Dual-use flooring installation device with interchangeable tool-ends

1. A dual-use flooring installation device with interchangeable tool-ends, the device comprising:

a pull bar defining a bend at a proximal end and a first connector at a distal end, the bend configured for engaging an end of a flooring material;

a wedge bar defining a wedge at a proximal end and a second connector at a distal end, the wedge configured for insertion between a wall surface or a cabinet surface and a flat material attached thereto;

a slide hammer unit comprising a hammer weight slidable about a shaft, the slide hammer unit defining an adaptor at a proximal end that is configured for removably attaching to one of the first connector of the pull bar and the second connector of the wedge bar;

wherein, in an operational mode, the adaptor of the slide hammer unit engages the pull bar or the wedge bar, and

wherein, in a storage mode, the adaptor of the slide hammer unit is disengaged from the pull bar and the wedge bar.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the hammer weight weighs between about 5 pounds and about 12 pounds.

3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the hammer weight is coupled to a handle configured in a spherical shape.

4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the hammer weight is coupled to a handle configured as a briefcase handle.

5. The device of claim 1 , wherein the wedge defines a ramped surface increasing in thickness moving from the proximal end of the wedge bar towards a distal end of the wedge bar.

6. The device of claim 1 , wherein the flat material comprises one or more of trim, molding, wall base, filler, cover panel, baseboard, and veneer.

7. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first connector and the second connector are configured for sliding in and sliding out of the adaptor.

8. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first connector and the second connector are configured for attaching to the adaptor by a quick release mechanism.

9. The device of claim 8 , wherein the quick release mechanism comprises one or more spring-loaded pegs for insertion into openings provided on each of the first connector and the second connector.

10. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first connector and the second connector are configured for attaching to the adaptor by a bolting mechanism or a screwing mechanism.

11. The device of claim 1 , wherein the wedge further configured for insertion between a subfloor material and a flat flooring material attached thereto.

12. The device of claim 1 , wherein at least one major surface of the pull bar or the wedge bar includes one or more protective felt cushions attached thereto.

13. The device of claim 12 , wherein the one or more protective felt cushions has a circular shape.

14. The device of claim 12 , wherein the one or more protective felt cushions are configured for compressing when pressure is applied thereto.

15. The device of claim 1 , wherein at least one major surface of the pull bar or the wedge bar includes a non-surface scratching polyethylene sheathing covering at least a portion of the at least one major surface.

16. The device of claim 1 , wherein the hammer weight includes a non-surface scratching polyethylene sheathing covering at least a portion of a surface of the hammer weight.

17. A method of installing a flooring material using a dual-use flooring installation device with interchangeable tool-ends, the method comprising:

providing a dual-use flooring installation device with interchangeable tool-ends, the device comprising:

a pull bar defining a bend at a proximal end and a first connector at a distal end, the bend configured for engaging an end of a flooring material;

a wedge bar defining a wedge at a proximal end and a second connector at a distal end, the wedge configured for insertion between a wall surface or a cabinet surface and a flat material attached thereto;

a slide hammer unit comprising a hammer weight slidable about a shaft, the slide hammer unit defining an adaptor at a proximal end that is configured for removably attaching to one of the first connector of the pull bar and the second connector of the wedge bar;

wherein, in an operational mode, the adaptor of the slide hammer unit engages the pull bar or the wedge bar, and

wherein, in a storage mode, the adaptor of the slide hammer unit is disengaged from the pull bar and the wedge bar;

removably attaching the adaptor to the second connector of the wedge bar in the operational mode;

inserting the wedge between the wall surface or the cabinet surface and a flat material attached thereto;

sliding the hammer weight towards the adaptor at the proximal end; and

separating at least a portion of the flat material from the wall surface or the cabinet surface.

18. The method of claim 17 , further comprising:

detaching the adaptor from the second connector of the wedge bar;

removably attaching the adaptor to the first connector of the pull bar in the operational mode;

engaging the end of the flooring material with the bend of the pull bar;

sliding the hammer weight towards the adaptor at the proximal end; and

urging the flooring material towards an adjacent flooring material.

19. A method of installing a flooring material using a dual-use flooring installation device with interchangeable tool-ends, the method comprising:

providing a dual-use flooring installation device with interchangeable tool-ends, comprising:

a pull bar defining a bend at a proximal end and a first connector at a distal end, the bend configured for engaging an end of a flooring material;

a wedge bar defining a wedge at a proximal end and a second connector at a distal end, the wedge configured for insertion between a wall surface or a cabinet surface and a flat material attached thereto;

a slide hammer unit comprising a hammer weight slidable about a shaft, the slide hammer unit defining an adaptor at a proximal end that is configured for removably attaching to one of the first connector of the pull bar and the second connector of the wedge bar;

wherein, in an operational mode, the adaptor of the slide hammer unit engages the pull bar or the wedge bar, and

wherein, in a storage mode, the adaptor of the slide hammer unit is disengaged from the pull bar and the wedge bar;

removably attaching the adaptor to the first connector of the pull bar in the operational mode;

engaging the end of the flooring material with the bend;

sliding the hammer weight towards the adaptor at the proximal end; and

urging the flooring material towards an adjacent flooring material.

20. The method of claim 19 , further comprising:

detaching the adaptor from the first connector of the pull bar;

removably attaching the adaptor to the second connector of the wedge bar in the operational mode;

inserting the wedge between the wall surface or the cabinet surface and a flat material attached thereto;

sliding the hammer weight towards the adaptor at the proximal end; and

separating at least a portion of the flat material from the wall surface or the cabinet surface.