The Timelessness of Bumper Feet

In an ever changing and unpredictable market, we’re very proud to continually meet the needs of current trends. Over the past 25 years that Bumper Specialties has been in business, we’ve seen many products become obsolete. Luckily for us, we’ve never had a shortage of new and emerging technologies that would benefit from our rubber stops. We’re no longer used on tape decks or cd players, but our rubber stops are found on iPod docks. Bumper feet are no longer needed on typewriters, but we are on computer keyboards and laptops. We used to be on VCRs (back when dinosaurs roamed the Earth), and now bumper feet can be found on an endless list of audio and video equipment.

We’ve seen products that use bumper feet come and go…but we are not concerned about bumpers ever going out of style because just as quickly as products meet their demise, new technologies emerge.

Past and present time pieces.

Many of our applications have gradually transformed over time. The clock on the mantle needed rubber feet just as much as your docking station alarm clock. Though the apparatus on which we tell time changed, the need for rubber feet did not.

Once on typewriters, now used as replacement rubber feet on laptops!

Many customers call in looking for replacement rubber feet for their laptops because the original ones fell off. We have a variety of laptop feet that will match the existing rubber feet whether you have a PC or an Apple. Typewriters utilized rubber feet the same way your laptop does. It lifts the equipment to sustain airflow and prevent overheating, and the anti-skid technology prevents it from scratching surfaces.

Rubber feet on telephones

The popular rotary phone transformed into the present day telephone, but rubber feet survived the transformation! To the cell phone obsessed, landline telephones may seem a thing of the past, but don’t discount their relevancy, offices and homes still use desktop telephones – which still need rubber feet!

As the present collides with the future, new products needing rubber feet materialize. If you know of or own a product that would benefit from our rubber bumper feet, let us know!

Bug Shields To The Rescue

Bumper Specialties is a manufacturer of self-adhesive polyurethane rubber bumper feet, but we could see how our name might be slightly misleading….

We get a ton of calls about car bumpers. No we can’t fix your engine or rotate your tires or replace your front bumper because someone backed into you. And as much as we’d like to be able to fix your ’57 Chevy’s bumper, that is not our specialty. But what we can provide you with is our own BS-57 bumper foot that is used on automotive accessories like bug shields.

Bug shields, or ‘hood protectors’ go on the front of cars and trucks directly above the headlights and extend across the whole hood. Their name is self-explanatory – but if you’re more of a visual learner:

Bug Shield 

Our bumper feet prevent the shield from banging against the car. Many automotive accessories manufacturers have designed hood protectors that successfully deflect bugs while also protecting the front body of the automobile. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, they protect your vehicle from all types of weather and debris.

Our conical, BS-57 self-adhesive bumper is perfect for this application. Its tapered shape keeps the shield from banging against the car, thus protecting the paint and hood. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, one of our other conical bumper feet may work better for you. If you like to take your truck though rough terrain and harsh weather, you needn’t worry. For this kind of outdoor application, we provide a strong acrylic adhesive that will stay bonded regardless of the climate.

Keep the Party Bumping

We are always proud of the fact that our bumper feet are manufactured in the USA.  The Fourth of July is right around the corner; all you need is a hot dog, a cold drink, and a nice body of water to bronze yourself next to. While you’re enjoying your picnic this year, take a moment to notice the rubber bumper pads around the party. (Because they are definitely more exciting than fireworks!)

This grill uses protective rubber feet.

On your quest looking for our products, you may find them being used to protect your barbecue, which is one of our many outdoor bumpon applications. Collapsible shelves and doors on the grill are equipped with rubber bumpons for sound dampening and vibration resistance. After all, you want the party to be loud, not the slamming of the grill. If you take grilling very seriously, you’ll want to ensure that your equipment stays in mint condition. The precious grilling atmosphere that you’ve created won’t be interrupted by unnecessary noise. Our products prevent your grill from succumbing to wear and tear by serving as protective stops.

Glass table using protective rubber bumpons.

Grills are not the only outdoor application; bumpons are used on glass patio furniture as a buffer between the glass and the table frame. The bumper feet prevent the glass from getting cracked or scratched. Your outdoor furniture will last longer so that the party never has to end.  And you shouldn’t be concerned about inclement weather; self-adhesive polyurethane bumpons can withstand all climates.

We may not have red and blue color options, but we do have white, clear, grey, black and brown bumpons available. You can check out our full line on our website. From all of us here at Bumper Specialties, have a fun and safe Fourth of July!

Grill using rubber bumper pads.

Apple Rolls Out New Software, Bumper Feet Stay Stuck

If you haven’t been living under a rock for the past couple decades, you’re probably – at the very least – conscious of the impact Apple has had on society. With the 2014 Worldwide Developers Conference in full swing, Apple announced exciting new software updates that were highly anticipated by both developers and consumers.

However if you were anticipating new hardware announcements you were probably disappointed, it looks like you’ll have to wait for the fall for the new iPhone 6. Luckily your Apple accessories can still be used on all your current products.

The countless Apple accessories constantly require Bumper Specialties products, which means regardless of the software updates, your accessories will not become obsolete. We’ve always felt an affinity towards Apple because our rubber feet can be utilized on all of their products and accessories. Our bumper feet are purchased as replacement Macbook laptop feet for a non-slip grip. They can also be found on iPhone docks in which rubber feet are used to reduce vibration and to keep the dock in place to prevent sliding on surfaces.  Our bumper pads are even used for unique applications like a microphone stand attachment for your iPad.

While the software is constantly changing, the hardware you use for accessories has not. Capsicum Sports has a single hand tablet holder with a built-in tripod mount. Your hand can easily slip into the strap on the back of the iPad or set up the tripod to take a selfie. The EyeGrip base is very low profile and includes four polyurethane feet that allows stable desktop operation. You can see from the picture that our rubber stops are on the back four corners for a anti-skid grip. Not only does this Apple accessory improve device functionality, but it’s also extremely affordable. 

Your Closets Best Accessory – Rubber Feet

Custom cabinetry extends beyond the kitchen and into the rest of the home – which means our protective rubber feet can be found there too. The entertainment center in the den; the bookcases in the library, the cabinetry in the bathroom, the ‘his and her’ walk-in closets, all come equipped with our favorite rubber protectors.

Beautiful walk-in closet

Valet Organizers, a customer of Bumper Specialties’, pairs function with elegance in their closet designs. They design media centers for the entertainers, wall beds for the spatially challenged, home offices for the workaholics, crafting stations for the serious DIYer, and deluxe walk-in closets for your designer threads. They like to use our small clear hemispherical BS-07 cabinet protector. This bumper foot provides a soft close cushion for sound dampening and vibration resistance.

Valet Organizers walk-in closet

They place our rubber bumper pads on the four corners of the underside of drawers and cabinets to protect the custom cabinetry against slams and wear. Rubber feet also protect against marring and scratches. By cushioning the wood, you’ll lengthen the life of your custom woodwork. We offer various bumper feet perfect for cabinet door stop applications. We provide clear bumper feet that completely blend in with the woodwork. Alternately, you can choose from our black, brown, gray, and white bumper feet options. Custom colors are also available.

As the slippery slope of ideas, Pinterest makes it very easy to indulge in fantasies about the endless possibilities. They have some closets that would make even Carrie Bradshaw blush. Whether you’re stocking stilettos or bow ties, seeing your wardrobe perfectly displayed against the custom cabinets is enough to have MTV Cribs knocking on your door. But a glorious walk-in closet is not just for the rich and famous, Pinterest also has plenty of DIY/low cost ideas because Pinterest doesn’t discriminate when it comes to your budget.

Dark brown drawers in walk-in closet

Shoe lovers need shelves, watch lovers need drawers, and your meticulously color coordinated wardrobe needs to be hung in custom cabinets – which means all of these things need rubber bumper feet! Although the contents of your closet may be expensive, our rubber feet are not, so you’ll have more cash to fill that ample closet space.

Oh, the Places Bumpers Go!

Bumper feet relaxing on the beach in the West Indies - Four Seasons in Nevis

Bumper feet like to vacation in style; that’s why you can find our rubber grips in luxury hotels all over the world. Hotels provide all the essentials: a bed, a toilet, a safe, a telephone, and of course, bumper feet. The pictures featured in this blog are from the beautiful hotels that use our rubber feet.

Bumper feet are used throughout this hotel room – Four Seasons, Seychelles

On your next vacation, as you settle into your hotel suite and acquaint yourself with the mini bar snacks, take a peek around the room. Can you spot the bumper feet? Look behind the door; the rubber stop protecting the handle from hitting the wall – that’s us. Lift up the telephone and look on the bottom, those bumper feet grip the tabletop so the phone doesn’t slide off. The safe where you’re keeping your passport and jewelry also has bumper feet on the bottom. The desk with the glass top has rubber spacers between the wood and the glass to protect the veneer of the wood. The picture frames use bumper feet to stay level and protect the wall from scratches. The acrylic display announcing the HBO movies and room service menu has bumper feet, check them out while you order overpriced mac & cheese. Bumper feet allow for the perfect placement of objects all around the hotel room including phones, soap trays, safes, iPod docks, and pictures frames.

Rubber spacer on glass table for protection – Hay Adams Hotel, Washington, D.C.

Hotel rooms have become as luxurious as the destinations themselves. The Nevis West Indies, a Four Seasons hotel, provides all the comforts of home with a breathtaking view of the blue sea on which it sits. This five-star Caribbean getaway is perfect for honeymoons or vacations for the whole family. The only downside to a vacation like this is not being able ‘stick’ around forever (like our bumpers do)!

How many bumper feet do you think are in this room? – Four Seasons, West Indies

 You’ll see them high, you’ll see them low, you’ll see them everywhere you go!

World leaders stay here to check out our rubber feet – Hay Adams Hotel – Washington, D.C.

Our bumper feet enjoy a nice view at this Four Seasons in Seychelles, Africa

DIY Using Rubber Feet

Our self-adhesive bumpers can be used on a variety of projects, from homemade picture frames to DIY kitchen cabinet protection.  So dust off the cobwebs from your Pinterest boards! You pinned that DIY project six months ago while daydreaming of warmer climates, and they’ve finally arrived.

Go outside and grab some inspiration from the blooming flowers for your springtime DIY craft. Luckily, the Bumper Specialties’ Pinterest boards have no shortage of ideas in which you can gain inspiration or build something of your own creation; whichever you choose, make sure you bring bumper feet with you.

There are DIY drink coaster projects on Pinterest that use clear rubber feet. This project in particular uses a stencil to imprint an image on the glass coaster. Their final but most important step is putting rubber feet on the underside of the tile!

Rubber feet on DIY coasters!

Rubber feet are the unsung heroes of these projects. You might not be able to see them, but affixing rubber pads on the corners of your coasters ensures the longevity of your handiwork. Bumpers are especially important for glass or ceramic coasters because they will not scratch, mar, stain, or otherwise ruin your tabletop. Try an inconspicuous clear hemispherical bumper like our BS-12 that will blend seamlessly with the aesthetic of the coaster.

Buzzfeed published a list of DIY ceramic coasters perfect for a spring afternoon project. We especially like #8, check out the cool watercolor effect you can achieve using markers. You can also use things you find around the house, like old doilies or a burlap bag.

Once you’ve completed your project, head to your patio and enjoy your coasters with a nice glass of lemonade and let the vitamin D - and the gratification of accomplishment - wash over you.

So Much Schiit Uses Rubber Feet

Our polyurethane bumpers are used on audio components to provide vibration resistance and allow air flow into the units. From protecting portable iPod docks to high end speakers, rubber feet on audio equipment are essential for optimal functionality. Bumper Specialties offers a variety of replacement rubber feet for speakers. If you’re looking for something a little bulkier with more durability, our BS-17 is perfect for subwoofer applications.

For something a little more discreet, we have small hemispherical rubber spacers that are used by companies like Schiit Audio. Schiit is an audio equipment manufacturing company that specializes in headphone amplifiers, so yes; you can finally get the optimum use out of your Beats headphones.

They’ve also perfected the art of producing an affordable, sophisticated product with genius marketing.

www.schiit.com

They certainly caught our attention with their witty quips, but their clever marketing (did you notice the Norse mythology references?) is only secondary to their amazing products.

I know you’re probably thinking, “There’s no way I could afford this Schiit,” but their prices are fair and their products are built to last. Magni, one of their high output headphone amps, is the only product of its kind under $100 in the United States.

Rubber feet on Magni

Schiit is also made in the USA – and thus our love affair was cemented in eternity.

Schiit uses state of the art technology to produce the purest sound for their customers, and we are proud that our amplifier feet are an integral part of that production. If you have amplifier needs, make sure you check this Schiit out.

Class Up Your Glass on St. Patrick's Day

Bumper Specialties is a worldwide manufacturer of rubber feet, so we like to embrace the cultures and holidays of our customers from around the world. The ever-popular Irish holiday, St. Patrick’s Day, has been adopted by the US to celebrate food, fun, and your Irish heritage.

We are jealous of St. Patrick’s revered spot in history because his legend has withstood the test of time both religiously and culturally. One thing is certain, we would have loved to share a pint of Guinness with St. Patrick – gain some insight on what the world was like in the 5th century.

One company that puts the class back in your glass is Cirrus Products. Bumper Specialties loves them because like us, all of their manufacturing is done in the United States, and also because their products can only be described as swanky.

While you’re enjoying an Irish whiskey this St. Patrick’s Day, don’t let your drink be diluted by sub-par ice cubes. We are obsessed with their flagship product, the Ice Ball Press. Designed to create a spherical 6 oz. ice ball (allowing for the slowest dilution rate), your expensive whiskey will be impervious to dilution. Their ice balls last through multiple drinks so you won’t have to un-stick yourself from your recliner to go to the kitchen.

And yes, you guessed it, they use our self-adhesive rubber feet on their product to ensure that the surface it sits on is protected from scratching or marring. Our bumper feet applied to their product also prevent skidding and sliding – especially important when expensive whiskey is involved. We are always excited when a unique company utilizes our bumper products.

So whether you’re looking forward to those green Jell-o shots or mom’s famous Irish soda bread, make sure you thank St. Patrick for this holiday.

And the Oscar Goes To…Rubber Bumper Feet

This year at the Oscars, Jennifer Lawrence tripped, Brad Pitt ate a slice of pizza, and Ellen DeGeneres took a selfie that broke Twitter. However, amidst all the glitz and glamour, Bumper Specialties was only concerned with one thing: Are there non-slip rubber feet on those pretty gold Academy Award statues? Were our bumpers in the hands of (gasp!) Matthew McConaughey?

As the rich and famous bumped shoulders with their peers, we were thinking of our own bumpers. If our self adhesive protectors were indeed on Oscar, he would definitely have been voted Best Dressed based on his amazing accessories.

Some quick investigative work revealed these statistics about Oscar:

Height: 13.5” 

Weight: 8.5 lbs. 

Number of Awards Ever Presented: 2,809

Number of Rubber Feet: UNKNOWN (we’d suggest placing 4 rubber feet on the bottom of your award)

Clearly the Academy is unaware that without bumpers applied to Oscar, he could slip, slide, and crash into all of Meryl’s other awards. If the Academy did call us to outfit Oscar, we’d suggest our BS-40 rubber bumper because it is small, inconspicuous, and destined for the stage. The biggest snub of the evening was the supposed lack of bumper feet!

One bumper user that specializes in trophy and award production is SD Trophy in California. With a variety ranging from Artistic Glass Awards, Achievement Acrylic Awards, and Clear Optical Crystal Awards, they’ll provide you with top quality on any award application. 

Our rubber feet appear on the bottoms of trophies and awards for a non-slip grip on any surface. SD Trophy sells beautiful awards, so it is important to utilize rubber protectors to ensure both the award and the surface it’s displayed on are protected from scuffing or marring. 

More information can be found about applying bumper feet toglass artwork, but meanwhile, check out this gorgeous acrylic award by SD Trophy. 

Cabin(et) Fever – Protect Your Cabinets Using Bumper Pads

The perfect kitchen is designed by pairing two things: comfort and functionality. As a place where the entire family spends time, your kitchen is also subject to the most wear and tear. So it’s important to apply cabinet door protectors to extend the life of your cabinetry without interrupting the flow of the design.

At Bumper Specialties, we offer a product that exceeds all expectations. The smallest details, in this case our self-adhesive corner protectors, are the finishing touch on your kitchen cabinet doors. Low on price and high on quality, rubber pads are used by professionals to ensure that your cabinet doors withstand years of slamming.

Forget low quality cork and foam pads, use what the professionals use, minus the labor costs. For homeowners purchasing our cabinet door pads, we provide a short video outlining how to apply kitchen cabinet protectors.

Our BS-58SD soft cabinet protector was specifically designed for cabinet protection and sound dampening. Upon application, your cabinet doors will close quietly while being protected from marring or scratches. Available in clear, this bumper will be nearly invisible once applied. For more details on this cabinet protector and other soft clear cabinet bumpers see our product page here http://www.bumperspecialties.com/special-soft-c-2.html.

Bumper Feet at the Sochi Olympics

We here at Bumper Specialties embrace the freezing temperatures and icicles that have made permanent residences on our building. And as avid lovers of all things winter, we are especially excited for the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics. From ice skating to skiing, these games will not be short on excitement – or ice. And much to our delight, an application of our bumper feet has surfaced from a company who appears to love winter as much as we do: Ski Key.

Fear not, ski lovers. Ski Key is a bumper feet customer that offers a ski and snowboard rack and locking system so that Shaun White doesn’t walk away with your Burton board.  So if you’re hitting the slopes just like the pros at the Winter Olympics, make sure your equipment is safe and secure. Our bumper feet appear on their Point of Purchase displays which can be found in hundreds of ski and snowboard shops. You can check out their website for their entire product line.

Find these at www.skikey.com

But let’s leave the half pipe to the professionals. While they’re bumping down moguls, we’re going to grab some hot chocolate, stoke the fire, and settle in to watch professional athletes maneuver down an ice luge at 100mph (160km) from the comfort of our homes. Enjoy the games, we will.

Ski Key in action

We are proud to be a worldwide manufacturer of bumper feet and we wish all of our friends in other countries the best of luck. For more information on the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics you can tune in on NBC or check out http://www.nbcolympics.com/.