Abstract:
An arm support device having a holding member, receives and encloses both arms of an individual, wherein the holding member supports the arms simultaneously in front of the individual in a relaxed and comfortable position, thereby relieving the neck and shoulder muscles from the responsibility of maintaining the arms in a particular position for an extended period of time, which otherwise would cause irritating muscle aches and pains.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION  
         [0001]    This invention relates to an arm support device for supporting the arms and more particularly to an arm support device comprising a holding member which supports the arms in front of an individual so as to achieve and maintain both arms in a relaxed position, thereby relieving muscle aches.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Many people traveling long distances, typically experience discomforting seating conditions, which are insufficient to sustain a comfortable position for the duration of an entire trip due to the limited space and crowded conditions. Due to such uncomfortable seating arrangements, many travelers experience neck and shoulder pains caused by trying to maintain his/her arms in a particular position for long periods of time. Although arm rests are well known and have been known to be incorporated into seats, such arm rests fail to provide an adequate remedy to the neck and shoulder pains experienced from being subjected to confined seating conditions and also may cause additional muscle aches and pains due to the constant struggle to maintain the arms on the arm rests. Conventional arm supports have been used in various medical applications for supporting an arm to aid in the recovery of a recent injury or surgical procedure, but such conventional arm supports fail to provide simultaneous support for both arms.  
           [0003]    There is, thus, a need to provide a cost efficient and practical way to reduce neck and shoulder pains for travelers enduring long periods of travel time in confined spaces.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0004]    The present invention is directed towards an arm support device which provides relief from neck and shoulder pains for persons subjected to confined spaces for extended periods of time, wherein the arm support device simultaneously supports both arms of an individual, thereby relieving the neck and shoulder muscles from the responsibility of supporting and maintaining the arms in a particular position for an extended period of time. The arm support device of the present invention has a holding member for receiving and simultaneously supporting both arms of the user. The holding member can be an elongated unitary member, or can be plural members removably attachable to one another by removably attachable members, thereby being adjustable in size. The holding member can include one or more arm receptacles or an attachment member for supporting both arms of the individual. Alternatively, the holding member can take the form of two triangular shaped sections having a vacancy or open section disposed therebetween.  
           [0005]    The holding member is preferably made of an elastic material, but can also take the form of non-elastic materials. In the case where the holding member is made of an elastic material, the elasticity of the material can encompass a large range of elastic coefficients provided the material stretches under normal user conditions and exerts a biasing force to the arms sufficient in strength to support both arms. When the holding member is made from non-elastic materials, the holding member can include a vest having arm receptacles thereon or can be a pair of transverse straps having wrist members removably attachable thereto.  
           [0006]    In the case where the holding member includes a vest, the arm support device comprises a vest having affixing members disposed on first and second ends thereof to secure the vest to the individual. First and second arm receptacles are disposed on the first and second ends of the vest, which respectively receive and support the first and second arms of the individual in front of the individual&#39;s chest. Alternatively, in the case of the holding member including a pair of transverse straps having wrist members removably attachable thereto, the holding member is attached to the chest of the individual and wrist members are attached to the wrists of the individual, wherein the wrist members and holding member have members disposed thereon to enable attachment to one another.  
           [0007]    The present invention is also directed to a method of using an arm support device, wherein the method comprises the steps of initially inserting a first arm of the user into a holding member, then inserting the second arm of the user into the holding member to simultaneously support the first and second arms. The holding member can have one or two receptacles for receiving and supporting both arms of the user. In the embodiment where the holding member has one arm receptacle, the method of supporting both arms of a user comprises the steps of initially inserting a first arm of the user into the receptacle, followed by the step of inserting the second arm of the user into the receptacle, thereby simultaneously enclosing and supporting the first and second arms. Alternatively, in the case where the holding member includes two receptacles, the method of supporting both arms of a user comprises the steps of initially inserting a first arm of the user into one of the two receptacles, followed by the step of inserting the second arm of the user into the other receptacle, thereby the holding member simultaneously supports the first and second arms through the receptacles attached thereto.  
           [0008]    An additional method of supporting the arms according to one of the preferred embodiments of the invention comprises an arm support device having a holding member attached to the chest of the individual and wrist members attached to the wrists of the individual wherein the wrist members and holding member have removably attachable affixing members and an affixing strapping respectively disposed thereon, wherein the method of supporting both arms comprises the steps of placing the holding member around the chest of the user, placing the wrist members on the wrists of the user, placing the affixing member of one of the wrist members in contact with the affixing strapping of the holding member; and placing the affixing member of the other wrist member in contact with the affixing strapping of the holding member to provide arm support for both arms. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]    For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings forms which are presently preferred; it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention shown in position on a human user.  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the first embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the first embodiment of the present invention showing a modification permitting adjustment of one (1) portion of the invention to the other.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 4 is a rear plan view of the first embodiment of the present invention showing a modification permitting adjustment of one (1) portion of the invention to the other.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention shown in position on a human user.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 6 is a front plan view of the second embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the second embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention shown in position on a human user.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 9 is a front plan view of the third embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the third embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention shown in position on a human user.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention showing the affixing members of the wrist members and the arm affixing strapping.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the fifth embodiment of the present invention shown from the rear in an open position.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the fifth embodiment of the present invention shown in position on a human user. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0024]    The following detailed description is of the best presently contemplated mode of carrying out the invention. The description is not intended in a limiting sense, and is made solely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention. The various features and advantages of the present invention may be more readily understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.  
         [0025]    Referring now to the drawings in detail, where like numerals refer to like parts or elements, there is shown in FIGS.  1 - 4 , in the first preferred embodiment of the invention, an arm support device  10  which, receives the arms  12  of a user seated in a conventional seat (not labeled) so as to provide support for both arms.  
         [0026]    Referring now more particularly to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1, the arm support device  10  of the present invention includes a holding member  11  having opposing ends  15 , wherein the holding member takes the form of an elongated pouch or pocket and is not limited to any one specific material, but any suitable material which provides sufficient elasticity, strength and surface texture to provide adequate force and strength to support the arms as well as acceptable comfort when in contact with the individual or user&#39;s arms. The holding member has an arm receptacle  18  disposed at a top portion thereof and extends from one of the opposing ends to the other opposing end, for receiving both arms  12  of the user. After insertion into the arm receptacle  18 , the holding member encloses the wrists, forearms and elbows of the individual, sufficiently supporting the user&#39;s arms due to the elasticity of the material providing an inward force. The opposing ends  15  of the holding member abut against the elbows of the user to bias the arms towards each other as shown in FIG. 1, thereby relieving the shoulder and neck muscles from the responsibility of supporting and maintaining the arms in a particular position. In order to completely produce a useable holding member, the materials can be attached to form the holding member various means, such as, but not limited to, sewing the materials together with common thread or using an adhesive to adhere the materials to one another.  
         [0027]    FIGS.  2 - 4  illustrate two different modifications of the holding member  11 . As depicted in FIG. 2, the holding member can be formed as a unitary body or alternatively as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, can formed as first and second members  11   a  and  11   b , respectively. First and second members, when attached to each other, form the holding member  11 , wherein removably attachable affixing members  17  are disposed on ends  16  of the first and second members, thereby enabling the ends of the first member  11  a to be attached and detached to the ends of the second member  11   b , thereby providing a secure attachment, sufficient in strength to withstand any contemplated forces which may be applied to the holding member under common user conditions. Due to the ease and convenience of the affixing members being removably attachable to one another, the length of the arm pouch can be adjusted, thereby providing a user the ability to determine the optimal length and support needed to comfortably support the arms. Although, hook and loop fasteners are preferred as affixing members, various other types of affixing members can be used in the present invention, but are not limited to, reusable tape, resilient clips, snap fasteners, belts or straps.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 1 is illustrative on how the arm support device  10  of the present invention is to be used, whereupon being seated, a user rests the arm support device upon his/her lap and then inserts his/her arms into the arm receptacle  18 . After insertion of the arms into the arm receptacle, opposing ends of the holding member will produce an inward biasing force on the elbows of the user due to the elastic material of the holding member. As such, the biasing force contracts the user&#39;s elbows towards one another, thereby providing sufficient support to the arms within limited seating space, while in turn reducing muscle aches in the traveler&#39;s neck and shoulders. When the above described adjustable holding member, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, is used, a user first determines the proper size of the holding member by adjusting the length thereof through the affixing members  17 . Upon achieving the desired body member size, the user inserts his/her arms into the arm receptacle  18  wherein the holding member provides the biasing force on the user&#39;s elbows, thereby providing sufficient support to the arms. After the arms of the user are snugly disposed within the holding member, both the holding member and the user&#39;s arms rest against the user&#39;s abdomen, thereby relieving the neck and shoulder muscles from the responsibility of supporting the arms. In order for the user to remove his/her arms from the arm support device, the user simply needs to lift the distal ends of his/her arms upward and out of the arm receptacle.  
         [0029]    Turning now to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS.  5 - 7 , the arm support device  20  has a holding member  21  similar to that used in the first embodiment, but incorporates a strap  24 . The strap  24  can be formed integrally with the holding member  21  or can be attached to the holding member by an attachment means such as, but not limited to, hook and loop fasteners, resilient clips, straps, adhesives, threads or buckles. FIG. 5 illustrates the arm support device  20  wherein the strap  24  is disposed around the neck of the user. As such, both the holding member  21  and the strap  24  work together to provide support for the user&#39;s arms. The type of material used for the strap  24  is not critical so long as the material provides support sufficient enough to meet the weight demanded by both arms carried within the arm pouch  20 . FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate respective front and top views of the arm support device  20 , wherein the strap  24  is attached at opposing ends of the holding member  21  to provide additional support to the arm support device.  
         [0030]    As illustrated in FIGS.  8 - 10 , the third preferred embodiment of the present invention depicts an arm support device  30  having a holding member formed from first and second supports  31   a  and  31   b . The first and second supports are formed in a triangular shape, thereby producing a vacancy section  39 . The vacancy section  39  ascribes to the user the ability to insert and remove his/her arms with more convenience, since the vacancy section  39  establishes a void or opening of material in the middle of the holding member. Although, the vacancy section  39  provides a void of material, the function of the holding member for supporting the arms is not impeded, since sufficient support to the arms is applied both through the first and second supports  31   a  and  31   b  and also by strap  34 . Additional features and characteristics of the third embodiment of the present invention not shown in FIG. 8, are depicted in front and top views as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, respectively.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIGS. 5 and 8 are illustrative on how the arm support device of the first and second embodiments of the present invention are to be used. The user disposes the strap behind his/her head wherein the holding member rests on the user&#39;s lap. After the position of the strap is disposed behind the user&#39;s neck, the user inserts one of his/her arms into the arm receptacle, followed by the insertion of the other arm into the arm receptacle, wherein the holding member provides one means of support and the strap provides an additional means of support. Once the arms have been inserted into the arm receptacle, opposing ends  35  of the holding member will produce an inward biasing force on the elbows of the user due to the elastic material of the holding member. As such, the biasing force contracts the user&#39;s elbows towards one another, thereby providing sufficient support to the arms, while in turn reducing muscle aches in the traveler&#39;s neck and shoulders. The weight of the arms enclosed within the holding member causes the strap to become taut. The tautness of the strap provides additional support and thereby relieves the neck and shoulder muscles from the responsibility of maintaining the arms in a particular position. In order for the user to remove his/her arms from the holding member, the user simply need only lift the distal ends, including the wrists of the users arms, upward and outward of the arm receptacle. Upon removal of the arms from the arm receptacle, the user then removes the strap from behind the user&#39;s neck.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein an arm support device  40  is depicted as being disposed on a user to provide support for the user&#39;s arms. First and second strap members  41   a  and  41   b , respectively, make up the arm support device  40 , wherein the first and second strap members are attached to one another in a crossed or transverse relationship as clearly illustrated in FIG. 12. Arranged and placed on or near an intersection of the first and second strap members located in front of a user, is removably attachable affixing strapping  47   a . Attached to the wrists of a user, are wrist members  49  having removably attachable affixing members  47   b , which are disposed on an outside surface thereof. The wrist members  49  are disposed on the user&#39;s wrists and can be adjustable wraps or cuffs of any shape capable of receiving and holding the wrists. For proper use, the arm support device  40  is disposed around a user&#39;s chest as depicted in FIG. 11, wherein the arms of the user extend between the first and second strap members  41   a  and  41   b  of the holding member. Upon arranging the wrist members around the wrists of the user, the user can establish arm support, by placing the affixing members  47   b , located on the wrist members  49 , in contact with the affixing strapping  47   a , located on or near the intersection of the first and second strap members. The contact between the affixing strapping and the affixing members establishes a connection which is removably attachable and provides support sufficient in strength to prevent the weight of both arms from causing the affixing members to detach from the affixing strapping. To remove the wrist members from the affixing strapping, the user needs to simply provide a force sufficient in strength by physically pulling the wrist members away from the holding member to overcome the attachment of the affixing members to the affixing strapping.  
         [0033]    Now turning to the fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, an arm support device  50  is depicted as being disposed around the chest and back of a user in the form of a vest  54 . The vest of the arm support device has first and second ends  56   a  and  56   b , respectively. Located on the first and second ends are first and second arm receptacles  58   a  and  58   b , respectively, which receive the arms of the user to provide the needed support to the arms, thereby establishing the arms in a relaxed and comfortable state. Also located on the first and second ends of the vest  54  are affixing members  57  which are disposed so as to enable a user to secure the first and second ends  56   a  and  56   b  to each other, thereby enabling the vest to fit securely around the user&#39;s back and chest. As shown in FIG. 13, affixing members  57  are depicted on the second end  56   b  of the vest  54 , although not depicted in FIGS. 13 and 14, affixing members  57  are also disposed on the first end  56   a  of the vest.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 14 illustrates how the arm support device  50  of the present invention is to be used, wherein a user inserts his or her arms through openings (shown in the figure, but not labeled) of the vest. Upon insertion of the arms through the openings, the user then attaches the first and second ends  56   a  and  56   b  of the vest to each other through the affixing members  57  by initially wrapping either the first or second end of the vest around the chest of the user, followed by wrapping the remaining first or second end of the vest around the chest of the user, wherein both first and second ends are attached to each other. The affixing members securely hold the respective first and second ends of the vest. After securing the first and second ends to another, the user then inserts his or her hands through the arm receptacles  58   a  and  58   b , wherein the arm receptacles securely hold the arms of the user. The material of the arm receptacles is not critical so long as the arm receptacle securely holds the forearms of a user to prevent the weight of both arms from pulling the forearms out of the arm receptacles. After insertion of the user&#39;s forearms into the arm receptacles, a user achieves a relaxed and comfortable condition, by establishing his/her arms in a position free from muscle strain on the neck and shoulders.  
         [0035]    The preferred embodiments of the present invention can be produced or manufactured by conventional means of attaching materials, such as, but not limited to various sewing techniques, adhesive applications or even by forming components integrally so long as the product produced or manufactured corresponds with the present invention.  
         [0036]    In addition to the advantages apparent from the foregoing description, a cost effective, practical and useful arm support device is formed which requires few components, thereby making the arm support device more cost effective to manufacture and produce, while still providing sufficient arm support.  
         [0037]    A further advantage of the present invention is that the Arm Support device is capable of being used in seating conditions having limited space.  
         [0038]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific terms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and accordingly, the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as being illustrative and not restrictive, with the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing detailed description, as indicating the scope of the invention as well as all modifications which may fall within a range of equivalency which are also intended to be embraced therein.