Patent ID: 8157664

Claim:
An assist device comprising: a generally planar, deformable, forearm engaging support member having first and second opposed edges, a first side configured to engage a user's forearm, and a second side facing a direction generally opposite the first side; a flexible elongate sleeve including a first material disposed on the second side of the support member between the first and second opposed edges, the flexible elongate sleeve having a first end, a second end, and a length extending between the first and second ends, the first end defining an opening sized to receive a portion of an elongate handle such that an end of the elongate handle is disposed within the flexible elongate sleeve, wherein the first material is configured to deform to accommodate, and frictionally engage, the portion of the elongate handle when the portion of the elongate handle is inserted by the user into the flexible elongate sleeve, and wherein the elongate sleeve comprises a reinforcement element including a second material having a greater rigidity than the first material and disposed about a majority of a periphery of the opening of the elongate sleeve to define a generally C-shaped opening; and a connection system disposed on the first and second edges of the support member and including a plurality of straps configured to removably attach the assist device to the user's forearm.