CA2198153A1 - Carpet stretcher - Google Patents

Abstract

A carpet stretcher that requires the aid of a carpet stretching tool(19) (prior art U.S. patent # 5,007,616 Apr 16/91). The carpet stretcher is comprised of a pinned head(10) with a square bar(13) attached in a rearward position. The square bar(13) slides into a tubular extension(14) which has a square entrance(21) slightly larger than the square bar(13) allowing the square bar(13)to slide freely inside the tubular extension(14). At the rear of the tubular extension(14) is an opening(17) which receives the stretching tool(19). The operating handle(11) has a pivotal attachment(12) to the front of the pinned head(10) and is attached intermediately by a linkage(15) at an ergonomically acceptable angle, to a pivotal connection at the front of the tubular extension(14).
On the rear of the tubular extension(14) is a kneeling pad(16). As the carpet technician kneels on the kneeling pad(16) his body mass anchors the stretching tool(19) to the sub floor. As the handle(11) is depressed it causes the pinned head(10) to move forward as its pins(18) grip the carpet and stretch it to the desired tension.

Description

~ ~1 J 8 t 5 3 DESCRIPTION

The present carpet stretcher relates to the insl~" -l;gn of ~"~ti"g. Prior carpet stretchers such as US patent # 4,230,302 Oct 28/1980 to the Crain Cutter Co., Calif., can be used with carpet ~l~lol,ing tool US patent # 5,007,616 Apr 16, 1g91, but requires that the carpet technician be in the standing, bent over position, which leads to excessive back and shoulder strain.The technician must stand on the end of the stretcher to anchor it to the floor as he is dt:~,r~ y the handle. Prior art carpçt slr~t.;l,e,~ are bulky and heavy ,r.a~ing it difficult to maneuver in small areas.
The present carpet stretcher is designed to be small and easy to move while installing and stretching c~rpets in the kneelin~ position. The rear of the stretcher is anchored to the floor by kneeling on a pad. The head of the ~l,etcher is conside, dbly smaller than prior art and has pins that protrude from the head into the carpet. On prior art the handle is dtla.;l ,ed to the rear of the head whichpushes the ~rpet ahead causing the head to lift from the surface of the ~arpet for~ing it to slip as pressure is applied.The prese,ll stretcher has the handle attached to the front of the head which pulls the carpet ahead as a downward pressure is exerted which forces the pins deeper into the carpet, giving a secure grip. The handle being pivotally att~che~l to the front of the head permit~ it to be of sufficient length to reach a comfolla~le pOsitiol- in front of the kneeiing pad.
The front mounted handle, in conjunction with the attached linkage, lets the pinned head l.,lea-~e the carpet when the handle is raised to within 45 dey, ~es of the hGIi~onlal which allows çasy portability of the sllel~;lling unit to thç next stretching location permitting the carpet technician to remain in the kneeling position.

~ ~ t 8 1 53 DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Figure 1: perspective view showing handle in a nearly de,uressed position ~igure 2:, hol i~ontal view showing handle on a raised position with prior art carpet s~,~lching tool (US patent # 5,007, 616 Apr 16, 1991) att~c:heJ.
Figure 3: prior art carpet ~ lchil lg tool US patent # 5,007,616 Apr 16, 1991.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Figure 1 shows a carpet stretcher embodying the pr~senl invention. The carpet stretcher col"p,ises a pinned head(10) that contains carpet engaging pins on theunde~ide which penetrate the carpet. The handle(11) is pivotally attached(12) to the front of the head(10 ) as well as by linkage(15) to the tubular extension(14).
Protn~ding from the pinned head(10) ,~an~Jardly is a square bar(13) which slidesthrough a square opening(21) at the front end of the tubular extension(14) . Therear opening(17) of the tubular eAlension(14) accepts the prior art carpet stretching tool(19) (illusll~ted in hgure 3). Also, at the rear opening(17) of the tubular extension(14) is mounted a kneeling pad(16).
Figure 1 shows the handle(11) depr~ssed with the pinned head(10) pulled to the forward po~itio".
In figure 2 the carpet stretcher embodying the present invention is shown with the handle(11) in the raised pOsitiGI- which ret,~;ts the carpet engaging pins(18) of pinned head(10). Also shown is the extent to which the handle(11) is raised(20) above the tubular extension(14) allowing minimum height to achieve maximum stretch. Figure 2 also shows the prior art carpet stretching tool(19) attached to the tubular extension(14) at the rear opening(17).
Figure 3 shows prior art carpet st~etching tool(19), US patent number 5,007,616 April 16l 1991.

Claims (5)

1. A carpet stretcher comprising:
a. a pinned head;
b. a square bar attached to pinned head extending rearwardly;
c. a tubular extension freely receiving the square bar;
d. a kneeling pad mounted to the rear of the tubular extension;
e. the tubular extension will receive carpet stretching tool US patent #5,007,616 Apr 16, 1991;
f. a handle pivotally connected to the front of the pinned head with the handle projecting rearwardly toward and above the tubular extension; and 9. linkage interconnecting the handle and tubular extension enabling the pinned head to telescope axially.

2. A carpet stretcher as described in claim 1 wherein the said handle is pivotally attached to the front of the pinned head to allow the handle to be raised to within approximately 45 degrees of the tubular extension.

3. A carpet stretcher as described in claim 1 wherein the tubular extension has a kneeling pad mounted above and to the rear of the tubular extension.

4. When depressed the handle does not extend beyond the front of the kneeling pad.

5. A carpet stretcher as described in claim 1 wherein the pinned head is smaller and lighter than prior art.