Abstract: A force multiplying handle mechanism for a hand-operated bar clamp having a fixed handle and a movable handle is provided. The mechanism can comprise a pivotal attachment disposed on the end of the fixed handle, a handle having a pivot plate disposed on one end of the handle extending therefrom thereby substantially forming an L-shaped member, the pivot plate pivotally attached to the pivotal attachment and a pin extending substantially perpendicularly from the pivot plate, the pin configured to contact the movable handle. When force is applied to the handle to cause the pivot plate to pivot about the pivot attachment, the pin squeezes the movable handle towards the fixed handle.

Abstract: A carpet stretching apparatus is provided. The apparatus can comprise a rail having a fixed pin block operatively disposed at one end thereof, with the pin block configured with a plurality of pins configured to engage the backing of the carpet thereby enabling the pin block to grip or otherwise releasably attach to the carpet. The apparatus can further comprise a travelling mechanism disposed on the rail, the mechanism further comprising a second pin block disposed thereon that can work in cooperation with the fixed pin block. When the travelling mechanism is operated, the pin blocks work in cooperation to stretch or move the carpet.

Abstract: A force multiplying handle mechanism for a hand-operated bar clamp having a fixed handle and a movable handle is provided. The mechanism can comprise a pivotal attachment disposed on the end of the fixed handle, a handle having a pivot plate disposed on one end of the handle extending therefrom thereby substantially forming an L-shaped member, the pivot plate pivotally attached to the pivotal attachment and a pin extending substantially perpendicularly from the pivot plate, the pin configured to contact the movable handle. When force is applied to the handle to cause the pivot plate to pivot about the pivot attachment, the pin squeezes the movable handle towards the fixed handle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for seaming together abutting side-by-side layers of planar material with adhesive and a backing tape to form a finished seam extending along the line of abutment. The method consists of laying a backing tape underneath the line of abutment between adjacent layers of planar material, such as floor covering, followed by dispensing an adhesive through an applicator tip along the edges of the abutting layers while simultaneously centering the backing tape with the line of abutment with the applicator tip and dispensing adhesive though the applicator tip on top of the backing tape. The edges of the abutting layers are then pressed together and against the backing tape until the adhesive has at least partially set thereby forming a finished seam.

Abstract: A carpet having directional guide markings is provided for orienting the carpet with respect to machine direction. The carpet includes an upper surface and a lower surface visible from the bottom side of the carpet. The fabric carpet backing includes a plurality of linear patterns visible on the lower surface running generally perpendicular to the machine direction from one edge of the carpet to the other. The linear patterns can include a line of text or can include at least first and second linear sub-patterns that are visually distinct from one another. As a result, a directional guide is provided by these linear patterns for orienting the carpet with respect to its machine direction and from left to right even if the carpet is cut along its machine direction.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a pin block for use with carpet gripping tools that comprise a plurality of downward extending pins that are canted towards the front of the pin block. Each pin is centered and supported in a pin support that forms an end surface thereby allowing only a pin tip to be exposed. Extending between each pair of pin supports is a fin that has a downward edge which is flush with the end surfaces of the pin supports to form a continuous contact surface that prevents the pin tips from penetrating through the carpet backing. Each pin block is adapted to stack together with other pin blocks to form ganged pin blocks to increase the gripping power of a carpet gripping tool comprising the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a method and apparatus for seaming together abutting side-by-side layers of planar material with adhesive and a backing tape to form a finished seam extending along the line of abutment. The method consists of laying a backing tape underneath the line of abutment between adjacent layers of planar material, such as floorcovering, followed by dispensing an adhesive along the edges of the abutting layers while simultaneously centering the backing tape with the line of abutment and dispensing adhesive on top of the backing tape. The edges of the abutting layers are then pressed together and against the backing tape until the adhesive has at least partially set thereby forming a finished seam.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a method and apparatus for seaming together abutting side-by-side layers of planar material with adhesive and a backing tape to form a finished seam extending along the line of abutment. The method consists of laying a backing tape underneath the line of abutment between adjacent layers of planar material, such as floorcovering, followed by dispensing an adhesive along the edges of the abutting layers while simultaneously centering the backing tape with the line of abutment and dispensing adhesive on top of the backing tape. The edges of the abutting layers are then pressed together and against the backing tape until the adhesive has at least partially set thereby forming a finished seam.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a pin block for use with carpet gripping tools that comprise a plurality of downward extending pins that are canted towards the front of the pin block. Each pin is centered and supported in a pin support that forms an end surface thereby allowing only a pin tip to be exposed. Extending between each pair of pin supports is a fin that has a downward edge which is flush with the end surfaces of the pin supports to form a continuous contact surface that prevents the pin tips from penetrating through the carpet backing. Each pin block is adapted to stack together with other pin blocks to form ganged pin blocks to increase the gripping power of a carpet gripping tool comprising the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a method and apparatus for seaming together abutting side-by-side layers of planar material with adhesive and a backing tape to form a finished seam extending along the line of abutment. The method consists of laying a backing tape underneath the line of abutment between adjacent layers of planar material, such as floorcovering, followed by dispensing an adhesive along the edges of the abutting layers while simultaneously centering the backing tape with the line of abutment and dispensing adhesive on top of the backing tape. The edges of the abutting layers are then pressed together and against the backing tape until the adhesive has at least partially set thereby forming a finished seam.

Abstract: A trace edge cutter and salvage edge cutter are described for use in cutting flooring materials. The cutter includes a cross-wise handle for ease in pushing the cutter, greater width for stability, a recessed portion along the guiding edge to increase stability of the guide, even when worn, two-step adjustment of blade position and guide, a friction lock mechanism for preventing movement of the blade, removable guides, grooves on the base of the cutter for deflecting particles and use of two guiding edges on the same cutter for trace edge cutting.

Abstract: Applicator tools for joining seams in floor and wall coverings are provided. The seams created by the tools disclosed are stronger, of better appearance, and provide a longer seam life. The applicator tools disclosed include means to engage a container of sealant, the tool having a foot at one end, with a leg portion above the foot of the relatively narrow cross-section, whereby the foot may be passed under the edges of the materials being joined. A conduit communicates with the sealant container, and with openings in or near the foot, to ensure effective sealant application to the materials being joined, both under the edges of the material, and on the edges of the material itself.