Surgery: splint – brace – or bandage – Orthopedic bandage – Splint or brace
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-26
2001-04-17
Brown, Michael A. (Department: 3764)
Surgery: splint, brace, or bandage
Orthopedic bandage
Splint or brace
C400S715000, C084S469000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06217537
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is in the field of devices which support the lower arm, wrists and hands during the performance of repetitive tasks such as typing, data entry, parts assembly, or the like.
2. Description of the Related Art
Many personal and job-related tasks involve the use of computer keyboards, calculators and other data entry devices which require a person to have his or her arms and hands extended in front of the person's body for long durations. In addition, other tasks, such as assembly work, sewing, needlework, knitting, painting, or the like, require the arms and hands to be likewise extended. As a result of repeated periods of arm and hand extension, many persons have developed injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome. In addition, because of aging, accidents, or certain diseases, some persons no longer have the ability to perform relatively simple tasks which require arm and hand extension. A number of devices have been developed to reduce the effects of such extension. For example, wrist pads are available to place in front of a keyboard to elevate the wrists and thereby change the angle of the hands with respect to the keyboard. Such wrist pads do not however assist the user when the user has to move his or her hands from side-to-side on the keyboard. In particular, if a person has weak muscles or the like, the person may be unable to move freely about the keyboard. Thus, additional assistance for using keyboards and for performing other tasks requiring arm and hand extension is desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a free floating support system which is designed to support the arms and hands during prolonged tasks which require the arms and hands to be extended over a keyboard or other work surface. The system allows freedom of movement over the entire keyboard or work surface while providing full support for the arms and hands. The system is ideal for computer keyboards, typewriters, calculators, and horizontally disposed musical instruments (e.g., pianos and electronic keyboards). In addition, the system provides support while performing tedious assembly work, as well as while doing needlework, sewing, painting, and the like.
One aspect of the present invention is a system for supporting a hand of a user when performing manual tasks above a work surface. The system comprises a horizontally disposed guide rail supported a predetermined distance above the work surface. At least one trolley is positioned on the guide rail. The trolley provides horizontal movement along the guide rail and provides arcuate movement about the guide rail. A cradle is suspended from the trolley. The cradle is sized to support a user's hand, wrist and a portion of the lower arm above the surface. The cradle permits horizontal movement of the user's hand parallel to the guide rail and permits arcuate movement of the user's hand around the guide rail. Preferably, the guide rail is a round rod. Also preferably, the trolley comprises a linear bearing. Alternatively, the trolley comprises a flanged wheel.
Another aspect of the present invention is a system for supporting the hands of a user above a work surface such that the user can freely move the hands with respect to the work surface. The system comprises a first end support and a second end support to position a horizontally disposed guide rail above the work surface. A first trolley and a second trolley are positioned on the guide rail for horizontal movement thereon. A first cradle is suspended from the first trolley beneath the guide rail. The first cradle is positioned to support the user's left hand and left wrist and a portion of the user's lower left arm above the work surface. The first cradle moves horizontally with horizontal movement of the first trolley. The first cradle moves arcuately with respect to the guide rail. A second cradle is suspended from the second trolley beneath the guide rail. The second cradle is positioned to support the user's right hand and right wrist and a portion of the user's lower right arm above the work surface. The second cradle moves horizontally with horizontal movement of the second trolley. The second cradle moves arcuately with respect to the guide rail. Preferably, the rail is round, and the trolleys roll along the length of the rail and slide around the periphery of the rail. In particularly preferred embodiments, the trolleys are linear bearings. Alternatively, the trolleys comprises flanged wheels. Also preferably, the position of the cradle above the work surface is adjustable.
Another aspect of the present invention is a system which supports the hands of a user above a work surface. The system comprises a first support and a second support to position a horizontal guide rail above a work surface between the two supports. The guide rail has an outer periphery. A first trolley and a second trolley are positioned on the guide rail. The trolleys move along the guide rail and slide about the periphery of the guide rail. A first cradle is suspended from the first trolley and a second cradle is suspended from the second trolley. The first and second cradles move longitudinally below the guide rail and move arcuately about the guide rail. Each of the first and second cradles comprises a first portion to support a portion of the lower arm of a user and comprises a second portion extending from the first portion to support the wrist and hand of the user. Preferably, the first support and the second support are adjustable to vary the position of the horizontal rail above the work surface. Also preferably, the first support and the second support are adjustable to vary the horizontal position of the horizontal rail with respect to an edge of the work surface.
Another aspect of the present invention is a system for supporting a hand of a user when performing manual tasks above a computer keyboard. The system comprises a horizontally disposed guide rail supported above the computer keyboard. At least one trolley is positioned on the guide rail. The trolley provides horizontal movement along the guide rail and provides arcuate movement about the guide rail. A cradle is suspended from the trolley. The cradle is sized to support a portion of a user's hand, wrist and lower arm above the computer keyboard. The cradle has side portions to constrain a portion of the user's lower arm therebetween. The cradle has an extended forward portion to support the user's wrist and hand. The cradle permits horizontal movement of the user's hand parallel to the guide rail and permits arcuate movement of the user's hand around the guide rail.
REFERENCES:
patent: 591800 (1897-10-01), Finnblade et al.
patent: 679288 (1901-07-01), Bohrer
patent: 3782719 (1974-01-01), Kuhlman
patent: 5082258 (1992-01-01), Niks
patent: 5876362 (1999-03-01), Root
Brown Michael A.
Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP
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