Patent Publication Number: US-9833096-B2

Title: Carpet stretcher

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     In general, the present invention relates to a carpet stretcher. More particularly, the present invention relates to an end that is attached to an existing carpet stretcher or made part of a carpet stretcher to apply leveraging force to areas adjacent to a structure that is unsuitable for receiving such leverage. Most particularly, the present invention relates to a tail end that includes ends that extend axially and radially outward from the carpet stretcher to define a gap to receive a structure unsuitable for receiving the leveraging force and applying force through the ends to a suitable structure. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Tufted carpet generally includes tufts of yarn stitched through a backing fabric and glued in place with an adhesive or bonding agent. The loops may be left in place in looped pile carpets such as Berbers, or cut to form a cut pile carpet. The backing is typically a plastic material such as polypropylene but other types of backing may be used. In some applications, a secondary backing such as a fabric or latex element is applied under the primary backing. In other applications, a padding layer or element may also be included, or a separate carpet pad may be laid on the floor before applying the carpet. 
     Installation of the carpet on the floor typically includes cutting a piece of carpet so that it overlaps the edge of the floor by a predetermined amount. Once the carpet is cut, positioned and any seams between adjoining carpet pieces sealed so that the carpet fills the desired space, the carpet is attached. Typically a knee kicker is used to attach the carpet along one edge. The knee kicker is a tool that includes a toothed end that engages the carpet. A padded portion of the tool is kicked by the installer toward the wall to stretch the carpet edge over a tacked strip that grabs the edge of the carpet and holds it in place. With one side of the carpet attached with the knee kicker, a carpet stretcher is used to attach the remaining edges of the carpet. 
     The carpet stretcher is similar to the knee kicker but much longer. A head of the carpet stretcher has teeth to grab the carpet and an activation lever to stretch the carpet over the tack strip. A tail end of the carpet stretcher extends away from the head and is placed against the wall where the carpet is attached. The tail end engages a supporting structure so that activation of a lever arm on the head of the carpet stretcher applies a force against the structure via the tail end while forcing the head away from the tail to stretch a free end of the carpet over a tack strip. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally provides a tail assembly in a carpet stretcher, the tail assembly including a slider block, a first end and a second end attached to the slider block, wherein at least one of the first end and second end is moveable relative to the other of the ends on the slider block to define a gap having a selected width; and a locking assembly engagable with the at least one of the first end and second end to fix the selected width. 
     The present invention further provides a carpet stretcher including a head assembly having a carpet engaging surface, a mounting assembly attached to the head assembly, the mounting assembly includes a tensioner mount and an extension mount; a tensioner attached to the tensioner mount, the tensioner including a tension handle that pivots on the tensioner mount; an extension member, the extension member having a first end and a second end, where the first end is attached to the head assembly at the extension mount; a tail assembly attached to the extension member opposite the head assembly, the tail assembly including a slide block pivotably attached to the extension member at the second end, a first arm and a second arm attached to the slide block and extending radially outward from the slide block, wherein at least one of the first and second arms is slideably attached to the slide block; each of the first arm and second arm having an end that extends axially outward therefrom to define a gap therebetween, wherein the gap is adjustable by sliding at least one of the first and second arms relative to the slide block; and a locking assembly engagable with the at least one of the first arm and second arm to fix the gap between the ends. 
     The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative aspects of the claimed subject matter. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the innovation may be employed and the claimed subject matter is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features of the claimed subject matter will become apparent from the following detailed description of the innovation when considered in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of a tail assembly in a carpet stretcher according to the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a bottom perspective view thereof. 
         FIG. 3  is a front view thereof. 
         FIG. 4  is a rear view thereof. 
         FIG. 5  is a left side view thereof. 
         FIG. 6  is a right side view thereof. 
         FIG. 7  is a top view thereof. 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom view thereof. 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view thereof. 
         FIG. 10  is a section view as might be seen along line  10 - 10  in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 11  is a somewhat schematic top view showing use of a carpet stretcher according to the invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a top view similar to  FIG. 7  showing the ends of the tail assembly positioned to create an offset gap relative to the center of the extension. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  is a partially fragmented perspective view of an embodiment including a head assembly and extension attached to a tail assembly. 
         FIG. 16  is a top perspective view of another alternative embodiment. 
         FIG. 17  is a bottom perspective view thereof. 
         FIG. 18  is a partially fragmented side view thereof with a portion of an extension shown. 
         FIG. 19  is a side view similar to  FIG. 18  with the extension removed. 
         FIG. 20  is a left end view thereof. 
         FIG. 21  is a right end view thereof. 
         FIG. 22  is a top view thereof. 
         FIG. 23  is a bottom view thereof. 
         FIG. 24  is an exploded view thereof. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     As used herein, spatially orienting terms such as “above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “outer,” “right,” “left,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “upward,” “downward,” “laterally,” “upstanding,” et cetera, can refer to respective positions of aspects as shown in or according to the orientation of the accompanying drawings. “Inward” is intended to be a direction generally toward the center of an object from a point remote to the object, and “outward” is intended to be a direction generally away from an internal point in the object toward a point remote to the object. Such terms are employed for purposes of clarity in describing the drawings, and should not be construed as exclusive, exhaustive, or otherwise limiting with regard to position, orientation, perspective, configuration, and so forth. 
     A carpet stretcher according to one embodiment is generally indicated by the number  10  in the drawings. Carpet stretcher  10  and the components thereof may be made of various materials including but not limited to metals, metal alloys, plastic, wood, fiber reinforced composites, polymer based materials, rubber and combinations thereof. With reference to  FIG. 10 , carpet stretcher  10  generally includes a head assembly  20 , an extension  30 , and a tail assembly  50 . 
     The head assembly  20  is used to stretch an end C end  of carpet C over a tack strip T to attach the carpet C to a floor and ensure that it has a clean wrinkle free appearance. In general, the head assembly  20  is connected to the extension  30  and tail assembly  50 . The tail assembly  50  is placed at an end of the carpet that has been attached to a tack strip T by a knee kicker or other device. The extension  30  connects tail assembly to head assembly  20 . The length of extension  30  may be adjusted to accommodate the size of the carpet C. To that end, extension  30  may include multiple members that are attached to each other or extendable members, such as a tube within tube construction that may be telescoped relative to each other and locked at a selected length. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 11, 12 and 15 , the head assembly  20  is placed at a free end of the carpet C to stretch that end away from the tail assembly and attach the free end to the tack strip. Head assembly  20  includes a head  22  that engages the carpet C and may include teeth, a higher friction surface, or other members used to grip the carpet C. A head handle  23  may optionally be included to assist the user in placing the head  22 . As shown, handle  23  may extend upward from a top surface of head  22  a sufficient extent to clear other structures on head  22 . Head assembly  20  further includes a handle assembly  25  that couples the head  22  and extension  30  and moves the head  22  relative to a first end  31  of extension  30  to stretch the carpet C. For example, handle assembly  25  may include a handle  26  pivotally attached to head  22 . Pivotal attachment may be of any suitable form including but not limited to a boss  27  that extends upward from head  22  with the handle  26  pivotally attached to boss  27 . For example, a pin or other suitable structure may extending through boss  27  and engage handle  26 . Handle  26  is attached to extension  30  by a linkage  28  that is pivotally attached at each end. Handle  26  extends upward and inward relative to head  22  and may be driven downward to apply a force to drive head  22  away from extension  30 . To that end, head  22  may be mounted on a telescoping assembly  29  supported on the first end  31  of extension  30 . 
     A second end  32  of extension  30  is located distally from head assembly  20 . As mentioned, the length of extension may be adjusted by extending or retracting a portion of extension, such as a telescoping arrangement, or by attaching or removing extension sections. A detent assembly  36  may be used to attach adjacent sections as shown, including attaching or removing extension sections. 
     Second end  32  of extension  30  may include a swivel mount, generally indicated at  40 , to pivotally mount tail assembly  50  to extension  30 . Swivel mount  40  may include a tongue  41  having an opening defining a swivel axis  42  that is perpendicular to the extension axis. It will be understood that swivel mount  40  may provide additional degrees of freedom as needed, for example, through use of a universal joint or the like. In the example shown, rotation about swivel axis  42  is perpendicular to extension  30  to allow rotation of tail assembly  50  about this axis and to permit tilting of the major axis  52  of tail assembly  50  relative to extension  30 . Swivel axis  42  may be defined by any suitable structure including a bearing assembly, pin, or bolt  43  as shown. Bolt  43  may include a handle to facilitate interchanging tail assemblies. 
     Tail assembly  50  may be tilted on swivel axis  42  to align the tail assembly  50  with walls or other structures against which the tail assembly  50  may bear during the stretching process. Swivel mount  40  may include a tubular receiver that receives second end  32  of extension  30  and attach it to tail assembly  50 . To facilitate attachment, a detent or similar device may be provided within the bore  45  of a tubular receiver to interact with the end  32  of extension  30 . In the example shown, detents  46  extend through openings on each side of a tubular receiver to engage openings on extension  30 . A biasing element such as a leaf spring  47  is provided within the bore  45  between detents  46  to bias the detents outward. In the example shown, a tubular receiver is sized to fit within the bore of extension  30 . It will be understood that tail assembly  50  may be attached directly to extension  30  without the intervening swivel mount  40 . 
     Tail assembly  50  includes one or more ends, generally indicated by the number  55 , that extend outward to contact a supporting surface S such as a wall or the like within a room where the carpet C is being laid. Ends  55  may have any shape or configuration suitable for providing this contact including but not limited flat surfaces to spread contact across a larger area, or column or other point contact shapes or combinations thereof. Referring back to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , operation of handle assembly  25  creates reaction forces R at ends  55  that are applied to structure S without applying force to the obstruction received within gap  70  between ends  55 . In this way, a stable platform for extension of telescoping assembly  29  and stretching of carpet C is provided. 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 1 , ends  55  include block-like standoffs  56  that have an outer surface  57  that is rectangular in shape ( FIG. 2 ). The inner edge  58  and outer edge  59  of outer surface  57  may be rounded to minimize the chance of a sharp edge damaging or marring the wall against which they bear. Optionally, as shown in  FIG. 3 , pads P may be attached to ends  55  to reduce wear and tear on the supporting structure and/or the ends themselves or provide grip. Pads may be constructed of any suitable material including but not limited to paper products, cardboard, rubber, silicone, polymer materials, foam materials, or other cushioning elements. To reduce the weight of tail assembly  50 , ends  55  may define a hollow  60 . Hollow  60  may be a recess within the end to remove material or a through hole  61  as shown. With reference to  FIG. 3 , each standoff  56  may include a top wall  62  and a bottom wall  64  spaced axially by a pair of sidewalls  65  to define a generally rectangular hollow  60 . 
     In one configuration, ends  55  are spaced from each other to define a gap  70  to accommodate structures on the floor, wall or other structure within the room. In particular, such structures may not be suitable points for the tail assembly  50  to bear upon or may be damaged if used as a bearing point. For example, it may be desirable to move the contact points of tail assembly  50  to avoid contact with floor vents, wall vents, steps, doorways and the like. A wall vent V is used as one example of such a structure in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . The ends  55  may be spaced to provide a fixed gap  70  to receive these structures within gap  70  such that the ends  55  contact points outward of such structures. Gap  70  may have a center axis or gap center Cg that is aligned with the center axis of extension  30  referred to as an extension center Ce herein ( FIG. 11 ), or gap center Cg may be offset from extension center Ce ( FIG. 12 ). Optionally, as shown, a width W of gap  70  may be adjusted by moving ends  55  relative to each other to close or open gap  70 . As depicted in  FIGS. 11 and 12  and described in more detail below, ends  55  may move independently to allow gap  70  to be longer on one side than another relative to the extension center Ce. This allows the user to offset gap  70  relative to extension center Ce when the obstruction is not centered with extension  30  ( FIG. 12 ). 
     Movement of ends  55  may be effected by any suitable assembly including a rotating mount that rotates the ends from an inward position to an outward position, or to provide a wider range of adjustment, ends may be slidably attached to a bracket or other member which in turn is attached to extension  30 . With reference to  FIG. 1 , one embodiment of tail assembly includes a slider block, generally indicated by the number  75 . Slider block  75  is attached to an end of extension  30  and generally is a member on which ends  55  are supported in the desired relationship. As discussed ends  55  may be spaced from each other by a preset amount or may move relative to each other to adjust the width of a gap  70 . Ends  55  may be formed integrally with slider block  75  or attached to slider block  75  in any known manner. As mentioned, slider block  75  attaches to extension  35  such that force from head assembly  20  is transmitted to tail assembly  50  via extension  30  for purposes of stretching the carpet. Attachment of slider block  75  to extension  30  may be direct or through a mount  40 . 
     Mount  40  may be attached to slider block  75 . To facilitate attachment, slider block  75  may include a mounting portion  76 . Mounting portion  76  may be integrally formed with slider block or attached to slider block  75  as shown. Mounting portion  76  may be any member that attaches slider block  75  to extension  30  or to a mount  40  used to receive an end of extension. This member may include a bracket, plate, or clevis  77  as shown. Clevis  77  has openings corresponding to the opening in tongue  41  of swivel mount  40 . Bolt  43  may be passed through all of the openings and secured with a nut on a far side of clevis  77 , or as shown, one end of clevis  77  may be threaded to receive the threaded end of bolt  43 . 
     Slider block  75  defines an outward opening channel  80  between a pair of downwardly extending rails  81 . Channel  80  extends the full length of slide bar  78  but it may be divided at the center and closed at the ends to limit the range of motion for ends  55 . Slider block  75  may further define a slot  82  that opens into channel  80  and extends through the inward surface of slide bar  78 . Ends  55  may attach directly to slider block, or as shown, in the  FIGS. 1-12  ends may attach to an intermediate member that is supported on slider block  75 . Ends  55  may be attached to this intermediate member by one or more end fasteners  65 . In the example shown, two fasteners  65  are provided to prevent inadvertent rotation of the end  55 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , an arm, generally indicated by the number  85 , is provided to slide within channel  80  and provide a structure to which the end  55  is attached. To that end, a first arm  85  may support first end  55  and second arm  85  may support second end  55 . Each arm  85  includes a base  86  with a riser  87  that extends upward therefrom and is sized to be slidably received within channel  80 . In the example shown, riser  87  is centered on base forming pair of shoulders adjacent to riser  87  that extend outward from riser  87  and abut rails  81 . A flat outer surface is provided to facilitate mounting of end  55  to arm  85 . In the example shown, fasteners  65  are used to attach ends  55  to each arm  85 . It will be understood that outer surface may be contoured as well. 
     Arms  85  are made to slide on slider block  75  to adjust the position of ends  55  attached thereto. The selected position between ends  55  may be held with a locking assembly, generally indicated at  90 . In the example shown, locking assembly  90  includes fasteners that also attach mounting block  85  to slider block  75 . Fasteners  91  may extend through slot  82  and into arm  75 . With reference to  FIG. 10 , an end  92  of fastener  91  attaches to mounting block  85 . Fastener  91  may attach to arm in any known manner including pinning, clamping, a nut or a threaded receiver  93 , as shown. In the example shown, end  92  of shaft has a thread corresponding to an internal thread in receiver  93 . Locking assembly  90  may include a handle assembly, generally indicated at  95  that is attached to fastener  91 . Handle assembly  95  includes a portion that is wider than slot  82  such that mounting block  85  hangs from slider block  75 . The handle assembly  95  is rotated to draw arm  85  upward into channel  80  clamping the arm  85  to fix the position of at least one end  55 . In the example shown, each arm  85  is slidable and locking assemblies  90  are provided on each arm so that each arm may be separately moved and fixed in a selected position to define the gap  70 . 
     Locking assembly  90  may include multiple fasteners  91  may be used to reduce twist and facilitate adjustment of the position of ends  55 . As best shown in  FIG. 1 , two fasteners  91  are provided to attach each mounting block  85  to slider block  75 . 
     With reference to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-12 , arms  85  are provided on slider block  75 . The arms  85  are slidably attached to slider block  75  and in turn ends  55  are attached to respective arms  85 . It will be understood that arms  85  may be omitted and the ends  55  slidably attached to the slider block  75 . 
     One example of such an embodiment is shown in  FIG. 13 . The like numbers have been used to refer to similar components, and components may be interchanged between embodiments. In  FIG. 13 , a tail assembly, generally indicated by the number  150 , includes a pair of ends  155  slideably attached to a slider block  175 . Arms are integral to slider block  175 . Ends  155  may be slidably attached in any known manner. In the example shown, slider block  175  defines a slot  182  that receives a fastener, such as a pin, rod, bolt, or the like, that is sized to slide within the slot  182 . Fastener  190  includes a handle located inward of slot  182  and a shaft that extends through slot  182  and is secured within end  155 , as discussed in the previous embodiment with respect to mounting block. Also, as described in that embodiment, the fastener  190  may be loosened to allow the end  155  to slide within slot  182  and tightened to set the end in a desired position. Both ends  155  may be so adjusted to define a selected gap therebetween. 
     Slider block  175  may include linear member  176  supported on an end of extension  30  as described in the previous embodiment. For example, as shown, member  176  may include a clevis  177  to pivotally attach slider block  175  to an extension receiver  140 . As in the earlier embodiment, attachment of clevis  177  to extension receiver  140  may include a tongue  141  that extends from receiver  140  into clevis  177  and a fastener  143  that passes through both the clevis  177  and tongue  141 . This fastener  143  may include a handle to facilitate application of a clamping force through fastener  143  to fix the position of slider block  175  relative to receiver  140  and in turn extension  30 . It will be understood that the attachment shown is not limiting as a fixed position attachment, such as a weld or integral extension receiver is suitable. Or attachments providing greater degrees of freedom such as a journal or other bearing may also be used. 
       FIG. 14  shows another embodiment of a tail assembly, generally indicated by the number  250 . Again like numbers are used to refer to like structures and components from each embodiment may be interchanged. In this embodiment, ends  255  may have a low profile. By low profile the axial extension of ends  255  is less than the width thereof. To space the ends  255  axially outward from the end  32  of extension  30 , a slider block  275  having a profile that spaces the ends  255  outward is provided. In the example shown, slider block  275  has an arched configuration. In particular, slider block  275  includes bowed arms formed integrally therewith. Ends  255  are attached to tabs formed at each extremity of arms. Tabs extend laterally outward in a common plane. 
     As a further option, to adjust the position of ends  255 , ends  256  are elongate and define a slot  282  therein. A fastener  290  is held by slider block  275  and extends into slot  282 . The end of fastener  290  is slidable within slot  282  to allow the position of end  255  to move along slot  282  with the position of fastener  290  fixed by slider block  275 . Each end is shown having the same slot  282  and fastener combination, but it will be understood that the attachment of each end  255  may be accomplished with different fasteners. Indeed, one end may be held fixed such that adjustment of the gap  270  is created by moving one of the ends  255 . As in previous embodiments, to facilitate adjustment, a handle assembly  295  may be provided to selectively loosen and tighten locking assembly  290  to allow free movement of ends  255  relative to slider block and to fix the ends  255  in a selected position. 
     Slider block  275  may include an arched member  276  supported on an end of extension  30  as described in previous embodiments. For example, as shown, member  276  may include a clevis  277  to pivotally attach slider block  275  to an extension mount. As in earlier embodiments, attachment of clevis  277  to extension mount may include a tongue that extends from mount into clevis  277  and a fastener that passes through both the clevis  277  and tongue. This fastener may include a handle to facilitate application of a clamping force through fastener to fix the position of slider block  275  relative to receiver and in turn extension  30 . It will be understood that the attachment shown is not limiting as a fixed position attachment, such as a weld or integral extension receiver is suitable. Or attachments providing greater degrees of freedom such as a journal or other bearing may also be used. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 16-24 , another alternative embodiment is shown. Like numbers will be used to describe like components in this embodiment. Also, portions of the embodiment may be incorporated into the previously described embodiments and vice versa. The embodiment generally relates to a carpet stretcher including a tail assembly  350 . In this embodiment, a linkage assembly, generally indicated by the number  400  is incorporated between extension  330  and slider block  375 . In the example shown, a mount  340  is provided on an end of extension  330  to attach tail assembly  350  and linkage  400  thereto. Linkage assembly  400  generally includes a first end  401  that attaches to slider block  375  and a second end  402  that attaches to extension  330 . Linkage assembly  400  is movable to vary or adjust the distance d e  ( FIG. 18 ) between extension  330  and slider block  375 . In the example shown, the distance is measured from the extension pivot axis E and slider block  375  to correspond to the attachment points of first end  401  and second end  402  of linkage assembly  400 . It will be understood that these ends may attach to other structures in the tail assembly, swivel mount or extension to the same effect. It will be understood that varying the distance d e  through linkage assembly  400  allows the user to extend or reduce the effective length of the carpet stretcher without having to exchange tail assemblies or change extension poles etc. Linkage assembly  400  may include one or more links of any size, shape or configuration. It will be understood that the number of links may vary and the method of attaching the links to the extension  330  or slider block  375  may vary without departing from the invention. Moreover, linkage assembly  400  may be used for other purposes including movement of slider block  375  relative to walls or other structures as required by the user. The movement to vary the effective length of carpet stretcher provided herein is just one example of the linkage assembly&#39;s use. As in the previous embodiments, ends  355  may extend axially outward from slider block  375  to define a gap therebetween to accommodate structures within the room such as vents, cold air returns etc. 
     In the example shown, linkage assembly  400  includes a first link  411  and a second link  412 . Each link has a first link end  411 A,  412 A and a second link end  411 B,  412 B. The first link ends  411 A,  412 A are pivotally attached to slider block  375 . Pivotal attachment may be made in any known manner including pins or fasteners  414  as shown. While the slider block shown in other embodiments may be used, to make the linkage assembly more compact, a slider block  375  having a thin axially inward extending portion is provided to attach the linkage assembly  400  at the first end  401  thereof. Tabs or other thin structures may extend inward from slider block  375  for this purpose or, as shown, slider block  375  may include a center rib  377  that extends inward (toward extension  330 ) from a base member  376  of slider block  375 . In the example shown, base  376  and rib  377  are perpendicular to each other. A clearance  378 , best shown in  FIG. 20 , is formed on either side of rib  377  adjacent to base  376  to allow the links  411 , 412  to attach to slider block  375  and pivot about pins  414 . 
     The second ends  411 B, 412 B pivot about and are aligned on a common axis referred to as extension axis E. As best shown in  FIG. 24 , extension axis may be defined by a shaft  415  that extends through each link  411 , 412 . In the example shown, shaft  415  is provided on a fastener, generally indicated at  416 , that extends through an end of swivel mount  340 . The extension axis E corresponds to the swivel axis in this embodiment. Fastener  416  may be used to clamp or otherwise fix the position of links  411  and  412  by selectively tightening the handle portion  417  of fastener  416 . 
     The first link ends  411 A, 412 A may extend laterally outward relative to extension axis E before attaching to slider block  375 . The lateral extension of each link may be unequal or, as shown, each link may extend laterally outward an equal distance d L . The lateral distance may vary depending on the desired range of motion for linkage assembly  400 . In the example shown, links  411 , 412  attach to slider block  375  inward of ends  355 . This facilitates interchanging of ends  355  by providing easier access to the fasteners F that attach ends  355  to slider block  375 . With the modified slider block  375  shown in this embodiment, fasteners F are not aligned along an axis that extends parallel to the axis of the slider block as shown in earlier embodiments to accommodate the central rib  377 . In the embodiment shown, fasteners F are oriented along an oblique axis relative to slider block  375 . In particular, one fastener F is on one side  377 A of rib  377  and the other fastener F is on a second side  377 B of rib  377  while being laterally spaced from each other. The use of two fasteners in this arrangement helps prevent the ends from twisting relative to slider block  375 . While holes are provided in the base  376  of slider block  375  in the embodiment shown, to provide a fixed gap  370 , slots may be formed in base  376  as discussed in earlier embodiments, to adjust the position of ends  355  on slider block  375  and vary the size or offset of gap  370 . 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , swivel mount  340  may be recessed more on one side than the other at the point where links  411 , 412  attach. To that end, one or more of the link ends  411 B, 412 B may be machined to facilitate attachment and proper motion of the link. In the example shown, each of the links is provided with a recess  420  at the second link end  411 B, 412 B. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , operation of a carpet stretcher having a tail assembly according to the invention will be described. Tail assemblies  50 , 150 , 250 , 350  each define a gap  70 , 170 , 270 , 370  to allow tail assembly to bear against a suitable structure S during operation of carpet stretcher. As best shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the gap is used to accommodate structures that are not suitable for bearing a force such as a vent V, decorative object or the like. As shown, ends  55 , 155 , 255 , 355  are positioned to avoid bearing against an unsuitable structure V and apply force to a suitable structure S. For example, a vent V may be received between ends  55  ( FIGS. 11 and 12 ). With the ends  55  of tail assembly positioned against a suitable structure S, tail assembly  50  is operatively connected to head assembly  20  by extension  30 . Head assembly includes a pivoting handle and linkage assembly to create the force needed to stretch the free end of carpet C. In particular, downward movement of handle applies an inward force through linkage on extension  30  that is transmitted to structure S. With the immovable structure S receiving this force, an outward force is applied to head  22  causing it to move axially outward from extension  30 . A telescoping rod or tube may be provided to stabilize the head  22  while allowing it to move axially outward. The free end of carpet C, which is grasped by teeth, rubber pads or other suitable means on head  22 , moves axially outward i.e. is stretched by movement of head  22 . Stretching of the carpet C is used to remove wrinkles from the carpet C and provide a neat and uniform finish. After or as part of the stretching movement, the free end of carpet C is attached to a tack strip T to hold the stretched and wrinkle free form. Additional trimming and other steps may be taken after the carpet is stretched as is known in the art. 
     While principles and modes of operation have been explained and illustrated with regard to particular embodiments, it must be understood that this may be practiced otherwise than as specifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope. What has been described above includes examples of the subject innovation. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the subject innovation are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 
     Specific embodiments of an innovation are disclosed herein. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the innovation may have other applications in other environments. In fact, many embodiments and implementations are possible. The following claims are in no way intended to limit the scope of the subject innovation to the specific embodiments described above. In addition, any recitation of “means for” is intended to evoke a means-plus-function reading of an element and a claim, whereas, any elements that do not specifically use the recitation “means for”, are not intended to be read as means-plus-function elements, even if the claim otherwise includes the word “means”. 
     Although the subject innovation has been shown and described with respect to a certain preferred embodiment or embodiments, it is obvious that equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described elements (e.g., enclosures, sides, components, assemblies, etc.), the terms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describe such elements are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any element which performs the specified function of the described element (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary embodiment or embodiments of the innovation. In addition, while a particular feature of the innovation may have been described above with respect to only one or more of several illustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other embodiments, as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Although certain embodiments have been shown and described, it is understood that equivalents and modifications falling within the scope of the appended claims will occur to others who are skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification. 
     In addition, while a particular feature of the subject innovation may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “including,” “has,” “contains,” variants thereof, and other similar words are used in either the detailed description or the claims, these terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as an open transition word without precluding any additional or other elements.