Patent Publication Number: US-2006000323-A1

Title: Carpet extractor

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/867,339, filed Jun. 14, 2004, and entitled CARPET RETRACTOR, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention relates to a carpet extractor which allows a user to quickly and efficiently move a roll of carpet when a single end of the carpet roll is exposed. The carpet extractor can also facilitate displacement of carpet rolls using a forklift or other equipment. The carpet extractor includes an elongate member, a plurality of extendable members, and an extension mechanism.  
      According to one aspect of the present invention, the plurality of extendable members is coupled to a distal end of an elongate member. The extendable members can be selectively extended or retracted to engage or disengage the inner surface of a roll of carpet. The extension mechanism is linked to the plurality of extendable members and facilitates extension and retraction of the extendable members. According to one aspect of the present invention, the extension mechanism includes a cam member received and housed within the elongate member and a second elongate member linking the cam member to a handle member.  
      These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:  
       FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a carpet extractor;  
       FIG. 2  illustrates a cross-section view of the distal and proximal ends of the carpet extractor of  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 3A  illustrates an extendable member of the carpet extractor in a retracted position;  
       FIG. 3B  is a front view of the carpet extractor illustrating the extendable members in a retracted position inside a tubular element;  
       FIG. 4A  illustrates an extendable member of the carpet extractor in an extended position;  
       FIG. 4B  is a front-view of the carpet extractor illustrating the extendable members in an extended position engaging an inner surface of the tubular element;  
       FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of the carpet extractor being utilized in connection with a roll of carpet;  
       FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of the carpet extractor;  
       FIG. 7  illustrates an enlarged view of the carpet extractor as shown in  FIG. 6  illustrating the upper and lower portion of the carpet extractor;  
       FIG. 8  shows a cut-away view of the upper portion of the carpet extractor;  
       FIG. 9A  illustrates the gripping members of the carpet extractor in a retracted position;  
       FIG. 9B  is a front view of the carpet extractor illustrating the gripping members in a retracted positioned inside a roll of carpet;  
       FIG. 10A  shows the gripping members of the carpet extractor in an extended position;  
       FIG. 10B  is an enlarged view of an engagement surface of the gripping members;  
       FIG. 10C  illustrates the gripping members of the carpet extractor in an extended position engaging the inside of a carpet roll; and  
       FIG. 11  shows an isometric view of the carpet extractor inside a roll of carpet.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
      The present invention is directed to a carpet extractor adapted to move rolls of carpet. The principles of the invention, however, are not limited to rolls of carpet. It will be understood that, in light of the disclosure, the carpet extractor herein can be successfully used in connection with other types of rolled material, or other tubular mechanisms and structures.  
      In an exemplary embodiment, the carpet extractor includes an elongate member, a plurality of extendable members linked to the elongate member and an extension mechanism linked to the plurality of extendable members and the elongate member. The extension mechanism is configured to selectively extend or retract the plurality of extendable members. Additionally, the plurality of extendable members is adapted to engage an inner surface of a tubular element, such as a roll of carpet, when the plurality of extendable members is extended.  
      In one embodiment, the extension mechanism includes a cam member linked to the plurality of extendable members and a second elongate member linking the cam member to a handle member. Movement of the handle member extends or retracts the plurality of extendable members to engage the tubular element. In an alternative embodiment, the extension mechanism includes a collar slideably coupled to the elongate member and a cable coupled to the collar. In this embodiment, the collar is adapted to engage the plurality of extendable members, thereby selectively extending or retracting the plurality of extendable members. By tensioning the cable, the collar is displaced; sufficient displacement of the collar causes the plurality of extendable members to extend.  
       FIG. 1  illustrates a carpet extractor  10  according to one aspect of the invention. Carpet extractor  10  is adapted to allow a user to quickly and efficiently move a tubular element, such as a roll of carpet, by engaging an inner surface of a tube on which the carpet roll is mounted. In particular, carpet extractor  10  facilitates movement of a carpet roll when only a single end of the carpet roll is exposed. Additionally, carpet extractor  10  can facilitate the utilization of a forklift, unloading machine, or other equipment or machinery in connection with moving a carpet roll or other tubular structure.  
      Illustrated in  FIG. 1  is a carpet extractor  10  having a plurality of extendable members  12   a - c  for engaging the inner surface of a tubular element. In the illustrated embodiment, extendable members  12   a - c  and an extension mechanism  14  (see  FIG. 2 ) are operatively linked to an elongate member  16 . Extendable members  12   a - c  are configured to have a plurality of operative positions. For example, extendable members  12   a - c  can have expanded and/or retracted positions, and can be selectively moved therebetween. In one embodiment, extendable members  12   a - c  engage the inner surface of a tubular element when in the extended position. Additionally, and as described in more detail hereafter, extension mechanism  14  can be linked to extendable members  12   a - c  and configured to selectively extend or retract plurality of extendable members  12   a - c.    
      The configuration of extendable members  12   a - c , extension mechanism  14  and elongate member  16  allows a user to quickly and efficiently move tubular elements. Elongate member  16  serves as a framework on which additional components of carpet extractor  10  are positioned. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, elongate member  16  comprises a hollow cylindrical member with a distal end  18  and a proximal end  20 . Elongate member  16  is fabricated to have sufficient structural strength to accommodate the weight of a tubular element such as a carpet roll, and can be comprised of a rigid material such as metal, composite, durable polymer, wood, or a combination thereof.  
      As illustrated, extendable members  12   a - c  can be pivotally linked to the distal end  18  of elongate member  16 . In the illustrated embodiment, for example, extendable members  12   a - c  are pivotally linked to elongate member  16 . Extendable members  12   a - c  include a distal end  38  and a proximal end  40 . Distal end  38  of extendable members  12   a - c  is adapted to selectively engage the inner surface of a tubular element. As distal end  38  of extendable members  12   a - c  extend, distal end  38  engages the inner surface of the tubular element, thereby creating a frictional, interference fit with the tubular element. In one embodiment, distal end  38  is pointed, while in an alternative embodiment, distal end  38  is rounded. In this manner, in one exemplary implementation, such as where distal end  38  is pointed, as extendable members  12   a - c  are extended, distal end  38  of extendable members  12   a - c  punctures the tubular element. In an alternative embodiment, extendable members  12   a - c  are extended to, and push against, the inner surface of the tubular element without piercing the tubular element. As will be appreciated, the engagement of the inner surface by extendable members  12   a - c  allows a user to handle carpet extractor  10 , thereby also allowing a user to quickly and efficiently move the tubular element.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, and as more clearly illustrated in  FIGS. 3B and 4B , three extendable members  12   a - c  are provided as part of carpet extractor  10 , each positioned one hundred and twenty degrees apart. As will be appreciated by a person having ordinary skill in the art, however, any number of extendable members may be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, in an alternative embodiment, four extendable members are provided as part of carpet extractor  10 , each positioned ninety degrees apart. In still other embodiments, only two extendable members may be utilized, and may be spaced one hundred and eighty degrees apart. It will also be appreciated that while equal angular spacing between the extendable members facilitates a substantially equal distribution of weight and forces between the tubular element and carpet extractor  10 , this feature is not necessary and the plurality of extendable members have an unequal angular distribution. To support the weight of the tubular element, extendable members  12   a - c  comprise rigid members made of a metal. It will be appreciated, however, that extendable members  12   a - c  may be comprised of other rigid materials. Other representative materials suitable to form extendable members  12   a - c  include rigid plastic, composite, hard wood, or some other suitably strong material.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, extendable members  12   a - c  are linked to elongate member  16  utilizing brackets  22   a - c . Brackets  22   a - c  are configured to link extendable members  12   a - c  to elongate member  16 . As illustrated, brackets  22   a - c  can comprise a pair of substantially parallel plates sufficiently spaced apart to allow extendable members  12   a - c , respectively, to be positioned therebetween. Brackets  22   a - c  can comprise metal or other materials including, for example, composites, woods, or polymeric materials. Extendable members  12   a - c  are rotatably coupled to brackets  22   a - c , so as to pivot with respect to brackets  22   a - c . In this embodiment, extendable members  12   a - c  are rotably coupled to brackets  22   a - c  via a hinge-type pin joint. The hinge-type pin joint may further, as described in more detail hereafter, be a slot-and-pin assembly, thus allowing extendable members  12   a - c  to both pivot and translate with respect to brackets  22   a - c . Brackets  22   a - c  are attached to elongate member  16 , and attachment may be accomplished in a variety of ways. For example, brackets  22   a - c  may be integrally formed with elongate member  16 . In other embodiments, brackets  22   a - c  are attached to elongate member  16  by welding, adhesives, or mechanical fasteners. For example, rivets, bolts, clamps, epoxy, or the like are contemplated as suitable attaching means.  
      Carpet extractor  10  can further include a connection member  24 , a handle coupling member  26 , and a grip  28  coupled to elongate member  16 . Connection member  24  is comprises a rigid member rotatably linked to proximal end  20  of elongate member  16 , and is configured to be coupled to a piece of equipment, such as a forklift, to facilitate removal and movement of a tubular element. To hold up during removal and movement of the tubular element, connection member  24  can be a metal plate, or it may comprise any other suitable material sufficient to support the weight of the tubular element.  
      Carpet extractor  10  can comprise a handle coupling member  26 . Handle coupling member  26  comprises a rigid metal housing member which is coupled to proximal end  20  of elongate member  16 . Handle coupling member  26  can, in one embodiment, be welded to elongate member or by coupled in any other suitable method. For example, in alternative embodiments, handle coupling member  26  can be coupled to elongate member  16  with an epoxy, with threaded connectors, with a detent pin, or in some other method. As will be described in more detail with respect to  FIG. 2 , handle coupling member  26  is configured to receive a portion of handle member  36  therein, and pivotally couple the received portion thereto such that handle member  36  can rotate. Rotation or movement of handle member  36  facilitates the extension or retraction of extendable members  12   a - c . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, as handle member  36  is rotated to a position collinear with elongate member  16 , extendable members  12   a - c  are in an expanded position.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, grip  28  is positioned at proximal end  20  of elongate member  16 , and surrounds a portion of handle member  36 . Grip  28  is configured to allow a user to handle carpet extractor  10  in an easy and convenient manner. For example, the placement of grip  28  at proximal end  20  of carpet extractor  10  allows a user to easily handle and maneuver carpet extractor  10 , as well as an engaged tubular element. Grip  28  can also be configured to allow a user to handle carpet extractor  10  comfortably. For example, grip  28  can comprise a resilient material to provide a comfortable feel to the user of carpet extractor  10  as handle member  36  is used. Resilient materials such as rubber, modified rubber, neoprene, foam, or soft elastomers are exemplary materials suitable to provide such comfort.  
      Now referring to  FIG. 2 , a cross-sectional view of an exemplary carpet extractor  10  is illustrated and depicts the manner in which extendable members  12   a - c  can be actuated by extension mechanism  14 . As previously noted, extension mechanism  14  can be configured to selectively extend or retract extendable members  12   a - c . In the illustrated embodiment, extension mechanism  14  comprises a cam member  32  and a second elongate member  34  that links cam member  32  to handle member  36 . Cam member  32  comprises a rigid member that is configured to be received by, and housed within, elongate member  16 . The configuration of cam member  32  makes cam member  32  capable of translational movement within elongate member  16 . In this embodiment, cam member  32  is pivotally linked to proximal end  40  of extendable members  12   a - c . In this manner, extendable members  12   a - c  are capable of rotational movement relative to cam member  32 . In the illustrated embodiment, extendable members  12   a - c  are further linked to brackets  22   a - c , respectively, and cam member  32  such that translational movement of cam member  32  causes rotation of extendable members  12   a - c , thereby extending or retracting extendable members  12   a - c.    
      Further, extendable members  12   a - c  are configured such that translational movement of cam member  32  moves distal end  38  of extendable members  12   a - c  in either a distal direction  48  or proximal direction  50 . For example, when cam member  32  is moved in the distal direction  48 , extendable members  12   a - c  retract as proximal end  40  of extendable members  12   a - c  moves in the distal direction  48  and distal end  38  moves in the proximal direction  50 . Conversely, when cam member  32  translates in the proximal direction  50 , extendable members  12   a - c  extend as distal end  38  of extendable members  12   a - c  moves in the distal direction  48 , and proximal end  40  moves in the proximal direction  50 . Accordingly, cam member  32  facilitates the selective extension and retraction of extendable members  12   a - c  by a user selectively translating cam member  32  in either the distal  48  or proximal  50  direction.  
      Second elongate member  34  is adapted to facilitate the selective extension and retraction of extendable members  12   a - c . In the illustrated embodiment, second elongate member  34  comprises a rod made of a metal or other rigid material. One end of second elongate member  34  is coupled to cam member  32 , while an opposing end is linked to handle member  36 . In this manner, handle member  36  is also linked to cam member  32 . Additionally, the link between second elongate member  34  and cam member  32  and/or handle member  36  may be either direct or indirect. For example, second elongate member  34  can be linked to handle member  36  by an intermediate linking member  42 . In the illustrated embodiment, intermediate linking member  42  comprises a rigid member made of metal, and is configured to rotate relative to both second elongate member  34  and handle member  36 . Intermediate linking member  42  and extendable members  12   a - c  are thus, each configured to rotate with respect to second elongate member  34  intermediate linking member  42 , thereby forming a compound linkage.  
      The compound linkage can further act as an engagement mechanism to link extendable members  12   a - c  to handle member  36 . In the illustrated embodiment, the compound linkage is formed by second elongate member  34  being pivotally coupled, either directly or indirectly, to intermediate linking member  42  and extendable members  12   a - c . Additionally, the linkage may be further compounded where handle member  36  is pivotally coupled to intermediate linking member  42  and/or where cam member  32  is pivotally coupled to extendable members  12   a - c.    
      As will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art, the compound linkage between handle member  36  and cam member  32  facilitates movement of cam member  32  and extendable members  12   a - c , thereby performing, at least partially, means for engaging extendable members  12   a - c  with a tubular element. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, while handle member  36  is substantially collinear to elongate section  16 , extendable members  12   a - c  are extended to engage a tubular element. However, as the illustrated handle member  36  is moved or rotated in a counterclockwise direction, intermediate linking member  42  moves in the distal direction  48 . Consequently, second elongate member  34  and cam member  32  also translate in the distal direction  48 . As more clearly illustrated in  FIG. 3A , this translational movement of cam member  32  results in selective retraction of extended extendable members  12   a - c.    
      Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, handle coupling member  26  comprises a substantially tubular element which encloses at least a portion of the compound linkage. Further, second elongate member  34 , intermediate linking member  42 , and handle member  36  can each be received at least partially into handle coupling member  26 . In this manner, one or more hinge-pins or other connections allowing for a compound linkage can be encased within handle coupling member. In the illustrated embodiment, handle member  36  is pivotally coupled to the interior of handle coupling member  26 . In this manner, handle coupling member  26  can be rotated to engage the compound linkage. In particular, rotation of handle member  36  causes a corresponding rotation of intermediate linking member  42  and the consequent movement of the remaining compound linkage.  
      It will be appreciated that the illustrated embodiment is exemplary only, and that other engagement mechanisms are within the scope of the present invention. For example, linking member  42  and handle member  36  may be configured such that a clockwise motion of handle member  36  facilitates engagement of extendable members  12   a - c . In other alternative embodiments, telescoping members or a cable and bearing assembly may replace one or more components of the compound linkage to facilitate extension and retraction of extendable members  12   a - c  and/or act as an engagement mechanism. In still other embodiments, handle member  26  may be secured to carpet extractor  10  within elongate member  16 .  
       FIG. 3A  illustrates a cross-sectional view of distal end  18  of elongate member  16  when extendable members  12   a - c  are in a retracted position. Extendable members  12   a - c  are rotably linked to cam member  32  by using a pivot pin connection. In addition, extendable members  12   a - c  are rotably linked to brackets  22   a - c , respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, extendable members  12   a - c  are rotably linked to brackets  22   a - c  by use of a slot-and-pin assembly. The pin is a pivot pin and can be formed on, or secured to, brackets  22   a - c . The slot may be formed in extendable members  12   a - c , and may be substantially circular or elongate. An elongate slot facilitates both pivotal and translational movement of extendable members  12   a - c  with respect to brackets  22   a - c . As will be appreciated, the pivotal and translational connection between brackets  22   a - c  and extendable members  12   a - c , and the pivot pin connection between cam member  32  and extendable members  12   a - c  provides freedom for extendable members  12   a - c  to rotate. In this manner, extendable members  12   a - c  can be selectively rotated with respect to cam member  32  into a retracted position such as that illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 3B .  
      As can be understood from the illustrated embodiment, when cam member  32  is moved in the distal direction  48 , extendable members  12   a - c  retract to the illustrated position and distal end  38  of extendable members  12   a - c  moves in the proximal direction  50 . As more clearly illustrated in  FIG. 3B , when extendable members  12   a - c  are in the retracted position, extendable members  12   a - c  do not engage the tubular member  44 . Accordingly, carpet extractor  10  is not secured to tubular member  44 , and a user may extract carpet extractor  10  from, or insert carpet extractor  10  into, tubular member  44  without substantial resistance.  
       FIG. 4A  is a cross-sectional view of distal end  18  of elongate member  16 , and illustrates extendable members  12   a - c  in an extended position as may be suitable to engage tubular member  44 . To selectively position extendable members  12   a - c  in the illustrated extended position, cam member  32  can be moved in the proximal direction  50 . Because of this translational movement, distal end  38  of extendable members  12   a - c  moves at least partially in the distal direction  48 , while also extends outward. In this manner, and as illustrated in  FIG. 4B , extendable members  12   a - c  engage tubular element  44  and can create an interference fit between tubular element  44  and extendable members  12   a - c . As will be appreciated, particularly in light of the discussion hereafter, this engagement allows a user to manipulate tubular element  44  by using carpet extractor  10 .  
      Now referring to  FIG. 5 , an exemplary embodiment is illustrated in which carpet extractor  10  is positioned within a carpet roll  46 . When handle member  36  is rotated so as to be substantially collinear with elongate member  16 , cam member  32  moves in the proximal direction  50  and distal end  38  of extendable members  12   a - c  moves in the distal direction  48  into an extended position. As previously described, when extendable members  12   a - c  are extended, distal ends  38  of extendable members  12   a - c  engage the inner surface of carpet roll  46 , thereby securing carpet extractor  10  to carpet roll  46 . As will be appreciated, when carpet extractor  10  then translates in the proximal direction  50 , with extendable members  12   a - c  in an extended position engaging the inner surface of carpet roll  46 , extendable members  12   a - c  tend to further engage carpet roll  46 , and extendable members  12   a - c  do not retract.  
      A method of utilizing carpet extractor  10  to move a carpet roll  46  will now be described. A user rotates handle member  36  from the illustrated position, toward distal end  18  of elongate member  16 , thereby moving linking member  42  toward distal end  18  of elongate member  16 . Consequently, cam member  32  moves in the distal direction  48 , and extendable members  12   a - c  move into a retracted position. The user can then position elongate member  16  within tubular element  44 . By gripping grip  28 , a user can then move handle member  36  away from distal end  18  of elongate member  16 , and toward the position illustrated in  FIG. 5 . In this manner, extendable members  12   a - c  are moved into an extended position and engage the inner surface of carpet roll  46 . When the user then moves carpet extractor  10  in the direction of arrow A, carpet roll  46  moves parallel to carpet extractor, and along arrow B. This is particularly useful where carpet roll  46  is stacked with other rolls, or otherwise positioned where only a single end of carpet roll  46  is exposed. To pull carpet roll  46  out and allow it to be moved, or to allow carpet to be removed therefrom, carpet extractor  10  can be inserted into the exposed end. Once inserted, a user can engage carpet roll  46  with extendable members  12   a - c . Once engaged, the user can pull on carpet extractor  10  in the direction of arrow A, thereby pulling carpet roll  46  out from the stack.  
      To further facilitate movement of carpet roll  46 , connection member  24  is coupled to carpet extractor  10 . Connection member  24  may further be coupled or otherwise secured to a piece of equipment or machinery—such as a forklift—and the piece of equipment or machinery can then extract carpet roll  46 . After extraction of carpet roll  46 , connection member  24  can be uncoupled from the equipment. The user then again rotates handle member  36 , as previously described, thereby moving extendable members  12   a - c  into a retracted position. Carpet extractor  10  can then be removed from carpet roll  46 .  
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view illustrating a carpet extractor  110  according to one aspect of the invention. The carpet extractor  110  is adapted to allow a user to quickly and efficiently move carpet roll  194  by engaging the internal surface of a tube on which carpet roll  194  is rolled. This allows carpet roll  194  to be moved even when only a single end of carpet roll  194  is exposed. Additionally, carpet extractor  110  facilitates removal of carpet roll  194  utilizing a forklift, unloading machine, or other equipment. In the illustrated embodiment, carpet extractor  110  comprises an elongate member  120 , gripping members  140   a - c , and an extension mechanism  160 .  
      Elongate member  120  provides the framework on which additional components of carpet extractor  110  are positioned. In the illustrated embodiment, elongate member  120  comprises a hollow cylindrical member comprised of metal, plastic, or wooden tube. Elongate member  120  comprises an elongate member lower portion  122  and an elongate member upper portion  124 . A variety of types and configurations of elongate members can be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, in one embodiment, the elongate member comprises a solid support base on which additional components of the carpet extractor are positioned.  
      Gripping members  140   a - c  are coupled to elongate member upper portion  124 . Gripping members  140   a - c  are adapted to selectively engage the inner surface of a tube on which carpet roll  194  is rolled. Gripping members  140   a - c  are configured to engage a roll  194  of carpet to allow a user to move roll  194  of carpet. In the illustrated embodiment, three gripping members  140   a - c  are provided as part of carpet extractor  110 . However, any number of gripping members  140   a - c  can be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, in an alternative embodiment, four gripping members  140   a - c  are provided as part of carpet extractor  110 . In the illustrated embodiment, gripping members  140   a - c  comprise rigid members pivotally coupled to the elongate member upper portion  124  in a hinged fashion. A variety of types and configurations of gripping members  140   a - c  can be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, in an alternative embodiment, gripping members  140   a - c  are hollow, rigid, lightweight composite projections. In another embodiment, the gripping members comprise solid projection members made of metal, plastic, or wood. Gripping members  140   a - c  are one example of extendable members.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, gripping members  140   a - c  are coupled to elongate member  120  utilizing gripping member brackets  150   a - c . Gripping member brackets  150   a - c  comprise a hinge-type pin joint. Nevertheless, a variety of types and configurations of mechanisms can be utilized to couple gripping members  140   a - c  to the elongate member. For example in one embodiment, gripping member brackets  150   a - c  comprise a ball and socket joint. In alternative embodiment, gripping member brackets  150   a - c  comprise a compliant member joint.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, extension mechanism  160  is coupled to elongate member upper portion  124  adjacent gripping members  140   a - c . Extension mechanism  160  allows a user to selectively extend and retract gripping members  140   a - c  so as to engage and disengage a carpet roll  194  to be moved. In the illustrated embodiment, extension mechanism  160  comprises a collar  170 , a collar-biasing component  190 , a plurality of gripping member-biasing components  180   a - c , and a cable  188 . As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of types and configurations of extensions mechanisms can be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, in one embodiment the extension mechanism is directly coupled to the gripping members. In an alternative embodiment, the extension mechanisms utilize intersecting elements connected to the gripping members to extend and retract the gripping members.  
       FIG. 7  illustrates the manner in which extension mechanism  160  extends and retracts gripping members  140   a - c . Extension mechanism  160  comprises a collar  170 , a collar-biasing component  190 , a plurality of gripping member-biasing components  180   a - c , and a cable  188 . In the illustrated embodiment, collar  170  is slideably coupled to the elongate member upper portion  124  and co-axially orientated therewith. Collar  170  is configured to actuate gripping members  140   a - c  so as to facilitate the movement of a carpet roll  194 . The gripping members  140   a - c  are actuated when a contact surface  172  of collar  170  engages the curvilinear profile  142   a - c  of gripping members  140   a - c  thus forcing gripping members  140   a - c  to extend outward. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of mechanisms for extending the gripping members can be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Collar  170  is one example of an extension flange.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, elongate member  120  houses cable  188 . When a user pulls an exposed engagement portion  192  of cable  188  collar  170  moves towards gripping member brackets  150   a - c . Collar  170  contacts the curvilinear profile  142   a - c  of gripping members  140   a - c  extending gripping members  140   a - c . When a user relaxes the tension on cable  188 , collar-biasing component  190  urges collar  170  in the direction of elongate member lower portion  122 . As collar-biasing component  190  urges collar  170  in the direction of elongate member lower portion  122 , gripping member-biasing components  180   a - c  retract gripping members  140   a - c.    
       FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of elongate member upper portion  124  illustrating the manner in which cable  188  facilitates extension and retraction of gripping members  140   a - c . In the illustrated embodiment, elongate member  120  houses cable  188 . Cable  188  is routed from collar  170  towards elongate member upper portion  124  where it is positioned over a roller bearing  198 . Cable  188  continues back through elongate member  120  extending from elongate member lower portion  122 .  
      Cable  188  is configured to actuate collar  170  and gripping members  140   a - c  causing extension of gripping members  140   a - c  so as to engage the inner surface  196  of a carpet roll  194  or other tubular element with which carpet extractor  110  is utilized. A variety of types and sizes of cables can be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Additionally, a variety of mechanisms can be utilized in place of roller bearing to facilitate proper actuating of collar  170  when a user pulls cable  188 .  
      FIGS.  9 A-B illustrate carpet extractor  110  in a disengaged or retracted orientation. Collar-biasing component  190  is coupled to collar  170  and elongate member  120 . Collar-biasing component  190  influences collar  170  so as to facilitate retraction of gripping members  140   a - c  allowing the user to withdraw carpet extractor  110  from carpet roll  194 . As previously discussed, when a user relaxes the pull on cable  188 , collar-biasing component causes collar  170  to move in the direction of elongate member lower portion  122 . In the illustrated embodiment collar-biasing component comprises a spring. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of types and configurations of collar-biasing components  190  can be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, in an alternative embodiment, collar-biasing component  190  comprises an elastomeric material such as a rubberized or compressible foam flange.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of gripping member-biasing components  180   a - c  are coupled to gripping members  140   a - c  and collar  170 . The gripping member-biasing components  180   a - c  facilitate retraction of gripping members  140   a - c . By allowing the user to retract gripping members  140   a - c , gripping member-biasing components  180   a - c  allow the user to reposition or remove carpet extractor  110  relative to the inside carpet roll  194 . While gripping member-biasing components  180   a - c  comprise wire members in the illustrated embodiment, a variety of types and configurations of gripping member biasing components can be utilized. Additionally, a variety of types and configurations of mechanisms can be utilized to retract gripping members  140   a - c  without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, in one embodiment a plurality of resilient members are utilized. In alternative embodiment, the collar mechanism is adapted to directly retract the gripping members  140   a - c . In yet another alternative embodiment, spring mechanisms or cable mechanisms are utilized. While in yet another embodiment, a plurality of hinged retraction mechanisms are coupled between the gripping members and the collar mechanism to retract gripping members  140   a - c.    
      FIGS.  10 A-C illustrate carpet extractor  110  in an extended orientation. As previously mentioned, a user extends gripping members  140   a - c  utilizing exposed engagement portion  192  of cable  188 . Cable  188  displaces collar  170  allowing contact surface  172  to engage curvilinear profiles  142   a - c  of gripping members  140   a - c . This results in the extension of gripping members  140   a - c . As gripping members  140   a - c  extend outward, engagement surface  144   a - c  of gripping member  140   a - c  contacts the inner surface  196  of the carpet roll  194  causing engagement therewith. By contacting the inner surface  196  of carpet roll  194 , sufficient friction is created to allow a user to selectively move carpet roll  194 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 11 , carpet extractor  110  allows a user to move carpet roll  194 . The user moves carpet roll  194  by inserting carpet extractor  110  into roll  194 , extending gripping members  140   a - c  so as to engage the internal surface of carpet roll  194 , and then pulling exposed engagement portion  192  of cable  188  or using a handle grip  130  coupled to elongate member lower portion  122  to slide carpet roll  194 . As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, as the user begins to move carpet roll  194 , the force required to move carpet roll  194  strengthens the engagement by gripping members  140   a - c  on the internal surface of carpet roll  194 .  
      A method of utilizing carpet extractor  110  to move a carpet roll  194  will now be described. The user inserts carpet extractor  110  in a retracted orientation into carpet roll  194 . Once the carpet extractor  110  is positioned in carpet roll  194 , the user actuates the gripping members  140   a - c  by pulling the exposed engagement portion  192  of the cable  188 . This pulling action causes the collar  170  to contact curvilinear portions  142   a - c  of the gripping members  140   a - c . This causes the gripping members  140   a - c  to extend outward. The user pulls the exposed engagement portion  192  of cable  188  until gripping members  140   a - c  extend sufficiently to engage the inner surface  196  of carpet roll  194 . Once gripping members  140   a - c  engage inner surface  196  of carpet roll  194 , the user can then manipulate handle grip  192  or exposed engagement portion  196  of cable  194  to displace carpet roll  194 . To disengage carpet extractor  110  from carpet roll  194 , the user releases the tension on exposed engagement portion  192  of cable  188  facilitating retraction of gripping members  140   a - c.    
      The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.