Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
. _ 2142539
LIGHTWEIGHT, PORTABLE POSITIONAL LIMB SUPPORT
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A portable limb device with an upper-half and a bottom-half each possessing
an upper and lower extension. The upper halfs upper extension has two
oppositely-sloping surfaces, each laterally flaring outwardly and upwardly of
the
vertical axis from a common region of the upper extension, whereby to form a
limb
support trough for supporting a limb member of a patient. The device's bottom-
half has an upper extension that is fixedly associated or repositionable with
the
upper-half's lower extension. The bottom-half's lower extension provides a
horizontally-aligned stand and base surface for the device that is aligned
with the
upper-halfs upper extension so as to provide stability when the device is
rested on
or against a solid surface.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Lipson, U.S. Patent No. 5,000,168, patented March 19, 1991, describes an
advanced state-of the-art portable limb support device that offers multi-
positional
capabilities. The device may be made of a variety of materials, including
metals
and/or plastics. A number of the embodiments specifically disclosed by Lipson
require a multitude of parts to make; consequently, the fabrication of such
devices
tends to be expensive.
Though the Lipson patent provides a substantial degree of adjustability, there
is a limitation to the levels of adjustment. For example, the conjoining arms
extending from the base and the trough are telescoping tubes 44 and 46, that
are
limited, even in the case of Figure 6, in the number of points of adjustment.
In
addition, where the tubes are frictionally engaged by a nut and bolt
combination,
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there is a limit to the amount of weight the limb support trough can sustain,
either in a single use or over a period of time.
There is a need for a multi-positional portable limb support device having
some of the capabilities of the Lipson device that is simple and less costly
to
manufacture. There is a need for a multi-positional portable limb support
device
having increased adjustability and being capable of supporting the weight of a
limb in the limb support trough while maintaining the desired adjustment.
There
is a need for a multi-positional portable limb supporter that is made by the
least
costly plastic fabrication processes, wholly formed of plastic, yet is durable
and
lightweight. In order to assure low cost, the device should be made from the
minimum of parts and the parts should be easy to assemble.
THE INVENTION
The invention relates to transportable limb supporting devices for use by an
ambulatory or a stationary patient, e.g., with a limb related injury. More
particularly, the invention relates to a lightweight, low cost, molded
transportable
plastic human limb supporter (with the possible exception of fasteners and
cushioning associated therewith) that contains a limb supporter capable of
adjusting to a number of positions by which the limb can be supported. In a
preferred embodiment, the device relies on one or more cam followers moving
along notched, load-bearing camming surfaces in order to provide such
adjustability and appropriate support for a limb placed in the limb supporter.
The
supporter has a fixed (relative to other components of the device) plastic
base
surface that is easily positioned either against the body (for
transportability
during recuperation of the patient) or on another solid surface (for
stationary
support of the limb). In association with the plastic base is the limb
supporter
formed from flared-out sections that forms a trough, with extensions from the
~.. . 2142539
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bottom of the trough that associate with the fixed plastic base. When the limb
supporter and plastic base are coupled, they form a secure plastic limb
support
trough.
The multi-positional portable limb supporter has many of the multi-positional
capabilities of the Lipson device as well as positional capabilities not
specifically
described by Lipson. It is distinctive because it has a (i) lightweight and
simple
construction that is (ii) less costly to make, (iii) relies on one or more
load-bearing
camroing surfaces to give significant adjustability by sliding the related cam
follower over the caroming surfaces, and (iv) locks the related cam follower
in a
position within the caroming surface to attain a fixed position for the limb
support
trough relative to the base. The follower preferably rests under a notched
caroming surface to support the weight of the limb. The caroming action design
is
simple yet provides easy adjustability and substantial support to the limb
positioned in the limb support trough.
In particular, the invention relates to a portable limb device comprising an
upper-half that possesses an upper and lower extension and a bottom-half (base
means) that also possesses an upper and lower extension. The upper-half is
above
and connected to the bottom-half and both are aligned along a plane of the
vertical
axis of the portable limb device. The lower extension of the upper-half
extends
downwardly along the vertical axis plane to connect with the upper extension
of
the bottom-half. The upper extension of the upper-half has oppositely-sloping
surfaces configured to form an open-ended trough. Preferably, there axe two
oppositely-sloping surfaces, each laterally flaring outwardly and upwardly of
the
vertical axis plane from a common region of the upper extension, whereby to
form
an open-ended limb support trough for supporting a limb member of a patient.
The
bottom-halfs upper extension is fixedly associated with the lower extension of
the
upper-half by embracing the lower extension of the upper-half or being
embraced
by the lower extension of the upper-half, thereby limiting the movement of
each
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. ,,....
half relative to the other. The bottom-half's upper extension and the lower
extension of the upper-half have at least one associated cam surface and cam
follower such that the upper-half can be repositioned and locked within its
fixed
association with the bottom-half. The bottom-half's lower extension provides a
horizontally-aligned stand and base surface for the device. The stand and base
surface is aligned with the upper-half's upper extension so as to provide
stability
when the device is rested on or against a solid surface. The stand and base
surface comprises flared out surfaces laterally extending out from the
vertical axis
plane from the bottom-halfs lower extension from a common region thereof.
In a preferred embodiment, the opposing lower extension of the upper half and
the upper extension of the bottom half, each aligned along the vertical axis
plane
are mated such that one of them provides at least one male surface and the
other
at least one female surface that are held in their respective positions by an
adjustable fastener. Desirably, one of the lower extension of the upper half
and
the upper extension of the bottom half contains a caroming surface and the
other a
cam following surface for the caroming surface. Most preferably, the cam
following surface is associated with a fastener that locks the opposing lower
extension of the upper half and the upper extension of the bottom half into a
fixed
position so that the limb supporting device can effectively support a limb. In
a
preferred embodiment, each of the lower extension of the upper half and the
upper
extension of the bottom half have forward and rearward arms oppositely
positioned with respect to each other along the vertical axis plane and the
respective forward arms and the respective rearward aims are interlockable by
fasteners. At least one of the forward aims and at least one of the rearwaxd
arms
contains a caroming surface, preferably a notched caroming surface, and the
other
forward and rearward arms each contain the cam following surface such that a
forward arm can be adjusted along the caroming surface within the other
forward
arm and a rearward arm can be adjusted along the caroming surface within the
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other rearward arm. Desirably, one forward arm is inserted in the other
forward
arm and one rearward arm is inserted in the other rearward arm.
Additional embodiments of the invention include the following:
1. A resilient foam bottom affixed to or associated with the bottom of the
stand and base surface.
2. A supplementary stand and base surface that is detachably associated
with the stand and base surface that is optionally provided with a slip
resisting surface component. Typically, the supplementary stand and base
surface has a larger lateral extension and greater bottom surface area than
the stand and base surface, typically a surface area that is 25% greater,
thereby adding further stability to the device while in use.
3. A neck and/or shoulder strap arrangement associated with the trough that
helps a patient in transporting the device while bearing a limb in the trough.
4. Slip resisting surfaces provided in the trough and/or the supplementary
stand and base surface.
5. The invention embraces two different variations of the limb support
device of the invention. One variation is a limb support device that is
specifically designed for use for supporting a patient's arm or portion
thereof
(hereinafter called the " upper limb supporter" ) and the other variation is
used to support a patient's leg or portion thereof (hereinafter called the
"lower
limb supporter" ). The primary differences between these two variations is
that the upper limb supporter has a smaller stand and base surface, i.e., less
surface area, and a smaller trough radius. In this embodiment, the lower limb
supporter is not designed for use while the patient is ambulatory. The lower
limb supporting device differs in a stand and base that has a greater surface
area, lending maximum stability for supporting a patient's leg with a leg or
foot injury or an injury that relates to the position of a lower limb. In
addition, the trough of the lower limb supporter possess a greater diameter to
accommodate the greater circumference of a leg versus an arm.
214239
6. A blanket support that is a.~xed through the trough of a lower limb
supporter. The blanket support is characterized as a shaped wire, rod or
tubing that is affixed to both of the trough's outer sides at the upper lip of
the
trough's sloping side walls, that extends out from an open end of the trough
and rises to a position superior in height to the foot of the limb resting in
the
trough, at about the location of the resting foot so that should a blanket be
place over the patient's lower limb or only the foot, it will be prevented
from
laying on the resting foot.
The invention satisfies the need for a mufti-positional portable limb
supporter that is made by the least costly plastic fabrication processes,
wholly
formed of plastic (with the possible exception of cushioning material,
fasteners,
rods, nuts and bolts), durable and lightweight. The term "completely molded,"
as
used herein, means shaping the plastic by heating it. It may be made by
bending
and cutting, injection molding, vacuum forming, compression molding,
combinations of these processes, and the like plastic molding processes. The
plastic fabrication may include the use of fiber and/or fabric reinforcement
imbedded in the part for added strength, pigments and colorants and/or
chemical
agents that affect the performance characteristics of the plastic. A facet of
this
invention is that the device is made from a minimum of parts and the parts are
easy to assemble to form the device. The result is a unique, low-cost limb
supporter.
In particular, the invention relates to an transportable and adjustable limb
support device that comprises the combination of a limb supporter coupled to a
base means that supports the limb supporter, wherein the combination contains
at
least one notched, load-bearing camming surface with cam followers therefor,
such
that the limb supporter can be adjusted in its longitudinal and transverse
axes
relative to the axis of the base means. In particular, both the base means and
the
limb supporter contain forwardly and rearwardly spaced mated pairs of arms
extending from them. The forward and rearward arms of the base means and the
2142539
forward and rearward arms of the supporter, respectively, couple to each
other. At
least one of each set of forward or rearward arms are provided with a notched,
load-bearing caroming surface and an associated cam follower, such as a rod or
roller. Any set of forward or rearward arms not provided with a caroming
surface
and follower, is provided with a pivoting means that allows the other set of
arms
to move in accordance with the caroming surface-cam follower relationship.
Illustrative of a specific embodiment of the invention, the supporter of the
invention may contain four, molded-plastic parts comprising (A) a set of parts
forming the limb support means and (B) a set of parts forming both a holder
and
base for (A). The limb support means (A) comprises an elongated trough formed
from the combination of two molded plastic parts that are mirror images of
each
other and contains an upper and lower portion. The limb support means (A) is
multi-positional in that it can be inclined, leveled or declined at one end
relative to
its other end, and repositioned at the other end by means of a cam moving
along a
notched, load-bearing caroming surface. This combination of adjustability
allows
the limb support to be used at any angle of positioning, thereby maximizing
user
comfort. The lower portion of the limb support is engaged in the set of parts
forming (B). The upper portion of the two molded plastic parts forms the
trough.
Each molded plastic part of (A) contains a curved section that flares out from
the
lower portion in an upwardly and outwardly direction and contributes to the
formation of the trough. The base of (B) comprises a level platform to which
is
affixed a resilient cushioning material. The resilient cushioning material
constitutes the bottom of the device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure la is a side view of the multi-positional, portable limb supporter of
the
invention.
zm2s~9
Figure lb is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the mufti-positional,
portable limb supporter of the invention.
Figure lc shows the support device of Figure la in which the limb support is
repositioned.
Figure 2 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the mufti-positional,
portable limb supporter of the invention with different shaped camming
surfaces.
Figure 3 is a front view of the mufti-positional, portable supporter depicted
in
Figure lc.
Figure 4a is a front view of a lower limb support device of the invention
Figure 4b is a back view of a lower limb support device of the invention..
Figure 5 is a side view of an upper half (i.e., limb support means) showing an
interior notched camming surface on each arm.
Figure 6a is a top view of the limb support device of figures 4a and b and
figure 4b.
Figure 6b is a bottom view of the limb support device of figures 4a, b and 6a.
Figure 7 is a sectional front view along lines 7a-7a of figure 8, except for
the
arm resting in the limb support device, of the limb support means with a strap
holding an arm in the limb support means, and its utilization with the
shoulder
harness means of figure 9.
Figure 8 is a side view of a mufti-positional, portable limb supporter showing
an arm singly strapped into the limb support means.
Figure 9 is a shoulder harness used with a mufti-positional, portable upper
limb supporter.
Figure 10 is a side view of a support pan showing two of its four pegs.
Figure 11 is a top view showing the support pan resting on top of the base
(bottom surface) of a limb support device.
Figure 12 is a side view of a mufti-positional, portable limb supporter
showing
an arm doubly strapped into the limb support means.
2~4~539
_9_
Figure 13 is a front view of the limb supporter of figure 12 taken along lines
13a-13a, except for the arm resting in the limb support device.
Figures 14 through 20 illustrate an improved upper limb supporter.
Figure 14a is a right side view of the improved upper limb supporter.
Figure 14b is a left side view of the supporter of figure 14a.
Figure 15a is a back view of the supporter of figure 14.
Figure 15b is a front view of the supporter of figure 14.
Figure 15c is a top view of the supporter of figure 14.
Figure 16 is a back view of the position of the supporter of figure 17.
Figure 17 is a left side view of the supporter of figure 14 in the position
shown
in figure 16.
Figure 18 is a bottom (base) surface view of the supporter of figure 14.
Figure 19 is a top view of a support pan.
Figure 20 are (a) top, (b) side and (c) back views of the bottom cushion
material used in the supporter of figure 14.
Figure 21 are (a) front, (b) side and (c) back views of the support pan of
figure
19.
Figure 22 is an perspective view of the lower limb supporter device of figures
4a and b and 6a and b.
Figure 23 illustrates a leg held in the lower limb supporter device of figure
22.
Figure 24 is the lower limb supporter device of figure 22 with an attached
blanket supporter.
Figure 25 shows the lower limb supporter of figure 24 showing the
functionality of the blanket supporter holding a blanket above the foot of the
limb
carried in the lower limb supporter.
2 ~ 425 39
-10-
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The limb supporter of the present invention is a relatively
small device in which the limb support trough is about five to
about ten inches long. The overall height and width is of a size
that allows the device to be carried. The size of the device is
important to its ultimate utility which is to support a limb
during recuperation. The device is multi-positional by means of
at least one cam follower movable along a notched, load-bearing
caroming surface allowing the limb support means (A) to be
inclined, leveled or declined at one end relative to its other
end, and repositioned at the other end.
The weight of the device is low, in the neighborhood of about
twelve ounces to about twenty-eight ounces, preferably from about
fourteen to about twenty-four ounces. Weight is an important
factor because the device is generally carried by the patient.
This low weight and comfortable size means that the user may
manipulate the device in many directions to create angles that
allow the user to conveniently walk through a door, climb stairs,
sit and rise, and the like activities.
Because this is a recuperative item that generally is needed
to be used only once, it should be available at a low cost to the
user. That is possible only if the item can be made in large
volume at a low cost. In making a plastic item, assembly cost of
the item can be a major cost factor. Therefore, a desirable
plastic item is one that contains as few parts as possible and is
easy to assemble to the full usable device. This is especially
the case when the device is sold unassembled and is assembled by
the user.
The invention is best described by reference to the drawings.
In discussing the drawings, where an element is shown in more than
one figure, it is referred to by the same numbers. As shown in
Figures la, 1b, lc, 2, 3, 4a, 4b, 6a, 6b, 14a, 14b, 15a, 15b, 15c,
16, 17, 22, 23, 24 and 25, the portable limb device of the
invention
A
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,".,, -11-
comprises an upper-half 1 that possesses an upper and lower extension (2 and
4,5
respectively) and a bottom-half (base means) 36 that also possesses an upper
and
lower extension (6, 7 and 8). The upper-half is above and connected to the
bottom-
half and both are aligned along a plane B-B' of the vertical axis A-A' of the
portable limb device. The lower extension of the upper-half 1 extends
downwaxdly
along the vertical axis plane B-B' to connect with the upper extension of the
bottom-half 36. The upper extension of the upper-half 1 has oppositely-sloping
surfaces 2 configured to form an open-ended trough 3. Preferably, there are
two
oppositely-sloping surfaces 2, each laterally flaring outwardly and upwaxdly
of
and from the vertical axis plane B-B' from a common region of the upper
extension, whereby to form an open-ended limb support trough 3 for supporting
a
limb member of a patient. The bottom-halfs (36) upper extension is fixedly
associated with the lower extension (6 and 7) of the upper-half by embracing
the
lower extension (4 and 5) of the upper-half or being embraced by the lower
extension of the upper-half, thereby limiting the movement of each half
relative to
the other. The bottom-ha.lfs (36) upper extension (6 and 7) and the lower
extension (4 and 5) of the upper-half 1 have at least one associated cam
surface (9
and/or 12) and cam follower (shafts of 19, 31 and/or 38, 20) (such that the
upper-
half can be repositioned and locked within its fixed association with the
bottom-
half. The bottom-halfs lower extension provides a horizontally-aligned stand
and
base surface 8 for the device. The stand and base surface 8 is aligned axis A-
A'
within plane B-B' with the upper-half's upper extension so as to provide
stability
when the device is rested on or against a solid surface. The stand and base
surface 8 comprises flared out bottom surfaces (8, 80) laterally extending
from the
bottom-half's lower extension from a common region (A-A' and B-B') thereof.
In a preferred embodiment, the opposing lower extension of the upper half and
the upper extension of the bottom half, each aligned along the vertical axis
plane
A-A' and B-B' are mated such that one of them provides at least one male
surface
(4, 5) and the other at least one female surface (6, 7) that are held in their
21~2~39
,..,. -12-
respective positions by an adjustable fastener 19, 31 and 38, 20. Desirably,
one or
more of the lower extension of the upper half and one or more of the upper
extension of the bottom half contain a caroming surface, e.g., 9, 12, and the
other
a cam following surface for the caroming surface. Most preferably, the cam
following surface (shaft of 19, 31 and/or shaft of 38, 20) is associated with
a
fastener (19 and/or 38) that locks the opposing lower extension of the upper
half
and the upper extension of the bottom half into a fixed position so that the
limb
supporting device can effectively support a limb. In a preferred embodiment,
each
of the lower extension of the upper half and the upper extension of the bottom
half
have forward and rearward arms (4, 5 and 6, 7 respectively) oppositely
positioned
with respect to each other along the vertical axis plane B-B' and the
respective
forward arms (4, 6) and the respective rearward arms (5, 7) axe interlockable
by
fasteners (19, 38). At least one of the forward arms and at least one of the
rearward arms contains a caroming surface (9 and/or 12), preferably a notched
caroming surface, and the other forward and rearward arms (4, 6 and 5,7
respectively) each contain the cam following surface (such as the shaft of 19,
31
and/or shaft of 38, 20) that a forward arm (4 or 6) can be adjusted along the
caroming surface 9 within the other forward arm (6 or 4, as the case may be)
and a
rearward arm (5 or 7) can be adjusted along the caroming surface 12 within the
other rearward arm (7 or 5 as the case may be). Desirably, one forward arm is
inserted in the other forward arm and one rearward arm is inserted in the
other
rearward arm.
In respect to the additional embodiments of the invention noted above, that
include the following:
1. A resilient foam bottom 21 axed to or associated with the bottom 8 of the
stand and base surface.
2. A supplementary stand and base surface 22 or 58, as shown in Figures 10,
11,
15c, 19 and 20, that is detachably associated with the stand and base surface
8
that is optionally provided with a slip resisting surface component (not
shown),
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"..,, -13-
such as a rectangular adhesively bonded rubber or rubber-like patch on its
bottom-most surface. Typically, the supplementary stand and base surface 8 has
a
larger lateral extension and greater bottom surface area than the stand and
base
surface, typically a surface area that is 25% greater, thereby adding further
stability to the device while in use.
3. A neck and/or shoulder strap arrangement, as shown in Figure 9, associated
with the trough, as shown in Figure 7, that helps a patient in transporting
the
device while bearing a limb in the trough.
4. Slip resisting pad surfaces 53 provided in the trough and/or the
supplementary stand and base surface.
5. The invention embraces two different variations of the limb support device
of
the invention. One variation, shown in Figures la, b, and c, 2, 3, 8, 12, 13,
14a,
15a, b, and c, 16, and 17, is a limb support device that is especially
designed for
use for supporting a patient's arm or portion thereof (hereinafter called the
" upper limb supporter" ) and the other variation, shown in Figures 4a, 4b, 6a
and
6b, and Figures 22, 23, 24 and 25, is used to support a patient's leg or
portion
thereof (hereinafter called the " lower limb supporter" ). However, both such
designs may be employed to support the other limb. The primary differences
between these two variations is that the upper limb supporter has a smaller
stand
and base surface 8, i.e., less surface area, and a smaller trough 3 radius. In
this
embodiment, the lower limb supporter is not designed for use while the patient
is
ambulatory. The lower limb supporting device differs in a stand and base 80
that
has a greater surface axea, lending maximum stability for supporting a
patient's
leg with a leg or foot injury or an injury that relates to the position of a
lower limb.
In addition, the trough 3 of the lower limb supporter possess a greater
diameter to
accommodate the greater circumference of a leg versus an arm.
6. A blanket support 87, shown in Figures 24 and 25, that is a.~xed through
the
trough of a lower limb supporter. The blanket support 87 is characterized as a
shaped wire, rod or tubing that is a~.xed (via spring clips 89, similar in
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-14-
construction to a paper binder clip) via an adhesive, soldered or welded bond,
to
both of the trough's outer sides at the upper lip of the trough's sloping side
walls 2,
that extends out from an open end of the trough 3 and rises to a position
superior
in height to the foot of the limb 85 resting in the trough, at about the
location of
the resting foot so that should a blanket 91 be place over the patient's lower
limb
or only the foot, it will be prevented from laying on the resting foot.
With respect to Figure la, part 1 refers to part (A) discussed above. Part 1
is
shown in Figures 3 and 4 to be two parts held together to configure flared
sections
2, located in the upper portion of part (A) as explained above, so that they
form
trough 3 in which a human limb can rest. Thus, the diameter of trough 3 should
be at least about four to five inches across. If desired, devices can be made
with
different size troughs in order to provide one that most closely matches the
patient's limb size. If the device is designed for leg support, as in the case
with the
device of Figures 4a, 4b, 6a and 6b, then trough 3 should be at least about
five to
seven inches across. Part 1 comprises the upper and lower portions of part
(A).
The lower portion of part (A) is shown in Figure 5 as arms 4 and 5, held
together
by fastener 32, shown in Figure 3.
As shown in Figures 1a, 1b, and 1c, arms 4 and 5 constituting the lower
extension of the upper half 1, are connected to part 36, which represents part
(B)
discussed above. In particular, arms 4 and 5 are connected to vertically
extending
arms 6 and 7, respectively, constituting the upper extension of the lower half
36
which rise from the stand and base surface 8. The combination of the parts and
arms forms opening 28 whose presence reduces the weight of the device. Figure
la and Figures 14a, 14b, 15a, and 15b, show side, front and back views of arms
4
and 5 inserted into slots of arms 6 and 7 with the inserted portions of arms 4
and
5 shown by dotted lines. It should be noted that arm 6 has a broad-based
trapezium that narrows at its top. This allows for movement of the part (A)
within
part (B), as further illustrated in Figure lc. Also note the curved, inclined
lower
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.._ -15-
extremities of arms 4 and 5 which allow them to move more freely within arms 6
and 7.
As shown in Figure 5, arms 4 and 5 each include notched, interior caroming
surfaces 9 and 12, respectively. The caroming surface 9 of arm 4 is an offset
oval
shape with the lower portion 11 of the oval offset from the upper oval,
forming a
load-bearing notch 13 and top load-bearing surface 10. The caroming surface 12
of
arm 5 is in the shape of the letter " F" , having two load-bearing notches 14
and 15.
A variety of shapes can be used for the interior caroming surfaces 9 and 12,
note
the modified " F" shape shown for caroming surface 12 in Figures 14a, 14b and
17.
Figure 2 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention where caroming
surfaces 9 and 12 have shapes forming numerous load-bearing notches, providing
a wide range of adjustability of part 1 with at least one load-bearing notch
capable
of providing support. In this embodiment, there are a plurality of load-
bearing
notched surfaces 13. Also, in this embodiment, arms 6 and 7 are over-sized,
allowing arms 4 and 5 to be moved sideways to allow the cam follower shafts 19
and 38 to be nestled against a load-bearing caroming surface 10, 13, 14 or 15.
The
irregular shapes of caroming surfaces 9 and 12 allow part 1 to be adjusted to
numerous positions, providing a single, adjustable device that can support
limbs
in a variety of positions. This configuration of the caroming surfaces and cam
followers therefor is suitable whether the limb supporter is an upper or lower
limb
supporting device.
As shown in Figures 3, 15a, 15b, 15c, 16, 18, part 36 comprises two, mirror-
image parts 16 and 17 held together by fasteners 30 and 45 to form the bottom
half 36 comprising base 8 and arms 6 and 7. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a
space
18 is located between parts 16 and 17 at the base of arms 6 and 7, extending
along
the longitudinal axis of the base 8. Above the space 18 is a gap between parts
16
and 17 that forms slotted openings. Each arm 6 and 7 includes a slotted hole
opening at the top for receiving a fastener formed by matched slots in each
piece
16 and 17. Optionally, those slotted holes may include matching slots 41 and
42
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-16-
which allow cams 19 and 38 to be moved sideways, provided there is space in
caroming surfaces 9 and 12 to allow such transverse movement.
As shown in Figures la and 3, fasteners 19 and 38 provide the cam following
shaft, and they extend through the holes (or slots 41 and 42, as the case may
be)
in arms 6 and 7 and the openings formed by interior caroming surfaces 9 and
12,
thereby coupling arms 6 and 7 to arms 4 and 5, providing the cam follower when
in a loosened state, and locking the position of the upper half 1 when
tightened. A
lightweight wing nut and bolt arrangement made of plastic or metal is
preferable
for the fasteners. Washers 25 may be provided where the head of the bolt and
the
nut are smaller than the hole diameter or slot width. A plastic such as
polypropylene or Delrin~ (polyoxymethylene), or a metal such as aluminum, can
be used for making fasteners 19 and 38.
The shaft of fasteners 19 and 38 function as a cam follower and upper half 1
is adjusted by the caroming surfaces 9 and 12 moving along the shaft of
fasteners
19 and 38. The shape of caroming surfaces 9 and 12 with illustrated supporting
surfaces 10, 13, 14 and 15, allow upper half 1 to be adjusted to numerous
positions
off the longitudinal horizontal axis of trough 3 or to maintain such
longitudinal
horizontal axis, e.g., as shown in Figure lc. To adjust upper half 1, the user
loosens either one or both of fasteners 19 and 38 by turning wing nuts and
bolts 20
and 31 to relieve pressure on arms 6 and 7. The user then adjusts trough 3 to
the
desired position as upper half 1 is moved by the caroming action described
above.
Referring to Figure 5, the caroming surfaces are load bearing when top surface
10 and notches 13, 14, or 15 rest on the cam follower shafts of 19 and 38
fitted
within caroming surfaces 9 and 12. In an alternative embodiment of the
invention, as shown in Figure 2, there are numerous load-bearing notches that
can ride on one of the cams, each providing load-bearing support. The
fasteners
19 and 38 are tightened and one of the notches rests on the cam follower,
bearing
the load when a limb is placed in trough 3. With this configuration, the load
is
transferred from upper half 1 to lower half 36 by the notch of the cam surface
2~.~2539 _17-
resting on the cam following shaft. Therefore, upper half 1 is not likely to
slip out
of the desired adjustment. Without load-bearing caroming surfaces, the load of
upper half 1 would be transferred to lower half 36 only through frictional
engagement, by the tension of fasteners 19 and 38 coupling arms 4 and 5 to
arms
6 and 7, respectively. After several adjustments the fasteners may become
stripped, or excessive tightening of the fasteners may crack or damage the
arms,
resulting in a device that fails to remain in the desired position.
In Figure lb, showing an alternative embodiment of the invention, the
coupling of the arms 4 and 5 of upper half 1 to the arms 6 and 7 of lower half
36 is
partially reversed. Arm 6 contains the caroming surface that in Figure la is
contained by arm 4. In this embodiment, caroming surface 9 is molded or
machined in arm 6. Fastener 19 extends through both sides of arm 4 and is
locked
into position by wing nuts 31 screwed onto opposite sides of the bolt
component of
fastener 19. The opposite ends of fastener 19 extend through caroming surface
9
now cut out of the mating arm 6. Because of the size of caroming surface 9, it
will
be desirable to provide washers 25 under the two (2) wing nuts 31 on the
opposite
ends of fastener 19, to assure effective tightening of the cam follower on the
caroming surfaces.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention and as shown in Figures 3, 4a, 4b,
6a, 15a, 15b, 15c and 16, bottom half 36, with the exception of resilient
cushion
layer 21, is two molded plastic pieces 16 and 17 that are mirror images of
each
other and are held together by an adhesive and/or by additional fasteners.
Resilient cushion layer 21 is a relatively thick cushioning material such as
polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane or latex foam that is adhesively bonded to
the
bottom (underside) of support surface 8. Layer 21 may be a single layer of
resilient material or a laminate of resilient materials. In some cases, it may
be
desirable to adhesively bond a relatively nonresilient layer of a rubber or
rubber-
like material to the bottom of the resilient layer to assist in frictional
engagement
X142539
,,.... -18-
of the support to any surface. The shape of support 8 can be varied and
includes
those shapes shown in figures 10a, lOb, lOb and lOc of Lipson, supra.
In a further embodiment of the invention, trough 3 may contain holes of any
shape in its different flared sections 2 for ventilation purposes, providing
additional comfort to the user, or for providing straps to hold the limb
securely in
trough 3. As shown in Figure 3, trough 3 may also include a pad 53 attached to
the interior, trough-forming surface of flared sections 2 for providing a
comfortable, slip-resistance surface on which the limb rests. Pad 53 may be
made
of latex or polyvinyl chloride foam, or any desirable material having a
textured
surface for comfortably cushioning a limb and that does not allow the limb to
slip
within the trough. As shown in Figures 1, 5, 12, 14a, 14b, 15a, 15b, 15c, and
17,
flared sections 2 forming trough 3 may also contain a plurality of pairs of
slotted
holes 26 -- typically two pairs of them at the extremities of each flared
section as
shown in Figure 5 and/or a pair of centrally-disposed slotted openings 29 in
flared
section 2, so that a strap or straps can be fitted between the flared sections
and
over the limb, holding the limb in place in trough 3.
As shown in Figures 7, viewed along lines 7a-7a, exclusive of the limb and
hand, and 8a, strap 37 that includes an "0" ring 50 at one end and a smaller
"0"
ring 47 at the other end is wrapped around the limb through slot openings 29,
and
linked by slipping ring 47 through ring 50, to secure the limb in place. Strap
37
extends through slots 29 and underneath the flared wall sections 2 and through
opening 28, to surround the trough and a limb, in this example an arm. Ring 47
slips through ring 50 providing a closed loop, holding the limb in the trough
3.
Figure 8 shows a side view of the device with the users axm held in trough 3
by
strap 37. Alternatively, the straps can be fitted with Velcro~ adhesive fabric
or
metal or plastic fasteners, so that the straps can be wrapped about the limb
in
trough 3 and used to hold the limb in it. This is shown in Figures 12 and 13.
In
Figure 12, an arm 68 rests in the trough formed by flared wall sections 2 of
upper
z~~z~ 39
-. _ 19_
half 1 and is held in position by two straps. The rearward strap 57 passes
through
slotted openings 26 in the rearward position of the trough walls 2 and the
forward
strap 77 passes through the forward slots 26 at the forward section of the
trough
walls 2. As shown in Figure 13, viewed along lines 13a-13a of Figure 12,
exclusive
of the limb and hand, strap 77 wraps through buckle 67, and due to the
matching
Velcro~ patches on the outer and tongue section of strap 77 and an inner
section
as well, much like patches 90a and 90b on strap 81, strap 77 is made secure
about
the trough and the limb. The slotted holes can serve the dual function of also
providing ventilation, adding comfort to the user. The use of "O" ring 50 has
the
advantage that it can be coupled to the harness of Figure 9 by attaching clip
fastener 48 to "O" ring 50.
In addition, similar slotted holes can be provided in base 8, even through
cushioning 21, if desired, so that straps of the same type can be fitted to
the base
and used to secure the base to the user's belt, or to form a belt for the user
around
the user's waist, or to hold the base to another fixed object, such as a chair
arm, or
other support device. For example, a strap can be inserted in slot opening 35
for
assisting in positioning the device, as needed.
Figure 9 shows a harness 46 that can be used to fix the device against the
users body when the device is being used to carry an arm as shown in Figures 7
and 8. Harness 30 includes two straps 31 and 39. Strap 31 includes fastener
clips
33a and 33b, one at each end. Strap 31 extends around the users torso and
clips
33a and 33b are connected to "D" rings 34a and 34b, respectively, connected
via
tabs 44 that are linked by fasteners 30 to the base of the device as shown in
Figure
la, 1b, 14a, 14b and 17. Strap 39 extends from support strip 40, over the
users
shoulder to the side with the immobilized arm and clip 48 is connected to "O"
ring
50 of strap 37 shown in Figure 7. Harness 30 is provided with adjustable
shoulder
pad 51 and adjustable harness positioner 40.
In a further embodiment of the invention, an additional pan or tray 22 may be
placed on the underside of base 8 to provide additional stability and support
for
X142539
".. -20-
the device. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, pan 22 is a flat sheet of plastic
or
other suitable material with a length and width exceeding that of base 8. Pan
22
includes four upward extending pegs 23. When base 8 is placed on top of pan
22,
the cushioning layer 21, above each of the four pegs 23, contains cut-out
portions
27 that accommodate pegs 23, and this allows pegs 23 to conveniently fit into
portions 27. The base 8 will not slide on the pan 22, but the pan 22 can be
removed merely by lifting the device from pan 22. Also, Figures 11 and 18 show
an alternative embodiment of the invention that includes six Velcro~ adhesive
fabric attachments 24 coupled to base 8, whereby cushioning layer 21 can be
attached to and removed from the base 8. In this embodiment, the surface of
layer
21 that contacts base 8 will contain a complimentary Velcro~ adhesive fabric.
Generally, cushioning layer 21 is adhesively bonded to the surface of base 8.
As shown in Figure 15c, a pan or tray 58 can be attached to the bottom surface
8 of limb supporter. As shown in Figures 19 and 21, pan or tray 58 is a flat
panel
that has molded as a part thereof, insert section 64, that rises in the
vertical path
A-A' aligned in the vertical plane B-B'. Directly to the rear, and similarly
disposed
is tab 60 supported by outer wall 59. Tab 60 serves as a positioner for foam
sheet
21. As shown in Figure 18 (a), (b) and (c), contains a slotted opening 61, to
accommodate insert section 64, and a tab half moon opening 62, to accommodate
tab 60, and thus assure alignment of pan 58 on base 8. As shown in Figure 21
(b),
insert section 64 contains four vertical rib sections to strengthen section
64. In
addition, section 64 contains a semi-circular opening 65 at its top to
accommodate
tab 45 when the pan is inserted into the foam base 21, through base 8 into
slotted
opening 70 (see Figure 18).
As noted previously, the upper limb supporter may be used to support a lower
limb, if desired. In that configuration, the trough is aligned along the
horizontal
as shown in Figures lc, 3, 16 and 17.
The limb supporters of the invention can be made by a variety of plastic
molding processes. They may be made by compression molding, particularly when
. 2142539
- ,,... -21-
the supporter is made from a reinforced plastic or resin, such as a carbon
fiber or
glass fiber reinforced thermoset polyester or epoxy resin, a thermoplastic
polycarbonate resin, a thermoplastic polyarylethersulfone resin, a
thermoplastic
polyaxylsulfone resin, a thermoplastic polyarylate resin, and the like.
Preferably,
the supporter parts are made by injection molding using such thermoplastic
resins
as acrylic, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyoxymethylene, polybutylene,
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene block copolymers, and the like. Other molding
processes such as transfer molding, thermoforming, pressure forming, casting,
and
the like, may also be used to make the limb supporters of the invention.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without
departing from the essential attributes thereof. It is desired that the
embodiments
described above be considered in all respects as illustrative, not
restrictive,
reference being made to the appended claims to indicate the scope of the
invention.
