Ergonomic pad and pad holder

In one embodiment, a shoulder, arm or hand cushion includes a plush fabric piece having dual overlapping opposing pockets formed therein for a resilient pad such as a viscoelastic gel pad. The dual overlapping pockets define a tortuous path for escape of the viscoelastic gel pad to minimize loss of the viscoelastic gel pad. A neck having a size less than the size of the pockets combined or less than the size of the viscoelastic gel pad further minimizes loss of the viscoelastic gel pad. Yet the viscoelastic gel pad is easily removable by turning the plush fabric piece inside out to permit the plush fabric piece to be washed. The cushion may be used on the shoulder portion of a crutch. In another embodiment, the shoulder, arm or hand cushion is formed from a viscoelastic molded material having a base inner layer of a molded material of first relatively firm degree of hardness and an outer layer of a viscoelastic molded material of a second relatively soft degree of hardness where the outer layer conforms to the shape of a portion of a shoulder, arm or hand. Preferably, the base inner layer is also viscoelastic.

This application claims the benefit under Title 35, United States Code 
.sctn. 119(e) of my U.S. provisional application No. 60/018,303 filed May 
24,1996 and entitled Crutch Assist Shoulder Pad And Grip Pad. Such 
provisional application No. 60/018,303 is hereby incorporated by reference 
in its entirety into this application. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates generally to cushions for the shoulder, arm 
or hand and, more particularly, to such cushions having viscoelastic gel. 
For the newly injured, a crutch is most probably a new and only temporary 
device and this patient may tend to ignore advice on the recommended 
manner of use of the crutch. The patient may tend to place their fill body 
weight on the shoulder (or exterior muscles of the underarm) piece of the 
crutch, instead of stiffening the elbow such that the shoulder piece is 
spaced two or so inches below the armpit. The incorrect manner of use of 
the crutch may result in serious damage to the brachial plexus and/or pain 
associated with extended use of the conventional crutch. 
A less serious problem with crutch use is that underarms sweat. Such is 
especially the case for one using a crutch. Accordingly, it is preferably 
that a covering for the underarm or shoulder portion of a crutch be 
washable. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
A general object of the present invention is to provide a unique cushion 
for an interaction between the shoulder, arm or hand and a structure such 
as a crutch. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide in such a cushion a 
unique double layered cushion of moldable material A base inner layer of 
moldable material is relatively firm and an outer layer of the visco 
elastic moldable material is relatively soft so as to conform to a portion 
of the shoulder, arm or hand. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide in such a cushion a 
unique double layered cushion of moldable material where both the base 
inner layer and outer layer are viscoelastic. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide in such a cushion a 
unique fabric piece with a pocket formed therein. Specifically, the fabric 
piece includes an interior for receiving a portion of the structure. The 
pocket is formed in the interior and holds a resilient pad for 
distributing pressure exerted by the structure. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide in such a cushion a 
pair of pockets which open toward each other and which preferably overlap 
so as to more securely contain the resilient pad therein. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide in such a cushion a 
neck having a width less than the combined width of the pockets or less 
than the width of the resilient pad such that, even if the resilient pad 
falls from the overlapping pockets, such neck retains the resilient pad in 
the cushion unless the neck is stretched. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide in such a cushion a 
tortuous path for placing and removing the resilient pad in the pocket. 
Further, the cushion is easily turned inside out for providing a less 
tortuous path for placing and removing the resilient pad in the pocket. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide in such a cushion a 
resilient pad which is shaped to generally reflect the shape of the pocket 
such that longitudinal and lateral movement of the resilient pad relative 
to the pocket is minimized. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide for such resilient 
pad a viscoelastic gel filled envelope in the pocket. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide in such a cushion a 
plush, stretchable and washable fabric for the fabric piece. 
Advantages of the present invention include the following: 
pressure point pain and irritation of portions of the shoulder, arm and 
hand is alleviated; 
stresses that may lead to carpel tunnel syndrome are decreased; 
the fabric and gel filled envelope cushion and molded gel cushion are 
durable; 
the plush fabric piece may be formed of an attractive fabric; 
the fabric and gel filled envelope cushion and molded gel cushion are 
simple and easy to manufacture; 
the fabric piece is washable, thereby providing a hygienic device; and 
the fabric and gel filled envelope cushion and molded gel cushion may be 
antibacterial, anti-static, hypoallergenic, and odor resistant. 
These and further objects and advantages of the present invention will 
become clearer in light of the following detailed description of the 
illustrative embodiments of this invention described in connection with 
the drawings.

DESCRIPTION 
As shown in FIG. 1, the one embodiment of the shoulder gel cushion of the 
present invention is indicated by reference numeral 10, when turned 
right-side out. Reference numeral 12 indicates such gel cushion turned 
inside out so as to readily accept a viscoelastic disk shaped gel pack 13 
in dual overlapping pockets 14 and 15. When turned right-side out, the 
shoulder gel cushion 10 is placed on the shoulder portion 16 of a crutch 
18. FIG. 1 further shows a hand grip gel cushion 20 having dual 
overlapping pockets 22, 24 for accepting a hand grip viscoelastic bar 
shaped gel pack 26. The hand grip gel cushion 20 is folded over and 
wrapped about a hand grip 28 of the crutch 18. 
Crutch 18 is the preferred type of crutch for use with the present 
invention. The shoulder portion 16 is formed in the shape of an arc and 
may or may not have cushion qualities. Shoulder portion 16 is supported by 
a pair of columns 30, which run towards each other and are fixed relative 
to each other by pin connectors 32. Sandwiched between the columns 30 is a 
crutch leg 34 having through holes formed therein for receiving the pin 
connectors 32 for adjusting the height of the crutch 18. Crutch leg 34 
includes a nonslip cushioned foot 36. It should be noted that aluminum 
crutches are different in that such crutches have length adjustors on the 
columns 30. 
FIG. 1 further indicates that each of the viscoelastic gel packs 13 and 26 
includes a shell 38 which envelopes a viscoelastic gel or viscoelastic gel 
layer arrangement 40 therein. Shell 38 is preferably formed from an 
elastomeric, moisture resistant material such as a heat cured rubber. Heat 
cured silicone rubber is preferred. Such shell 38 is farther preferably 
heat sealed so as to isolate the viscoelastic gel therein. 
FIG. 1 further shows closures for each of the gel cushions 10 and 20. Such 
closures are indicated by reference numeral 42 and preferably are hook and 
loop fasteners such as Velcro.RTM.. 
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the shoulder gel cushion 10 includes 
a base piece 44 of plush, soft, stretchable, washable fabric such as polar 
fleece or nylon spandex. Further some types of terry cloth may be used. 
Polar fleece fabric is preferred. Base piece 44 is generally formed in the 
shape of a watchface. 
Pockets 14 and 15 are formed by stitching, via respective stitch lines 46, 
48 respective semicircular shaped pieces 50, 52 to the base piece 44. 
Pieces 50, 52 are preferably formed of the same material from which base 
piece 44 is formed. Pocket piece 50 includes an edge 52 which overlaps a 
corresponding edge 54 of pocket piece 52. Such provides at least a first 
portion of a tortuous path to minimize loss of the viscoelastic gel pack 
13. 
FIG. 2 further shows side peripheral linear portions 58a to be stitched to 
side peripheral linear portions 59a and further shows side peripheral arc 
like or circular portions 58b to be stitched to side peripheral arc like 
or circular portions 59b after the base piece 44 has been folded over 
relative to a fold line defined generally by the overlapping edges or edge 
portions 52 and 54. 
FIG. 2 further shows arc like portions 62 which later form arc like 
channels 64 (shown in FIG. 4) for receiving arc like end portions 66 of 
the crutch shoulder portion 16 (shown in FIG. 1). 
FIG. 2 further shows that closures 42 are engaged, such as by stitching, to 
the inner face of the base piece 44. One of the closures 42 include 
Velcro.RTM. hooks and the other of the closures 42 includes Velcro.RTM. 
loops. 
FIG. 3 shows a pair of stitch lines 68, 70 for stitching closed peripheral 
portions 58a, 59a, 58b, and 59b. Such stitching thereby forms an opening 
72, which is shown in FIG. 4 and which is formed when the gel cushion 10, 
in its inside out form 12, is turned right-side out as shown in FIG. 1. 
Opening 72 has a stretched diameter greater than the diameter of disk 
shaped gel pack 13 such that the gel cushion 10 may be readily turned 
inside out when the gel pack 13 is in the pockets 14 and 15. Opening 72 
has an unstretched width less than the diameter of gel pack 13 so as to 
provide a further portion of the tortuous path which minimizes loss of the 
gel pack 13 such as loss due to the gel pack 13 falling out of the gel 
cushion 10. In other words, opening 72 is defined by a neck or bottleneck 
74 out of which gel pack 13 cannot fall unless the neck 74 is stretched or 
ripped. Neck 74 is defined in part by linear peripheral portions 58a and 
59a. The gel pack 13 has generally the same diameter as either of the 
pockets 14 and 15 such that the gel pack 13 is snugly held in the pockets 
14 and 15. 
FIG. 5 shows a shoulder gel cushion 80 having some of the same features of 
the shoulder gel cushion 10. Shoulder gel cushion 80 includes dual 
opposing and overlapping pockets 14 and 15, overlapping pocket edges 52, 
54, and opening 72 and neck 74. Opening 72 and neck 74 are shown in FIGS. 
6 and 8. 
Shoulder gel cushion 80 is different from shoulder gel cushion 10. For 
example, shoulder gel cushion 80 includes a base piece 83 of a different 
shape. Such shape is defined by peripheral linear side portions 82b and 
84b, which are adjacent the fold line of the base piece 83 and which are 
to be stitched to each other. Such shape is farther defined by concave or 
arc like peripheral portion 82a and 84a, which form at least a portion of 
the neck 74. Each of the pocket forming pieces 86 and 88 generally 
reflects one half of the shape of the base piece 83, and are of a smaller 
size so as to form the peripheral portions or segments 82a, 82b, and 84a, 
84b. Pocket forming pieces 86 and 88 are stitched to base piece 83 via 
stitch lines 90 and 92 respectively. Pocket forming pieces 86 and 88 are 
stitched adjacent to the periphery of the base piece 83 such that channels 
62 (FIG. 2) are not present in gel cushion 80 (FIG. 5). 
Further, shoulder gel cushion 80 (FIG. 5) includes closures 42 which are 
engaged, such as by stitching to each of the outer and inner faces of the 
base piece 83. 
FIG. 6 shows the gel cushion 80 where the peripheral side portions 82a have 
been stitched to peripheral side portions 84aand where peripheral side 
portions 82bhave been stitched to peripheral side portions 84b by stitch 
lines 92 and 94. 
FIG. 6 further shows a gel pack 95 having the viscoelastic gel 40 or more 
specifically an inner relatively hard layer 96 of a viscoelastic gel and 
an outer relatively soft layer 98 of a viscoelastic gel. Both layers 96, 
98 are encapsulated in the moisture resistant or moisture proof 
elastomeric envelope 38 such as a silicone rubber envelope. The inner 
relatively hard layer 96 confronts the shoulder portion 16 of the crutch 
18. The inner relatively soft layer 98 confronts the underarm of the user 
of the crutch 18. Gel pack 95 preferably has a generally uniform thickness 
and is readily foldable about the fold line indicated. Such a fold line is 
gradual, rather than sharp, as the gel pack 95 bends about the upper face 
of the shoulder portion 16 of the crutch 18. If desired, the base 
relatively hard layer 96 may not be viscoelastic. It should be noted that 
"hard" or "degree of hardness" means the durometer of the gel. 
FIG. 6 further indicates that the shape of the gel pack 95 is generally the 
shape and size of the pockets 14 and 15 combined (minus the overlapping 
portions of the pockets 14 and 15 as shown in FIG. 5) so as to minimize 
the play between gel pack 95 and the pockets 14 and 15. 
FIG. 7 shows the layers 96, 98 in section and further indicates, via 
phantom line 100, how the soft gel layer 98 may be compressed under the 
pressure of an underarm with the hard layer 96 being minimally compressed. 
FIG. 8 indicates the gel cushion 80 about to placed on the shoulder crutch 
portion 16. Here the neck 72 is resiliently stretched to widen the opening 
74. FIG. 9 shows each pair of the closures 42 connected. 
It should be noted that the gel pack 13 of gel cushion 10 (FIG. 1) may 
cover only a portion of the crutch shoulder portion 16. With gel pack 13, 
the ends of the crutch shoulder portion 16 may not be cushioned with the 
viscoelastic gel 40 of the gel pack 13. With gel pack 95 and gel cushion 
80 (FIG. 6), the entire upper surface and entire sides of the crutch 
shoulder portion 16 are cushioned by the gel pack 95. 
FIG. 10 shows a detail view of the gel cushion 20. Gel cushion 20 includes 
a rectangular base piece 100a (shown in FIG. 1) of fabric which is 
preferably the same fabric as base pieces 44 and 83, i.e. a polar fleece 
fabric. Stitched to the periphery of the base piece 100aare a pair of 
pocket forming pieces 102 and 104 to form pockets 102 and 104 
respectively. Pocket forming pieces 102 and 104 have respective 
overlapping edges or edge portions 106 and 108 such that the pockets 22 
and 24 overlap so as to form a tortuous path for unintended release of the 
viscoelastic gel pack 26 from the pockets or pouches 22 and 24. Gel 
cushion 20 has stitched thereto a pair of cooperating Velcro.RTM. closures 
42 which engage each other when the gel cushion 20 is wrapped about the 
crutch hand grip 28. 
FIG. 11 shows a walker apparatus 110 having a pair of hand grips 112. FIG. 
12 shows a gel cushion 114 having dual overlapping pockets 22 and 24 and a 
gel pack therein. Gel cushion 114 includes an accompanying gel pack having 
the viscoelastic gel layer arrangement 40. The gel pack is engaged with 
minimum play in the pockets 22 and 24. Gel cushion 114 is substantially 
wider than gel cushion 20. Gel cushion 20 or gel cushion 114 may be 
wrapped about hand grips 112 of the walker apparatus 110 or about a hand 
grip 118 of a cane 120 (shown in FIG. 14). Cane 120 includes a nonslip 
foot 122. 
FIG. 13 shows a gel cushion 124 which is relatively elongate and includes 
four closures 42 for permitting the gel cushion 124 to be engaged about 
the arm rest of an elongate object such as a wheelchair arm rest. In such 
a case, the fold line of the gel cushion 124 runs longitudinally and the 
closures 42 which are stitched to the same pocket forming piece are 
engaged with each other under the arm rest. Gel cushion 124 has a gel pack 
having the viscoelastic gel layer arrangement 40 and engaged with a 
minimum of play in the pockets 22 and 24. 
FIGS. 15 and 16 show molded viscoelastic cushions 130 and 132 which replace 
the crutch shoulder portion 16 and crutch hand grip 28. Each of the 
viscoelastic cushions 130, 132 may be formed of one viscoelastic moldable 
solid. More preferably, each of the viscoelastic cushions includes a 
relatively hard inner resilient layer 134 and a relatively soft 
viscoelastic outer resilient layer 136. Even more preferably, each of the 
layers 134 and 136 is formed of a viscoelastic moldable material. Still 
more preferably, each of the layers 134 and 136 may be formed of a 
thermoplastic elastomer which is viscoelastic. Such molded viscoelastic 
cushions 130 and 132 preferably include no elastomeric moisture resistant 
envelopes because such cushions 130 and 132 are solid or at least 
solid-like. 
The relatively hard inner viscoelastic moldable layer 134 of viscoelastic 
shoulder crutch cushion 130 may be formed to reflect the shape of the 
upper portions of the columns 30 and engaged thereto such as with a resin 
or such as with a friction fit. Soft layer 136 engages the underarm. 
Layers 134 and 136 may be laminated together with a suitable resin. Or the 
outer layer 136 may simply be stretched over the inner layer 134. 
Viscoelastic hand grip cushion 132 is tubular to preferably frictionally 
engage with or without rotation another tubular piece 138 which is engaged 
to the columns 30 via connector pins 140. Hard resilient inner layer 134 
confronts the tubular piece 138 and soft resilient outer layer 136 engages 
the hand. 
FIG. 17 shows a push rim 150 of a wheel of a wheelchair and further shows a 
molded viscoelastic cushion 152 engaged thereto. Push rim cushion 152 
includes the inner relatively hard viscoelastic layer 134 and the outer 
relatively soft layer 136, and further includes a slit 154 formed along 
its entire inner diameter. Slit 154 permits the tubular molded cushion 152 
to be resiliently opened and placed or snapped over the push rim 150. 
Preferably the tubular cushion 150 is disposed for 360 degrees about the 
push rim 150. 
FIG. 19 shows a screwdriver hand tool 160 and a viscoelastic hand grip 
cushion 162 for the hand tool 160. Hand grip 162 may be frictionally 
engaged to the hand tool 160 or adhesively engaged thereto. The 
viscoelastic hand grip cushion 162 is tubular with a closed end 164. The 
viscoelastic hand grip cushion 162 includes the inner relatively hard 
viscoelastic layer 134 and the outer relatively soft viscoelastic layer 
136. 
It should be noted that the viscoelastic gel of the gel 40, where such 
consists of one gel or the layered gel arrangement 40, has a greater fluid 
"likeness" than the viscoelastic material of the layers 134 and 136 which 
are solids or at least are solid-like. As to such gel 40 contained in the 
envelope 38 and polar fleece coverings (base pieces and pocket forming 
pieces) of the cushions 10, 20, 80, 114, and 124, and as to such molded 
viscoelastic material of the layers 134 and 136, the following references 
are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties: 1) SCHWARZL, F. 
R, "Viscoelasticity," Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Engineering, 
Volume 17, pages 587 to 665, 1989, John Wiley & Sons, New York; and 2) 
KUDELA, V., "Hydrogels," Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Engineering, 
1989, John Wiley & Sons, New York. 
If desired, it should be noted that each of the layers 134 and 136 may be 
formed from the gel-sponge composition described in the Chen U.S. Pat. No. 
5,336,708, which layers may then be laminated together. Or, if desired, 
though less preferably, each of the gel cushions 130, 132, 152, and 162 
may be formed from a single layer of the gel sponge composition of Chen. 
As to such single layered cushion embodiments, the Chen U.S. Pat. No. 
5,336,708 is hereby incorporated by reference. Preferably, my molded 
viscoelastic gel does not include the sponge element of the Chen U.S. Pat. 
No. 5,336,708. 
It should be noted that in place of the gel packs of the present invention, 
a cushion formed of foam or soft rubber, having substantially the shape of 
the gel pack being replaced, may be placed in the pockets of the cushion 
coverings. Such foam or soft rubber cushions preferably have a relatively 
low durometer. Examples of such include plasticized PVC, silicone rubber, 
closed cell polyurethane foam, closed cell PVC foam. However, viscoelastic 
gel packs are preferred. 
It should further be noted that in place of the gel packs of the present 
invention, a bladder may be placed in the pockets of the cushion 
coverings. Such bladder preferably is a structured bladder filled with air 
or another gas or liquid. The bladder may be filled at the discretion of 
the patient with doctor consultation. When pressure is applied to the 
bladder, air pressure is increased to be equal along the interior of the 
bladder. This disperses the local forces to the entire surface of the 
bladder, and increases the contact area of the pad. However, viscoelastic 
gel packs are preferred. 
It should be noted that the viscoelastic gel may be a responsive silicone 
gel or an interpenetrating hydrogel, encased in a suitable elastomeric 
envelope. Such elastomeric envelopes, such as silicone rubbers, preferably 
do not support biological growth and preferably are tough and strong. Such 
elastomeric envelopes, such as silicone rubber, are resistant to 
bactericides and resist breakdown by high temperatures, such as those 
found in locked cars parked in the sun. The envelope may be formed of 
polyethylene. 
It should be noted that the fabric pieces, such as base pieces and the 
pocket forming pieces (which together form the coverings for the gel 
packs), are preferably absorbent to moisture such as sweat from the hands. 
Preferably, the immediately inner layer, the elastomeric layer 38, is 
resistant to such moisture. 
It should be further noted that, in the layered gel arrangement having 
layers 96 and 98, such layers 96 and 98 are preferably sufficiently 
solid-like so that such layers do not intermix. It 
It should be noted that the tubular cushion 152 shown in FIG. 18 may serve 
as the walker hand grips 112, cane hand grip 118, or crutch hand grip 28. 
Further, the tubular cushion 152 may be placed on the wheelchair handlebar 
grips, emergency aluminum bars in hospitals, bathrooms, and nursing homes, 
the automobile steering wheel, and rehabilitation T-bars. 
Thus since the invention disclosed herein may be embodied in other specific 
forms without departing from the spirit or general characteristics 
thereof, some of which forms have been indicated, the embodiments 
described herein are to be considered in all respects illustrative and not 
restrictive. The scope of the invention is to be indicated by the appended 
claims, rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which 
come within the meaning and range of equivalents of the claims are 
intended to be embraced therein.