Bumper Apparatus with Position-Retaining Features

Abstract

A bumper apparatus including a bumper and a bumper retaining element connected proximate to a lower edge of the bumper along a majority of a length of the bumper and configured to extend laterally outward from the bumper. The bumper retaining element may be configured to be positioned between a mattress and an occupant laying on the mattress such that a clamping force is exerted on the bumper retaining element, thereby inhibiting movement between the bumper apparatus and at least one of the mattress or the occupant.

That which is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A bumper apparatus comprising:
 a bumper; and   a bumper retaining element connected proximate to a lower edge of the bumper along a majority of a length of the bumper and configured to extend laterally outward from the bumper;   wherein the bumper retaining element is configured to be positioned between a mattress and an occupant laying on the mattress such that a clamping force is exerted on the bumper retaining element, thereby inhibiting movement between the bumper apparatus and at least one of the mattress or the occupant.   
     
     
         2 . The bumper apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the bumper retaining element is integrally formed with the bumper. 
     
     
         3 . The bumper apparatus of  claim 1  wherein:
 the bumper comprises:
 a bolster; and 
 a cover surrounding the bolster; and 
 
 the bumper retaining element is connected to the cover. 
 
     
     
         4 . The bumper apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the cover and the bumper retaining element are integrally formed. 
     
     
         5 . The bumper apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the cover is sewn to the bumper retaining element. 
     
     
         6 . The bumper apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the bolster comprises at least one of a foam material, polyester filling, or an inflatable bladder. 
     
     
         7 . The bumper apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the bumper retaining element is configured to have a maximum outward extension distance from the bumper of at least 15 inches. 
     
     
         8 . The bumper apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the bumper retaining element consists of a single layer of material. 
     
     
         9 . The bumper apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the bumper retaining element comprises at least one of a synthetic polymer or a natural fiber. 
     
     
         10 . The bumper apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the bumper has a length within a range from 40 inches to 52 inches, a width within a range from 5 inches to 9 inches, and a height within a range from 3 inches to 6 inches. 
     
     
         11 . The bumper apparatus of  claim 1  wherein at least a portion of the bumper retaining element is arcuate. 
     
     
         12 . A bumper apparatus comprising:
 a bumper comprising:
 a bolster; and 
 a cover surrounding the bolster; and 
   a bumper retaining element connected proximate to a lower edge of the cover along a majority of a length of the bumper and configured to extend laterally outward from the bumper, the bumper retaining element comprising at least one of a synthetic polymer or a natural fiber;   wherein the bumper retaining element is configured to be positioned between a mattress and an occupant laying on the mattress such that a clamping force is exerted on the bumper retaining element, thereby inhibiting movement between the bumper apparatus and at least one of the mattress or the occupant.   
     
     
         13 . The bumper apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the bumper retaining element is integrally formed with the cover. 
     
     
         14 . The bumper apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the cover is sewn to the bumper retaining element. 
     
     
         15 . The bumper apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the bolster comprises at least one of a foam material or an inflatable bladder. 
     
     
         16 . The bumper apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the bumper retaining element is configured to have a maximum outward extension distance from the bumper of at least 15 inches. 
     
     
         17 . The bumper apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the bumper retaining element consists of a single layer of material. 
     
     
         18 . The bumper apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the bumper has a length within a range from 40 inches to 52 inches, a width within a range from 5 inches to nine inches, and a height within a range from 3 inches to 6 inches. 
     
     
         19 . The bumper apparatus of  claim 12  wherein at least a portion of the bumper retaining element is arcuate. 
     
     
         20 . A bumper apparatus comprising:
 a bumper comprising:
 a bolster comprising an inflatable bladder; and 
 a cover surrounding the bolster; and 
   an arcuate bumper retaining element sewn proximate to a lower edge of the cover along a majority of a length of the bumper and configured to extend laterally outward from the bumper, the bumper retaining element consisting of a single layer of material comprising at least one of a synthetic polymer or a natural fiber;   wherein the bumper retaining element is configured to be positioned between a mattress and an occupant laying on the mattress such that a clamping force is exerted on the bumper retaining element, thereby inhibiting movement between the bumper apparatus and at least one of the mattress or the occupant.