An auxiliary device for laying flexible wall and floor coverings includes an elongated angle plate having a supporting surface for the material to be cut to size and a pressure strip having a lower pressure surface of approximately the same length as the supporting surface and which has a cross-sectional profile which is configured to complement the profile of the supporting surface. The supporting surface has at one end a wedge-shaped end portion, the outer edge of which defines a supporting edge, and a cutting edge defined at its opposite end, which edges lie in a base plane. The angle plate also includes a part having a locating edge disposed parallel to the cutting edge. The angle plate in cross-sections lies substantially within an imaginary triangle, with its cutting edge, supporting edge and locating edge passing through one corner of the triangle. The device is particularly useful in ensuing that the floor and wall coverings are cut cleanly and accurately to the desired size, in a relatively simple manner.

This invention is directed to solving the problem of matching first and second roll-portions of grouted-tile-pattern linoleum roll stock along the longitudinal edges thereof, so as to maintain the overall repeating grouted-tile pattern ("field") without showing the joint. The problem is solved by a remarkably simple implement for cutting the grouted-tiled-pattern linoleum roll stock along a longitudinally continuous grout line with a manually operable blade means, by making no measurement other than visually inspecting the width of the grout line through spaced apart apertures in an elongated relatively thin metal laminar strip member, and positioning its longitudinal edge, nearest the apertures, on the salvage edge in such a way as to leave a predetermined width thereof when cut with the blade's manually guided edge.

A safety device with a cutting edge used with a cutting tool when cutting fabric and other similar items. The safety device designed to protect a first hand of a user of the device when a second hand is using the cutting tool. The safety device includes a base with an upwardly extending vertical protective guard. The guard is sufficient in height to protect the first hand of the user should the cutting tool accidently ride up and over the top of the cutting edge. The cutting edge includes a ruler for measuring the fabric to be cut. On one side of the base is the cutting edge with ruler for guiding the cutting tool when cutting fabric. On an opposite side of the base is a hand rest for receiving the first hand of the user. The hand rest is sufficient in width to receive the first hand on top thereof and for allowing the first hand to apply pressure on top of the fabric as it is cut. A top portion of the guard includes a protective lip to prevent the cutting tool from accidently engaging the top of the first hand during the cutting process. Also the protective lip can be used for lifting and moving the safety device.

A guide device for securing carpet to a floor incorporates an elongated main body having an aligning edge portion for positionally aligning with a Z-bar secured to a floor to be carpeted, and an elongated vertical edge element operatively secured to a top surface of the main body and extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the main body. The vertical edge element is positioned a predetermined distance from the aligning edge portion along an entire length of the main body. In operation, the aligning edge portion of the guide device is positionally aligned with a bend portion of a Z-bar secured to a floor to be carpeted. A carpet to be secured with the Z-bar is laid on top of the Z-bar and the guide device. The carpet is then cut along the vertical edge element of the guide device, wherein a remaining portion of the carpet extends approximately the predetermined distance beyond the bend portion of the Z-bar. Finally, the remaining portion of the carpet is secured underneath the Z-bar.

A hand protection device formed of a single piece of clear plastic material forming a base portion, the front end of which is bent upwardly and rearwardly at 45 degrees thereto to form a shield portion with the the top of the shield portion bent downwardly and rearwardly toward the base portion at a 90 degree angle to form a hand retainer portion, such device for receipt of a user's hand therein.