Vacuum stretching and gripping tool and method for laying flooring
US6039371A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 4, 1997 |
| Grant date | Mar 21, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 4, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE04F21/22
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A vacuum pump operated suction cup is utilized to form tools to assist the installer in laying flooring. In one embodiment, the suction cup is provided with a bracket which supports the vacuum pump and a handle having a knee pad at the end. In use, the suction cup is vacuum bonded to the flooring and pressed against the floor by hand while the knee pad is kicked with the knee to smooth out any irregularities. In another embodiment the flooring is stretched by pushing the vacuum bonded suction cup with a jack. In another embodiment, a tacking strip is utilized in lieu of adhesive to secure the flooring to a substrate with the assistance of the vacuum pump.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.