Segmented Cardboard Bumper for Couch-Floor Gap Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for blocking the gap between a couch and the floor are either aesthetically unpleasing, lack durability, or are not adjustable to fit various couch arrangements, and fail to effectively prevent access by pets, children, and household items.
Innovation Solution
A bumper system comprising segmented, flat rectangular sections made of corrugated paper, heavy paperboard, or cardboard, with adjustable angles and lengths, that can be securely attached to the couch frame, providing vertical strength and a hidden, aesthetically pleasing barrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid PVC or resin panels are placed along the outer perimeter of a couch, then the couch-floor gap is blocked, but the placement is aesthetically displeasing and causes stubbed toes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the functional barrier element from its visible location and relocates it to the hidden space underneath the couch. The bumper is positioned between the couch frame and floor, where it performs the gap-blocking function without being visible from the room, thereby eliminating both aesthetic displeasure and the hazard of stubbed toes while maintaining reliable gap blocking.
2Reliability
If elastic fabrics are stretched along the outer perimeter of a couch frame, then the couch-floor gap is blocked, but they lack durability and require constant readjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the bumper into multiple rigid sections joined by hinges, creating a modular structure that combines the strength of rigid materials with the adaptability of flexible joints. This segmented design provides structural durability, maintains consistent tension without sagging like elastic fabrics, and requires no constant readjustment while effectively blocking the gap.
3Reliability
If repurposed cushions and pillows are placed along the outer perimeter of a couch frame, then the couch-floor gap is blocked, but they can be easily knocked over or removed by pets and children
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses segmented rigid sections connected by hinges, creating a structurally sound barrier that cannot be easily knocked over or removed. The rigid materials and hinged connections provide substantial strength and stability, preventing pets and children from displacing the bumper while maintaining gap blocking effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The bumper is pre-assembled with hinged connections and attachment mechanisms before installation. The rigid sections are pre-positioned to form a stable structure that resists displacement, eliminating the need for ongoing maintenance or repositioning that would be required for soft objects like cushions.
4Reliability
If fastening methods such as double sided tape, connectors, and zip ties are used to secure the bumper, then the bumper is fixed in place, but they damage surroundings and are particularly ineffective on carpeted surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fastening function from aggressive attachment methods and replaces it with a passive mechanical interlocking system. The bumper utilizes the existing couch frame structure and floor surface as its mounting substrate, with the hinged sections and triangular truncations providing mechanical retention without requiring adhesives, connectors, or zip ties that could damage surrounding surfaces or fail on carpeted floors.
Data Source
AI summary
A bumper designed to block a gap in between a couch and the floor, preventing household items, pets, and children from going into the space underneath couches, and, thus, eliminating messes, damage, injury, or loss. The bumper may be made of corrugated paper, heavy paperboard, or cardboard. The bumper may comprise a flat, rectangular body segmented into flat, rectangular sections using parallel folds, where the sections are configured to secure the bumper in between the couch and the floor. The bumper is setback from the couch frame perimeter to not be obtrusive, strong enough to resist inward pressure, and, in some embodiments, may contain cut lines and fold lines. A plurality of bumpers may, through a series of truncations, be customized to fully block access to the space underneath the couch for variety of couch lengths, widths, and heights.