Improvements in Carpet Stretchers.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 6th Mar., 1899-Accepted, 22nd Apr., 1899
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Carpet Stretchers.
I, LEWIS MOYER LOWNES, of Morristown, County of Montgomery, State of
Pennsylvania, Hat Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described
and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
The invention relates to carpet stretchers and it comprises a peculiarly con-
structed clamp for engaging the edge of the carpet, and adjustable strap, billet
or chain, by means of which and a pivoted rod or lever with an adjustable ring
thereon, the clamp is operated, as will be fully herein after described.
The objects of the invention are to provide a very cheap, neat and effective
device for stretching carpets, etc., which shall be capable of both lateral and
vertical adjustment, and which is adapted for the use in almost any situation
where implement of this character is required.
Referring to the drawings, on which like characters indicate corresponding
parts;
'
The view is a perspective, showing the clamp attached to a section of carpet,
and showing the manner of using same.
A is one main member of this stretcher, and B is the other. The member A
forms the base or lower plate. It is formed with a toothed or serrated jaw C at
a right angle to its longitudinal plane and is provided with two sets of lugs, a, a,
and b, b.
The lugs a, a project upwardly from the base and are arranged nearly adjacent
to the jaw C in front. The lugs b, b, are arranged at the rear of the member or
base A. Both sets of lugs are bifurcated for a purpose that will be hereinafter
explained. Just in rear of the front lugs a, a, is an aperture or slot C through
the base A and transversely across this slot at the rear is a round rod or anti-
friction roll d.
The other main member of the stretcher B comprises a curved arm with a
clamping jaw D at a right angle to its longitudinal plane, which is also toothed
or serrated, and corresponds with the jaw C on the member A and when in use,
co-operates therewith.
In rear of the jaw D the arm B is formed with a depending lug B. This lug
fits between the lugs a, a, in front and is pivoted thereto by the pivot pin bl.
Between the rear lugs, b, b, on the base A is a third member E which is slightly
curved on the top as shown, and is provided with a depending lug E', which is
pivoted between the lugs b, b, by means of the pivot pin, e.
The arm or member E which is substantially rectangular in form, is provided
at its front end with a loop e¹.
A billet, strap or chain F is attached at the front end of the member E to the
loop el, is passed through the slot or opening c in front of the roll d, and along
a slot or recess in the undermost side of the base A, and the strap F extends
beyond the rear of the base A and is provided near its end with a buckle G.

page_text: The clamp is used with a rod or lever H which is made of the proper length,
with a handle at the top, and a sharpened, pointed, or attenuated lower end.
It is provided with a ring and loop, J and the billet or strap F is attached to
the loop on the ring and may be adjusted vertically on the rod or lever H to
any desired point.
The strap or billet is provided with a series of holes which with the buckle G
enables the strap to be adjusted to any desired length.
It will be seen that by the construction described and shown both lateral and
vertical adjustment is provided for, and all springs are dispensed with, which is
a great desideratum, since in a device of this character, the power of a spring or
springs is soon destroyed by constant use.
The manner of using the stretcher will be readily apparent from the foregoing
description.
The strap is adjusted to the length desired, the ring J is adjusted on the rod
to the proper position dependant on the location where the stretcher is to be used.
The edge of the carpet is inserted between the jaws, and any pull on the arm
or lever H closes the jaws tightly by bringing the rear end of the arm E against
the under side of the rear end of the member or arm B.
The point of the lever is engaged with the floor and a pull in line with the
members A and B very thoroughly and effectively stretches the carpet and holds
it in position until it can be permanently secured by the operator.
Minor changes in the details of the construction may be made within the scope
of my invention without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the advan-
tages thereof.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:
1. A carpet stretcher, comprising a pair of clamping jaws, the lower one having
two sets of lugs, and an aperture or slot therethrough; the top curved member
having a depending lug, pivoted between the front set of lugs; a third member
with an upwardly curved arm pivoted between the rear set of lugs and formed
with loop at its front end; and an adjustable strap, billet or chain, secured to
the loop and passed through the slot and underneath the base or lower member
to the rear thereof, substantially as described.
2. A carpet stretcher, comprising a pair of clamping jaws, the lower one having
two sets of lugs and an aperture or slot therethrough; the top curved member
having a depending lug pivoted between the front set of lugs; a third member
with an upwardly curved arm pivoted between the rear set of lugs and formed
with a loop at its front end, and an adjustable strap, billet or chain secured to
the loop and passed through the slot and underneath the base or lower member
to the rear thereof in combination with a rod or lever, with a handle at the top, a
sharpened or attenuated point and a vertically adjustable ring and loop thereon,
substantially as described.
1 1000
BOULT & WADE,
Agents for the Applicant.