GB2584127A

GB2584127A - Cushion or pillow support apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2584127A
Application number: GB1907227.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hall Angela
Original assignee: Ashcare Solutions Ltd
Current assignee: Ashcare Solutions Ltd
Priority date: 2019-05-22
Filing date: 2019-05-22
Publication date: 2020-11-25
Anticipated expiration: 2039-05-22
Also published as: GB2584127B; GB201907227D0

Abstract

The present invention provides an apparatus for securing at least one pillow or cushion to a support structure, for example a bed or a chair, holding the pillow in place and preventing movement. The apparatus comprises a cover 12 for the support structure having a first surface 14 facing away from the support structure and a second surface 16 facing towards the support structure, at least one flap 18 disposed on first surface having an underside face 15, at least one retaining element and a first half of a fixing 20 attached to the underside face and releasably engageable with a second half of the fixing 22 provided at or about the pillow to releasably secure the pillow or cushion to the support structure. The fixings may be snap fasteners arranged in rows or grids. The cover may further comprise a padding material. One embodiment may comprise a sleeve 25 suitable for receiving the pillow or cushion. The retaining element may comprise elasticated portions.

Description

Cushion or Pillow Support Apparatus

Field of invention

The present invention relates to apparatus for securing cushions or pillows onto a structure 20 such as a mattress, back rest or chair.

Background art

Hospital beds are typically equipped with a moveable back-rest portion, allowing patients in hospitals and care homes to be able to sit-up in bed. To improve comfort, cushions or pillows may be arranged between the patient and the back-rest portion to provide extra padding and support. Several cushions or pillows may be required. However, the pillows may shift position over time as a result of gravity or patient movement, creating discomfort for the patient. Hospital or care home staff may then be required to take time to rearrange the pillows in order to make the patient more comfortable. This may happen multiple times for the same patient in a day, creating significant extra work for nurses and other staff Pillows may also fall from the bed onto the floor. In a hospital or care home environment, pillowcases or cushion covers cannot be reused once they have fallen on the floor as this poses a health and safety risk due to bacteria and cross-contamination. Staff are required to replace and clean any pillow which falls to the floor, potentially multiple times a day. This can take considerable time away from busy staff, as well as contributing to higher laundry costs and environmental impact.

In addition to hospital and care home settings, patients suffering or recovering from longterm illness or injury at home may benefit from additional back support. To aid recovery patients may be advised to sleep with a raised back rather than lying flat. Domestic back rests are widely available to allow a patient to sleep with a raised back or sit up in a bed not equipped with a raised back rest portion. These domestic back rests typically offer minimal integral padding. Cushions must therefore be used to improve the comfort of the user. As with hospital beds with a raised back portion, these cushions may readily shift position, leading to the same issues experienced in hospitals and care homes.

Patients recovering at home or in a care home may also require extra back support when sitting in chairs or moving around in wheelchairs. Standard cushions are usually used for this purpose, but these may again shift position over time, creating discomfort for the user and requiring regular adjustment.

Accordingly there is a need for apparatus to secure and support cushions and pillows in place when used on a hospital bed, back rest, chair or other support structure.

Summary of the Invention

An objective of the present invention is to provide apparatus capable of securing cushions and/or pillows to a support structure such as a back rest, a mattress, a hospital style bed with a moveable back-rest and mattress, a chair, a wheelchair, a reclining chair or a sofa. This limits the movement of the pillows or cushions and prevents them from falling to the floor. This saves time and prevents discomfort, and can also reduce labour, costs and environmental impact in hospitals or care homes. The present invention achieves this objective by providing a cover for positioning over the support structure which is retained on the support structure by at least one retaining element, the cover having a first half of a fixing which is releasably engageable with a second half of the fixing provided at or about the pillow or cushion.

A further objective of the present invention is to provide apparatus capable of securing one or more cushions or pillows in a variety of different positions which are adaptable to suit the user's requirements. As a patient recovers, they may require differing levels of back support, or may need to rest in a variety of different positions. The ability to adapt the positions and number of support cushions enables this to be achieved without requiring multiple apparatus. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, this objective is achieved by providing a first half of a fixing which is arranged in rows over the external surface of the cover. When coupled with the second half of the fixing provided at or about the pillow or cushion this allows the fixed position of a pillow or cushion to he adjusted in a longitudinal and/or transverse direction.

Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide apparatus capable of being used on multiple different items of furniture: for example a chair, a back rest and a mattress. This would allow a user to easily transfer the apparatus to the required furniture. A domestic user could therefore have a single apparatus for multiple rest positions. Hospitals and care homes could apply the apparatus wherever required without having to store and maintain multiple different designs. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, this objective is achieved by providing expandable and/or elasticated side portions of the cover which may fit over different sized support structures such as mattresses of different thicknesses or with toppers or chairs with different amounts of internal padding.

A further objective of the present invention is to provide apparatus which is durable and can be cleaned regularly as required without the fixing(s) or other components becoming easily damaged in a wash cycle. This ensures that the apparatus is applicable in hospital or care settings where frequent washing is a requirement to maintain sanitary conditions. The present invention achieves this objective by providing the first half of the fixing on an underside face of a flap positioned opposed to the first surface of the cover. When not in use to engage the second half of the fixing, the first half of the fixing is concealed underneath the flap and will therefore not be exposed to damage during washing. Such an arrangement also prevents or substantially limits dirt and dust clogging the first half of the fixing.

According to a first aspect of the present invention is provided apparatus for securing at least one pillow or cushion to a support structure, comprising: a cover for the support structure having a first surface to be external facing away from the support structure and a second surface to be internal facing for positioning against or towards the support structure; at least one flap disposed on the first surface and having an underside face positioned opposed to the first surface; at least one retaining element to releasably retain the cover on the support structure; and a first half of a fixing attached to the underside face and releasably engageable with a second half of the fixing provided at or about the pillow or cushion to releasably secure the pillow or cushion to the support structure.

The cover may have a longitudinal length approximately equal to a dimension of the support structure, such as the width of a single mattress. The cover may have a longitudinal length of between 50 and 100 cm, or preferably between 55 and 95 cm, or more preferably 60-63 cm or 75-77 cm or 90-93 cm. The cover may have a transverse width of between 50 cm and 90 cm, or preferably between 55 cm and 70 cm, or most preferably between 60 cm and 65 cm.

The at least one flap may be secured to the cover along at least one side, wherein the at least one side comprises a side extending along a length of the flap. Such an arrangement 25 allows a user to lift the at least one flap to access the first half of the fixing disposed on the underside face for attachment and detachment of cushions or pillows.

The at least one side along which the flap is secured to the cover may further comprise two side ends extending along a width of the flap. This serves to further bias the flap in a closed position wherein the underside face is opposed to the first surface, thus preventing damage to the first half of the fixing as a result of washing, snagging or dirt build up.

In particular embodiments of the present invention, the first half of the fixing comprises a plurality of first portions of snap fasteners arranged in a row on the underside face. Snap fasteners, also commonly referred to as press studs, poppers, snaps or tiehs may be made from any suitable material including metal and plastic. A first portion of a snap fastener S may comprise one of a pair of interlocking discs and may be either a "male" portion or a "female" portion. The snap fastener is simple to operate, durable and inexpensive. Arranging first portions of snap fasteners in rows allows a second portion or multiple second portions to be attached in different positions. This allows one or more pillows or cushions to be attached to the apparatus in different positions depending on the requirement of the user. It is not necessary for all first portions to be engaged with second portions when pillows or cushions are attached. A pillow or cushion may be secured by only one snap fastener, although multiple snap fasteners improve the strength of the fastening and reduce the likelihood of the cushion or pillow moving or slipping.

The apparatus may comprise a plurality of flaps, each flap having a plurality of first portions of snap fasteners arranged in a respective row on the respective underside face, wherein adjacent first portions within each row are separated by a first distance and adjacent rows are separated by a second distance. This arrangement allows the attachment position of a cushion or pillow to be altered not only longitudinally (ie by attaching at different positions along a row of first portions) but also transversely (ie by attaching to different transversely separated rows).

The plurality of flaps may comprise less than 10 flaps; preferably 2 to 6 flaps; more preferably 3 to 4 flaps; or yet more preferably 4 flaps. More flaps will increase the transverse range of attachment positions for pillows or cushions however will also increase manufacturing costs.

The plurality of first portions in each row may comprise less than 10 first portions; preferably 2 to 6 first portions; more preferably 3 to 5 first portions; or yet more preferably 30 4 portions. A greater number of first portions in each row increases the longitudinal range of attachment positions for pillows or cushions however will also increase manufacturing costs.

In certain embodiments, the first distance (the distance between adjacent first portions in each row) and the second distance (the distance between adjacent rows of first portions) are substantially equal, and the first portions in each row are aligned so as to define a grid of first portions of snap fasteners. The distance between adjacent first portions in the grid depends on the size of the grid. For a 4 x 4 grid, a suitable distance is 8-12 cm or preferably about 10 cm. For larger grids the separation distance may be smaller, and for smaller grids the separation distance may be greater. This arrangement enables a pillow or cushion with at least one corresponding row of second portions of snap fasteners separated by substantially the same distance as the first distance to be attached in a variety of longitudinal or transverse positions and in either a longitudinal or transverse orientation. The grid of snap fasteners thereby makes the apparatus highly adaptable to suit the differing needs of patients.

In certain embodiments, particularly those wherein the intended support structure is a back rest or another structure with minimal padding, the cover may further comprise padding material disposed between the first surface and the second surface. The padding material may be any suitable upholstery padding material such as cotton or wool batting, animal feathers, foam or a synthetic padding material such as polyester wadding. The padding material serves to cover any hard materials such as metal or plastic rods of a back rest. This helps to prevent discomfort for the user. The padding may also provide extra comfort when the apparatus is in use on chairs or mattresses.

According to another aspect of the present invention the apparatus further comprises a sleeve having an internal cavity and an external surface, wherein the internal cavity is suitable for receiving a cushion or a pillow; and the second half of the fixing provided on the external surface, wherein the second half is releasably attachable to the first half of the fixing.

The second half of the fixing may comprise one or more second portions of snap fasteners, releasably attachable to the first portions of snap fasteners disposed on the underside face of the at least one flap. In certain embodiments, the second half of the fixing comprises a plurality of second portions of snap fasteners arranged in at least one row. This enables the sleeve containing the cushion or pillow to be attached to the cover at multiple attachment points, improving the strength of attachment and preventing undesired movement.

The plurality of second portions may be arranged in a plurality of rows and may be aligned so as to define a grid of second portions of snap fasteners. This arrangement enables the sleeve containing a pillow or cushion to be attached to the cover in a variety of different longitudinal or transverse positions or orientations. The second portions in the grid of second portions may be separated by distances substantially the same as the separation of first portions in the grid of first portions. Thus the sleeve containing a pillow or cushion is attachable in a variety of longitudinal and transverse positions with multiple attachment points, which ensures strong attachment, minimises undesired movement and allows the cushion arrangement to be tailored to suit the requirements of the user. Either one or multiple sleeves containing cushions or pillows may be attached to a single cover.

Each row of second portions may comprise less than 10; preferably 2 to 6; more preferably 3 to 5; or yet more preferably 4 second portions.

The plurality of rows may comprise less than 6 rows; preferably 1 to 4 row; or more 20 preferably 2 rows.

In certain embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise at least one flap disposed on the external surface of the sleeve having an underside face positioned opposed to the external surface, wherein the second half of the fixing is attached to the underside face and the at least one flap is secured to the cover along at least one side, wherein the at least one side comprises a side extending along a length of the flap. By concealing the second half of the fixing on the underside of one or more flaps, it is protected from damage or clogging by dirt. Furthermore, concealing the fixing enables the sleeve to be used as a standard cushion cover or pillowcase when desired, i.e. without attaching to the cover.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the retaining element for holding the cover to the support structure comprises: side portions extending from opposite transverse ends of the cover configured for positioning adjacent side faces of the support structure; a back which connects the side portions, configured for positioning adjacent a rear face of the support structure; one or more links extending between an upper longitudinal end of the cover and the back adapted to be positioned adjacent an upper end face of the support structure; a securing flap having front and rear portions, wherein the front portion extends from a lower longitudinal end of the cover to a fold, and the rear portion extends from the fold and is releasably securable to the front portion and the back.

The depth of the side portions may vary to suit different thicknesses or sizes of support structure, for example different mattress or mattress topper thicknesses. The side portions may comprise multiple portions which may be extended to accommodate thicknesses of support structure. The multiple portions may be securable to the back in a retracted position using hook and loop fasteners.

The side portions may be elasticated to allow elastic stretching in a longitudinal direction. Elasticated side portions ensure a tight tit around support structures of different thicknesses. They may also serve to secure bed linen such as sheets in place over a mattress.

Preferably, the side portions can accommodate a support structure up to 31 cm thick. The support structure may comprise a single structure such as a mattress or multiple structures such as a mattress plus a mattress topper.

The one or more links serve to maintain the position of the apparatus on the support structure in use. The links prevent the apparatus from sliding along the support structure in a transverse direction by extending over a longitudinal end of the support structure. The links may comprise one or more lengths of hook and loop fasteners, with either hook or loop portions disposed along an upper longitudinal end of the second surface of the cover and corresponding loop or hook portions disposed along an upper longitudinal end of the back. The use of hook and loop fasteners in this arrangement is preferable when a thin support structure such as a back rest is used, and any expandable side portions are in a retracted position.

The links may also comprise one or more fabric strips extending between and attached to upper longitudinal ends of the cover and the back. These strips may have a length similar to or less than the depth of the side portions, and may be elasticated to allow elastic stretching along their length to ensure a tight fit over support structures of different thicknesses.

The one or more links may comprise both hook and loop fasteners and fabric strips. This provides multiple methods to prevent transverse movement of the apparatus and allows the 10 apparatus to be usable on both thick (e.g. mattress, padded chair) and thin (e.g. back rest, unpadded chair) support structures.

The back may comprise one or more side sections and a central section. The links may be attached to either the side sections or the central section. The central section may be 15 elasticated to allow elastic stretching in a longitudinal direction.

The securing flap is designed to extend underneath the lower longitudinal bar of a back rest or similar support structure. The front portion of the securing flap may be an extension of the cover and may be padded, thus preventing the bar of the back rest causing discomfort to a user. When in use in conjunction with a hack rest, the securing flap extends around the lower bar of the back rest, with the fold located adjacent the bar, and the rear portion of the securing flap is releasably secured to the back and the front portion. The rear portion may be releasably attachable to the back and the front portion by any suitable attachment mechanism such as hook and loop fasteners. When in use in conjunction with a thick support structure such as a mattress, the rear portion is folded underneath and secured to the front portion.

According to alternative embodiments of the present invention, the retaining element comprises a rear sheet attached to a first longitudinal end of the cover and a portion of each 30 transverse end of the cover and positioned opposed the second surface, wherein the cover and the rear sheet define a pocket suitable for receiving a portion of the support structure; and a sheet flap extending from a lower edge of the rear sheet, wherein the sheet flap is releasably attachable to a lower portion of the cover.

The pocket defined by the cover and the rear sheet is preferably suitable for receiving a support structure with a narrow thickness such as a back rest or a chair or wheelchair back. The rear sheet preferably has dimensions such that in use the support structure is received within the pocket in a close but loose fit.

The sheet flap is releasably attachable to a lower portion of the cover to secure the 10 apparatus in place over the support structure when in use. Any suitable releasable attachment mechanism such as hook and loop fasteners may be used.

The apparatus may further comprise a fold in the lower end of the cover, wherein the sheet flap is releasably attachable to the fold. This allows the cover to be placed around the lower bar of a back rest to improve comfort for a user. The sheet flap may be releasably attachable to the fold by hook and loop fasteners or any other suitable attachment mechanism.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the retaining element may comprise an elasticated rear sheet extending between two widthwise sides of the cover wherein the elasticated rear sheet is capable of positioning adjacent side and rear faces of the support structure; and one or more linking bands extending between an upper longitudinal end of the cover and an upper longitudinal end of the elasticated rear sheet wherein the linking bands are configured for positioning adjacent an upper end face of the support structure.

The elasticated rear sheet may comprise one or more bands of elastic material attached to an inward facing surface of a rear fabric sheet to allow elastic stretching in a longitudinal direction. Alternatively, the elastic material may be encased within a rear fabric sheet. The rear fabric sheet may have a similar transverse width as the cover. The elasticated rear sheet ensures a tight fit around support structures of different thicknesses. The elasticated rear sheet is preferably suitably sized to ensure a tight fit around thicker support structures up to 31 cm thick such as mattresses and padded chairs.

The one or more linking bands may be elasticated to ensure a tight fit around the upper end 5 face of the support structure. When used on a bed, this may assist in keeping bed linen secured between the support structure and the apparatus.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the retaining element comprises side portions extending from opposite transverse ends of the cover configured for positioning adjacent side faces of the support structure; one or more longitudinal bands extending between the side portions configured for positioning adjacent a rear face of the support structure; and one or more linking bands extending between an upper longitudinal end of the cover and an uppermost longitudinal band wherein the linking bands are capable of being positioned adjacent an upper end face of the support structure.

The longitudinal bands may be elasticated to ensure a tight fit around support structures of different dimensions. The one or more linking bands may be elasticated to ensure a tight fit around the upper end face of the support structure. When used on a bed, this may assist in keeping bed linen secured between the support structure and the apparatus.

According to a third aspect of the present invention is provided a cover for a cushion or pillow suitable for use with the apparatus as hereinbefore described, comprising a sleeve having an internal cavity and an external surface, wherein the internal cavity is suitable for receiving a cushion or a pillow; and the second half of the fixing provided on the external surface, wherein the second half is releasably attachable to the first half of the fixing.

Brief description of drawings

Specific implementations of the present invention will now be described, by way of 30 example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a front view of the cover of the apparatus according to certain embodiments; Figure 2 is a partial side view of the cover of the apparatus according to certain embodiments; Figure 3 is a partial side view of the cover showing the attachment of a sleeve containing a 5 cushion; Figure 4 is a front perspective view of the apparatus according to a first embodiment; Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the apparatus according to the first embodiment; Figure 6 is a front perspective view of the apparatus of the first embodiment in use on a back rest; Figure 7 is a front perspective view of the apparatus of the first embodiment in use on a 15 mattress; Figure 8 is a front perspective view of the apparatus according to a second embodiment; Figure 9 is a rear perspective view of the apparatus according to a second embodiment; Figure 10 shows a back rest suitable for use with some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 11 is a front perspective view of the apparatus of the second embodiment in use on 25 a back rest; Figure 12 is a front perspective view of the apparatus according to a third embodiment; Figure 13 is a rear perspective view of the apparatus according to a third embodiment; Figure 14 is a front perspective view of the apparatus of the third embodiment in use on a mattress; Figure 15 is a front perspective view of the apparatus according to a fourth embodiment; Figure 16 is a rear perspective view of the apparatus according to a fourth embodiment; Figure 17 is a front perspective view of the apparatus of the fourth embodiment in use on a mattress; Figure 18 is a sleeve according certain embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed description of the invention

Embodiment 1 -Uni-pillow Referring initially to Figures 1 and 2, part of an assembly 10 for securing cushions to a support structure is shown. The assembly 10 comprises a cover 12. Cover 12 has a substantially rectangular shape with longitudinal length 11 and transverse width 13. Cover 12 has a first surface 14 which when in use is positioned externally to be facing away from the support structure, and a second surface 16 which when in use is positioned facing internally towards and adjacent to the support structure. In this particular embodiment, length 11 is 90-93 cm and width 13 is 60-65 cm.

In this embodiment, padding material 21 is disposed between first surface 14 and second surface 16. In this particular embodiment the first 14 and second 16 surfaces are manufactured from cotton fabric and the padding material 21 comprises polyester fibre wadding.

Flaps 18 are disposed on the first surface 14 of the cover 12. In this embodiment, there are four flaps 18 with a length substantially equal to the longitudinal length 13 of the cover. 30 Flaps 18 are stitched to the cover 12 along the full length of an upper longitudinal end 19 and two transverse ends 17. Stitching along three of the four ends of the flap 18 acts to bias the flap in a "closed" position with an underside face 15 opposed to the first surface 14 of cover 12. The flaps 18 can be lifted from the unstitched end to reveal underside face 15.

A first half of a fixing 20 is attached to the underside face 15 of flaps 18. In this embodiment, the first half of the fixing 20 comprises first portions of snap fasteners, Snap fasteners are advantageous as they are simple for a user to fasten and unfasten, durable and can be arranged and spaced (as in this embodiment) to define a grid of first portions of snap fasteners. This allows cushions to be attached in either a longitudinal or transverse orientation, and at different longitudinal and transverse positions depending on the requirements of the user. Adjacent first portions of snap fasteners on underside face 15 of a flap 18 are separated by substantially the same distance longitudinally as the distance between two adjacent first portions on two adjacent flaps 18. In this embodiment, four first portions are attached to each of the four underside faces 15 to define a 4 x 4 grid of first portions of snap fasteners. The separation distance between adjacent first portions is about 10 cm.

With reference to Figure 3 and Figure 18, a cushion 26 is received within a cavity 28 inside a sleeve 25. In this embodiment, cushion 26 is a standard pillow (around 75 x 50 cm) and sleeve 25 has dimensions similar to a standard pillowcase. In this particular embodiment, on an external surface 27 of sleeve 25 are two flaps 23. Other embodiments may have only one flap 23 or more than two flaps 23. The flaps 23 extend substantially the entire length of sleeve 25 and are stitched along the full length of one longitudinal end and two transverse ends. This arrangement, similar to flaps 18 on cover 12, biases the flaps 23 in a "closed" position such that an underside face 24 is opposed to the external surface 27 of the sleeve 25.

A second half of a fixing 22 is attached to underside face 24 of flaps 23. The second half of the fixing 22 comprises second portions of snap fasteners. These are releasably engageable with the first half of the fixing 20. The second portions are arranged and spaced to define a grid of second portions of snap fasteners. In this embodiment, the grid is a 4 x 2 grid. Four second portions are disposed on each underside face 24 of two flaps 23. The second portions are separated by substantially the same distance as the first portions. The separation distance between adjacent second portions is about 10 cm.

Referring now to Figures 4 and 5, apparatus 10 further comprises a retaining element. The retaining element comprises side portions 29 extending from and along the full width 13 of each transverse end of cover 12. Side portions 29 are made from elasticated cotton fabric and have a depth of around 56 cm when the elastic is fully extended. The elasticated side portions allow the apparatus to be fitted to a support structure up to 31 cm thick.

The retaining element further comprises a back 32. Back 32 is made from fabric and in this embodiment is not elasticated. The width and length of back 32 are substantially equal to the width 13 and length 11 of cover 12. Each transverse end of back 32 is attached along its full width to a transverse end of one of the side portions 29.

Side portions 29 can be releasably stowed when their expanded depth is not required, for example where a shallow support structure such as a back rest is used. This is achieved with strips of hook and loop fasteners 30 attached to along a transverse width of side panels 29 and back 32.

Links 31 extend between the back 32 and the cover 12 at the upper longitudinal end of the apparatus. Links 31 are elasticated and have a depth of around 56 cm when the elastic is fully extended, allowing accommodation of a support structure up to 31 cm thick. In this embodiment, four links 31 are arranged in two pairs.

A securing flap 33 extends from a lower longitudinal end of the cover and has a front portion 34 and a rear portion 35. Front portion 34 is a continuation of cover 12, comprising the same padding material 21. Front portion 34 extends from cover 12 to a fold 36, where front portion 34 is folded back on itself towards second surface 16. Fold 36 is stitched to front portion 34 at each transverse end and extends 3-6 cm.

Rear portion 35 extends from fold 36 adjacent to front portion 34. A lower longitudinal end of rear portion 35 is attached to fold 36 by stitching. The stitching does not extend the full length of fold 36, with gaps left at either end sufficient for a bar of a back rest or similar support structure to pass through.

The rear portion 35 is releasably securable to front portion 34 and back 32 with strips of 5 hook and loop fasteners 37 disposed along edges of rear portion 35, front portion 34 and back 32.

With reference to Figures 6 and 7, the apparatus of this embodiment is suitable for use with both thin support structures such as a back rest 50 and thick support structures such as a 10 mattress 60. A typical back rest 50 is shown in Figure 10.

As shown in Figure 6, when used on back rest 50 the expanded depth of side flaps 29 is not required. The side flaps 29 are therefore in a stowed position, and are folded and fixed to the back 32 with hook and loop fasteners 30. Links 31 are loose and are stowed between cover 12 and back 32. Strips of hook and loop fasteners 38 along upper edges of the back 32 and the second surface 16 releasably attach back 32 to cover 12 along an upper longitudinal end. An upper bar 51 of back rest 50 is received between cover 12 and the back 32 adjacent the hook and loop fasteners 38. Main body 52 of the back rest 50 is received between cover 12 and back 32.

A lower bar 53 of back rest 50 is received within fold 36. As the fold is a continuation of front portion 34, padding material 21 prevents the bar 53 from causing discomfort to a user. The rear portion 35 is secured to the lower longitudinal end of the back 32 and front portion 34 with hook and loop fasteners 37, with gaps left as required for components of back rest 50 to pass through such as a stand 56.

Apparatus 10 can be removed from back rest 50 by releasing rear portion 35 from front portion 34 and back 32, removing lower bar 53 from fold 36, then sliding the apparatus upwards in a transverse direction over and away from main body 52 and upper bar 51. This procedure in reverse is used to install apparatus 10 on back rest 50.

As shown in Figure 7, when apparatus 10 is used on a deep or thick support structure such as mattress 60, side flaps 29 are extended and are adjacent side faces 64 of mattress 60.

Links 31 are also extended and are adjacent upper end face 62 of mattress 60. The elasticated links 31 and side faces 29 ensure that apparatus 10 is held tightly on the mattress 60, preventing the apparatus from slipping or moving as a result of user or bed movement. The apparatus 10 can be removed from the mattress 60 by pulling off over the upper end face 62.

When used on a thick support structure such as a mattress 60, securing flap 33 is not used to retain apparatus 10 on the support structure. In this configuration, rear portion 35 is held tucked in place under front portion 34 by hook and loop fasteners 37 between front portion 10 34 and rear portion 35.

Embodiment 2: Back Rest Cushion Support In an embodiment specifically designed for use with a back rest such as, for example, back 15 rest 50 in Figure 10, apparatus 100 comprises cover 12, at least one flap 18 and a first half of a fixing 20 as described for Embodiment 1 and as shown in Figures 1-3.

With reference to Figures 8 and 9, apparatus 100 has a retaining element to releasably retain the cover on the support structure. In this embodiment, the retaining element is 20 designed specifically for use on a back rest such as back rest 50.

The retaining element has a rear sheet 102. Rear sheet 102 is fixed to cover 12 along substantially the entire lengths of an upper longitudinal end and the two transverse side ends of cover 12. Rear sheet 102 has a transverse width and longitudinal length substantially the same or slightly larger than width 13 and length 11 respectively. Slightly larger dimensions enables rear sheet 102 to fit around upper bar 51 and main support 52 of back rest 50 without significantly distorting cover 12. Rear sheet 102 is fixed to the cover by stitching. Rear sheet 102 is not stitched to the cover at a lower longitudinal end. As a result of this, rear sheet 102 and cover 12 define a pocket suitable for receiving upper bar 51, side bars and main support 52 of back rest 50 or a similarly sized support structure.

Sheet flap 106 extends from the lower longitudinal end of rear sheet 102. Sheet flap 106 and rear sheet 102 are made from cotton fabric. In this embodiment, sheet flap 106 and rear sheet 102 are formed from the same piece of cotton fabric.

Sheet flap 106 has releasable attachment means 108 on an inward facing surface. In this embodiment, releasable attachment means 108 comprises strips of hook and loop fasteners which are attachable to corresponding strips disposed on the second surface 16 in a lower portion 109 of cover 12.

Lower portion 109 of cover 12 has a fold 110, where the cover 12 is folded back on itself and stitched at each transverse end. Fold 110 extends 3-6 cm in a transverse direction. Corresponding strips of hook and loop fasteners are disposed on the fold to be attachable to releasable attachment means 108 on a lower longitudinal end of sheet flap 106. When placed on back rest 50 as shown in Figure 11, fold 110 in lower portion 109 encases lower bar 53. The padding 21 within lower portion 109 thereby prevents discomfort to the user from bar 53.

When on back rest 50, sheet flap 106 is attached to lower portion 109 and fold 110 using attachment means 108 to secure apparatus 100 in place. To remove apparatus 100 from back rest 50, sheet flap 106 is first detached from lower portion 109 and fold 110. Fold 110 is then slid off bar 53. Apparatus 100 can then be slid upwards over main support 52 and upper bar 51. The reverse procedure is followed to install apparatus 100 on back rest 50.

Embodiment 3: Hospital bed cushion support In this particular embodiment designed for use on a hospital bed or domestic bed mattress, apparatus 200 has a cover 212. Cover 212 is similar to cover 12 as described in embodiment 1. However cover 212 does not have padding material 21 disposed between first surface 14 and second surface 16. As apparatus 200 is designed specifically to he used on a mattress 60, additional padding material is not essential. Apparatus 200 comprises several flaps 18 with a first half of a fixing 20 disposed on underside face 15 as described in embodiment 1 and Figures 1-3.

With reference to Figures 12 and 13, apparatus 200 has a retaining element to releasably retain the cover 212 on mattress 60 or a similar support structure. In this embodiment, the retaining element is designed specifically for use on a mattress 60.

The retaining element has an elasticated rear sheet 202 extending between two widthwise sides of cover 212. When in use on mattress 60 as shown in Figure 14. elasticated rear sheet 202 is positioned adjacent side faces 64 and an underside face of mattress 60. The length of elasticated rear sheet 202 is such that when the elastic is fully extended, apparatus 200 can be placed over a mattress 60 as shown in Figure 14 up to 93 cm wide and 31 cm deep. Once over mattress 60, the elastic within rear sheet 202 will contract to ensure apparatus 200 is secured tightly over mattress 60. When placed over a fitted or loose sheet on mattress 60, apparatus 200 can also assist in keeping the sheet in place on the mattress.

Linking bands 204 extend between an upper longitudinal end of cover 212 and an upper longitudinal end of rear sheet 202. These are elasticated and when in use extend over upper end 62 of mattress 60. The length of linking bands 204 is such that when the elastic is fully extended, liking bands 204 can accommodate a mattress 60 up to 31 cm deep. In the embodiment shown in Figure 14, four linking bands 204 arranged in pairs are shown, however there may be any suitable number of linking bands 204 arranged in any suitable configuration.

To install apparatus 200 on a mattress 60 or similar support structure such as a padded and upholstered chair, elasticated rear sheet 202 is extended and a lower longitudinal end of apparatus 200 is slid over upper end 62 and down over mattress 60 until linking bands 204 contact or are adjacent upper surface 62. Elasticated rear sheet 202 is then released, allowing the elastic to contract to give a secure fit. This procedure is reversed to remove apparatus 200 from the support structure.

Embodiment 4: Simplified hospital bed cushion support In this particular embodiment designed for use on a hospital bed or domestic bed mattress, apparatus 300 has a cover 312. Cover 312 is similar to cover 12 as described in embodiment 1, however does not have padding material 21 disposed between first surface 14 and second surface 16. As apparatus 300 is designed specifically to be used on a mattress 60, additional padding is not essential.

Apparatus 300 comprises at least one flap 18 with a first half of a fixing 20 disposed on underside face 15 as described in embodiment I and Figures 1-3.

With reference to figures 15 and 16, apparatus 300 has retaining elements to releasably retain the cover 312 on mattress 60 or a similar support structure. In this embodiment, the retaining elements are designed specifically for use on a mattress 60.

The retaining elements comprise side portions 302 extending from opposite transverse ends of the cover 312. Side portions 302 are foamed from cotton fabric and in this embodiment are not elasticated. In this particular embodiment, side portions 302 each have a length of 30 -35 cm, such that in use they extend over side faces 64 of mattress 60 and preferably slightly over onto the underside face of mattress 60, as shown in Figure 17.

Longitudinal bands 308 extend between the two side portions 302. In the embodiment shown in Figure 16 there are four longitudinal bands 308 including an uppermost longitudinal band 306, although there may be any suitable number of bands 308. In this embodiment, bands 308 are elasticated and have a length less than the width of mattress 60. In this manner, bands 308 may stretched to ensure a tight fit around mattresses with a width of up to 95 cm. When placed over a fitted or loose sheet on mattress 60, apparatus 300 can also assist in keeping the sheet in place on the mattress.

The use of side panels 302 rather than connecting the bands 308 directly to cover 312 ensures that the bands are not exposed on side or upper faces of mattress 60, which could 30 present a strangulation hazard.

Linking bands 304 extend between an upper longitudinal end of cover 312 and uppermost longitudinal band 306. Linking bands 304 are looped around uppermost longitudinal band 306 and the loop is stitched. The loop of linking band 304 can therefore slide along the uppermost band 306 to be positioned optimally for different width mattresses. Linking bands 304 are elasticated and when in use extend over upper end 62 of mattress 60. The length of linking bands 304 is such that when the elastic is fully extended, linking bands 304 can accommodate a mattress 60 up to 31 cm deep. In the embodiment shown in Figures 16 and 17, four linking bands 304 arranged in pairs are shown, however there may be any suitable number of linking bands 304 arranged in any suitable configuration.

To install apparatus 300 on a mattress 60 or similar support structure such as a padded and upholstered chair, elasticated bands 308 arc extended and a lower longitudinal end of apparatus 300 is slid over upper end 62 and down over mattress 60 until linking bands 304 contact or are adjacent upper surface 62. Elasticated bands 308 are then released, allowing the elastic to contract to give a secure fit. This procedure is reversed to remove apparatus 300 from the support structure.

Claims

Claims 1. Apparatus for securing at least one pillow or cushion to a support structure, comprising: a cover for the support structure having a first surface to be external facing away from the support structure and a second surface to be internal facing for positioning against or towards the support structure; at least one flap disposed on the first surface and having an underside face positioned opposed to the first surface; at least one retaining element to releasably retain the cover on the support structure; and a first half of a fixing attached to the underside face and releasably engageable with a second half of the fixing provided at or about the pillow or cushion to releasably secure the pillow or cushion to the support structure.
2. The apparatus of claim I, wherein the least one flap is secured to the cover along at least one side, wherein the at least one side comprises a side extending along a length of the flap.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least one side further comprises two end sides extending along a width of the flap.
4. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the first half of the fixing comprises a plurality of first portions of snap fasteners arranged in a row on the underside 25 face.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 comprising a plurality of flaps, each flap having a plurality of first portions of snap fasteners arranged in a respective row on the respective underside face, wherein adjacent first portions within each row are separated by a first 30 distance and adjacent rows are separated by a second distance.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the plurality of flaps comprises less than 10 flaps; 2 to 6 flaps; 3 to 4 flaps; or 4 flaps.
7. The apparatus of claim 5 or 6, wherein the plurality of first portions in each row 5 comprises less than 10 first portions; 2 to 6 first portions; 3 to 5 first portions; or 4 portions.
8. The apparatus of any one of claims 5-7, wherein the first and second distances are substantially equal and the first portions in each row arc aligned so as to define a grid of 10 first portions of snap fasteners.
9. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the cover further comprises padding material disposed between the first surface and the second surface.
10. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising: a sleeve having an internal cavity and an external surface, wherein the internal cavity is suitable for receiving a cushion or a pillow; and the second half of the fixing provided on the external surface, wherein the second half is releasably attachable to the first half of the fixing.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the second half of the fixing comprises a plurality of second portions of snap fasteners arranged in at least one row.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the plurality of second portions are arranged 25 in a plurality of rows and are aligned so as to define a grid of second portions of snap fasteners.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein each row comprises less than 10; 2 to 6; 3 to 5; or 4 second portions.
14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the plurality of rows comprises less than 6 rows; 1 to 4 rows; or 2 rows.
15. The apparatus of any one of claims 10-14, further comprising at least one flap disposed on the external surface having an underside face positioned opposed to the external surface, wherein the second half of the fixing is attached to the underside face and the at least one flap is secured to the cover along at least one side, wherein the at least one side comprises a side extending along a length of the flap.
16. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the retaining element comprises: side portions extending from opposite transverse ends of the cover configured for 10 positioning adjacent side faces of the support structure; a back which connects the side portions configured for positioning adjacent a rear face of the support structure; at least one link extending between an upper longitudinal end of the cover and the back adapted to be positioned adjacent an upper end face of the support structure; a securing flap having front and rear portions, wherein the front portion extends from a lower longitudinal end of the cover to a fold, and the rear portion extends from the fold and is releasably securable to the front portion and the back.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the side portions are elasticated. 20
18. The apparatus of claim 16 or 17, wherein the at least one link is elasticated.
19. The apparatus of any one of claims 16-18, wherein the rear portion is releasably securable to the front portion and the back by hook and loop fasteners. 25
20. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the retaining element comprises: a rear sheet attached to a first longitudinal end of the cover and a portion of each transverse end of the cover and positioned opposed the second surface, wherein the cover and the rear sheet define a pocket suitable for receiving a portion of the support structure; a sheet flap extending from a lower edge of the rear sheet, wherein the sheet flap is releasably attachable to a lower portion of the cover.
21. The apparatus of claim 20, further comprising a fold in the lower end of the cover, wherein the sheet flap is releasably attachable to the fold.
22. The apparatus of claim 20 or 21, wherein the sheet flap is releasably attachable by 5 hook and loop fasteners.
23. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the retaining element comprises: an elasticated rear sheet extending between two widthwise sides of the cover wherein the elasticated rear sheet is capable of positioning adjacent side and rear faces of 10 the support structure; at least one linking band extending between an upper longitudinal end of the cover and an upper longitudinal end of the elasticated rear sheet wherein the at least one linking band is configured for positioning adjacent an upper end face of the support structure.
24. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the retaining element comprises: side portions extending from opposite transverse ends of the cover configured for positioning adjacent side faces of the support structure; at least one longitudinal band extending between the side portions configured for 20 positioning adjacent a rear face of the support structure; at least one linking band extending between an upper longitudinal end of the cover and an uppermost longitudinal band wherein the at least one linking band is capable of being positioned adjacent an upper end face of the support structure.
25. A cover for a cushion or pillow suitable for use with the apparatus of any one of claims 1-9 or any one of claims 16-24, comprising: a sleeve having an internal cavity and an external surface, wherein the internal cavity is suitable for receiving a cushion or a pillow; and the second half of the fixing provided on the external surface, wherein the second 30 half is releasably attachable to the first half of the fixing.