shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the illustrated blade  14  is removably and rigidly attached to the base  12  by a pair of fasteners  72  in the form of bolts with associated lock nuts. The blade  14  is positioned with the connecting portion  56  located above and engaging the front portion  30  of the base frame  24  with the fasteners  72  extending through the openings  36 ,  68  in both the base frame  24  and the blade  14 . The tabs  70  of the blade  14  downwardly extend into the other openings  38  in the frame  24  to locate the desired position of the blade  14  relative to the frame  24  and to provide additional strength. The blade  14  is preferably removably attached to the base  12  so that the blade  14  can be replaced by the user whenever the blade  14  is damaged or worn out. It is noted that while the illustrated blade  14  is removably attached to the base frame  24  by the fasteners  72 , the blade  14  can alternatively be unitary with the base frame  24 , attached by suitable non-removable means, or attached by other suitable types of removable means within the scope of the present invention.  
      As best shown in FIGS.  1  to  3 , the illustrated pair wheels  16  are located on the opposed ends of the axle  28  and are rotatable about the rotational axis  48  formed by the longitudinal axis of the axle  28 . The illustrated wheels  16  are retained on the axle  28  by removable cotter pins  52  extending through the openings  50  in the axle  28 . It is noted that while the illustrated wheels  16  are removably retained to the axle  28  by the cotter pins  52 , the wheels  16  can alternatively be retained by suitable non-removable means or retained by other suitable types of removable means within the scope of the present invention. The wheels  16  are preferably removably mounted so that they can be easily replaced when damaged or worn out. Mounted in this location the illustrated wheels  16  are laterally spaced apart and located rearward of the blade  14  and base frame  24  and above the lower surface  62  of the blade  14 . The wheels  16  are preferably laterally spaced apart a distance adequate to provide some lateral stability but less than the lateral width of the blade leading edge  58 . The wheels  16  are preferably positioned such that the lower surface  62  of the blade  14  is substantially tangent to the outer radial periphery or contacting surface  74  of the wheels  16 . Positioned in this manner the lower surface  62  of the blade scraping portion  54  is generally parallel to the support surface when the wheels  16  are engaging the support surface and the support surface is planar or flat which allows the wheels  16  to roll along the support surface as the blade  14  slides or scrapes along the support surface. The wheels  16  are formed of any suitable material such as, for example, a metal such as steel or a polymer such as Urethane. The wheels  16  are preferably formed of a material which is softer than the material of the axle  28  so that the wheels  16  rather than the axle  28  wears upon rotation of the wheels  16  on the axle  28 . It is noted that while preferred wheels  16  and wheel locations are described in detail herein, the wheels  16  can alternatively have other suitable sizes, locations, shapes, and materials within the scope of the present invention. It is also noted that more than two wheels  16  can be utilized, only one wheel  16  can be utilized, or the wheels  16  can be removed within the scope of the invention.  
      As best shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the illustrated shaft  18  is in the form of a tube having a central passage  76  extending between open forward and rearward ends. The shaft  18  preferably has a bend at an obtuse angle F connecting forward and rearward portions  78 ,  80 . The bend is preferably sized to facilitate clearance for the user&#39;s legs when using the tool  10  in a sitting position as well as improving ergonomics of the user. The illustrated shaft  18  has a bend with an obtuse angle F of about 145 degrees but other suitable obtuse angles can be utilized. The bend has an obtuse angle preferably in the range of about 115 to about 175 degrees and more preferably in the range of about 130 to about 160 degrees. The rearward portion  80  is preferably longer than the forward portion  78  and more preferably has a length about twice the length of the forward portion  78 . The illustrated shaft  18  is provided with an opening  82  in the rearward portion  80  near the rearward end for attaching the rear grip  20  as described in more detail hereinafter. The illustrated shaft  18  is also provided with a plurality of axially spaced apart openings  84  in the rearward portion near the bend for attaching the fore grip  22  as described in more detail hereinafter. The shaft  18  is formed of any suitable material such as, for example, a metal such as steel. It is noted that while a preferred shaft  18  is described in detail herein, the shaft  18  can alternatively have other suitable sizes, structures, shapes, and materials within the scope of the present invention.  
      As best shown in FIGS.  1  to  3 , the illustrated shaft  18 , is rigidly secured to the base  12 . The forward end of the shaft  18  is located within the base shaft connector  26 . Positioned in this manner, the forward portion  78  of the shaft  18  forms an obtuse angle G relative to the scraping portion  54  of the blade  14 . The illustrated obtuse angle G is about 110 degrees but other suitable angles can be utilized. The rearward portion  80  of the shaft  18  also forms an obtuse angle H relative to the scraping portion  54  of the blade  14 . The illustrated obtuse angle H is about 145 degrees but other suitable angles can be utilized. Thus the central axis of the forward portion  78  of the shaft  18  intersects the plane formed by the blade scraping portion  54  at a point to the rear of the blade  14  and forward of the wheels  16  while the rearward portion  80  of the shaft  18  is at a larger obtuse angle such that the central axis of the rearward portion  80  of the shaft  18  intersects the intersects the plane formed by the blade scraping portion  54  at a point forward of the blade  14 . The illustrated shaft  18  is secured to the base  12  by welding. It is noted that while the illustrated shaft  18  is non-removably attached to the base frame  24  by welding, the shaft  18  can alternatively be unitary with the base frame  24 , attached by suitable removable means, or attached by other suitable types of non-removable means within the scope of the present invention.  
      As best shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the rear grip  20  includes a tubular connecting portion  86  and a D-shaped grasping portion  88 . The connecting portion  86  is generally tubular shaped forming a central passage  90  sized and shaped for slidably receiving the rearward end of the shaft  18  therein as described in more detail hereinafter. The passage  90  has an open or forward end and a closed or rearward end at the grasping portion  88 . A pair of opposed slots  92  are provided on opposite sides of the passage  90  for attaching the rear grip  20  to the shaft  18  as described in more detail hereinafter. The grasping portion  88  extends rearwardly from the reward end of the connecting portion  86  and has a cylindrical-shaped gripping surface  94 . The illustrated gripping surface  94  horizontally and laterally extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft  18 . The illustrated gripping surface  94  is also rearwardly spaced from the rearward end of the connecting portion  86 . The rear grip  20  is formed of any suitable material such as, for example, a plastic such as polypropylene. It is noted that while a preferred rear grip  20  is described in detail herein, the rear grip  20  can alternatively have other suitable sizes, structures, shapes, and materials within the scope of the present invention.  
      As best shown in FIGS.  1  to  4 , the illustrated rear grip  20  is attached to the shaft  18  in an axially slidable manner. The rearward end of the shaft  18  is slidably received in the passage  90  of the connecting portion  86  such that the rear grip  20  can axially move relative to the shaft  18 . Axial movement of the rear grip  20  is limited by a pin or fastener  96  engaging ends of the slots  92 . The illustrated fastener  96  is a cotter pin secured by a washer and retaining ring but any other suitable fastener or pin  96  can be utilized within the scope of the present invention. The illustrated fastener  96  extends through the opening  82  in the shaft and through the slots  92  in the rear grip  20 . The fastener  96  stays in a fixed position relative to the shaft  18  and engages ends of the slots  92  to limit axial movement as the rear grip  20  slides relative to the shaft  18  and fastener  96 . It is noted that while a preferred attachment arrangement is described in detail herein, the rear grip  20  can alternatively be slidably attached in other suitable manners and/or have other suitable means for limiting axial movement of the rear grip  20  within the scope of the present invention.  
      As best shown in  FIG. 4 , a body of resilient and impact resistant material or shock absorber  98  is located within the connecting portion  86  between the rearward end of the shaft  18  and the closed end of the passage  90 . In this position, the material  98  is in coaxial alignment between the shaft  18  and the rear grip  20 . The body  98  preferably substantially fills the passage  90  when the rear grip  20  is in its full rearward position and biases the rear grip  20  to its full rearward position. During use of the tool  10 , the body  98  resiliently permits axial movement between the rear grip  20  and the shaft  18  to at least partially absorb impacts transmitted through the shaft  18 . The illustrated body  98  is disk shaped and sized and shaped to be closely received within the passage  90  of the rear grip connecting portion  86 . The rearward end of the illustrated shaft  18  is provided with a plug  100  to fill the opening and provide a planar engagement surface for the body  98  which is the size of the rearward end of the shaft  18 . The body  98  is formed of any suitable impact absorbing material such as, for example, a foam such as polyurethane foam. It is noted that while a preferred impact absorbing body  98  is described in detail herein, the body  98  can alternatively have other suitable sizes, structures, shapes, and materials within the scope of the present invention. When in use, energy is transferred from the shaft  18  to the material  98  whereby the material  98  is compressed between the shaft  18  and the rear grip  20  to absorb some of the energy.  
      As best shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the illustrated fore grip  22  is generally tubular-shaped having a central passage  102  sided and shaped to slidably receive the shaft  18  therethrough so that the grip  22  is coaxially adjustable along the shaft  18 . The illustrated fore grip  22  is provided with a flange  104  near the forward end which radially extends about the circumference of the fore grip  22 . Rearward of the flange  104 , a cylindrically shaped gripping surface  106  is provided which is coaxial with the shaft  18 . The illustrated fore grip  22  also includes a pair of openings  108  located on opposite sides of the passage  102  near the forward end of the fore grip  22 . The openings  108  are sized and shaped to receive a fastener  110  such as the illustrated bolt washer and lock nut. The fastener  110  extends through one of the openings  84  in the shaft  18  and the opposed openings  108  in the fore grip  22  to rigidly and removably secure the fore grip  22  to the shaft  18 . The position of the fore grip  22  can be axially adjusted along the length of the shaft  18  to a plurality of predetermined fixed positions by moving the fastener  110  to one of the other openings  84 . By adjusting the grip  22  to a position suitable for a particular user, the grip  22  is more likely to keep the user&#39;s hand from slipping off of the shaft  18 . The illustrated fore grip  22  can be moved to any one of three predetermined and fixed axial positions but alternatively there can be a greater or lesser number of fixed positions within the scope of the present invention. It is noted that while a preferred fore grip position adjusting means is described in detail herein, the fore grip  22  can alternatively have other types of position adjusting means. It is also noted that while the preferred fore grip  22  is movable between predetermined fixed axial positions described in detail above, the fore grip  22  can alternatively be in a permanent fixed axial position or be infinitely axially adjustable within the scope of the present invention. The fore grip  22  can also be eliminated if desired.  
      During operation of the tool  10 , the operator places one hand on the fore grip  22  and their other hand on the rear grip  20 . The fore grip  22  is adjusted to an axial position along the shaft  18  which is the most comfortable and/or provides the best leverage for the user to prevent the user&#39;s hand from slipping off of the shaft  18  during use. Both the lower surface  62  of the blade scraping portion  54  and the wheels  16  contact and support the tool  10  on the roof. The laterally spaced-apart wheels  16  provide lateral stability of the tool  10  and reduce friction so that the user has improved control of the tool  10 . The bent shaft  18  enables the user to sit on a sloping roof with the shaft  18  located above their legs. The operator provides a forward force to the grips  20 ,  22  so that the blade scraping portion  54  slides under a shingle or shingles. The wheels  16  and the ergonomically shaped shaft  18  reduce the force required to produce the forward motion of the tool  10 . When the leading edge of the blade  14  contacts a nail or nails, the rear grip  20  axially slides forward relative to the shaft  18  as the body  98  compresses and at least partially absorbs the impact. It is noted that the shape of the shaft  18  and rear grip  20  also lessons any impact on the user. The nails are received in the slots  60  in the blade  14  and the operator provides a downward force on the rear grip  20  to pivot the tool about a fulcrum  112  formed by the wheels to raise the blade  14  and pry out the nails. The shingle is then loose from the roof and can be discarded. The process is continued until all of the shingles have been removed from the roof.  
      FIGS.  15  to  17  show a shingle removal tool  200  according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. The shingle removal tool  200  is substantially the same as the shingle removal tool  10  described in detail hereinabove except that the fore grip  22  is eliminated and a rear grip  202  is rigidly mounted and integral with the shaft  18 . It is noted that like reference numbers are utilized to identify like structure between the embodiments. It is also noted that the fore grip  22  can be included if desired.  
      As best shown in  FIG. 18 , the illustrated rear grip  202  is rigidly mounted to the rearward end of the shaft  18 . The rearward grip  202  is generally D-shaped and upwardly extends forming an acute angle I with the axis of the shaft  18 . The illustrated acute angle I is about 55 degrees but other suitable acute angles can be utilized within the scope of the present invention. The acute angle I is preferably in the range of about 45 to about 90 degrees and more preferably in the range of about 45 to about 65 degrees. The rear grip  202  forms a cylindrical-shaped gripping surface  94 . The illustrated gripping surface  94  horizontally and laterally extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft  18 . The illustrated gripping surface  94  is also rearwardly and upwardly spaced from the rearward end of the shaft  18 . Positioned in this manner, impact loads transmitted through the shaft  18  to the user are reduced. Also, this configuration improves ergonomics of the user in a sitting position because the user can grab the sides of the grip  202  instead of the rear gripping surface. The rear grip  202  is formed of any suitable material such as, for example, a metal such as steel. The illustrated rear grip  202  is integral with the shaft  18  and secured by welding but other suitable attachment means can be utilized. It is noted that while a preferred rear grip  202  is described in detail herein, the rear grip  202  can alternatively have other suitable sizes, structures, shapes, and materials within the scope of the present invention.  
      It is apparent from the foregoing disclosure that the tools  10 ,  200  according of the present invention not only ease removal of the shingles from the roof, but also reduces fatigue to the user.  
      It is noted that each of the features of the various embodiments of the present invention can be used in any combination. For example, the fixed handle of the second embodiment can be alternatively used the first embodiment and the adjustable fore grip of the first embodiment can alternatively be used with the second embodiment.  
      From the foregoing disclosure and detailed description of certain preferred embodiments, it will be apparent that various modifications, additions and other alternative embodiments are possible without departing from the true scope and spirit of the present invention. The embodiments discussed were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the present invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the present invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the benefit to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.