Patent ID: 7533485

Claim:
A method for using an arm support device to support a person's arm as the person holds an elongated item, the person's arm having a hand, a wrist and a forearm, the arm support device including a forearm engaging member and a connection arrangement that connects the forearm engaging member to the elongated item, the connection arrangement including a coupler that mounts to a handle of the elongated item, the coupler defining a pivot opening, the forearm engaging member including an arm cradle having a base portion and opposing left and right sidewalls that cooperate to define a channel having an open side that faces in a first direction, the arm cradle extending from an open front end to an open back end of the arm cradle, the connection arrangement including a pivot member mounted to the base of the arm cradle, the pivot member including a pivot shaft that extends outwardly in a second direction relative to the arm cradle, the second direction being generally opposite from the first direction, the pivot shaft being received in the pivot opening of the coupler and defining a pivot axis that is offset from the handle of the elongated item and is located adjacent the open front end of the arm cradle, the method comprising: holding the elongated item with the hand at a location in front of the pivot axis; engaging the forearm with an arm support surface of the base of the arm cradle at a location in back of the pivot axis, the arm support surface angling away from the handle of the elongated item in the first direction as the arm support surface extends in a front to rear direction along the arm cradle; and bending the wrist to generate relative pivotal movement about the pivot axis between the elongated item and the forearm engaging member, wherein the arm support device provides lifting leverage while also allowing the relative pivotal movement about the pivot axis.