DOORWAY FOAM PROTECTION

For many years people have secured off cuts of foam to low beams under houses where people may hit or bump their heads. Foam has also been used on table edges and corners where there is a risk of people falling on a hard edge and causing injury.

However, these applications have never been made commercial.

This invention is intended to provide protection in doorways and hallways of any shape or size where elderly people (in particular) have trouble maneuvering or simply forget the position, shape or size of doorways and hallways in their own home. The trouble elderly people have with negotiating obstacles in their own home is due to a number of factors, including reduced visual acuity, degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's Disease, and the related lack of confidence and nervousness that these conditions promote.

This invention is a simple, inexpensive and a very effective solution that protects the skin and bones of the aged and prevents bruising and injuries, which occur in the home as a result of collisions with hard edges in the home. Such collisions can sometimes necessitate hospitalisation, temporary full-time care, and even removal from the family home to an aged care facility.

With age expectancy ever increasing and the finding that Alzheimer's Disease and other degenerative conditions are becoming more common, demand for this invention should only increase in the coming years.

This invention came about through personal necessity: the parents of the inventor were developing more and more bruises from colliding into hard edges in their own home, and so the first prototype of this invention was designed and fitted to their home. Since its fitting a number of months ago, there has been a noticeable and marked improvement in the health and wellbeing of this couple.

The foam used in this invention is selected for its ability to be moulded around corners easily, but is not too soft that it does not provide sufficient padding / density to avoid injury. The foam is also FIRE RETARDANT

The foam is cut to size from large sheets which measure approximately 2100 mm x 1900 mm making it possible to fit most doorways, as doorway height is usually less than 2100 mm. The thickness of the foam is 25mm.

The foam is secured with high-quality glue, with extra-strength glue being used near corners (which are prone to catch elbows), so the foam should not lift even when continually brushed past over a number of years.

The corners of the foam protection are smoothed with a router, ensuring the protection is as user-friendly (and free from 90° comers) as possible.

The invention may be better understood with reference to the illustrations of embodiments of the invention which:

Figure 1 shows a cut away view of foam around doorways in a hall/ doorway situation, from floor level to the top of the doorways,

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of foam with 3 bends in it (2 one way and the central switch back (with both corners routed),

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a single bend with both corners routed, and

Figure 4 shows the foam in sheet form, ready to be trimmed to size.

It should be noted that the foam can be easily removed with a Stanley knife, and that sanding back and re-painting the area will remove any trace of foam if required by future occupants of the house.

It should also be noted that, although possible, painting of the foam is not recommended, as the foam becomes much less effective as a protective barrier, and can in fact cause abrasive injuries itself and FIRE RETARDENT paint is very expensive.

In addition, a covering of material, though aesthetically pleasing, can remove the FIRE RETARDENT advantage and the cost becomes excessive.