The security director of one of this continent's largest high-tech firms asked us if we could make an effective door wedge for use by their employees when travelling, particularly in the Third World where hotel security and key control are often inadequate.
He brought us a collection of door wedges, all of them ineffective. The challenge of improving the wedge (the world's simplest tool!) was more than we could resist. The result is our traveller's doorstop, a solid wedge of aluminum with a hardened steel adjustment and anti-slip screw.
To use it, you just slide the wedge under the door and elevate it with the screw until the door is solidly wedged. Anyone attempting entry causes the door to wedge tighter in the frame while the pointed screw keeps the wedge from shifting.
We hardened the screw so that it can be used with concrete subfloors as well as the traditional carpet-covered subfloors. The screw does not damage carpeting unless there is an attempted forced entry; it then penetrates the subfloor as the pressure on the wedge increases. But then, which would you prefer, a dent in the subfloor or an unwanted visitor?
The lever handle gives you substantial mechanical advantage, making it easy to turn the screw. It takes less than a minute to install or remove.
For hotel rooms with a flimsy lock or chain safety restraint, the traveller's doorstop substantially increases peace of mind. It weighs only 7 oz and comes in a compact (1" x 1" x 7") carrying case.
By the way, the initial order from the high-tech firm was for 500 units.
Made in Canada.