Patent Abstract:
The invention relates to a shock absorbing shingle removing tool, and more particularly, to a shock absorbing shingle removing tool, which can safeguard users from fatigue and injury accumulated from repeated contact between the blade of traditional roof removing device and fasteners which often occurs in the act of removing roof shingle.

Full Description:
The present invention relates to a device and method for removing roof shingles from a roof deck prior to replacement or repair. More specifically, a shock absorbing roof shingle removing device and method are provided for removing old roof shingles efficiently and with decreased effort and potential injury to workers. 
     CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation in part of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/254,319, filed Nov. 12, 2015, filed by the same inventive entity. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Removal or “tear offs” of existing roof shingle from a structure, including removal of shingles and shingle fasteners, is a physically demanding process. Many roofers suffer fatigue and find themselves in pain when forcibly bashing in the wood to remove building materials, such as shingles, and especially when encountering the nails or other fasteners. The result is that a worker involved in such manual removal often suffers from pain or injuries. In particular, the injuries can have an effect on the back, the arms, or the elbows, as a result of the physical exertion required during removal process. 
     Shingle removing devices typically include either manually operated or automated devices. Manually operated devices tend to require significant effort on the part of the worker to effectively move below shingles, nails or other parts from the roof deck. For larger jobs, such as commercial buildings and multifamily units, manually operated shingle removing devices on such larger roof expanses can result in significant physical effort. On larger jobs, workers may take several hours or even days to effectively remove all the old roof shingles. 
     For certain labor-intensive roof construction operations, automated or motor driven devices have been deployed to remove shingles. Although potentially more effective and efficient than using a manually operated device, automated or motor driven devices tend to include complex moving parts, which can be expensive to replace and maintain. Additionally motorized devices are heavier by nature due to the additional components. 
     A need, therefore, exists for improved devices and methods for removing the building material. Specifically, a need exists for improved devices and methods for removal of building material quickly and easily. 
     A need further exists for improved devices and methods for removing roof shingles, while decreasing strain and potential injury to the workers. 
     Moreover, a need exists for improved devices and methods for removing the material that are both user-friendly and generally lightweight. 
     A need further exists for shock absorbing tool for tearing off material, which is easy to maintain. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to devices and methods for removing roof shingles, which can include shingles and fasteners, prior to replacement or repair with new roof shingles. Specifically, the present invention relates to a shock absorbing device useful for stripping roofing shingles and fasteners from a roof deck, while avoiding excess fatigue and pain to the user. 
     To this end, in an embodiment of the present invention, a device for removing shingles and, fasteners from a root deck is provided. The device comprises a body having a handle and a stripping element disposed at an end opposite to the handle, and a shock absorbing mechanism house within the body. 
     In another embodiment, a shock absorbing device for use in removing roof shingles, including shingles and fasteners from a roof, is provided. The device includes a body having a handle at one end, a stripping element comprising a plurality of tines on and opposite from the handle, and the shock absorbing system, including at least one spring-loaded mechanism house within the body. 
     In yet another embodiment, the stripping element includes a blade. 
     In a further embodiment, the body comprises a fork having arms connected to the top by a horizontal top section. 
     In yet another embodiment, the socket absorbing system includes a pair of shock absorbing spring-loaded mechanisms positioned within each arm of the body of the device. 
     In a further embodiment, the shock absorbing spring-loaded mechanism includes a flexible outer sleeve, housing an inner sleeve that is connected at its lower end to a piston, which in turn is connected to a spring. 
     In yet another embodiment, the spring absorbs the kinetic energy generated when the devices in use, and dissipates the energy away from the user. 
     In a still another embodiment, the shock absorbing spring-loaded mechanism uses a single spring structure, which permits a slight rotation to make shingle removal more efficient. 
     It is, therefore, an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide a roof shingle removing device that provides the shock absorbing system to decrease fatigue and pain for the user. 
     It is yet another advantage and objective of the present invention to provide a roof shingle removing device that is relatively lightweight and easy to use. 
     These and other objectives of the invention (which other objectives become clear by consideration of the specification, claims and drawings as a whole) are met by providing a roof shingle removing device having a handle assembly connected to a fork assembly through a shock absorbing assembly. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  depicts a front perspective view of a roof shingle removing device  100  of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a front perspective view of a roof shingle removing device  100  compressed length  220  and a relaxed length  222  of the present invention based on  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  depicts a front view of a roof shingle removing device  100  of the present invention, in use. 
         FIG. 4  depicts a rear view of a roof shingle removing device  100  of this invention. 
         FIG. 5  depicts a cross-section of roof shingle removing device  100  of this invention taken along section line  5 - 5  shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  depicts a perspective view of a roof shingle removing device  100  of the present invention, in use. 
         FIG. 7  depicts an overview of a roof shingle removing device  100  of the present invention, in use. 
         FIG. 8  depicts a front, exploded perspective view of a roof shingle removing device  100  of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  depicts a rear, exploded perspective view of a roof shingle removing device  100  of the present invention, as the reverse view of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 10  depicts a block diagram of a roof shingle removing device  100  of this invention. 
         FIG. 11  depicts a perspective view of dual spring removing device  200  of this invention. 
         FIG. 12  depicts a plan view of dual spring removing device  200  of this invention, based on a reverse view of  FIG. 11 . 
     
    
    
     Throughout the figures of the drawings, where the same part appears in more than one figure of the drawings, the same number is applied thereto. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of the invention that are illustrated in accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. For purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms such as proximal, distal, ventral, and dorsal, may be used with respect to the drawings. The terms “proximal” and “distal” refers to the anatomical definition indicating the regions nearer and further, respectively, to the center of the body or the point of attachment, specifically referring to the length of the handle assembly. The terms “ventral” and “dorsal” refers to the anatomical definition indicating the underside and upper side of the invention, specifically the width of the handle assembly, and where  FIG. 7  shows the ventral side of the invention. These and similar directional terms are not to be construed to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. The words attach, connect, couple, and similar terms with their inflectional morphemes do not necessarily denote direct or intermediate connections, but may also include connections through mediate elements or devices 
     In accordance with the present invention, the present disclosure relates to a device and method for removing old roof shingles including shingles and shingles and fasteners, such as nails, from a stack surface. Specifically the present disclosure includes a shock absorbing device and method for removing old roof shingles, while preventing fatigue and physical pain to the user. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , roof shingle removing device  100  has a handle assembly  102  connected to a fork assembly  106  through a shock absorbing assembly  108 . With compressed length  220  and relaxed length  222  of  FIG. 2 , fork assembly  106  effectively contacts roof fasteners to remove shingles. 
     With the addition of  FIG. 3  to the consideration, the use of roof shingle removing device  100  becomes clearer. Fork  114  of fork assembly  106  effectively contacts roof  230  and gets under shingles  236 . In this shingle fasteners, roof nails such as roof nail  240  are effectively contacted by prong  244  of fork  114 . This separates the nail  240  or other fastener and the shingle  236  from the roof  230 . 
     Adding  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5  to the consideration, twist assembly  128  of roof shingle removing device  100  has a turn stop  130  mounted on the compression spring cylinder  140  by twist weld  110 . Handle shaft  142  is slidably and rotatably mounted within the compression spring cylinder  140 . Extending from the handle shaft  142  is a turn bead  136  secured thereto. Turn bead  136  permits a slight rotation of the handle shaft  142  within the compression spring cylinder  140  due to the travel slot  132  present in the compression spring cylinder  140 . Turn stop  130  is secured on the compression spring cylinder  140  and provides a limited twist travel  134  for turn bead  136 . Securing of the compression spring cylinder  140  is permitted by welds  110  or other securing devices at the locations spanning travel slot  132 . Thus turn bead  136  moves in a restricted fashion such as limited twist travel  134  within travel slot  132  due to contacts with either side of turn stop  130 . 
     By adding  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7  to the consideration, it becomes clear that such travel permits fork  114  to move relative to handle shaft  142  and provide for better contact with the roof  230 . In this fashion, it is easier for roof shingle removing device  100  to remove shingles  236 . The roofer  228  has less pressure on his arms  252 , while removing shingles  236  from roof  230 . 
     With  FIG. 6 , it becomes clear that such travel permits fork  114  to move relative to handle shaft  142 , also shown in  FIG. 7 . Such a twist and spring action provides for better contact with the roof  230 . In this fashion, it is easier for roof shingle removing device  100  to remove shingles  236 . The roofer  228  has less pressure on his body and on his arms  252 , while removing shingles  236  from roof  230 . The roofer  228  also is kept from contacting shingles  236  as well as reducing likelihood of injury from shingles  236  sliding up the handle shaft  142  onto his or her arms  252 . 
     Additionally, the shingle guard  146  is mounted on the handle assembly  102 . This shingle guard  146  prevents shingles  236  from sliding up the handle shaft  142 . Then roofer  228  has a reduced chance of getting hit by a shingle  236 . The shingle guard  146  is welded or otherwise secured onto the handle shaft  142 . 
     For example, a user grasps handle assembly  102  of the shingle removing device  100  and applies downward pressure on the handle shaft  142  thereof. In this fashion, the handle shaft  142  depresses the compression spring  122 . When the pressure is released from compression spring  122 , it functions to absorb the majority of the shock through the shingle removing device  100 , thereby decreasing the energy applied to the user. The terms shingle and roof shingle may be used interchangeably. 
     The shingle removing device  100  moves the force away from the roofer  228 . For example, during use, removal, or stripping of shingles  236  can generally be a continuous process, where the fork  114  slips smoothly under each shingle  236 . However, issues can arise when the prong  244  contacts a fastener  240  for the shingles resulting in the force being absorbed by the arms  248  of the roofer  228 . The shingle removing device  100  helps to alleviate the force accompanied by the sudden stop from the contact with a fastener or fasteners  240  on the wood deck or the roof  230 . The device  100  makes the result of the action depicted in  FIG. 6  less jarring and less fatiguing to the user. 
     With the exploded views shown in  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9 , the functioning of roof shingle removing device  100  becomes more clear. Fork  114  has a weld member  112  which is secured to compression spring cylinder  140 . Bolt  116  passes through the washer  120  into the compression spring  122  which is slightly mounted within compression spring cylinder  140  and secured thereon by the nut  126 . The compression spring cylinder  140  is then secured to the handle shaft  142  by inserting handle shaft  142  into compression spring cylinder  140  so that turn bead  136  fits into the travel slot  132  of twist assembly  128  underneath turn stop  130 . Twist assembly  128  makes shingle remover tool  100  more efficient and minimizes strain on the roofer  228 , by varying the position of fork  114  in use. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 10 , shingle remover tool  100  has handle shaft  142  with turn bead  136  and shingle guard  146  mounted thereon. Fitting within handle shaft  142  is handle nut  126 . Also adjacent to the handle shaft  142  is compression spring  122  compression spring cylinder  140  held in place by nut  126  in commendation washer  120  into  116 . Nut  126  and bolt  116  combine with washer  120  tool to hold compression spring  140  in place. Travel slot  132  is secured to compression spring cylinder  140 . Weld member  112  of fork  114  secures fork  114  to compression spring cylinder  140 . Travel slot  132  combines with turn bead  136  and turn stop  130  to limit the rotation of fork  114  and make the shingle remover tool  100  more efficient. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12 , which serves as another embodiment of the present invention, the dual spring removing device  200  has a tool handle  202  at one end and a tool fork  212  at the other end. The tool handle  202  is secured to a tool shock damper  206 . The shock damper  206  is secured to the tool fork  212 . The tool fork  212  serves as a stripping element for shingles  236 . The shock damper  206  permits energy to be absorbed by the dual spring removing device  200  rather than the arms  252  of the roofer  228  in a manner similar to shingle removing device  100 . 
     The stripping element tool fork  212  at one end of the body or tool handle  200  works has the shock absorbing system or tool shock damper  206  including a first parallel arm  240  and a second parallel arm  242  extending from the horizontal top section  244 . First parallel arm  240  and second parallel arm  242  are connected as mutually co-parallel to opposing ends of horizontal top section  244 . 
     Connecting arm  250  joins horizontal top section  244  to handle  202  at a center portion  252  of horizontal top section  244 . Shock absorbing system or tool shock damper  206  is secured to stripping element or tool fork  212  at first parallel arm  240  and second parallel arm  242  as oppositely disposed from horizontal top section  244 . 
     The stripping element or tool fork  212  is preferably a pitchfork having parallel tines, although other shapes usable. More specifically, pitchfork or tool fork  212  has a tine support  260  attached to first parallel arm  240  and second parallel arm  242  with a first outer tine  262  and a second outer tine  264 , with a first inner tine  266  and a second inner tine  268  therebetween. The stripping element  212  can be tool fork  114 . The stripping element  212  may also be shovel, a hoe, a blade, or a cutting device, as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
     A u-shaped shingle guard  210  is secured in a desirable fashion to each of first parallel dun  240  and second parallel arm  242  in a standard fashion. The shingle guard  210  thereby reinforces the structure from first parallel arm  240  and second parallel arm  242 , while at same time reducing the chance for shingle to contact a user like the roofer  228  shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     The shock absorbing system tool with shock damper  206  is set forth as having a spring-loaded mechanism  270 . Spring-loaded mechanism includes a flexible outer sleeve  272  forming an upper section of first parallel arm  240  and second parallel arm  242 . Within the flexible outer sleeve  272  is an inner sleeve  274 . Inner sleeve  274  is connected to a piston  276  at its lower end. The piston  276  is connected with a coil spring like spring  122  of  FIG. 8  within outer sleeve  272  or similar device. Between the piston  276 , the flexible outer sleeve  272  and the inner sleeve  274 ; energy is absorbed by roof shingle removing device  100 , instead of being absorbed by the user of the dual spring removing device  200 . The dual spring removing device  200  is used in fashion similar to that shown in  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7 . 
     For example, a user (like roofer  228  of  FIG. 6 ) will grasp tool handle  202  of the dual spring removing device  200  and apply downward pressure thereon. This action applies pressure to the flexible outer sleeve  272 , which in turn, slides the year sleeve, thereby pushing the piston  276  in a downward direction. In this fashion, the piston  276  depresses the coil spring  278 . When the pressure is released from coil spring  278 , it functioned to absorb the majority of the shock through the roof shingle removing device  100 , thereby decreasing the energy applied to the user. 
     The shock absorbing system or tool shock damper  206  insures the smoother operation of the dual spring removing device  200 , but more importantly, moves the force away from the user of the dual spring removing device  200 . For example, during use, removal, or stripping of shingles can generally be a continuous process, where the stripping element slip smoothly under each single. However, Issues can arise when the stripping element contacts a fastener for the shingles resulting in a jerking action against the body of the user. This shock absorbing system  206  helps to alleviate the jerking action accompanied by the sudden stop from the contact with a fastener or fasteners on the wood deck or the roof. The dual spring removing device  200  makes the result of the tear-off action drawing less jarring and less fatiguing to the user. 
     This application—taken as a whole with the abstract, specification, claims, and drawings being combined—provides sufficient information for a person having ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention as disclosed and claimed herein. Any measures necessary to practice this invention are well within the skill of a person having ordinary skill in this art after that person has made a careful study of this disclosure. 
     Because of this disclosure and solely because of this disclosure, modification of this method and device can become clear to a person having ordinary skill in this particular art. Such modifications are clearly covered by this disclosure.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4