Abstract:
An antispasticity aid device designed to aid stroke victims. The invention is a hand brace constructed to hold the thumb and fingers flat and a series of accessories designed to re-educate the muscles after a stroke. The device has a hand-mounting and thumb-mounting member. First and second restraining straps hold the hand and thumb firmly in contact with the hand-mounting and thumb-mounting member, respectively. Accessories for use with the device include: A first accessory fitting on an arm of an armchair; a second accessory providing physical therapy; a third accessory maintaining a comfortable position to rest an arm; a fourth accessory fitting frictionally over the arm of a chair; a fifth accessory accepting the mounting bracket of the device; a sixth accessory suspending the arm; a seventh accessory providing a channel for resting an arm; an eighth accessory providing exercise for arm muscles; and a ninth accessory permitting physical therapy.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
   The invention pertains to devices designed to aid stroke victims and others suffering from spasticity. More particularly, the invention relates to a hand brace constructed to hold the thumb and fingers in a flattened arrangement and a series of devices designed to aid in the re-education of a stroke victim&#39;s muscles after a stroke. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Various devices have been developed to provide comfort and assist in the rehabilitation of those suffering from spasticity of the hand muscles. In order to prevent cramping, nerve damage and possible muscle atrophy, it is often desirable to maintain the patient&#39;s hand in a planar orientation. Toward this end, many splint-like devices have been developed. None of the devices so far developed provide adjustments for radial orientation of the patient&#39;s thumb. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,121,743 issued to Bishop is directed to a hand-restraining device made of a rigid material. The hand-restraining device consists of a support member and a series of restraining straps used to secure a hand through the front surface of the support. A rigid knuckle-restraining piece on one of the straps is used to prevent bending of the knuckles. Two thumb/baby finger portions are included and the rear portion is extended to engage the forearm of the user. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,707,963 issued to Keropian, discloses an articulated hand brace. Here, a very complex articulated thumb guide is pivotally coupled to a portion of a hand support. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,482,168, issued to Betcher is directed to an upper extremity hand orthosis and method of use. The hand orthosis has a palm area in which a hand is positioned for support of a patient&#39;s fingers and right or left thumb in a spaced apart configuration. Two separate pairs of overlapping and connectable straps are positioned to encircle the hand, wrist and fingers of the user to keep movement to a minimum. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,921,945, issued to Gray is directed to a splint/therapeutic device. The splint can restrict a user&#39;s hand to a desired body position and provide a pre-selected degree of mobility, such as preventing the fingers of the hand from curling toward the wrist. Various straps and hook-and-loop type fasteners may be used as needed. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,561,995, issued to Thibodo, Jr. is directed to a splint system for two or more adjacent fingers of the hand. The splint can be used for maintaining the fingers in a straight line. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,762,401, issued to Tupper is directed to a surgical retractor. A hand is positioned on a thin flat paddle-shaped pallet such that the fingers lie on the pallet between pairs of elongated slots, with the wrist lying between another pair of elongated slots such that, with the use of elastic finger bands and wrist bands, the hand is held in place and flexing of the fingers is prevented. 
   While other variations exist, the above described designs for hand supports and splints are typical of those encountered in the prior art. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a hand support for spasticity victims that maintains the hand in a planar orientation. It is a further objective to provide a support that is comfortable for the spasticity victim to wear and is easily installed and removed. It is a still further objective of the invention to provide the above-described capabilities in an inexpensive and durable support that may be easily cleaned and is light in weight. It is yet a further objective to provide a series of accessories for use with the support that will encourage retraining of the muscles of the spasticity victim&#39;s hand and arm. 
   While some of the objectives of the present invention are disclosed in the prior art, none of the inventions found include all of the requirements identified. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention addresses all of the deficiencies or prior stroke victim aid inventions and satisfies all of the objectives described above. 
   (1) An antispasticity aid device providing the desired features may be constructed from the following components. A planar hand-mounting member is provided. The planar hand-mounting member is formed of rigid material and is sized and shaped to extend beyond the outer dimensions of a human hand without a thumb. The planar hand-mounting member has an upper surface, a lower surface, a front edge, a rear edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. The hand-mounting member has at least two first fastening slots located adjacent to the first and second side edges, respectively. A first restraining strap is provided. The first restraining strap is size and shaped to fit slidably through the first fastening slots and has a means for adjusting a length of the first strap. A thumb-mounting member is provided. The thumb-mounting member is formed of rigid material and is sized and shaped to extend beyond the outer dimensions of a human thumb. The thumb-mounting member has an upper surface, a lower surface, a front edge, a rear edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. The thumb-mounting member has at least two second fastening slots located adjacent to the first and the second side edges of the thumb-mounting member, respectively. A second restraining strap is provided. The second strap is sized and shaped to fit slidably through the second fastening slots and has a means for adjusting a length of the second strap. The thumb-mounting member is rotatably attached at its rear edge to the first side edge of the hand-mounting member. This permits the thumb-mounting member to rotate through an arc in the plane of the hand-mounting member whereby, when a hand of a stroke victim is placed upon the hand-mounting member, the first restraining strap is located over the hand and through the first fastening slots. The length of the first restraining strap is adjusted to hold the hand in firm contact with the hand-mounting member and when a thumb of a stroke victim is placed upon the thumb-mounting member, the second restraining strap is located over the thumb and through the second fastening slots. The length of the second restraining strap is adjusted to hold the thumb in firm contact with the thumb-mounting member. The thumb-mounting member is adjustable with respect to the hand-mounting member for comfort of the stroke victim. 
   (2) In a variant, the means for adjusting the length of either the first or second restraining straps is further comprised of a hooking element located adjacent to a first end of the restraining strap. A looping element extends from a second end of the restraining strap toward the first end whereby, when the hooking element is attached to the looping element at different points along the length of the restraining strap, the length of either of the first or the second restraining strap is adjusted. 
   (3) In another variant, the thumb-mounting member is lockable in a plurality of positions about a point where it is rotatably attached at its rear edge to the first side edge of the hand-mounting member. 
   (4) In yet another variant, a first accessory is provided. The first accessory is comprised of an armrest portion. The armrest portion is formed of planar semi-rigid resilient material, has a hand-shaped section and an extension section. The hand-shaped section has a distal end and a proximate end and is sized and shaped to support the antispasticity aid device. The extension section has a first end and a second end and has a length less than a distance from an armpit to a wrist of a stroke victim. The extension section is attached at the first end to the proximate end of the hand-shaped section. The first accessory is attached to the antispasticity aid device by either the first and the second fastening straps or the hooking and the looping fastening portions whereby when the first accessory is attached to the antispasticity aid device and the antispasticity aid device is attached to the hand of a stroke victim, an arm of the stroke victim may be comfortably positioned on an arm of an armchair or sofa. 
   (5) In yet a further variant, an upper padding portion is provided. The upper padding portion is formed of resilient padding material and is sized and shaped to fit over an upper surface of the extension section of the armrest portion. Whereby, when the first accessory is attached to the antispasticity aid device, the antispasticity aid device is attached to the hand of a stroke victim and the upper padding portion is positioned over the extension section, the arm of the stroke victim will be more comfortably positioned upon the first accessory. 
   (6) In still yet another variant, a lower padding portion is provided. The lower padding portion is formed of resilient padding material and is sized and shaped to fit over a lower surface of the extension section of the arm-rest portion. Whereby, when the first accessory is attached to the antispasticity aid device, the antispasticity aid device is attached to the hand of a stroke victim and the lower padding portion is positioned under the extension section, the arm of the stroke victim will be more comfortably positioned upon the first accessory. 
   (7) In a further variant, the extension section tapers in a vertical plane from the first end to the second end, thereby lowering a point of contact adjacent to an armpit of the stroke victim. 
   (8) In still another variant, the upper padding portion is formed of an FDA approved foam material. 
   (9) In yet another variant, the lower padding portion is formed of an FDA approved foam material. 
   (10) In still yet another variant, the extension section is covered with washable material. 
   (11) In yet another variant, the washable material is removable and replaceable. 
   (12) In a further variant, the second end of the extension section is comprised of a padded portion. The padded portion is sized and shaped to fit comfortably into the armpit of a stroke victim. 
   (13) In yet another variant, at least one pair of attachment slots is provided. The attachment slots are located along side edges of the extension section between the first end and the second end and is sized and shaped to accommodate an attachment strap. 
   (14) In another variant, either a hooking portion or a looping portion of a removable attachment device is provided. The portion is affixed to an upper surface of the hand shaped section. The portion provides a mechanism for removably attaching to the antispasticity aid device. 
   (15) In still yet another variant, a second accessory is provided. The second accessory is comprised of a support platform. The support platform is formed of planar semi-rigid, resilient material, an upper surface, a lower surface, has a hand-support section and an arm support section. The hand support section has a distal end and a proximate end and is sized and shaped to support the antispasticity aid device. The arm support section has a first end and a second end and has a length less than a distance from an armpit to a wrist of a stroke victim. The arm support section is attached at the first end to the proximate end of the hand-support section. The second accessory is attached to the antispasticity aid device using either the first and the second fastening straps or the hooking and the looping fastening portions. A planar base is provided. The planar base has an upper surface, a lower surface and is sized and shaped to fit beneath the support platform. A leaf spring is provided. The leaf spring has an upper section and a lower section and is formed with an acute angle between the upper section and the lower section. The upper section is affixed to the lower surface of the support platform and the lower section is affixed to the upper surface of the planar base. Whereby, when the second accessory is attached to the antispasticity aid device, and the antispasticity aid device is attached to the hand of a stroke victim, the second accessory will permit the stroke victim to apply force against the leaf spring to provide physical therapy for arm muscles of the stroke victim. 
   (16) In another variant, a padded material is provided. The padded material is affixed to the upper surface of the support platform. 
   (17) In yet another variant, a padded material is provided. The padded material is affixed to the lower surface of the support platform. 
   (18) In yet a further variant, a compression spring is provided. The compression spring is located between the upper surface of the planar base and an underside of the hand-support section of the support platform, thereby providing additional resistance to the stroke victim seeking physical therapy. 
   (19) In yet still another variant, at least one mounting bracket is provided. The mounting bracket is affixed to the lower surface of the planar hand-mounting member and is formed of resilient material. The mounting bracket is sized and shaped to removably attach to either a top bar of a walker or a cane handle whereby, the antispasticity aid device is easily attachable to either of the walker or cane handle by a stroke victim not able to adequately grip such devices with a hand. 
   (20) In a further variant, either a hooking portion or a looping portion of a removable attachment device is provided. The portion is affixed to the lower surface of the planar hand-mounting member. The portion provides a mechanism for removably attaching the antispasticity aid device to accessory devices. 
   (21) In still another variant, a third accessory is provided. The third accessory is comprised of an armrest portion. The armrest portion is formed of planar semi-rigid resilient material, has a hand-shaped section and an extension section. The hand-shaped section has an upper surface, a lower surface, a distal end and a proximate end and is sized and shaped to support the antispasticity aid device. The hand-shaped section has either a looping portion or a hooking portion of a removable attachment device affixed to the upper surface for attachment to the antispasticity aid device. The extension section has a first end and a second end and has a length greater than a distance from a back of a wrist of a stroke victim and is attached at the first end to the proximate end of the hand-shaped section. At least one reinforcing element is provided. The reinforcing element is formed of resilient material and is located within the armrest portion and extends from the second end of the extension section to at least into the hand shaped section. A mounting hinge is provided. The mounting hinge has a first portion and a second portion and is attached at the first portion to the reinforcing element adjacent to the second end of the extension section and is attached at the second portion to a wall adjacent to either a toilet or a bathtub. The mounting hinge maintains the third accessory in a position orthogonal to the wall whereby, when attached to the wall, the third accessory will provide a comfortable location for a stroke victim to rest an arm when using either the bathtub or the toilet. 
   (22) In still another variant, a fourth accessory is provided. The fourth accessory is comprised of a concave rest portion. The concave rest portion has an upper surface, a lower surface and is sized and shaped to accommodate an arm of a stroke victim using one of the antispasticity aid devices on the upper surface. A support portion is provided. The support portion has a top surface and a bottom surface. The support portion is of a length sufficient to support the rest portion and is attached at the top surface to the lower surface of the rest portion. The support portion is of a height sufficient to maintain the rest portion at a desired height. An attachment portion is provided. The attachment portion has an upper surface and a lower surface. The attachment portion is attached at the upper surface to the bottom surface of the support portion and is sized and shaped to fit frictionally over either the arm of a chair or sofa at the lower surface. Whereby, when fitted to either the arm of a chair or sofa, the fourth accessory will provide a comfortable and secure rest location for a stroke victim&#39;s arm. 
   (23) In yet another variant, a walker is provided. The walker has two pairs of downward pointing legs. Each of the pairs attaches at upper ends to a top cross bar. At least one leg of each pair is hingedly joined to at least one connecting bar. A support platform is provided. The support platform is pivotally attached to a bracket. The bracket is attached to the at least one connecting bar. The platform has a first end for supporting a wrist of a stroke victim and a second end for supporting the antispasticity aid device. The second end has either a hooking portion or a looping portion of a removable attachment device positioned upon an upper surface for removable attachment to the antispasticity aid device. At least one elastic member is provided. The elastic member is located between the bracket and an underside of the support platform. The elastic member provides resistive stability for the platform when supporting a hand and arm of a stroke victim. 
   (24) In yet a further variant, a fifth accessory is provided. The fifth accessory is comprised of a floor bracket. The floor bracket has an upper surface, a lower surface, a pivotal mounting bracket affixed to the upper surface and a non-slip finish on the lower surface. An adjustable support shaft is provided. The support shaft has an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion fits slidably within the upper portion and has a clamping mechanism for adjustably fastening the upper portion to the lower portion at a variety of heights. The lower portion has a fitting affixed at a lower end. The fitting is sized and shaped to fit the pivotal mounting bracket. The upper portion has a handle at an upper end. The handle is sized and shaped to accept the mounting bracket of the antispasticity aid device whereby, when the antispasticity aid device is removably affixed to the handle, a stroke victim will use the fifth accessory to exercise the arm and shoulder muscles. 
   (25) In still another variant, a sixth accessory is provided. The sixth accessory is comprised of a support tab. The support tab has a first surface, a second surface, an aperture penetrating the first and second surfaces and either a hooking portion or a looping portion of a removable attachment device affixed to one of the first or second surfaces. The portion provides a mechanism for removably attaching the support tab to the antispasticity aid device. An elastic chord is provided. The elastic chord has a first end, a second end and is attached at the first end to the support tab through the aperture. The elastic chord has a mechanism at the second end for forming a loop adjacent to the second end. The loop serves to attach the elastic chord to a support fixture whereby, when the antispasticity aid device is attached to the hand of a stroke victim, the antispasticity aid device is attached to the support tab and the loop is attached to the fixture, the hand and arm of the stroke victim will be suspended for ease of washing. 
   (26) In yet another variant, the sixth accessory is comprised of a weakened portion in the elastic chord. The weakened portion provides a safety feature for a stroke victim in the event the stroke victim should fall. The safety feature prevents the stroke victim from being suspended by the sixth accessory. 
   (27) In still a further variant, a coupling in the elastic chord is provided. The coupling has an attaching portion and a receiving portion. The attaching portion is affixed to an upper end of a lower portion of the elastic chord and has a head section and a reduced cross-section neck section located below the head section. The receiving portion is affixed to a lower end of an upper portion of the elastic chord having a cavity. The cavity is sized and shaped to frictionally fit over the attaching portion and has a resilient surrounding lower rim. The rim is sized and shaped to fit into the neck section whereby, when a downward pressure on the sixth accessory exceeds pressure required to locate the attaching portion in the receiving portion, the attaching portion and the receiving portions will separate. This provides a safety feature for a stroke victim using the sixth accessory. 
   (28) In yet a further variant, a seventh accessory is provided. The seventh accessory is comprised of a resilient arm support member. The arm support member has a first end, a second end and is formed into a loop. The loop is joined by an intermediate bridging member. The resilient arm member is sized and shaped to fit frictionally over a wheelchair arm and to provide a channel at an upper surface suitable for resting of a stroke victim&#39;s arm. At least one retaining strap is provided. The retaining strap has a first portion and a second portion. Each of the portions are attached to an outer edge of the loop and has either a looping means or a hooking means attached to the portions to permit the retaining strap to be fastened over an arm of a stroke victim. 
   (29) In still a further variant, a hand support platform is provided. The hand support platform is attached to at least one end of the loop and is sized and shaped to fit beneath the antispasticity aid device. The hand support platform has a series of slots for accepting retaining straps to hold the antispasticity aid device to the hand support platform. 
   (30) In another variant, an eighth accessory is provided. The eighth accessory is comprised of a vertically oriented mounting structure. The mounting structure has an upper end, a lower end, a support base located at the lower end and a central adjusting tract. A bearing mount is provided. The bearing mount is slidably affixed to the central adjusting track and has a curved exterior edge. A bearing is provided. The bearing is affixed to a center of the bearing mount. A planar positioning member is provided. The positioning member has a perimeter, a front surface, a rear surface and is affixed to the bearing at a center portion of the rear surface. A planar, L-shaped control bracket is provided. The control bracket is pivotally mounted adjacent to a corner of the L-shape to the front surface of the positioning member adjacent to the perimeter. The control bracket has a control bracket bearing mounted at one end of the L-shape. At least one stop pin is provided. The stop pin is mounted to the front surface of the positioning member and is located between arms of the L-shaped control bracket. An antispasticity aid support member is provided. The support member has an upper surface and a lower surface. The support member is pivotally mounted to the control bracket bearing and is sized and shaped to support the antispasticity aid device. The support member has either a hooking portion or a looping portion of a removable attachment device affixed to the upper surface of the support member for attachment to the antispasticity aid device. A first elastic member is provided. The first elastic member has a first end and a second end. The first elastic member is attached at the first end to the rear surface of the planar positioning member adjacent to the perimeter and is attached at the second end to the curved exterior edge of the bearing mount whereby, when the antispasticity aid device is attached to a hand of a stroke victim and the antispasticity aid device is attached to the support member, the eighth accessory will provide a mechanism for exercising arm muscles of the stroke victim, permitting rising extension of the arm muscles. 
   (31) In yet another variant, a second elastic member is provided. The elastic member has a first end and a second end. The elastic member is attached at the first end to the front surface of the planar positioning member inward from the perimeter and is attached at the second end to the support member. This provides additional stability for the arm of the stroke victim as the eighth accessory is used for exercising the arm of the stroke victim. 
   (32) In still a further variant, a ninth accessory is provided. The ninth accessory has a support platform. The support platform is formed of planar semi-rigid, resilient material and has a hand-support section and an arm support section and is attached to a wheelchair. The hand-support section has a distal end and a proximate end and is sized and shaped to support the antispasticity aid device. The arm support section has a first section and a second section. The first section has a first end and a second end. The second section has a first end and a second end. The first section of the arm support section is attached at the first end to the proximate end of the hand-support section. An elastic element is provided. The elastic element has a front end and a rearward end. The front end of the elastic element is attached to the second end of the first section of the arm support section and the rearward end of the elastic element is attached to the first end of the second section of the arm support section. Whereby, when the ninth accessory is attached to the antispasticity aid device and the antispasticity aid device is attached to the hand of a stroke victim, the ninth accessory will permit the stroke victim to apply force against the elastic element to provide physical therapy for arm muscles of the stroke victim. 
   (33) In another variant, a means for attaching the front end of the elastic element to the second end of the first section of the arm support section and the rearward end of the elastic element to the first end of the second section of the arm support section is provided. 
   (34) In still another variant, at least one bracket is provided. The bracket has a first end, a second end and is attached to either the second end of the first section of the arm support section or the first end of the second section of the arm support section to the first end of the bracket. 
   (35) In a further variant, an extension spring is provided. The extension spring has a front end and a rearward end. The front end of the extension spring is attached to the second end of the first section of the arm support section and the rearward end of the extension spring is attached to the first end of the second section of the arm support section. 
   (36) In yet another variant, a mechanism of attaching the support platform at the second end of the second section of the arm support section to a hollow tube at the rear of the wheelchair is provided. 
   (37) In still a further variant, a plurality of detents is provided. The detents are located at the rear edge of the thumb-mounting member. A ball channel is provided. The ball channel is located in either the first side edge or the second side edge of the hand-mounting member. The ball channel has a compression spring located within the channel. A positioning ball is provided. The ball is sized and shaped to fit slidably within the channel and to fit within the detents. The ball is maintained in one of the detents by the compression spring whereby, when pressure is applied to a side edge of the thumb-mounting member, the ball will be moved from one detent to the next. The compression spring tends to maintain a position of the thumb-mounting member with respect to the hand-mounting member. 
   (38) In yet another variant, a plurality of notches is provided. The notches are located at either the first side edge or the second side edge of the hand-mounting member. A protruding finger is provided. The protruding finger is located at the rear edge of the thumb-mounting member and is sized and shaped to removably engage any one of the notches whereby, when the protruding finger is located in one of the notches, the finger will maintain a position of the thumb-mounting member with respect to the hand-mounting member. 
   (39) In still another variant, a raised padding portion is provided. The raised padding portion is formed of resilient padding material and is sized and shaped to fit over an upper surface of the planar hand-mounting member. Whereby, when the raised padding portion is fit over the upper surface of the planar hand-mounting member and the raised padding portion is attached to a hand of a stroke victim, the knuckles of the stroke victim will be elevated above the fingertips of the stroke victim thereby allowing the hand of the stroke victim to be comfortably positioned on the planar hand-mounting member. 
   (40) In yet still a further variant, the raised padding portion is formed of an FDA approved foam material. 
   (41) In still a further variant, the planar hand-mounting member is covered with a washable material. 
   (42) In a final variant, the washable material is removable and replaceable. 

   
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a plan view of the preferred embodiment of the invention including the rotatably attached thumb-mounting member; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the  FIG. 1  embodiment illustrating the first and second restraining straps; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the  FIG. 1  embodiment illustrating the first accessory comprised of an armrest portion; 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a first accessory illustrating the upper and lower padding portions and the padded portion on the second end of the extension section; 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the first accessory illustrating the washable material covering the extension section; 
       FIG. 5A  is a side elevational view of the first accessory positioned on an arm of an armchair; 
       FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of the first accessory illustrating the hand-shaped section, the extension section and the upper and lower padding portion; 
       FIG. 6  is a side elevational view of a second accessory illustrating the support platform and the planar base; 
       FIG. 7  is a side elevational view of the second accessory illustrating the compression spring located between the planar base and the support platform; 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the second accessory illustrating the stroke victim seeking physical therapy provided by the additional resistance of the compression spring; 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the underside of the mounting bracket affixed to the lower surface of the planar hand-mounting member; 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the underside of the hooking or looping portion of a removable attachment device affixed to the lower surface of the planar hand-mounting member; 
       FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of the planar hand-mounting member illustrating the raised padding portion attached on the upper surface and the washable material covering the planar hand-mounting member; 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a third accessory illustrating the arm-rest portion, the hand-shaped section, the extension section and the mounting hinge; 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a fourth accessory illustrating the concave rest portion, the support portion and the attachment portion; 
       FIG. 13  is perspective view of the support platform pivotally attached to a bracket attached to the connecting bar of a walker; 
       FIG. 14  is an elevated plan view of the support platform illustrating the at least one elastic member located between the bracket and the support platform; 
       FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a fifth accessory illustrating the floor bracket, the adjustable support shaft, the lower portion and the upper portion with a handle; 
       FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the sixth accessory illustrating the support tab, the elastic cord and the weakened portion in the elastic cord; 
       FIG. 17  is a detailed side elevational view of the coupling in the elastic cord illustrating the attaching portion and the receiving portion; 
       FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the seventh accessory illustrating the resilient arm support member, the intermediate bridging member and the retaining strap; 
       FIG. 18A  is a perspective view of the seventh accessory fit frictionally over a wheelchair arm and providing a channel at the upper surface for resting a stroke victim&#39;s arm; 
       FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the hand support platform attached to at least one end of the loop; 
       FIG. 20  is a rear perspective view of the eighth accessory illustrating the mounting structure, the bearing mount, the bearing and the planar positioning member; 
       FIG. 21  is a front perspective view of the eighth accessory illustrating the positioning member, the L-shaped control bracket, the control bracket, the stop pin and the antispasticity aid support member; 
       FIG. 21A  is a detailed side elevational view of the eighth accessory illustrating the antiplasticity aid support member, the second elastic member, the control bracket, the L-shaped control bracket and the positioning member; 
       FIG. 22  is a rear perspective view of the ninth accessory illustrating the support platform attached to a wheelchair; 
       FIG. 23  is a detailed side elevational view of the ninth accessory illustrating the first and second section of the arm support section, the elastic element and the means for attaching the front end of the elastic element to the second end of he first section of the arm support section and the rearward end of the elastic element to the first end of the second section of the arm support section; 
       FIG. 24  is partial cross-sectional plan view of the thumb-mounting member illustrating the plurality of detents, the ball channel, the compression spring and the positioning ball; and 
       FIG. 25  is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the thumb-mounting member illustrating the plurality of notches and the protruding finger. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   The present invention addresses all of the deficiencies or prior stroke victim aid inventions and satisfies all of the objectives described above. 
   (1) As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , an antispasticity aid device  10  providing the desired features may be constructed from the following components. A planar hand-mounting member  15  is provided. The planar hand-mounting member  15  is formed of rigid material  20  and is sized and shaped to extend beyond the outer dimensions  25  of a human hand  30  without a thumb  35 . The planar hand-mounting member  15  has an upper surface  40 , a lower surface  45 , a front edge  50 , a rear edge  55 , a first side edge  60  and a second side edge  65 . The hand-mounting member  15  has at least two first fastening slots  70 ,  75  located adjacent to the first  60  and second  65  side edges, respectively. A first restraining strap  80  is provided. The first restraining strap  80  is size and shaped to fit slidably through the first fastening slots  70 ,  75  and has a means  85  for adjusting a length  90  of the first strap  80 . 
   A thumb-mounting member  95  is provided. The thumb-mounting member  95  is formed of rigid material  100  and is sized and shaped to extend beyond the outer dimensions  105  of the human thumb  35 . The thumb-mounting member  95  has an upper surface  110 , a lower surface  115 , a front edge  120 , a rear edge  125 , a first side edge  130  and a second side edge  135 . The thumb-mounting member  95  has at least two second fastening slots  140 ,  145  located adjacent to the first  130  and the second  135  side edges of the thumb-mounting member  95 , respectively. A second restraining strap  150  is provided. The second strap  150  is sized and shaped to fit slidably through the second fastening slots  140 ,  145  and has a means  155  for adjusting a length  160  of the second strap  150 . The thumb-mounting member  95  is rotatably attached at its rear edge  125  to the first side edge  60  of the hand-mounting member  15 . This permits the thumb-mounting member  95  to rotate through an arc  165  in the plane of the hand-mounting member  95  whereby, when the hand  30  of a stroke victim  170  is placed upon the hand-mounting member  15 , the first restraining strap  80  is located over the hand  30  and through the first fastening slots  70 ,  75 . 
   The length  90  of the first restraining strap  80  is adjusted to hold the hand  30  in firm contact with the hand-mounting member  15  and when the thumb  35  of a stroke victim  170  is placed upon the thumb-mounting member  95 , the second restraining strap  150  is located over the thumb  35  and through the second fastening slots  140 ,  145 . The length  160  of the second restraining strap  150  is adjusted to hold the thumb  35  in firm contact with the thumb-mounting member  95 . The thumb-mounting member  95  is adjustable with respect to the hand-mounting member  15  for comfort of the spasticity victim  170 . 
   (2) In a variant, as shown in FIG.  2  and  FIG. 3 , the means  85 ,  155  for adjusting the length  90 ,  160  of either the first  80  or second  150  restraining straps is further comprised of a hooking element  175  located adjacent to a first end  180 ,  185  of the restraining strap  80 ,  150 . A looping element  190  extends from a second end  195 ,  200  of the restraining strap  80 ,  150  toward the first end  180 ,  185  whereby, when the hooking element  175  is attached to the looping element  190  at different points along the length  90 ,  160  of the restraining strap  80 ,  150 , the length  90 ,  160  of either of the first  80  or the second  150  restraining strap is adjusted. 
   (3) In another variant, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the thumb-mounting member  95  is lockable in a plurality of positions about a point  210  where it is rotatably attached at its rear edge  125  to the first side edge  60  of the hand-mounting member  15 . 
   (4) In yet another variant, as shown in  FIGS. 3-5 ,  5 A and  5 B, a first accessory  215  is provided. The first accessory  215  is comprised of an armrest portion  220 . The armrest portion  220  is formed of planar semi-rigid resilient material  225 , has a hand-shaped section  230  and an extension section  235 . The hand-shaped section  230  has a distal end  240  and a proximate end  245  and is sized and shaped to support the antispasticity aid device  10 . The extension section  235  has a first end  250  and a second end  255  and has a length  260  less than a distance  265  from an armpit  270  to a wrist  275  of a stroke victim  170 . The extension section  235  is attached at the first end  250  to the proximate end  245  of the hand-shaped section  230 . The first accessory  215  is attached to the antispasticity aid device  10  by either the first  80  and the second  150  fastening straps or the hooking  175  and the looping  190  fastening portions whereby when the first accessory  215  is attached to the antispasticity aid device  10  and the antispasticity aid device  10  is attached to the hand  30  of a stroke victim  170 , an arm  280  of the stroke victim  170  may be comfortably positioned on an arm  285  of an armchair  290  or sofa (not shown). 
   (5) In yet a further variant, as shown in FIG.  4  and  FIG. 5 , an upper padding portion  300  is provided. The upper padding portion  300  is formed of resilient padding material  305  and is sized and shaped to fit over an upper surface  310  of the extension section  235  of the arm-rest portion  220 . Whereby, when the first accessory  215  is attached to the antispasticity aid device  10 , the antispasticity aid device  10  is attached to the hand  30  of a stroke victim  170  and the upper padding portion  300  is positioned over the extension section  235 , the arm  280  of the stroke victim  170  will be more comfortably positioned upon the first accessory  215 . 
   (6) In still yet another variant, as shown in FIG.  4  and  FIG. 5 , a lower padding portion  315  is provided. The lower padding portion  315  is formed of resilient padding material  305  and is sized and shaped to fit over a lower surface  320  of the extension section  235  of the arm-rest portion  220 . Whereby, when the first accessory  215  is attached to the antispasticity aid device  10 , the antispasticity aid device  10  is attached to the hand  30  of a stroke victim  170  and the lower padding portion  315  is positioned under the extension section  235 , the arm  280  of the stroke victim  170  will be more comfortably positioned upon the first accessory  215 . 
   (7) In a further variant, as shown in FIG.  4 A and  FIG. 4B , the extension section  235  tapers in a vertical plane  325  from the first end  250  to the second end  255 , thereby lowering a point of contact  330  adjacent to the armpit  270  of the stroke victim  170 . 
   (8) In still another variant, as shown in FIG.  4  and  FIG. 5 , the upper padding portion  300  is formed of an FDA approved foam material  335 . 
   (9) In yet another variant, as shown in FIG.  4  and  FIG. 5 , the lower padding portion  315  is formed of an FDA approved foam material  335 . 
   (10) In still yet another variant, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the extension section  235  is covered with washable material  340 . 
   (11) In yet another variant, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the washable material  340  is removable and replaceable. 
   (12) In a further variant, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the second end  255  of the extension section  235  is comprised of a padded portion  345 . The padded portion  345  is sized and shaped to fit comfortably into the armpit  270  of a stroke victim  170 . 
   (13) In yet another variant, as shown in  FIG. 3 , FIG.  4 A and  FIG. 5 , at least one pair of attachment slots  350 ,  352  is provided. The attachment slots  350 ,  352  are located along side edges  355  of the extension section  235  between the first end  250  and the second end  255  and is sized and shaped to accommodate an attachment strap  360 . 
   (14) In another variant, as shown in  FIG. 4 , either a hooking portion  365  or a looping portion  370  of a removable attachment device  375  is provided. The portion  365 ,  370  is affixed to an upper surface  380  of the hand shaped section  230 . The portion  365 ,  370  provides a mechanism for removably attaching to the antispasticity aid device  10 . 
   (15) In still yet another variant, as shown in  FIG. 6 , a second accessory  385  is provided. The second accessory  385  is comprised of a support platform  390 . The support platform  390  is formed of planar semi-rigid, resilient material  225 , has an upper surface  391 , a lower surface  392 , has a hand-support section  395  and an arm support section  400 . The hand support section  395  has a distal end  405 , a proximate end  410  and is sized and shaped to support the antispasticity aid device  10 . The arm support section  400  has a first end  415 , a second end  420  and has a length  425  less than a distance  265  from an armpit  270  to a wrist  275  of a stroke victim  170 . The arm support section  400  is attached at the first end  415  to the proximate end  410  of the hand-support section  395 . The second accessory  385  is attached to the antispasticity aid device  10  using either the first  80  and the second  150  fastening straps or the hooking  175  and the looping  190  fastening portions. A planar base  420  is provided. The planar base  420  has an upper surface  421 , a lower surface  422  and is sized and shaped to fit beneath the support platform  390 . A leaf spring  425  is provided. The leaf spring  425  has an upper section  430  and a lower section  435  and is formed with an acute angle  440  between the upper section  430  and the lower section  435 . The upper section  430  is affixed to the lower surface  392  of the support platform  390  and the lower section  435  is affixed to the upper surface  421  of the planar base  420 . Whereby, when the second accessory  385  is attached to the antispasticity aid device  10 , and the antispasticity aid device  10  is attached to the hand  30  of a stroke victim  170 , the second accessory  385  will permit the stroke victim  170  to apply force against the leaf spring  425  to provide physical therapy for arm muscles  440  of the stroke victim  170 . 
   (16) In another variant, as shown in  FIGS. 6-8 , a padded material  445  is provided. The padded material  445  is affixed to the upper surface  391  of the support platform  390 . 
   (17) In another variant, as shown in  FIGS. 6-8 , a padded material  445  is provided. The padded material  445  is affixed to the lower surface  392  of the support platform  390 . 
   (18) In yet a further variant, as shown in FIG.  7  and  FIG. 8 , a compression spring  455  is provided. The compression spring  455  is located between the upper surface  421  of the planar base  420  and an underside  460  of the hand-support section  395  of the support platform  390 , thereby providing additional resistance to the stroke victim  170  seeking physical therapy. 
   (19) In yet still another variant, as shown in  FIG. 9 , FIG.  13  and  FIG. 15 , at least one mounting bracket  465  is provided. The mounting bracket  465  is affixed to the lower surface  45  of the planar hand-mounting member  15  and is formed of resilient material  225 . The mounting bracket  465  is sized and shaped to removably attach to either a top bar  470  of a walker  475  or a cane handle  480  whereby, the antispasticity aid device  10  is easily attachable to either of the walker  475  or cane handle  480  by a stroke victim  170  not able to adequately grip such devices  475 ,  480  with a hand  30 . 
   (20) In a further variant, as shown in  FIG. 10 , either a hooking portion  365  or a looping portion  370  of a removable attachment device  375  is provided. The portion  365 ,  370  is affixed to the lower surface  45  of the planar hand-mounting member  15 . The portion  365 ,  370  provides a mechanism for removably attaching the antispasticity aid device  10  to accessory devices  215 ,  385 ,  485 ,  585 ,  740 ,  820 ,  935 ,  1020 ,  1195 . 
   (21) In another variant, as shown in  FIG. 11 , a third accessory  485  is provided. The third accessory  485  is comprised of an arm-rest portion  490 . The arm-rest portion  490  is formed of planar semi-rigid resilient material  225 , has a hand-shaped section  495  and an extension section  500 . The hand-shaped section  495  has an upper surface  505 , a lower surface  510 , a distal end  515  and a proximate end  520  and is sized and shaped to support the antispasticity aid device  10 . The hand-shaped section  495  has either a looping portion  370  or a hooking portion  365  of a removable attachment device  375  affixed to the upper surface  505  for attachment to the antispasticity aid device  10 . The extension section  500  has a first end  525  and a second end  530  and has a length  535  greater than a distance from a back of a wrist  275  of a stroke victim  170  and is attached at the first end  525  to the proximate end  520  of the hand-shaped section  495 . At least one reinforcing element  550  is provided. The reinforcing element  550  is formed of resilient material  25  and is located within the arm-rest portion  490  and extends from the second end  530  of the extension section  500  to at least into the hand shaped section  495 . A mounting hinge  555  is provided. The mounting hinge  555  has a first portion  560  and a second portion  565  and is attached at the first portion  560  to the reinforcing element  550  adjacent to the second end  530  of the extension section  500  and is attached at the second portion  565  to a wall  570  adjacent to either a toilet  575  or a bathtub (not shown). The mounting hinge  555  maintains the third accessory  485  in a position orthogonal to the wall  570  whereby, when attached to the wall  570 , the third accessory  485  will provide a comfortable location for a stroke victim  170  to rest an arm  280  when using either the bathtub (not shown) or the toilet  575 . 
   (22) In still another variant, as shown in  FIG. 12 , a fourth accessory  585  is provided. The fourth accessory  585  is comprised of a concave rest portion  590 . The concave rest portion  590  has an upper surface  600 , a lower surface  605  and is sized and shaped to accommodate an arm  280  of a stroke victim  170  using one of the antispasticity aid devices  10  on the upper surface  600 . A support portion  610  is provided. The support portion  610  has a top surface  615  and a bottom surface  620 . The support portion  610  is of a length  625  sufficient to support the rest portion  590  and is attached at the top surface  615  to the lower surface  605  of the rest portion  590 . The support portion  610  is of a height  630  sufficient to maintain the rest portion  590  at a desired height  635 . An attachment portion  640  is provided. The attachment portion  640  has an upper surface  645  and a lower surface  650 . The attachment portion  640  is attached at the upper surface  645  to the bottom surface  620  of the support portion  610  and is sized and shaped to fit frictionally over either the arm  285  of a chair  290  or sofa (not shown) at the lower surface  650 . Whereby, when fitted to either the arm  285  of a chair  290  or sofa (not shown), the fourth accessory  585  will provide a comfortable and secure rest location for a stroke victim&#39;s arm  280 . 
   (23) In yet another variant, as shown in FIG.  13  and  FIG. 14 , a walker  475  is provided. The walker  475  has two pairs of downward pointing legs  660 ,  665 . Each of the pairs  660 ,  665  attaches at upper ends  670 ,  675  to a top cross bar  470 ,  471 . At least one leg  685 ,  690  of each pair  660 ,  665  is hingedly joined to at least one connecting bar  695 ,  696 . A support platform  700  is provided. The support platform  700  is pivotally attached to a bracket  705 . The bracket  705  is attached to the at least one connecting bar  695 ,  696 . The platform  700  has a first end  710  for supporting a wrist  275  of a stroke victim  170  and a second end  720  for supporting the antispasticity aid device  10 . The second end  720  has either a hooking portion  365  or a looping portion  370  of a removable attachment device  375  positioned upon an upper surface  725  for removable attachment to the antispasticity aid device  10 . At least one elastic member  730  is provided. The elastic member  730  is located between the bracket  705  and an underside  735  of the support platform  700 . The elastic member  730  provides resistive stability for the platform  700  when supporting the hand  30  and arm  280  of a stroke victim  170 . 
   (24) In yet a further variant, as shown in FIG.  9  and  FIG. 15 , a fifth accessory  740  is provided. The fifth accessory  740  is comprised of a floor bracket  745 . The floor bracket  745  has an upper surface  750 , a lower surface  755 , a pivotal mounting bracket  760  affixed to the upper surface  750  and a non-slip finish  765  on the lower surface  755 . An adjustable support shaft  770  is provided. The support shaft  770  has an upper portion  775  and a lower portion  780 . The lower portion  780  fits slidably within the upper portion  775  and has a clamping mechanism  785  for adjustably fastening the upper portion  775  to the lower portion  780  at a variety of heights. The lower portion  780  has a fitting  795  affixed at a lower end  800 . The fitting  795  is sized and shaped to fit the pivotal mounting bracket  760 . The upper portion  775  has a handle  480  at an upper end  810 . The handle  480  is sized and shaped to accept the mounting bracket  465  of the antispasticity aid device  10  whereby, when the antispasticity aid device  10  is removably affixed to the handle  480 , a stroke victim  170  will use the fifth accessory  740  to exercise the arm  440  and shoulder  815  muscles. 
   (25) In still another variant, as shown in  FIG. 16 , a sixth accessory  820  is provided. The sixth accessory  820  is comprised of a support tab  825 . The support tab  825  has a first surface  830 , a second surface  835 , an aperture  840  penetrating the first  830  and second  835  surfaces and either a hooking portion  365  or a looping  370  portion of a removable attachment device  375  affixed to one of the first  830  or second  835  surfaces. The portion  365 ,  370  provides a mechanism for removably attaching the support tab  825  to the antispasticity aid device  10 . An elastic chord  840  is provided. The elastic chord  840  has a first end  845 , a second end  850  and is attached at the first end  845  to the support tab  825  through the aperture  840 . The elastic chord  840  has a mechanism  852  at the second end  850  for forming a loop  855  adjacent to the second end  850 . The loop  855  serves to attach the elastic chord  840  to a support fixture  860  whereby, when the antispasticity aid device  10  is attached to a hand  30  of a stroke victim  170 , the antispasticity aid device  10  is attached to the support tab  825  and the loop  855  is attached to the fixture  860 , the hand  30  and arm  280  of the stroke victim  170  will be suspended for ease of washing. 
   (26) In yet another variant, as shown in  FIG. 16 , the sixth accessory  820  is comprised of a weakened portion  870  in the elastic chord  840 . The weakened portion  870  provides a safety feature  875  for the stroke victim  170  in the event the stroke victim  170  should fall. The safety feature  875  prevents the stroke victim  170  from being suspended by the sixth accessory  820 . 
   (27) In still a further variant, as shown in  FIG. 17 , a coupling  872  in the elastic chord  840  is provided. The coupling  872  has an attaching portion  875  and a receiving portion  880 . The attaching portion  875  is affixed to an upper end  885  of a lower portion  890  of the elastic chord  840  and has a head section  895  and a reduced cross-section neck section  900  located below the head section  895 . The receiving portion  880  is affixed to a lower end  905  of an upper portion  910  of the elastic chord  840  having a cavity  915 . The cavity  915  is sized and shaped to frictionally fit over the attaching portion  875  and has a resilient surrounding lower rim  920 . The rim  920  is sized and shaped to fit into the neck section  900  whereby, when a downward pressure on the sixth accessory  820  exceeds pressure required to locate the attaching portion  875  in the receiving portion  880 , the attaching portion  875  and the receiving portions  880  will separate. This provides a safety feature  930  for a stroke victim  170  using the sixth accessory  820 . 
   (28) In yet a further variant, as shown in FIG.  18  and  FIG. 18A , a seventh accessory  935  is provided. The seventh accessory  935  is comprised of a resilient arm support member  940 . The arm support member  940  has a first end  945 , a second end  950  and is formed into a loop  955 . The loop  955  is joined by an intermediate bridging member  960 . The resilient arm support member  940  is sized and shaped to fit frictionally over a wheelchair arm  965  and to provide a channel  970  at an upper surface  975  suitable for resting of a stroke victim&#39;s arm  280 . At least one retaining strap  980  is provided. The retaining strap  980  has a first portion  985  and a second portion  990 . Each of the portions  985 ,  990  are attached to an outer edge  995  of the loop  955  and has either a looping means  1000  or a hooking means  1005  attached to the portions  985 ,  990  to permit the retaining strap  980  to be fastened over an arm  280  of a stroke victim  170 . 
   (29) In still a further variant, as shown in  FIG. 19 , a hand support platform  1010  is provided. The hand support platform  1010  is attached to at least one end  945 ,  950  of the loop  955  and is sized and shaped to fit beneath the antispasticity aid device  10 . The hand support platform  1010  has a series of slots  1015  for accepting retaining straps  980  to hold the antispasticity aid device  10  to the hand support platform  1010 . 
   (30) In another variant, as shown in  FIG. 20 , FIG.  21  and  FIG. 21A , an eighth accessory  1020  is provided. The eighth accessory  1020  is comprised of a vertically oriented mounting structure  1025 . The mounting structure  1025  has an upper end  1030 , a lower end  1035 , a support base  1040  located at the lower end  1035  and a central adjusting tract  1045 . A bearing mount  1050  is provided. The bearing mount  1050  is slidably affixed to the central adjusting track  1045  and has a curved exterior edge  1052 . A bearing  1055  is provided. The bearing  1055  is affixed to a center  1060  of the bearing mount  1050 . A planar positioning member  1065  is provided. The positioning member  1065  has a perimeter  1070 , a front surface  1075 , a rear surface  1080  and is affixed to the bearing  1055  at a center portion  1085  of the rear surface  1080 . A planar, L-shaped control bracket  1090  is provided. The control bracket  1090  is pivotally mounted adjacent to a corner  1095  of the L-shape  1100  to the front surface  1075  of the positioning member  1050  adjacent to the perimeter  1070 . The control bracket  1090  has a control bracket bearing  1105  mounted at one end  1110  of the L-shape  1100 . At least one stop pin  1112  is provided. The stop pin  1112  is mounted to the front surface  1075  of the positioning member  1065  and is located between arms  1115  of the L-shaped control bracket  1090 . An antispasticity aid support member  1120  is provided. The support member  1120  has an upper surface  1125  and a lower surface  1130 . The support member  1120  is pivotally mounted to the control bracket bearing  1105  and is sized and shaped to support the antispasticity aid device  10 . The support member  1120  has either a hooking portion  365  or a looping portion  370  of a removable attachment device  375  affixed to the upper surface  1125  of the support member  1130  for attachment to the antispasticity aid device  10 . A first elastic member  1135  is provided. The first elastic member  1135  has a first end  1140  and a second end  1145 . The first elastic member  1135  is attached at the first end  1140  to the rear surface  1080  of the planar positioning member  1065  adjacent to the perimeter  1070  and is attached at the second end  1145  to the curved exterior edge  1052  of the bearing mount  1050  whereby, when the antispasticity aid device  10  is attached to a hand  30  of a stroke victim  170  and the antispasticity aid device  10  is attached to the support member  1120 , the eighth accessory  1020  will provide a mechanism for exercising arm muscles  440  of the stroke victim  170 , permitting rising extension of the arm muscles  440 . 
   (31) In yet another variant, as shown in FIG.  21  and  FIG. 21A , a second elastic member  1150  is provided. The elastic member  1150  has a first end  1155  and a second end  1160 . The elastic member  1150  is attached at the first end  1155  to the front surface  1075  of the planar positioning member  1065  inward from the perimeter  1070  and is attached at the second end  1160  to the support member  1120 . This provides additional stability for the arm  280  of the stroke victim  170  as the eighth accessory  1020  is used for exercising the arm  280  of the stroke victim  170 . 
   (32) In still a further variant, as shown in FIG.  22  and  FIG. 23 , a ninth accessory  1195  is provided. The ninth accessory  1195  has a support platform  1200 . The support platform  1200  is formed of planar semi-rigid, resilient material  225  and has a hand-support section  1205  and an arm support section  1210  and is attached to a wheelchair  1215 . The hand-support section  1205  has a distal end  1220  and a proximate end  1225  and is sized and shaped to support the antispasticity aid device  10 . The arm support section  1210  has a first section  1230  and a second section  1235 . The first section  1230  has a first end  1240  and a second end  1245 . The second section  1235  has a first end  1250  and a second end  1255 . The first section  1230  of the arm support section  1210  is attached at the first end  1240  to the proximate end  1225  of the hand-support section  1205 . An elastic element  1260  is provided. The elastic element  1260  has a front end  1265  and a rearward end  1270 . The front end  1265  of the elastic element  1260  is attached to the second end  1245  of the first section  1230  of the arm support section  1210  and the rearward end  1270  of the elastic element  1260  is attached to the first end  1250  of the second section  1235  of the arm support section  1210 . Whereby, when the ninth accessory  1195  is attached to the antispasticity aid device  10  and the antispasticity aid device  10  is attached to the hand  30  of a stroke victim  170 , the ninth accessory  1195  will permit the stroke victim  170  to apply force against the elastic element  1260  to provide physical therapy for arm muscles  440  of the stroke victim  170 . 
   (33) In another variant, as shown in FIG.  22  and  FIG. 23 , a means  1275  for attaching the front end  1265  of the elastic element  1260  to the second end  1245  of the first section  1230  of the arm support section  1210  and the rearward end  1270  of the elastic element  1260  to the first end  1250  of the second section  1235  of the arm support section  1210  is provided. 
   (34) In still another variant, as shown in  FIG. 23 , at least one bracket  1280  is provided. The bracket  1280  has a first end  1285 , a second end  1290  and is attached to either the second end  1245  of the first section  1230  of the arm support section  1210  or the first end  1250  of the second section  1235  of the arm support section  1210  to the first end  1285  of the bracket  1280 . 
   (35) In a further variant, as shown in FIG.  22  and  FIG. 23 , an extension spring  1295  is provided. The extension spring  1295  has a front end  1300  and a rearward end  1305 . The front end  1300  of the extension spring  1295  is attached to the second end  1245  of the first section  1230  of the arm support section  1210  and the rearward end  1305  of the extension spring  1295  is attached to the first end  1250  of the second section  1235  of the arm support section  1210 . 
   (36) In yet another variant, as shown in  FIG. 22 , a mechanism  1310  of attaching the support platform  1200  at the second end  1255  of the second section  1235  of the arm support section  1210  to a hollow tube  1315  at the rear of the wheelchair  1215  is provided. 
   (37) In still a further variant, as shown in  FIG. 24 , a plurality of detents  1165  is provided. The detents  1165  are located at the rear edge  125  of the thumb-mounting member  95 . A ball channel  1170  is provided. The ball channel  1170  is located in either the first side edge  60  or the second side edge  65  of the hand-mounting member  15 . The ball channel  1170  has a compression spring  1175  located within the channel  1170 . A positioning ball  1180  is provided. The ball  1180  is sized and shaped to fit slidably within the channel  1170  and to fit within the detents  1165 . The ball  1180  is maintained in one of the detents  1165  by the compression spring  1175  whereby, when pressure is applied to the side edge  130 ,  135  of the thumb-mounting member  95 , the ball  1180  will be moved from one detent  1165  to the next. The compression spring  1175  tends to maintain a position of the thumb-mounting member  95  with respect to the hand-mounting member  15 . 
   (38) In another variant, as shown in  FIG. 25 , a plurality of notches  1185  is provided. The notches  1185  are located at either the first side edge  60  or the second side edge  65  of the hand-mounting member  15 . A protruding finger  1190  is provided. The protruding finger  1190  is located at the rear edge  125  of the thumb-mounting member  95  and is sized and shaped to removably engage any one of the notches  1185  whereby, when the protruding finger  1190  is located in one of the notches  1185 , the finger  1190  will maintain a position of the thumb-mounting member  95  with respect to the hand-mounting member  15 . 
   (39) In still another variant, as shown in FIG.  10 A and  FIG. 18A , a raised padding portion  1195  is provided. The raised padding portion  1195  is formed of resilient padding material  305  and is sized and shaped to fit over an upper surface  40  of the planar hand-mounting member  15 . Whereby, when the raised padding portion  1195  is fit over the upper surface  40  of the planar hand-mounting member  15  and the raised padding portion  1195  is attached to a hand  30  of a stroke victim  170 , the knuckles  1200  of the stroke victim  170  will be elevated above the fingertips  1205  of the stroke victim  170  thereby allowing the hand  30  of the stroke victim  170  to be comfortably positioned on the planar hand-mounting member  15 . 
   (40) In yet still a further variant, as shown in  FIG. 10A , the raised padding portion  1195  is formed of an FDA approved foam material  335 . 
   (41) In still a further variant, as shown in  FIG. 10A , the planar hand-mounting member  15  is covered with a washable material  340 . 
   (42) In a final variant, as shown in  FIG. 10A , the washable material  340  is removable and replaceable.