Abstract:
The subject invention discloses an adjustable sling consisting of one large looped strap and one small looped strap, wherein the larger loop is placed over the shoulder of a user while the smaller loop is simultaneously placed over the wrist of the user. Both of these loops can be adjusted to fit the user. In addition, the larger loop can be placed over either shoulder and the smaller loop can be placed over either wrist. Furthermore, the smaller loop&#39;s attachment to the larger loop can move freely up and down the larger loop. This art sling allows a user to keep his or her hand of the looped wrist balanced and steady while engaging in art activities such as painting or drawing. This art sling also provides the user with extra support of the arm while engaging in such activities to prevent against fatigue.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of Invention 
         [0002]    The invention relates generally to the field of tools and utensils for aiding in the preparation of works of art by steadying the artist&#39;s hand and preventing fatigue. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    Most artwork requires a precise and accurate use of a device by hand, such as a paintbrush, or a chisel. During these types of artwork, the shoulder, arm and wrist provide stability and control to the hand engaged in the artwork. 
         [0005]    Engaging in artwork or restoring artwork can be time consuming and exhaustive. These tasks demand large amounts of extremely focused concentration and energy. These tasks can be compounded by the necessary precision that must be maintained throughout the processes. Maintaining this precision in the face of long periods of time and expenditure of energy can be difficult, if not impossible for older or disabled artists. The amount and type of concentration demanded may be physically exhausting to many and virtually impossible for the disabled. Many artists will find their abilities diminished over time as old age reduces the amount of energy they can expend engaging in these activities. Many are physically unable to participate in these activities or can only participate to such a limited degree that it leads to high levels of frustration. 
         [0006]    Many previous devices have been disclosed which attempt to ease the amount of energy and concentration needed to engage in such artwork by alleviating the stress on the shoulder, neck, arm and wrist of the artist. 
         [0007]    Karlin, U.S. Pat. No. 4,188,006, describes an armrest physically connected to a two-dimensional work surface, such as a canvas, to provide a surface for an artist to rest and/or steady his or her hand while painting or drawing. While this rest may be adjustable, it is limited to work types of artwork it may be applied. For instance, it would be difficult to apply this arm rest to sculpting. In addition, this arm rest is bulky and adjusting the device is time consuming. 
         [0008]    Hoyt, U.S. Pat. No. 5,141,198, describes a similar device which is a rod attached at one end to an artist&#39;s easel which can be held by the other hand of the user over a canvas to support and steady the artist&#39;s painting hand. Once again, this device may be adjustable, but is limited to work types of artwork it may be applied and adjusting the device is time consuming. Furthermore, the artist must hold the rod in the non-painting arm forcing the artist to hold the weight of the painting arm for the duration of the activity. 
         [0009]    Amirian, U.S. Pat. No. 5,172,883, describes an apparatus which rests on an easel consisting of two adjustable rails joined together by a pivotal connection which permit an artist to rest his or her hand while painting. 
         [0010]    Falconer, U.S. Pat. No. 6,565,059 describes an adjustable hand rest for artists attached to an artist&#39;s easel for steadying the hand when performing delicate brush strokes. Additionally, the hand rest is lightweight and easy to install on either an easel or canvas, making it readily portable. Positioning is easily changed by moving the hand rest rod to another peg. 
         [0011]    Oliver, U.S. Pat. No. 6,691,972 describes an adjustable hand rest for artists attached to a workspace. The handrest includes an elongated hand support member which spans the work surface and each end of which is independently vertically adjustable with respect to the other. 
         [0012]    While the above tools do alleviate the stress of the arm of a user and the energy needed to create a work of art, they do not offer a portable device which is flexible for multiple types of artistry. These previous described devices can be cumbersome to carry, set up and adjust. What is needed is a flexible device that aids artists maintain levels of precision for long periods of time with virtually any sort of art without being cumbersome to carry or adjust. 
         [0013]    The proposed invention discloses the use of a new sling to aid in the creation of art. Other slings have been created in the past that aid individuals with other tasks. 
         [0014]    Johnson, U.S. Pat. No. 3,554,194, describes an arm sling with upper and lower loops or strap portions joined together to form a generally figure-eight configuration. 
         [0015]    Tan, U.S. Pat. No. 6,767,290, describes a golf training aid consisting of a shoulder strap attached to a separate strap adapted for connection to the user above the elbow. This device is designed to aid a golfer develop a golf swing. The golf training aid has a shoulder strap adapted to be worn by the golfer around the shoulder of one arm, and an elbow member adapted to be worn above the elbow of the opposite arm. When worm a portion of the shoulder strap passes in front of the golfer where a coupling structure couples the shoulder strap to the elbow member such that the arms are positioned in front of the golfer&#39;s body. The golf training aid is adapted to maintain a substantially constant distance between the shoulder and the opposite elbow of the golfer during a golf swing, thus facilitating synchronization of proper arm position with rotation of the body throughout the golf swing. 
         [0016]    Arvanitis, Jr., U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2001/0046904, describes a stabilizing strap having a neck loop and a thumb loop. This strap is used to stabilize a user engaged in playing golf or when using a weapon. 
         [0017]    Jestrabek-Hart, U.S. Pat. No. 6,979,303, describes an arm sling apparatus which includes a cooperating suspension system and support frame wherein the weight of a user&#39;s arm may be transferred from the shoulder to the torso. The arm sling apparatus allows the shoulder to rest and/or heal by temporarily relieving the shoulder of its lifting duties preferably without touching and therefore without stressing or fatiguing the neck or shoulder regions. 
         [0018]    While the above slings do alleviate the stress of the arm of a user, the new sling of the subject invention is modified to aid the user in artwork. The subject invention is easily portable and can allow a user to engage in virtually all types of artwork with increase accuracy, increase precision and decrease fatigue. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0019]    The subject application discloses a sling comprising a) a first strap; b) an adjustable means for connecting a first end of said first strap to a second end of said first strap to form a first loop; c) a second strap; d) an adjustable means for connecting a first end of said second strap to a second end of said second strap to form a second loop; e) a first means for moveably attaching said first strap to a first end of a first swivel so as to allow said first swivel to move along said first strap; f) a second means for moveably attaching said second strap to a first end of a second swivel so as to allow said second swivel to move along said second strap, wherein a second end of said first swivel is rotatably attached to a second end of said second swivel so to allow said first strap to rotate 360 degrees in a plane parallel to said first swivel and to allow said second strap to rotate 360 degrees in a plane parallel to said second swivel, further wherein said first loop is placed over a desired shoulder of a user and said second loop is simultaneously placed over a desired wrist of said user. 
         [0020]    These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. The invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, thus reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which the preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of the art sling. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  illustrates another perspective view of the art sling. 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  illustrates a top view of the art sling. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  illustrates a side view of the art sling. 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  illustrates a side view of the art sling worn by a user. 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  illustrates another side view of the art sling worn by a user. 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of the optional glove attachment to the sling. 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  illustrates a top view of the rotatably attached swivel connecting both loops of the art sling. 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  illustrates a side view of a user engaging in artwork on a standing canvas using art sling. 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  illustrates a side view of a user engaging in artwork over a table using the art sling. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0031]      FIG. 1  of the subject application shows a perspective view of the sling containing a first strap  1 , a Velcro attachment  2 , for connecting both ends of strap  1 , to form loop  3 .  FIG. 1  also shows a second strap  4 , which also contains a Velcro attachment  5 , for connecting both ends of the second strap  4 , to form loop  6 .  FIG. 1  shows a swivel  7 , connecting loop  3  with loop  6 . The swivel  7  is capable is moving up and down either loop  3  or loop  6  by means of clip  8  and clip  9 . The swivel  7  is also capable of rotatably moving 360 degrees. This rotation allows either loop  3  or loop  6  to move in either direction from one another. When the art sling is placed over a user, loop  3  is placed over either shoulder of the user and loop  6  is placed over either wrist of the same user. The arm sling comprises loop  3  and loop  6  to form a “FIG.  8 ” shape. Configuration the loop  3  is adapted to bear against the user&#39;s neck while loop  6  is adapted to fit over the user&#39;s wrist. 
         [0032]    In an embodiment of the invention, the sling can be manufactured with an extra long strap  1  for artists that are obese, overweight, or simply large so the sling would fit them with ease. 
         [0033]      FIG. 2  of the subject application shows another perspective view of the sling containing a first strap  1 , a Velcro attachment  2 , for connecting both ends of strap  1 , to form loop  3 .  FIG. 1  also shows a second strap  4 , which also contains a Velcro attachment  5 , for connecting both ends of the second strap  4 , to form loop  6 .  FIG. 1  shows a swivel  7 , connecting loop  3  with loop  6 . The swivel  7  is capable is moving up and down either loop  3  or loop  6  by means of clip  8  and clip  9 . The swivel  7  is also capable of rotatably moving 360 degrees. This rotation allows either loop  3  or loop  6  to move in either direction from one another. When the art sling is placed over a user, loop  3  is placed over either shoulder of the user and loop  6  is placed over either wrist of the same user. 
         [0034]    While  FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate Velcro attachments  2  and  5 , for connecting both ends of strap  1  and both ends of strap  4 , respectively, alternative embodiments of the subject invention include other means for attaching straps  1  and  4 . These means include, but are not limited to Velcro, buckles, magnets, snaps, buttons, tie straps or any other device that permit shortening and/or lengthening of the sling 
         [0035]      FIG. 3  of the subject application shows a top view of the sling containing a first strap  1 , a Velcro attachment  2 , for connecting both ends of strap  1 , to form loop  3 .  FIG. 1  also shows a second strap  4 , which also contains a Velcro attachment  5 , for connecting both ends of the second strap  4 , to form loop  6 .  FIG. 1  shows a swivel  7 , connecting loop  3  with loop  6 . The swivel  7  is capable is moving up and down either loop  3  or loop  6  by means of clip  8  and clip  9 . The swivel  7  is also capable of rotatably moving 360 degrees. This rotation allows either loop  3  or loop  6  to move in either direction from one another. When the art sling is placed over a user, loop  3  is placed over either shoulder of the user and loop  6  is placed over either wrist of the same user. 
         [0036]      FIG. 4  of the subject application shows a side view of the sling containing a first strap  1 , a Velcro attachment  2 , for connecting both ends of strap  1 , to form loop  3 ,  FIG. 1  also shows a second strap  4 , which also contains a Velcro attachment  5 , for connecting both ends of the second strap  4 , to form loop  6 .  FIG. 1  shows a swivel  7 , connecting loop  3  with loop  6 . The swivel  7  is capable is moving up and down either loop  3  or loop  6  by means of clip  8  and clip  9 . The swivel  7  is also capable of rotatably moving 360 degrees. This rotation allows either loop  3  or loop  6  to move in either direction from one another. When the art sling is placed over a user, loop  3  is placed over either shoulder of the user and loop  6  is placed over either wrist of the same user. 
         [0037]      FIGS. 5 and 6  of the subject application show a view of the sling when placed onto a user. Loop  3  is placed over the left shoulder following down across the chest in a diagonal direction toward the right side of the waist of a user while loop  6  is simultaneously placed over the right wrist of a user. Swivel  7 , connecting loop  3  with loop  6 , is capable is moving up and down either loop  3  or loop  6  by means of clip  8  and clip  9 . The swivel  7  is also capable of rotatably moving 360 degrees. This rotation allows either loop  3  or loop  6  to move in either direction from one another. A comfort pad  10  is placed on the shoulder to protect the shoulder and neck that comes in contact with the long strap  1 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 7  of the subject application shows a perspective view of the sling containing a first loop  3 .  FIG. 7  also shows a glove attachment  11 . The glove attachment is attached to the double-eye swivel  7 .  FIG. 7  shows a swivel  7 , connecting loop  3  with glove attachment  11 . The swivel  7  is capable is moving up and down loop  3  by means of clip  8  and clip  9 . The swivel  7  is also capable of rotatably moving 360 degrees. This rotation allows either loop  3  or glove attachment  11  to move in either direction from one another. When the art sling is placed over a user, loop  3  is placed over either shoulder of the user and glove attachment  11  is placed over either hand of the same user. 
         [0039]    The glove attachment  11  prevents condensation or perspiration to accumulate on an artist&#39;s hands, and prevents material such as oil paints and charcoal from spilling onto the artist&#39;s hands or body. In addition, an Amputee artist could use the art sling glove attachment  11  to keep their prosthetic arms and hands clean while engaging in artwork. 
         [0040]      FIG. 8  of the subject application shows a view of the swivel  7 . The swivel  7  is capable of rotatably moving 360 degrees. In alternative embodiments of the subject invention, the swivel  7  may be a double-eye swivel which allows the user to freely move the Wrist and Hand in a Circular 180 degrees in either direction with no obstructions from the either straps or anything else. 
         [0041]      FIGS. 9 and 10  of the subject application show a view of the sling when placed onto a user engaging in artwork.  FIG. 9  shows a user wearing the sling while engaging in artwork on a standing canvas. The individual can stand in an upright position while painting on canvas or drawing on a mural.  FIG. 10  shows a user wearing the sling while engaging in artwork on a table top. The individual can stand in a bent over position while painting in water color or drawing in pen and ink. The individual can sit on a chair in an upright position while using a pottery wheel or model construction. Loop  3  is placed over the left shoulder of a user while loop  6  is simultaneously placed over the right wrist of a user. Swivel  7 , connecting loop  3  with loop  6 , is capable is moving up and down either loop  3  or loop  6  by means of clip  8  and clip  9 . The swivel  7  is also capable of rotatably moving 360 degrees. This rotation allows either loop  3  or loop  6  to move in either direction from one another. 
         [0042]    The subject invention also discloses a method of using the art sling to steady the artist&#39;s hand during artwork comprising a) connecting said first end of said first strap to said second end of said first strap to form said first loop; b) placing said first loop over said desired shoulder and adjusting said first loop to a desired length; c) connecting said second end of said second strap to said second end of said second strap to form said second loop; d) placing said second loop over said desired wrist and adjusting said second loop to a desired length; wherein said second loop steadies said desired wrist to allow said user to engage in said art activity. 
         [0043]    The subject invention also discloses a method of using the art sling to prevent fatigue while engaging in art activity comprising a) connecting said first end of said first strap to said second end of said first strap to form said first loop; b) placing said first loop over said desired shoulder and adjusting said first loop to a desired length; c) connecting said second end of said second strap to said second end of said second strap to form said second loop; d) placing said second loop over said desired wrist and adjusting said second loop to a desired length; wherein said second loop prevents fatigue in said user while engaging in said art activity. 
         [0044]    Artists that may benefit from use of the art sling in steadying the hand or to prevent fatigue include artists suffering from the symptoms of muscular disorders, nervous disorders or medical disabilities. This may include artists that have involuntary reflex actions of the nervous system resulting in spontaneous uncontrollable muscle reactions, such as a pinched nerve in the wrist joint or nervousness in the hands. 
         [0045]    The art sling of the subject application may be used in virtually any sort of artistic activity, particularly in those in which the artist is outstretched or in another weak position. Such activities include, but are not limited to, painting, sculpting, drawing, woodworking and pinstripe detail work on the body of an automobile. This sling also provides added control to delicate line strokes to difficult brush strokes to oil, water color, acrylic, pottery, pen and ink, charcoal pencil, soft pastel, and lithograph artists. Others that may benefit from the use of the art sling include, but are not limited to artist sign painters, cartographers delineators, architects, welders on any sort of working medium, including canvas cardboard battle any sort of work surface. 
         [0046]    The art sling provides added control to artists. The art sling can also be used for art restoration such as restoring artwork originally painting on a ceiling. 
         [0047]    The art sling of the subject application leaves the other hand of the artist free to hold paint or other supplies 
         [0048]    The invention is light weight, portable can be stored almost anywhere can be carried in most anything. In addition, the art sling is washable. In alternative embodiments of the invention, the sling may be constructed of neoprene nylon elastic leather or similar materials known to those skilled in the art. 
         [0049]    In alternative embodiments the art sling can be produced in many different colors. For example the art sling can be manufactured in Red, Blue, Yellow, Purple, Green, Orange, Black, White, Gray, And Brown with mixed and matched colored straps to distinguish the owner of the sling in an environment with shared artistic supplies such as a classroom.