GB2202737A

GB2202737A - Carpet stretching apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2202737A
Application number: GB08804521A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ilan Zadik Samson
Original assignee: Roberts Consolidated Industries; Roberts Consolidated Industries Inc
Current assignee: Roberts Consolidated Industries; Roberts Consolidated Industries Inc
Priority date: 1987-02-27
Filing date: 1988-02-26
Publication date: 1988-10-05
Anticipated expiration: 2008-02-26
Also published as: GB2202737B; GB8704598D0; GB8804521D0

Abstract

A carpet stretching apparatus (1) which has a head (3) which can grip the surface of a carpet. The head is connected to and can slide relative to a base (2). The apparatus also has a handle (9) to move the head and base relative to each other and a shovel-shaped attachment (6) designed to fit behind and engage, for example, a gripper strip. The apparatus is additionally provided with a roller-like flattening member (21) which is moved by the lever in front of the head, in the direction in which the head moves during carpet stretching. <IMAGE>

Description

CARPET STRETCHING APPARATUS This invention relates to carpet laying equipment and in particular relates to improvements in carpet stretching apparatus.

Carpet stretchers are important tools in the art of carpet installation, and numerous types of stretching apparatus have been designed. One such type is that known as a 'Ministretcher', sold by Roberts Consolidated Industries Inc., which is used for stretching a carpet towards an abutment. Carpet stretchers are normally used to stretch a carpet towards a conventional wooden 'gripper' strip which has been fixed to the floor at the side of a room.

Other means such as a knee kicker and/or a 'stair tool' are then used to press the carpet onto the pins or nails protruding from the gripper strip.

Carpet stretchers generally comprise a longitudinal bar having a shovel-shaped attachment designed to fit behind and engage the gripper strip (or other abutment), a head portion having spikes for gripping the surface of a carpet, the head portion being slidably mounted on the bar and lever means to move the head portion relative to the bar so that the carpet may be stretched towards the gripper strip.

Whilst such conventional carpet stretchers are useful, they suffer from certain disadvantages. For example the carpet cannot be placed under tension between the head portion and the gripper strip. Furthermore, additional means are required to hook the carpet onto the gripper strip. Because of these disadvantayes, prior art carpet stretchers of the type described have generally been designed so that a sizeable yap is Left between the head portion and the gripper strip, thereby enabling further steps, especially local stretching of the carpet with a conventional 'Knee Kicker', to be carried out to stretch and flatten the carpet in that region and to secure it to the gripper strip.

Hitherto, therefore, carpet stretching apparatus of the type described above, has been bulky and cumbersome to use, and the additional steps required to stretch the carpet towards the gripper strip and to attach it thereto have been time-consuming. Furthermore the tools presently available to stretch the carpet and attach it to the gripper strip have to be used in a kneeling position. Prolonged kneeling is a documented hazard to the knees and back.

The present invention provides an apparatus for use in stretching carpets comprising a head for gripping the surface of.a carpet, the head being connected to and longitudinally slidable with respect to a base, a lever means for moving the head relative to the base, and an engagement means to prevent reaction movement of the base, characterised in that a flattening member is moveable by the lever means in front of the head in the direction in which the head advances during stretching.

Preferably the base comprises steel or other durable alloy or metal, and comprises a bar of circular cross-section.

Towards one end of the base, the engagement means are preferably provided for engaging a carpet gripper strip, which means preferably comprise a gripping device designed to fit between the back of a carpet gripper strip and a wall or skirting board, so that, in use, the gripper strip prevents longitudinal reaction movement of the base in the direction opposite to that in which the carpet is being stretched. Suitably, this engagement means may be demountable.

Normally the gripping device is made from the same material as the base.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the gripping device is contoured so that the leading edge of the carpet, as it is pushed forward, can 'climb' up the inner surface of the gripping device (i.e. the surface furthest from the wall or skirting board) and is not trapped between the floor and the wall or skirting board.

Preferably the gripping device is 'shovel' shaped such that the front of the shovel is not quite parallel to the wall or skirting board. By this means the rear of the base may be lifted slightly whilst the shovel is still in place between the gripper strip and the wall or skirting board.

Suitably the angle of inclination (2) between the front of the shovel and the wall or skirting board is 2-10 , preferably about 50.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the gripping device is adjustable so that, once the carpet stretcher has been correctly positioned on the carpet, the lower edge of the gripping device can, if necessary, be raised or lowered to obtain the optimum grip on the gripper strip.

Preferably, the distance between the gripping device and the head is less than 100 mm when the head is in its most advanced position. Preferably, the lever means is suitably mounted at a point towards the end of the base furthest from the gripping device.

Preferably the lever means comprises a handle pivotally mounted on the base and at least one linking member connecting the handle to the head portion.

Advantageously there are two linking members.

The linking member is preferably a strip of durable alloy or metal, for example aluminium, one end of which is pivotally attached to the handle, and the other end of which is pivotally attached to the head portion.

Optionally, the handle may be actuated by a second lever means which may suitably comprise any mechanical arrangement capable of transmitting a force vertically downwards on the handle and affording a mechanical advantage to an operator.

Advantageously, the second lever means is arranged in such a way that it may readily be operated by a fully grown adult without the necessity for crouching or stooping.

In a preferred embodiment the second lever means may be demountable and comprises two vertical rods and one cross member pivoted together such that a parallelogram is formed when one of the vertical rods is pivoted on the lever means and the other of the vertical rods is attached to the base.

The flattening member preferably comprises a roller or circular rod arranged substantially at right angles to the direction of movement of the head and at such a height that, in use, the flattening member is in contact with, and bears down on, a carpet.

Preferably the flattening member is movable independently of the head.

The flattening member is operatively connected to the lever means by a connecting means, suitably a connecting rod.

The connecting rod preferably passes through a longitudinal bore formed in the head portion, which bore is typically of circular cross-section.

Advantageously the connecting rod is slightly inclined from the horizontal so that, in use, as the flattening member is pushed forwards it is also pushed slightly downwards, thereby exerting increasing pressure on the carpet.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connecting means which operatively connects the lever means to the flattening member may additionally comprise a cam which is pivotally mounted on the base and pivotally attached to the connecting rod.

The cam is arranged for engagement with a complementary protrusion on the lever means so that, in use, the flattening member can be pushed forward relative to the head when the lever means is operated.

Preferably the protrusion is attached to the handle, and comprises a small rotatable element, for example a wheel or washer, mounted for engagement with the cam. Preferably the cam is positioned such that, wnen the cam engages, the movement of the flattening member relative to the head starts.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the position of the cam and of the complementary protrusion are such that the flattening member can be pushed forward relative to the head only when the head can no longer be pushed forward by actuating the lever means.

The head is generally of conventional design and suitably provides a plurality of inclined spikes, for example nails or pins. Preferably the extent to which the spikes protrude from the head is adjustable.

In -a preferred embodiment of the invention there is a bore in the head as hereinabove described, through which the connecting rod attached to the flattening means may pass.

In addition, the head defines, internally, a cavity for holding biasing means adapted to engage an abutment on the means connecting the flattening member to the lever means so that the flattening member is movable relative to the head against the bias of the biasing means.

Preferably the biasing means comprises a compression spring, through which the connecting rod passes, which spriny may be engayed by an abutment , for example a washer or pin, attached to the connecting rod.

Whilst the carpet stretcher according to the invention is a valuable tool for attaching a carpet to a carpet gripper strip, it is sometimes desirable to have an additional means for pressing the carpet directly on to the spikes protruding from the gripper strip so that the carpet is more securely attached thereto. Such a means is particularly desirable if attachment to two parallel rows of spikes on a carpet yripper strip is required, since it is then easier to secure the carpet to the row of spikes nearest the wall or skirting board.

The present invention also provides, a shoe plate adapted to be strapped to an operator's shoe, whereby, in use, a carpet when stretched by the apparatus may be pressed on to a gripper strip for engagement therewith. The shoe plate is suitably made of metal.

The shoe plate also enables the leading edge of the carpet to be tucked into the gap between the gripper strip and the wall or skirting board.

Apparatus in accordance with the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of apparatus in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 shows a partial and enlarged side-elevational view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 about to be used, with the head portion shown in partial cross-section; Figure 3 shows a side elevational view of the apparatus when it is in use by an operator in a standing position; and Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a shoe plate for use with the apparatus.

Referring first to Figures 1 and 2, carpet stretching apparatus 1 has a steel base 2, comprising a bar of circular cross-section, upon which is slidably mounted a head 3 having spikes 4. The position of the spikes 4 may be-adjusted by knobs 5.

At one end of the base 2 there is an engagement means comprising a shovel-shaped member 6 and at the other end of the base 2 there is a rear support upon which is pivotally mounted, by a pin 8, a lever comprising a handle 9 having at one end a grip 10. The underside of the rear support 7 is smooth and has sufficient area to allow the carpet to slide smoothly under it as the carpet is being stretched. The handle 9 is connected to the head 3 by two linking members in the form of steel strips 11. Each of the strips 11 is pivotally attached at one end by a pin 12 to the handle 9 and at the other end by a pin 13 to the head 3.

Approximately mid-way along the base 2 there is pivoted, on a pin 14, a cam 15, which is positioned for co-operation with a complementary protrusion comprising a wheel 16 attached to a projection 17 on the handle 9 when the handle 9 is depressed. At the lower end of the cam 15 there is a slot 18 in which, by means of a pin 19, a connecting means comprising a connecting rod 20 is pivotally mounted. The connecting rod 20 passes through a slightly inclined longitudinal bore or circular cross-section in the head 3 and at the end of the connecting rod 20 there is fixed a flattening member 21 in the form of a circular bar set at right angles to the connecting rod 20. The head 3 has a cavity 22 in which there is housed biassing means) in this case a compression spring 23 through which the connecting rod 20 passes.

Attached to the connecting rod 20 there is a circular washer 24 which abuts the spring 23 causing the flattening member 21 to be biased towards the head 3 when the flattening member 21 is moved forward independently of the the head 3.

Mounted on the rear support 7 and pivotally attached to the handle 9 is a second lever formed from two parallel vertical rods 25 and 26 on which is pivoted a cross member 27 having a hand grip 28. The lever mechanism 25, 26, 27, 28 is dimensioned so that the hand grip 28 is set at a convenient height to be operated by an adult without stooping.

Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, the apparatus 1, in use, is positioned at a suitable distance from a wall 29 and the shovel-shaped member 6 is adjusted by means of a knob 30 so that the member 6 is firmly engages a carpet gripper strip 31. The position of the spikes 4 in the head 3 is adjusted so that the carpet 32 is tightly gripped and the handle 9 is then slowly depressed, either by operating the handle 9 directly, or, more conveniently and safely, by pushing down on the hand grip 28 from a standing position.

As the handle 9 is depressed, the head 3 is forced forward, simultaneously stretching the carpet 32 towards the gripper strip 31. When the head 3 has been almost fully extended, further depression of the handle 9 causes the wheel 16 to strike the cam 15, thereby pushing the flattening member 21 forward towards the gripper strip 31.

Ultimately, the position shown in Figure 3 is reached in which the flattening member 21 has attached the carpet 32 to the gripper strip 31.

If it is necessary to push the carpet 32 down further on the gripper strip 31, in order to engage the gripper strip 31 more securely, the shoe plate 33, as shown in Figure 4 may be used. The shoe plate 33 has a rectangular metal base plate 34 turned down at one side to form a rim 35 and on the other side turned up at the corners to form shoulders 36. Passing through the plate 34 there is an elasticated strap 37 by means of which the shoe plate 33 may be attached to the sole of an operator's shoe. The shoe is held in position on the plate by the shoulders 36 which fit against the edge of the sole of the shoe.

To press the carpet 32 down on to the gripper strip 31 the operator, wearing the shoe plate 33, simply presses down with his foot on the carpet 32 at a point directly above the underlying gripper strip 31. The rim 35 on the shoe plate 33 is designed to facilitate tucking the leading edge of the carpet 32 into the gap between the gripper strip 31 and the wall 29.

Claims

1. Apparatus for use in stretching carpets comprising a head for gripping the surface of a carpet, the head being connected to and longitudinally slidable on a base, a lever means for moving the head relative to the base, and an engagement means to prevent reaction movement of the base, a flattening member being movable by the lever means in front of the head in the direction in which the head advances during stretching.

2. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 in which the lever means comprises a handle pivotally mounted on the base, which handle is operatively connected to the head by at least one linking member.

3. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 2 wherein the handle is actuable by a second lever means which can be operated by an adult without stooping or crouching.

4. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the flattening member comprises a roller or circular rod arranged substantially at right angles to the direction of movement of the head.

5. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the base comprises a bar of circular cross-section.

6. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the engagement means comprise a gripping device mounted at one end of the base whereby, in use, a carpet gripper strip can be engaged.

7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 in which the front of the gripping device has a smooth inside surface, for upwardly guiding the edge of the carpet which advances during stretching.

8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 or 7 in which the front of the gripping device is inclined from the vertical by an angle a where a is the ranye 2-10 (inclusive)

9. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 6 to 8 in which the height of the gripping device is adjustable.

10. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claim 6 to 9 in which the distance between the gripping device and the head is less than lO0mm when the head is in its most advanced position.

11. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which there is pivotally mounted on the base a cam which is operatively connected to the flattening member, the cam being arranged for engagement with a corresponding protrusion on the lever means so that, in use, the flattening member can be pushed forward relative to the head when the lever means is operated.

12. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 11 when dependent on Claim 2 in which the protrusion is attached to the handle.

13. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 11 or Claim 12 in wnich the cam is positioned such that, when the cam engages, the movement of the flattening member relative to the head starts.

14. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 13 in which the flattening member can be ushed forward relative to the head only when the head can no longer be pushed forward substantially by actuating the lever means.

15. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 11 to 14 in which the cam is connected to the flattening member by a connecting rod.

16. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 15 in which the connecting rod passes through a bore formed in the head.

17. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 16 in which the bore in the head passes through a cavity, which houses biasing means adapted to engage an abutment on the connecting rod, so that the flattening member is movable relative to the head against the bias of the biasing means.

18. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 17 in which the biasing means comprises a compression spring.

19. A shoe plate for use with an apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which shoe plate comprises a metal plate adapted to be strapped to an operator's shoe, whereby, in use, a carpet may be pressed on to a gripper strip for engagement therewith.

20. Apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.