Abstract: A roll-carrying length of load-supporting structural material having a length substantially equivalent to the length of a heavy roll of carpet or the like to be lifted is adapted to be connected at its opposite ends to an insert tube for the roll by a pair of suspension devices, such as chains, and a pair of relatively short and rigid telescopic inserts for opposite ends, respectively, of the insert tube. Each such telescopic insert is provided with connection structure and is preferably formed therewith as a length member divided by a transverse plate member into inwardly and outwardly extending portions, and an operationally upstanding gusset plate member rigidly secured to the transverse plate member and to and along the outwardly extending portion of the length member. A second suspension device, also preferably of chain formation, is adapted to connect the roll-carrying length to an overhead crane.

Abstract: Carpet stretching apparatus which is particularly effective in stretching long lengths of carpet taut and does not transfer the stretching force away from the stretching head to a remote location. Rather, the stretching force is transferred by a frame to a location near the stretch site, independent of the length of carpet being stretched.