Apparatus, method, and system for preventing objects from sliding under furniture

Abstract

A method, system, and apparatus to provide a physical barrier which prevents objects, such as pet toys or children's toys, from sliding beneath furniture. The product can include primary barrier components, which are slidably coupled together, so that the length of the product is adjustable to match the length of a particular piece of furniture and serve as an effective barrier.

1 . A barrier comprising:
 a first wall and a second wall, the first wall and the second wall each being made of a solid, substantially inflexible material;   each of the first wall and the second wall have adjustable lengths within a designated length range;   each of the first wall and the second wall is configured to be locked in place at a desired length via a locking mechanism on each of the first wall and the second wall, respectively;   each of the first wall and the second wall is comprised of a central portion and an outer portion, separated by a central fold along the lateral axis of the wall;   each of the first wall outer portion and the second wall outer portion are comprised of a middle portion and an end portion;   the central portion of the first wall connects to the middle portion of the first wall via a hinging mechanism orientated along the central fold of the first wall, and similarly the central portion of the second wall connects to the middle portion of the second wall via a hinging mechanism orientated along the central fold of the second wall;   the middle portion of the first wall connects to the end portion of the first wall via a hinging mechanism orientated along on a lateral axis of the first wall, and similarly the middle portion of the second wall connects to the end portion of the second wall via a hinging mechanism orientated along a latera axis of the second wall.   
     
     
         2 . The barrier according to  claim 1 , further comprising a center extension wall, wherein the center extension wall is slidably coupled to the first wall and to the second wall such that the center extension wall acts as a connection between the first wall and the second wall. 
     
     
         3 . The barrier according to  claim 1 , wherein the locking mechanism comprises a locking nub located on the central portion of the first wall and a locking grove located on the central portion of the second wall, such that when the locking nub is coupled to the locking grove, and the positioning of the two walls is secure and when the locking nub is not coupled to the locking grove the positioning of the two barriers may be adjusted. 
     
     
         4 . The barrier according to  claim 1 , wherein the angle at which each central portion is affixed to each outer portion is 90 degrees. 
     
     
         5 . The barrier according to  claim 1 , wherein the angle at which each center portion is affixed to each outer portion is adjustable. 
     
     
         6 . The barrier according to  claim 1 , wherein the angle at which each middle portion is affixed to each end portion is 90 degrees. 
     
     
         7 . The barrier according to  claim 1 , wherein the angle at which each middle portion is affixed to each end portion is adjustable. 
     
     
         8 . The barrier according to  claim 2 , wherein the locking mechanism comprises two hook and loop fasteners, where one hook and loop fastener is affixing the center extension wall to the central portion of the first wall and the other hook and loop fastener is affixing the center extension wall to the central portion of the second wall. 
     
     
         9 . The barrier according to  claim 1 , wherein the first wall and second wall are shaped via thermoforming. 
     
     
         10 . The barrier according to  claim 1 , wherein the height of the barrier is adjustable.