Abstract: A floor covering removal machine for removing a floor covering that is secured to a floor that includes a drive frame formed with an underside caster assembly, and feed, ejection, and oppositely arranged cutter sides. A variable speed, reversible, motorized drum is mounted about the frame and cooperates with a gripping idler roller that is releasably biased toward the drum to establish a grip interface which conveys the floor covering from the feed to the ejection sides. In operation, the floor covering is pulled through the grip interface and thereby removed from the floor. The machine also may include a collapsible guide handle extending from the drive frame and a motor speed control. Optional retractable floor covering cutters are included that are deployable in a floor contour-following configuration. An optional alignment laser pointer is mounted on the frame for alignment during operation.

Abstract: A floor covering lifting and removal hand tool for lifting an edge and removing a floor covering that is secured to a floor surface. An arcuate lifting base is formed with a grip end spaced from an opposite end and optionally including load distribution flanges across the arcuate lifting base. An upwardly extending lever arm joins to the arcuate base to rotate the base. The base further incorporates a releasable clamp that captures the edge of the floor covering. Anti-slip features are incorporated about a face of the base to contact the floor covering. In operation, the lever arm is rotated to overcome the force of the bond to lift and remove the floor covering from the floor surface. The lever arm is adjustable, removable, and is optionally ratchetable for use in confined spaces near walls and corners.

Abstract: A retrofittable drain insert for existing bell shaped traps and other type drains is provided. The drain insert enables an existing bell trap or pipe drain to be modified and upgraded easily by not only preventing the backflow of sewer gases but also by substantially reducing the backflow of fluid through the drain into the drained area. The drain insert includes a housing with a valve means suspended by an expandable suspension means which easily fits into and can be mounted within the existing drain opening. The valve means has a larger diameter than the housing so as to form a gas tight and fluid tight seal, however, it has a smaller diameter than the existing drain opening so as easily to be retrofittable and fit therein.

Abstract: A device for removing material, preferably roofing material, consisting of a baseplate; a shaft member secured at one end to a guide handle and at the other end to the baseplate; a lifting plate including a blade-like leading section and a trailing section; an opening located in the trailing section of the lifting plate to permit the lower end of the shaft member to pass therethrough; a fulcrum means operatively connected to the baseplate and the lifting plate; an actuating means located on a guide handle and connected to a drive means; and a drive means to depress the trailing section of the lifting plate thereby rotating the lifting plate about the fulcrum means to move the blade-like leading section of the lifting plate into a generally parallel spaced-apart position with respect to the baseplate.