Carpet stretcher

Abstract

A carpet stretcher comprising a pin head. Extending from the pin head in a rearward direction is a sliding bar having a square cross-sectional area. Tubular telescoping extension members freely receive the sliding bar which extends in the axial direction thereof. At the free end of the tubular members is pivotally mounted a wall engaging member. At the opposite end of the tubular members is pivotally mounted a locking lever. A handle is pivotally mounted on the pin head and extends toward the tubular members. Intermediate the ends of the handle is linkage that pivotally connects the handle to the tubular members. Initially, the handle is depressed to apply an axial stretching force to a portion of a carpet. Stretched carpeting produces an axial reactive force within the carpet stretcher. After the portion of the carpet is stretched to the desired extent, the operator actuates the locking lever, which engages the sliding bar through a pivotal movement to retain the sliding bar in the extended position relative to the tubular members against the axial reactive force resulting from the stretched portion of the carpet. Subsequently, the operator again depresses the handle to release the axial reactive force and to enable the locking lever to assume a position for the sliding bar to move freely relative thereto.