Year: 1887

page_text: My invention relates to devices for stretching carpets when being laid and secured
upon the floor.
The object of my invention is to provide a simple implement which will effectually.
stretch the carpet without injuring the fabric.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of my improved carpet-stretcher.
Figure 2 is a partial longitudinal section showing the catch-bar let down ready to
engage the carpet.
Figure 3 is a partial reverse plan view of the same.
A frame is formed by two grooved bars A rigidly connected at one end, which
carries a couple of strong spikes A' set as far apart as practicable and adapted to
enter the floor, while at the other end the lower extremity of a hand lever B is
pivotted between the bars. C is a carriage consisting of a plate running in the
grooves a and carrying a grooved post curved to form an open support for the
curved catch-bar handle. D is the catch-bar extending across the full breadth of
the frame A and furnished with a number of steel pins or teeth d. D¹ is the curved
catch-bar handle or lever rigidly secured to the bar D so that the teeth d are
approximately at a right angle to the handle end secured to the bar, the teeth
pointing forward and the free end of the handle rearward when in a normal position
as shown in Fig. 1. This handle or lever D¹ passes through an opening in the
carriage-plate and rests in its normal position upon the curved grooved post Cin
which position it may be locked by a swivel dog E pivoted upon the carriage C and
adapted to engage the lever D' and be thrown in and out of engagement.
As the opening for the handle D in the carriage C is necessarily rather large in
order to pass the end of the same, I secure at the underside of the carriage a guide-
plate F which may be set close to the thinner sliding part of the lever and handle and
insure a steady action.

page_text: The catch-bar D and lever B are pivotally connected by the rod or bar G, one
extremity of which is pivoted to the rear of the bar D and the other end to the
lever B, the end. projecting through the latter and having a pawl H pivoted at its
extremity which is adapted to engage the ratchet rack I secured upon the upper
surface of the lever.
It is essential to have two spikes A', and to set them some distance apart so as to
steady the implement when pressure is applied to the lever B and prevent injury to
the fabric by the implement being allowed to jerk to either side. It is also of
importance to have the catch-bar D as long as possible in order to distribute the strain
upon the fabric and thus prevent injuring it.
When the stretcher is to be used the spikes A¹ are pressed into the floor adjacent
to the wall to secure a proper hold. The pawl H is then disengaged and the lever B
and carriage C thrown back. The dog E is also turned aside to release the catch-bar
handle and the catch-bar is pushed down to bring the teeth d into an oblique position
adapted to engage the fabric of the carpet. When so engaged it is raised again and
locked by the dog E, the pawl H thrown into gear and the lever B pressed down, the
catch-bar carrying the carpet being thus moved forward and the latter stretched, the
pawl H engaging the teeth of the rack I and preventing any backward movement of
lever and carriage when the pressure is relinquished.
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. The combination of the frame A A, spikes A' A', lever B, carriage C, post C²,
catch-bar D d, handle D¹, dog E, plate F, rod G, pawl H and rack 1.
2. In a carpet-stretcher the combination with a frame A, the spikes A¹ A', a catch-
har D provided with curved handle passing through and guided by a carriage C
running in frame A and fitted with a plate F and connected to and actuated by a
lever pivoted to said frame A.
All substantially as shown and described and for the purpose set forth.
Signed at Niagara Falls, Ontario, this 28th day of February, A.D. 1887.