Apparatus for cushioning corners and related methods

Abstract

Generally disclosed are apparatus and related methods for blunting sharp corners or otherwise reducing the force of an impact with sharp corners. In one embodiment, the apparatus may generally be in the form of a creature with at least a torso and four appendages defined internally by a skeleton of foam members having a bendable metal core. In use, the appendages may be bent around corners so that the torso of the creature removably, yet securely, resides over the corner whereby the corners are blunted or otherwise the force of impacts with the corner are reduced (e.g., the foam and other components of the apparatus may act as a shock absorber). In a preferred embodiment, a stomach portion of the torso features a non-slip padding that may receive the corner to be blunted to further secure the apparatus over the targeted corner.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS:[0001]The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61 / 831,094, filed Jun. 4, 2013, titled “APPARATUS FOR CUSHIONING CORNERS AND RELATED METHODS” contents of all which are incorporated herein by this reference and are not admitted to be prior art with respect to the present invention by the mention in this cross-reference section.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not applicable.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]1. Field of Invention[0004]The subject matter of this disclosure is in the field of cushions for absorbing some or all of the force of an impact against corners or edges. Specifically, the disclosed subject matter is a cushion that protects children and adults from the forces associated with impacting corners and edges found in typical household furniture.[0005]Background of the Invention. Household furniture or decor sometimes feature sharp corner...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes an apparatus for blunting sharp corners or reducing the force of impact with sharp corners. The apparatus is in the form of a character (e.g., animal, humanoid or other characters and whimsical creatures) with at least a torso and four appendages that are defined internally by a skeleton of foam members having a bendable metal core. The appendages can be bent and secured around the corners so that the torso resides over the corner. The apparatus acts as a shock absorber and is portable, meaning it can be attached to any corner without the need for adhesives, glues, tapes, hook and loop fasteners, or attachment to a stomach portion with non-slip padding. The technical effect of this invention is to provide a safe and effective solution for preventing injury from sharp corners.

Problems solved by technology

Household furniture or decor sometimes feature sharp corners or edges that cause harm to persons or property when impacted thereby.

In particular, sharp corners are dangerous to the heads and limbs of children because children occasionally fall or run-into the corners.

Sharp corners can also be dangerous to adults for the same reason.

While these known apparatus are suitable for blunting sharp corners, the apparatus have some drawbacks that may deter their use.

Specifically, many of the known apparatus require secure attachment to the targeted corner so that corners are either damaged whenever the apparatus is removed or permanently blunted.

Furthermore, many of the known apparatus are unsightly so that the aesthetics of furniture or decor are lessened.

Finally, many of the known apparatus do not possess a child-friendly appearance, which is a drawback since bumpers will mostly be used in areas frequented by children.

The way these apparatus are secured to the corner can be problematic because strings can easily become untied or otherwise result in weak securement of the apparatus to the corner (i.e., the apparatus can easily fall off the corner) or nails and adhesive can cause damage to the underlying furniture.

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