Cushion

Abstract

 A cushion (10) for a chair, comprising a cushion cover (12) having a seat region (14), a back support region (16), a leg support region (18), and first and second arm support regions (20, 22), a plurality of independently removable inserts (34) adapted to fit within the cushion cover (12) and fastening means (24) for fastening one or more of the insert (34) to the cushion cover (12) in one or more respective desired positions within the cushion cover (12).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a cushion and particularly but not exclusively to a cushion for a chair, for example, a wheelchair or a day chair.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] There are a variety of cushions currently on the market for improving the comfort of a user with mobility difficulties. A prior art arrangement is shown in EP 2227989 A2, in which a support cushion takes a cruciform shape. The filling is provided in a cruciform shape and can be removed from the cover and completely changed, or can be changed in part. The parts of the filling are attached to one another to form a unitary filling, before insertion in the cover.

[0003] The cruciform shape provides a headrest, a backrest, a seat, a leg rest and a pair of armrests. However, in use, the headrest is prone to fall to one side or the other, so that it does not provide a symmetrical upright support.

[0004] A general problem with existing chair cushion design is that the cushions do not provide sufficient support for users with mobility difficulties. Carers are known to arrange multiple cushions within a chair to try to provide for additional support for patients, but this has limited long term effect, especially given that cushions will become dislodged as the user moves around.

[0005] It is an object of the invention to provide a cushion, for example, for a chair, which substantially mitigates or reduces these problems.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

[0006] According to the present invention there is provided a cushion for a chair comprising a cushion cover having a seat region, a back support region, a leg support region and first and second arm support regions, and a plurality of independently removable inserts adapted to fit within the cushion cover, characterised by fastening means for fastening one or more of the inserts to the cushion cover in one or more respective desired positions within the cushion cover.

[0007] The ability to fasten the inserts to the cushion cover maintains the integrity of the cushion and enhances the support provided by the cushion.

[0008] Preferably, at least one support spine releasably attachable to the back support region of the cushion cover for providing additional support to the back support. The additional support helps to maintain the back support region in an upright position on a chair.

[0009] A pair of support spines may be releasably attachable to the back support region, the support spines being angled towards one another as they extend upwardly towards the top of the back support region.

[0010] At least one elongate pocket may be provided in the back support region of the cushion cover, the or each elongate pocket having a longitudinal extent substantially matching a longitudinal extent of the support spine or spines, and being adapted to receive the spine or spines. The elongate pocket therefore provides the attachment means of the support spine or spines to the back support region of the cushion.

[0011] Alternative or additional attachment means, for example clips or loops, may be provided for removeably attaching the support spine or spines to the back support region of the cushion cover.

[0012] The removable inserts may be of variable densities or may have different properties, for example, for providing different support effects when under compression.

[0013] The cushion is advantageous because it provides an all-in-one body support system for a user with mobility difficulties when sitting in a chair and can be assembled conveniently by a carer. The cushion is cost effective as inserts can be replaced individually, for example, as and when they become worn, without the need of replacing the whole cushion. The cushion is also easy to clean and maintain as inserts can be removed from the cushion and be cleaned individually. The variable densities of the inserts, for example, from foam and other materials, provide varying amounts of support to suit the user's requirement. Furthermore, each removable insert can be adjusted within the cushion cover to a position most comfortable for a user. The cushion is therefore highly adaptable to suit the user's need.

[0014] The support spines provide that the back support region of the cushion cover is held substantially upright by the support spine or spines. The back support region of the cushion will therefore remain in position and will not fall to one side or the other. When not required, the support spines may be removed.

[0015] The fastening means ensures that, when in use, the position of each insert is fixed relative to the cushion cover, making sure that the user's preferred seating arrangement is maintained. If desired, a user can even remove one or more of the inserts and replace it with a third party insert which he or she is accustomed to. The user will still be able to enjoy the advantages of the system as an all-in-one cushion. The cushion is therefore highly versatile and can be used on different chairs.

[0016] Advantageously, a back support insert may be adapted to fit within the back support region of the cushion cover, the insert having a back support area and a pair of side support members, each side support member extending outwardly from the sides of the back support insert, for supporting the sides of the torso of a user.

[0017] The side support members define the area in which the cushion retains and supports the back of the user. This is particularly beneficial for users who have impaired or lost muscle function to the torso area, or those who are unable to adjust their sitting position themselves. By providing symmetrical support to the sides of the torso of the user, the side support members help to maintain the user's posture upright and prevent the user from sliding down the chair or slouching to one side. Furthermore, by maintaining the correct posture, the side support members keep the spine straight and therefore prevent the development of pressure ulcers and long term spinal deformity.

[0018] The back support area of the back support insert may be laminated from foam and fabric and may be substantially concave. The fabric material in the back support insert helps to maintain the concave shape of the back support area.

[0019] A layer of spacer fabric may also be provided. The spacer fabric is resiliently compressible which helps to mould the back support insert to the user's back. Furthermore, the spacer fabric allows air to circulate through the back support insert which helps to prevent perspiration and water vapour from building up on the support insert after a period of use. The concave shape complements the contour of and provides maximum contact area to the back region of the user, thus spreading pressure over the whole of the back of the cushion.

[0020] A curved wing region for supporting the shoulders of the user may form part of the back support region of the cushion cover, the curved wing region extending substantially laterally from either side of the back support region.

[0021] Respective arm support inserts may be adapted to fit within the first and second arm support regions of the cushion cover, each arm support insert being laminated from foam and fabric. Each arm support insert may include a spacer fabric, a plurality of fabric strips to one side of the spacer fabric, and a plurality of foam strips provided on the other side of the fabric covering, the foam strips being spaced apart and substantially parallel to one another.

[0022] The spacing between foam strips allows the foam strips to be moved closer together or further apart, allowing the width of the first and/or second arm support regions to be adjusted. Furthermore, the spaces between the foam strips allow each arm support insert to conform to the contour of the arm region of the chair. This allows the cushion to be customised to fit the chair it is placed on. The spacing between the foam strips and hence the width of the arm support region or regions may be adjusted at any time, as desired.

[0023] A seat insert may be adapted to fit within the seat region of the cushion cover, the seat insert having a raised edge provided on at least part of the periphery of the seat insert for supporting the outer thigh regions of a user. Furthermore, a raised area may be provided on the seat insert, at a front edge of the seat insert substantially at its mid-point for supporting the inner thigh regions of the user. Together, the raised edge and raised area of the seat insert define the area for accommodating the thighs of the user and again help the user to maintain a sitting position that is comfortable for long periods of time. They also provide a greater area of contact with the thigh regions of the user to spread the contact pressure out.

[0024] An area of depression may be provided proximate a back lateral edge of the seat insert for locating the rear region of the user. This helps to relieve discomfort which is very often associated with that area of the body during long periods of being in the seated position by providing a greater area of contact and evening out contact pressure.

[0025] The seat insert may be laminated from foam and fabric. The fabric may be a fabric covering and/or spacer fabric.

[0026] A leg support insert may be adapted to fit within the leg support region of the cushion cover. It may also be substantially rectangular and laminated from foam and fabric. This provides further support to the body of the user. The fabric may be a fabric covering and/or spacer fabric.

[0027] A lumbar support insert may be releasably attachable to the back support region of the cushion cover, and it may be substantially elongate and substantially convex. The lumbar support insert may be attached to and detached from the cushion cover at any time to provide further customisation of the cushion to suit the user's need.

[0028] The fastening means may be hook and eye fastenings, such as Velcro (RTM). They are easy to use and durable, allowing repeated attachment, detachment and adjustment foam inserts to be easily carried out.

[0029] Further fastening means may be provided for positioning and retaining the cushion to the chair. This advantageously prevents the cushion from sliding off the chair when in use, which can cause injury to the user. The further fastening means may include a plurality of straps with resilient clip fasteners.

[0030] Releasable fastening means may be provided on the cushion cover for closing the various regions of the cover around the foam inserts. This allows the regions of the cover to be closed to keep the foam inserts clean, and opened to allow the inserts to be removed, replaced, inserted or adjusted. The releasable fastening means may be zips, buttons or studs.

[0031] A removable cover may be provided for each insert. Such covers provide another layer of protection for the inserts, helping to keep them clean and prolonging the life of the inserts.

[0032] Indication means may be provided on the inside of the cushion cover and/or on each removable cover of the inserts for facilitating correct positioning of the inserts within the cushion cover.

[0033] The cushion may be foldable for transportation or for storage.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a cushion;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the cushion of Figure 1 on a chair;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a seat insert, first and second arm support insert, and leg support insert inside their respective removable insert covers of the cushion of Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a schematic perspective view of a back support insert;

Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view of the first or second arm support insert of Figure 3;

Figure 6 shows a perspective view inside a cushion cover with a lumbar support insert and the back support insert of Figure 4 inside their respective removable covers;

Figure 7 shows a cross sectional view through the seat insert of Figure 3;

Figure 8 shows a front view of the seat insert inside its removable insert cover of

Figure 3;

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a back of the cushion cover of Figure 6;

Figure 10 shows a perspective view of part of a support spine on the back of the cushion cover of Figure 9;

Figure 11 shows a perspective view of an indication means on one of the foam inserts of Figures 3 or 6 and the cushion cover of Figure 6; and

Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the back support insert of Figure 4 inside its removable insert cover of the cushion of Figure 1.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

[0035] Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2, a cushion is indicated generally at 10. The cushion 10 is substantially in the shape of a cruciform and includes a cushion cover 12 having a seat region 14, a back support region 16, a leg support region 18, and first and second arm support regions 20, 22. A plurality of removable foam inserts of variable densities are adapted to fit within the cushion cover 12. A removable cover is provided for each foam insert. Each cover has a zip chain and zip slider so that the foam insert can be removed from the cover when desired, but other fastening means, such as hook and eye fastening, buttons or studs may be utilised.

[0036] A plurality of internal fastening means 24, shown by way of example in Figure 6, are provided on the inner surface of the cushion cover 12 for engaging with corresponding fastening means 24 on the outer surface of each removable cover on each foam insert, for securely retaining each foam insert in a desired region of the cushion cover 12. Further fastening means 26 are attached to and extend from either side of the cushion cover 12 for positioning and retaining the cushion 10 in a chair 27, in a position as shown in Figure 2.

[0037] As shown in Figure 1, the further fastening means 26 includes three sets of straps, buckles and clips. A first strap is attached to and extends from a position part way along one edge of the back region 16. A second strap is attached to and extends from a position on the back region 16, adjacent the first arm region 20. A third strap is attached to and extends from the leg support region 18. Each set of fastening means has at least one strap that is adjustable in length for allowing the cushion 10 to be secured to different chairs. It will be appreciated that other systems of fastening means may be used if desired, such as hook and eye fastening, and more or less sets of fastenings may be provided, as desired.

[0038] As shown in Figure 6, the fastening means 24 for retaining each insert in the cushion is a series of spaced strips of hook and eye fastenings. However other suitable fastening means may be used, such as a series of straps, studs or buttons.

[0039] The cushion cover 12 includes a front 28 and a back 30 and can be made from any suitable durable fabric material that can be washed and can maintain its shape. Releasable fastening means 32, in the form of zip chains and zip sliders, are provided along the edge of the cushion cover 12. When in use, the releasable fastening means 32 are zipped up to enclose the foam inserts within the cushion cover 12. When access to the foam inserts is required, the cushion cover 12 is unzipped and the sides moved apart. The embodiment has two individual zip chains, one along the edge of the back region 16, best shown in Figure 12, and one along the edge of the seat 14, first and second arm support 20, 22, and leg support regions 18, best shown in Figure 3. Each chain has two zip sliders to allow for flexibility when opening and closing the cushion cover 12. It will be appreciated that a greater or lesser number of zip chain and zip sliders may be provided to suit. Alternative fastening means 32 may be used, such as hook and eye fastenings, studs or buttons.

[0040] A back support insert 34 will now be described with reference to Figure 4. The back support insert 34 is adapted to fit within the back support region 16 of the cushion cover 12. A base layer of spacer fabric 36, for example a polyvent pad, and a top layer of foam 38 are provided on the back support insert 34 and are glued together with a layer of calico fabric in between. The spacer fabric comprises two layers of durable fabric material, such as polyester. These two layers are spaced apart but are connected by together with filaments. It will be appreciated that attachment means other than glue may be used to attach layers together. The contour of the back support insert 34 is substantially concave, with the layer of fabric helping to hold its shape. The flexibility and the variable density of the back support insert 34 provide support to the user's back. It will be appreciated that the exact material and number of layers of spacer fabric and/or foam may be altered to achieve a particular support effect.

[0041] The back support insert 34 has an upper region 40 and a lower region 42. A curved wing 44 extends substantially laterally from and is integral with either side of the upper region 40 of the back support insert 34. Each curved wing 44 is substantially convex, but it will be appreciated that they may be manufactured to other suitable shapes.

[0042] A side support member 46 extends from each side of the lower region 42 of the back support insert 34, perpendicular to the planar face of the back support region. The inward facing surface of each side support member 46 first extends perpendicularly from the outer surface of the foam 38 and then slopes away outwardly from the foam 38. The two side support members 46 define an area for locating and retaining the back region of a user. The top ends of the side support members 46 are curved outwardly away from one another, providing a smooth curved area for the sides of user's torso, for example, under the arms, to rest against. The sloping front edges of the support members 46 provide a comfortable lead-in to the back support region.

[0043] A back support insert cover 48, best shown in Figures 6 and 12, accommodates the back support insert 34. Strips of fastening means 24 are attached to the rear of the back support insert cover 48 and correspond to the fastening means 24 attached to the rear inner surface of the cushion cover 12. The fastening means 24 is provided along the length of the back support region 16 and the back support insert cover 48 in a T-shape and an additional strip is provided on either side of the T-shape. It will be appreciated that the fastening means 24 may be arranged in other ways as long as it enables flexible and correct positioning of the back support insert 34 to the cushion cover 12.

[0044] Arm support inserts 50, 52 will now be described with reference to Figure 5. First and second arm support inserts 50, 52 are adapted to fit within the first and second arm support regions 20, 22 of the cushion cover 12. Each arm support insert 50, 52 has a rectangular shaped base layer of spacer fabric 54, for example a polyvent pad. Strips of foam 56 are glued onto the surface of the base layer of spacer fabric 54 with strips of fabric between the base layer of spacer fabric 54 and the strips of foam 56. The strips of foam 56 are identical in dimensions and have the same length as the base layer of spacer fabric 54. The foam strips 56 are spaced apart and are parallel to one another, exposing strips of fabric covering the surface of the base layer of spacer fabric 54.

[0045] The gaps disposed between the strips of foam 56 allow the foam strips 56 to be moved closer together or further apart to reduce or increase the width of each arm support insert 50, 52 if desired. Furthermore, the spacer fabric 54 and the spaces between the strips of foam 56 allow each arm support insert 50, 52 to conform to the contour of the arm region of the chair 27. Because the edges of the foam 56 are not necessarily compressed as each insert 50, 52 is curved around a chair arm, it tends to hold its position. The width of the first and second arm support inserts 50, 52 can therefore be adjusted at any time. The embodiment has five strips of foam 56 but more or less may be provided, if desired. It will be appreciated that additional layers of pad and/or foam may be utilised. Similar to the back support insert 34 and as seen in Figure 3, a removable cover 58, 60 is provided to accommodate each first and second arm support insert 50, 52. Fastening means 24 is provided on the back of each cover 58, 60 of the first and second arm support inserts 50, 52 for engaging with fastening means 24 on the inner surface of the back 30 of the cushion cover 12.

[0046] A seat insert 62 will now be described with reference to Figure 7. The seat insert 62 is adapted to fit within the seat region 14 of the cushion cover 12. The seat insert 62 is substantially square in shape but other suitable shapes, such as a rectangle, may be provided. Similar to the back support insert 34 and the first and second arm support inserts 50, 52, multiple layers of foam are provided on the seat insert 62 together with one or more layers of spacer fabric. The layers are glued together with a layer of calico fabric between adjacent foam layers. A sloped raised edge 64 is provided along each side adjacent the first and second arm support inserts 50, 52. Another sloped raised area 66 is provided at mid-point proximate a front edge of the seat insert 62. An area of depression 67, best seen in Figure 8, is provided proximate a back lateral edge of the seat insert 62. Similar to the inserts mentioned above, a removable seat support insert cover 68 is provided to accommodate the seat support insert 62. It will be appreciated that the exact shape and location of the raised edges 64, sloped raised area 66, and the area of depression 67 on the seat insert 62 may be altered, if desired. Furthermore, one or more of these features may be omitted.

[0047] A square shaped leg support insert 70 is adapted to fit within the leg support region 18 of the cushion cover 12, as shown in Figure 3. Other suitable shape leg support inserts 70, such as rectangular inserts, may be provided. Similar to the above mentioned inserts, multiple layers of foam are provided on the seat insert 62 together with one or more layers of spacer fabric and are glued together with a layer of fabric between adjacent foam layers. Furthermore, a removable leg support insert cover 72 is provided to accommodate the leg support insert 70.

[0048] Referring to Figure 6, a lumbar support insert 74 is provided to fit within the back support region 16 of the cushion cover 12 and is accommodated into a removable lumbar support insert cover 76 that has similar construction to the above mentioned insert covers. One or more layers of foam are provided on the lumbar support insert 74. One or more layers of spacer fabric may also be provided, if desired. The lumbar support insert 74 is part cylindrical with fastening means 24 attached to the convex part of the lumbar support insert cover 76. The fastening means 24 enable the lumbar support insert 74 to be attached to the corresponding fastenings means 24 on the back support insert cover 48. It will be appreciated that the fastening means 24 may be provided on the other side of the convex part of the lumber support insert cover 76 to correspond to the fastening means 24 on the inner surface of the back 30 of the cushion cover 12, if desired.

[0049] The width of the lumbar support insert 74 is designed to be less than the width of the lower region 42 of the back support insert 34, in order to provide support to the lumbar region of the user. However, it will be appreciated that the width of the lumbar support insert 74 may be altered. The lumber support insert 74 may be attached anywhere along the lower region 42 of back support insert 34 and may even be attached on the upper region 40 of the back support insert 34, for example, to act as a neck support.

[0050] Best seen in Figures 9 and 10, two elongate support spines or inserts 78 are releasably attachable adjacent the upper region 40 of back support insert 34. Two elongate pockets 80 are provided on the cushion cover 12 and are sized to accommodate the support spines 78. Each pocket 80 extends upwardly and inwardly from a lower area of the back support region 16 of the cushion cover 12 that accommodates each wing 44 of the back support insert 34 towards an upper edge region of the cushion cover 12. The support spines 78 are substantially rectangular and are made of plastics, but it will be appreciated that other suitable shapes and materials, such as stainless steel, may be provided or used. The spines are intended to add stiffness to the back support and are semi-rigid, allowing flexibility to a limited extent. Furthermore, the positioning of the support spines 78 and pockets 80 on the cushion cover 12 may be altered to suit the user's need. If desired, the pockets 80 may be provided on the back support insert cover 48, although positioning them on the cushion cover 12 provides the advantage of easy access.

[0051] A series of indication means 82, best seen in Figures 8 and 11, are provided on each region 14-22 of the cushion cover 12 and on each removable insert cover 48, 58, 60, 68, 72, 76 to facilitate correct positioning of each insert 34, 50, 52, 62, 70, 74 within the cushion cover 12. The indication means 82 are lines of stitching but other marking means, such as labels to be sewn on, may be used if desired. Furthermore, labelling means 84, such as that shown in Figure 8, are attached to each removable insert cover 48, 58, 60, 68, 72, 76 to indicate which region 14-22 of the cushion cover 12 each foam insert 34, 50, 52, 62, 70, 74 is for. Further labelling means may also be provided on the cushion cover 12 and on each removable insert cover 48, 58, 60, 68, 72, 76 to provide cushion care instructions.

[0052] When not in use, each region 14-22 of the cushion 10 may be folded one on top the other. A carrier bag may be used to accommodate the cushion 10, or alternatively strapping means may be provided to strap round the folded cushion 10 to allow it to be transported or stored conveniently. When the cushion 10 is required, it simply needs to be unfolded.

[0053] In use, a cushion 10 is positioned symmetrically in a chair 27 in an orientation as seen in Figure 2. Regions 14-22 of the cushion 10 fit into the corresponding regions on the chair 27. Each foam insert 34, 50, 52, 62, 70, 74 is enclosed inside the cushion cover 12 and the back 30 of the cushion cover 12 abuts the surface of the chair 27. Effort is made to ensure that the seat region 14 of the cushion 10 is positioned as far back in the chair 27 as possible so that the back support region 16 sits on top of the seat region 14. Any excess fabric of the cushion cover 12 is tucked, either behind the seat region 14 and/or between the seat region 14 and the first and second arm support regions 20, 22. The cushion 10 is attached in the chair securely by fastening and adjusting the three sets of fastening means 26 round the chair 27. To reduce the width of the first and second arm support regions 20, 22, a lower part of each support region 20,22 may be concertinaed and tucked away. A user is then able to sit on the chair 27, with the cushion 10 providing symmetrical posture control and support to the body of the user.

[0054] When access inside the cushion cover is required, for example, when adjustment of inserts needs to be made or when the lumbar support insert 74 needs to be removed, one or both fastening means 32 along the edge of the cushion cover 12 is unzipped, either partially or completely. To remove an insert 34, 50, 52, 62, 70, 74, a carer simply needs to detach the fastening means 24 on the removable insert cover 48, 58, 60, 68, 72, 76 from the fastening means 24 on the inner surface of the cushion cover 12. The support spines 78 may also be removed at any time by sliding them out of their respective pockets 80.

[0055] To remove the cushion 10 from the chair 27, the fastening means 26 simply need to be unfastened and the cushion 10 can be lifted away from the chair 27.

[0056] The cushion is beneficial because not only does it provide support to the body of the user, it provides symmetrical posture control. The inserts made with variable density foam give varying amounts of support to the user. The cushion is shaped, by the concave back support insert with side support members and the seat insert with various raised and depressed areas, to provide maximum contact area to the body of the user. This allows pressure to be spread out evenly and helps with the management of pressure ulcers. The spacer fabric on the inserts further helps to mould the inserts according to the user's body shape. The spacer fabric allows for air circulation through the inserts which further improves the durability and comfort of the cushion, especially if the cushion is used for prolonged periods of time. The plurality of fastening means on the cushion cover and each foam insert cover allows easy access and adjustment of each foam insert within the cushion cover. Furthermore, the adjustable first and second arm supports, removable support spines and lumbar support insert, and the ability to replace the provided foam inserts with third party inserts makes the cushion extremely flexible to suit the user's need. The cushion cover and removable insert covers can be removed to be washed and cleaned at any time, making the cushion easy to maintain.

Claims

1. A cushion (10) for a chair comprising a cushion cover (12) having a seat region (14), a back support region (16), a leg support region (18) and first and second arm support regions (20, 22), and a plurality of independently removable inserts (34) adapted to fit within the cushion cover (12), characterised by fastening means (24) for fastening one or more of the inserts (34) to the cushion cover (12) in one or more respective desired positions within the cushion cover (12).

2. A cushion (10) as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that at least one support spine (78) is releasably attachable to the back support region (16) of the cushion cover (12) for providing additional support to the back support region (16).

3. A cushion (10) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that at least two support spines (78) are releasably attachable to the back support region (16) of the cushion cover (12), the support spines (78) being angled towards each other as they extend upwardly towards the upper end of the back support region (16).

4. A cushion (10) as claimed in claim 2 or 3, characterised in that one or more elongate pockets (80) adapted to receive a support spine (78) are provided on the back support region (16) of the cushion cover (12).

5. A cushion (10) as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that a back support insert (34) is adapted to fit within the back support region (16) of the cushion cover (12), the insert (34) having a back support area and a pair of side support members (46), each side support member (46) extending outwardly from the back support insert (34) for supporting the sides of the torso of a user.

6. A cushion (10) as claimed in claim 5, characterised in that the back support area of the back support insert (34) is laminated from foam and fabric and is substantially concave.

7. A cushion (10) as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, characterised in that an upper region of the cushion cover (12) and the back support insert (34) are provided with a curved wing region extending substantially laterally from either side thereof for supporting the shoulders and/or the head of the user.

8. A cushion (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that respective arm support inserts (50, 52) are adapted to fit within the first and second arm support regions (20, 22) of the cushion cover (12), each arm support insert (50, 52) being laminated from foam and fabric.

9. A cushion (10) as claimed in claim 8, characterised in that each arm support insert (50, 52) includes a spacer fabric (54), a fabric covering to one side of the spacer fabric (54), and a plurality of foam strips (56) provided on the other side of the fabric covering, the foam strips (56) being spaced apart and substantially parallel to one another.

10. A cushion (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that a seat insert (62) is adapted to fit within the seat region (14) of the cushion cover (12), the seat insert (62) having a raised edge (64) provided on at least part of the periphery of the seat insert (62) for supporting the outer thigh regions of a user.

11. A cushion (10) as claimed in claim 10, characterised in that a raised area (66) is provided on the seat insert (62), at a front edge of the seat insert (62) substantially at its mid-point for supporting the inner thigh regions of the user.

12. A cushion (10) as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11, characterised in that an area of depression (67) is provided proximate a back lateral edge of the seat insert (62).

13. A cushion (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that a lumbar support insert (74) is releasably attachable to the back support region (16) of the cushion cover (12).

14. A cushion (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that a removable cover (48, 58, 60, 68, 72, 76) is provided for each insert (34, 50, 52, 62, 70, 74).

15. A cushion (10) as claimed in claim 14, characterised in that indication means (82) are provided on the inside of the cushion cover (12) and/or on each removable cover (48, 58, 60, 68, 72, 76) of the inserts (34, 50, 52, 62, 70, 74) for facilitating correct positioning of the inserts (34, 50, 52, 62, 70, 74) within the cushion cover (12).

Drawing