DE102017110147A1 - Arm relief and support device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an arm relief device, in particular for preventing the development or regression of a mouse arm when working with a computer mouse, comprising a support device (1) which is suitable for placing an elbow or forearm and a support device (2) for supporting the Supporting device (1) is configured, wherein the support device (1) by means of the support device (2) guided in a plane is displaceable, and wherein the support means (2) is adapted to upon application of a force (F) on the support means (1). perpendicular to the plane as a function of a force caused by the force (F) movement path to generate a force (F) counteracting counterforce.
This has the consequence, in particular, that the user must exercise the force (F) when working with the mouse, which can counteract an expression of the mouse arm syndrome.

Description

The invention relates to an arm relief device, which is suitable for relieving or supporting an arm during sedentary activities, in particular typing on a keyboard and / or operating a computer mouse, at the desk or computer workstation. In particular, the invention relates to an arm relief device for preventing development or manifestation of pathological symptoms associated with frequent use of a computer mouse (so-called "mouse arm") and for treating such symptoms.

Regular long-term work with a computer mouse can lead to pathological developments in the musculoskeletal system of a human, especially along the arm, with which the mouse is operated. This so-called "mouse arm", comparable to the tennis elbow, makes about 6 to 8% of the people working on the computer easy to quality of life restricting complaints.

It has long been unclear how a relatively small movement, such as the movements of the fingers on the keyboard, but especially the movement of the fingers on the mouse, can cause such a complaint. The movement to use the keyboard or the mouse, however, not only includes these small finger movements, but also represents a "chain of movement": muscles or muscle groups located at the skull base, the shoulder, the arm down to the hand and finally the fingers, are involved in every little finger movement - even if in the end alone a single finger, z. As the index finger moves.

The motive intentions (or neuronal signals) that are generated on the cerebral cortex or run as an automatism always travel via such movement chains to the respective muscles of the movement chain, that is to say the motor neurons which enervate the respective muscles, even if only part of them move Movement chain at least partially excited. For example, if someone raises their index finger to "click" the mouse, all of the muscles associated with the movement chain (described above) will increase their excitement.

The actual "click" on the mouse is done by bending the index finger. In anticipation of the action, however, the index finger (unconsciously) is held in a kind of "waiting levitation" before the mouse click, which corresponds to the extension of the index finger neurologically, that is, in relation to the excitement of the respective motor neurons. The increased excitement in the musculature associated with the movement chain causes a prestressing of the corresponding muscles, whereby some of the muscles involved can already reach 20 to 30% of their maximum tension, even though no movement has taken place at that time.

The entire muscle chain responsible for the movement when performing a "mouse click" follows in the power transmission, from distal to proximal: finger, -intercranial: Mm. extensor pollicis brevis et longus, abductor pollicis longus, Mm. extensores carpi radialis longus et brevis, Mm. Extensor digitorum, extensor indicis (finger for mouse click), extensor digiti minimi, extensor carpi ulnaris (the individual muscles of the forearm extension muscle group have a functionally similar pull vector and are considered to be fascial as a unit), septum Intermusculare lateral (fascial pull between M. triceps and biceps located) as connection of the forearm stretchers over the deltoid Tuberculum to the deltoid muscle, Trapezius over the Lig. nuchae to the occiput edge (occiput). (Anatomy Trains Myofascial Meridians for Manual and Movement Therapists, Thomas Myers, Elsevier GmbH, Urban and Fischer Verlag, Hackerbrücke 6, 80335 Munich, 3rd edition 2014, ISBN 978-0-7020-4654-4).

The descending part of the trapezius muscle is part of the movement chain that lifts the index finger (extension chain). If a person holds his index finger in a "waiting limbo" over the mouse over a long period of time, for example for hours, (interrupted only by short "clicks"), the pars descendens of his trapezius muscle is also under tension and inhibited by the permanent nervous Activation in anticipation of a "click" movement, the ascending part of the trapezius muscle. This leads to a muscular dysbalance, which, if not broken, can also lead to a "neurological dysbalance": the more dominant the upper part of the trapezius muscle becomes, the more inhibited the lower part becomes. This is one of the causes of the "mouse arm".

Another cause of the mouse arm is the increase in muscle excitement by stress hormones - in this case, this tension is sufficient to squeeze the blood vessels and thus massively reduce the metabolism in the muscle. A so-called "lack of oxygen deficiency", in the muscle itself and / or as a headache, may be the result.

Furthermore, it can have an increasing effect on the mouse arm syndrome that the body is conditionally able to convert phasic (fast) muscle fibers into tonic muscle fibers (holding muscles). So if more "holding work" is needed at any point in the musculature, it can become one conditional "adaptation" of the ratio of phasic and tonic fibers. This can lead to a worsening of the pathology of the mouse arm.

Conventional armrests known in the art absorb the dead weight of the user / patient's arm. This can to some extent reduce the "holding force", that is, the upward force that the user must apply to hold his or her arm while guiding the mouse.

However, such armrests have no effect on the expression of the phenomenon described above as mouse arm syndrome.

Therefore, it is the object of the present invention to provide an arm support device which is suitable for preventing or counteracting the mouse-arm syndrome. This object is achieved by the arm relief device according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims 2 to 9 and are described below.

A first aspect of the invention relates to an arm relief device, in particular for preventing the development or the regression of a mouse arm when working with a computer mouse. In this case, the Armentlastungsvorrichtung on a support device which is suitable for placing an elbow or forearm, and a support means which is designed to carry the support means.

The support device is in particular set up for placing an elbow or forearm of a person standing on a table or sitting, in particular sitting, user when the Armentlastungsvorrichtung is fixed to the table.

Furthermore, the support means is in particular adapted to place the support means above a horizontal plane, wherein the horizontal plane z. B. along the surface of a table top of the table.

According to the invention it is provided that the support means by means of the support means in a plane, in particular in a fixed space area, guided displaced, wherein the support means is adapted to upon application of a force on the support means perpendicular to the plane in response to a force caused by the force Movement path to generate a force counteracting the force.

That is, the direction of the counterforce is opposite to the direction of the force (the corresponding force vectors are antiparallel). The amount of drag is dependent on the path of movement. In this case, the term movement path is to be understood as the path that the support device travels under the action of the force perpendicular to the plane. The support device moves in particular to the table top. In particular, the greater the amount of travel of the support device, the greater the amount of counterforce generated. For example, the amount of drag may be proportional to the amount of travel traveled. A dependence of the reaction force on the movement path can e.g. be given by the fact that the counterforce is generated by means of at least one spring.

The said displacement of the support device along the plane takes place essentially freely, that is, without counteracting a substantial counterforce of the displacement movement.

The plane in particular runs horizontally, but can also be inclined. In particular, the plane runs along the surface of a table top of a desk on which the user sits or stands, in particular sits. In this case, the support device is arranged in particular displaceable on the table top or anordbar.

That is to say that the support device is in an equilibrium position above the load by a body lying on the support (eg an arm of the user), ie when the said force acting perpendicular to the plane is due to the weight of the lying body the tabletop is positioned. In the equilibrium position, the force and the counterforce equalize so that there is no resultant force and the support means is thus not accelerated, in particular stationary.

Upon further loading by the resting on the support body, so if the force increases beyond the amount of weight addition, the support device can move away from the equilibrium position or be deflected, in particular on the table top, wherein the body through the supporting device acts on the respective movement path from the equilibrium position-dependent, upwardly directed counterforce, which is exerted in particular by the support means from below on the support means.

The arm relief device can be designed such that the said counterforce can be adjusted with it. The said counterforce can eg be provided by at least one spring. The counterforce is in particular 1 N to 100 N, preferably 2 N to 50 N, more preferably 5 N to 15 N, even more preferably 8 N to 12 N, most preferably 10 N, when the support device is deflected downwards and the support means the first level, in particular the table top, touched.

The arm relief device according to the invention has the advantage that the user, in particular when using the computer mouse or keyboard his active resting on the support elbow or forearm must press down to counteract the opposing force. Thus it activates the ascending part of the trapezius muscle, which in turn inhibits the descending descendens according to the reciprocal inhibition. Especially in the complaint causing part of the agonistic chain of motion (the descending descendants) thus an increase of the excitation readiness during the whole duration of the work with the mouse is prevented. The cause of the "mouse arm" is thus reduced or switched off.

The term "reciprocal inhibition" (also referred to as mutual inhibition) describes the inhibition of neuronal activity (that is, excitation of motor neurons) of an agonistic chain of motion through an antagonistic chain of movement or muscle group.

As used herein, the term "agonistic chain of motion" describes a group of muscles that can perform or perform a particular first movement (e.g., a forearm flexion) in the human body. Here, the individual muscles of the agonistic movement chain are also referred to as agonists. In contrast, the term "antagonistic chain of motion" describes a group of muscles that can perform or perform a second movement (e.g., stretching the forearm) opposite the first movement. gets nervous u. a. defined by the law of "reciprocal inhibition" (mutual inhibition).

When lifting the index finger, e.g. in anticipation of a mouse click, the extensor indicis muscle plays the role of the agonist. All the muscles of the movement chain, whose excitement is thereby increased, then form the "agonistic movement chain". This "agonistic chain of movement" also includes the descending part of the trapezius muscle. The antagonist of the musculus Trapezius pars descendens is the musculus Trapezius pars ascendens.

The effect of the arm relief device according to the invention on said antagonistic muscle strand and thus inhibition of the agonistic muscle strand is advantageously particularly pronounced when the user, in particular while working with the computer mouse, assumes the posture of a person sitting at the desk.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the support means on a support buffer, which is in particular made of sponge rubber or viscoelastic foam, wherein the support buffer is rotatable about a, perpendicular to the plane extending, in particular vertical axis. It is z. B. the support buffer in the support means or the entire support means rotatably mounted about a vertical axis in the support means. The support buffer can z. B. releasably connected to the support device. Furthermore, the support buffer may include a fastener, e.g. a loop for attaching the forearm or elbow to the support buffer.

The support buffer furthermore has, in particular, a contact surface directed upwards during normal operation of the arm relief device.

In this case, the support surface is configured so that loading force can be transmitted to the support buffer by a resting on the support surface elbow or forearm by the contact with the support surface.

The support surface has in particular a profile, a roughening, a non-slip coating and / or a concave, for example cup-shaped or channel-shaped, curvature, wherein preferably the curvature is ergonomically adapted to suitable areas of an elbow or forearm.

According to a further embodiment, the support means is pivotable about a first axis of rotation, wherein the support means is displaceable under load by the force perpendicular to the plane.

In this case, the displacement takes place about the first axis of rotation, in particular in a plane which is parallel to a table top to which the Armentlastungsvorrichtung is attached when the user sits or stands at the desk and rests on the elbow or forearm of the user on the support means of Armentlastungsvorrichtung. This plane is preferably horizontal. In particular, the displacement takes place in a semicircular area in front of an edge of the table top, with the user sitting or standing on said edge. The radius of the semicircular area may, for. B. between 25 cm and 75 cm, preferably between 40 cm and 60 cm, more preferably 50 cm.

The said displacement perpendicular to the plane takes place in particular vertically between a first plane and a second plane, wherein the first and the second plane each extend parallel to said plane (and parallel to one another) and preferably horizontally. In particular, the first and second planes are each parallel to the desk top of the desk.

The first level can be arranged above the table top, wherein the vertical distance of the first level to the surface of the table top is preferably less than 5 cm, more preferably less than 2 cm. Alternatively, the first plane may be formed by the surface of the table top, i. have no distance to the table top.

The second level is arranged during normal operation of the Armentlastungsvorrichtung particular above the first level. In this case, the distance of the second plane to the first plane according to one embodiment is 6 cm to 15 cm, in particular 8 cm to 12 cm.

A further embodiment provides that the support means has a bearing surface, wherein the support surface when pivoting the support means parallel to the plane (or first and second plane) within said semicircular area with respect to the table top by a maximum of 10 °, preferably by a maximum 5 °, more preferably by a maximum of 2 °, is rotated. Most preferably, no significant rotation of the support surface with respect to the table top takes place during the displacement. This can e.g. be achieved in that the support surface rotates in the said pivoting movement in the plane around the support means and / or the support means and / or the fastening device (if any), so that the support surface itself is moved relative to the table top substantially only translational. As a result, the arm resting on the arm relief device is advantageously not subjected to any unnatural rotational movement by the pivoting of the arm relief device, but can be moved in a freely translatory manner.

According to a further embodiment, the carrier device has at least one height adjustment device, wherein the height adjustment device is designed to set a position of the support device along a path perpendicular to the plane as a function of the force acting perpendicular to the plane on the support device. In this case, the position of the supporting device means, in particular, the equilibrium position under load when the body, e.g. the elbow or forearm rests on the support means and the weight of the body acts on the support means. The adjustment of the position can be carried out in particular by adjusting the counterforce, which exerts the support means upon application of a force on the support means. Thus, with the same weight of resting on the support arm, the position is particularly dependent on the counterforce that the vertical distance between the table top and the support device is greater the greater the set counterforce.

A further embodiment of the invention provides that the arm relief device further comprises a fastening device, wherein the fastening device is connected to the carrier device, and wherein the fastening device for attaching the Armentlastungsvorrichtung to an object, in particular a desk or chair, preferably for attachment to the table top of the Desk, or an armrest or seat of the chair, is suitable. That is, the attachment means is adapted to fix the armrest device in a fixed position relative to the plane in which the support means is pivotable.

The support means may further comprise a support support having a distal and a proximal end, wherein the support support is connected at its distal end by means of a first connection to the support means, and a mounting bracket with a proximal and a distal end, wherein the mounting support with its proximal end is mechanically connected by means of a second connection with the fastening device.

Distally refers to the direction away from the body and proximally facing the body direction.

The proximal end of the support can be e.g. be mechanically connected via a coupling device with the distal end of the mounting bracket.

According to a further embodiment, the carrier device has at least one further carrier, wherein the proximal end of the support carrier is mechanically connected to the distal end of the mounting carrier via the at least one further carrier. This means that in addition to the support carrier and the mounting bracket still further intermediate carrier may be present. The further carrier can in turn be connected by means of a respective coupling device with the respective adjacent carrier, ie support carrier, mounting bracket or other carrier.

The carriers, that is to say the support carrier, the mounting carrier and the further carrier (if present) are in particular connected to one another in each case in series with joints, so that a total of one articulated chain is formed.

The corresponding joint axes of the joints are arranged in particular perpendicular to the said plane (and parallel to each other), so that the support means connected to the support carrier is pivotable in the plane by means of the articulated supports.

For example, e.g. the coupling device have at least one joint. Alternatively, the carriers may be e.g. also be connected directly via joints.

According to a further embodiment, the arm relief device has a first connection between the support device and the support device, in particular between the support device and the support support, which realizes the first axis of rotation about which the support device is pivotable.

Additionally or alternatively, the arm relief device between the carrier device and the fastening device, in particular between the carrier device and the mounting bracket, have a rotatable attachment joint which realizes a second axis of rotation which is substantially parallel to the first axis of rotation.

The second axis of rotation or the attachment joint serves to pivot the entire arm relief device in relation to a plane above the table top.

It is understood that the Armentlastungsvorrichtung may have further joints that realizes further axes of rotation about each of which a part of Armentlastungseinrichtung is pivotable. For example, For example, a hinge between the support bracket and the mounting bracket (if present) can realize a further axis of rotation about which the support and the support bracket are pivotable. In addition, joints can be arranged between the other carrier or between the other carriers and the support carrier or mounting bracket, realize the other axes of rotation and allow pivoting of a corresponding portion of the support means and the support means. In particular, the further axes of rotation are parallel to one another and parallel to the first and second axes of rotation.

A further embodiment of the invention provides that the arm relief device has a coupling device, which articulates the support carrier with the mounting bracket, wherein the coupling device comprises substantially mutually parallel joint axes about which the support carrier or the mounting bracket are pivotally, the hinge axes substantially are aligned parallel to the first axis of rotation and to the second axis of rotation.

According to a further embodiment, the coupling device has a first and a second coupling joint, wherein the joint axes of the first and second coupling joint parallel to each other, wherein in particular the first and / or the second coupling joint are each designed as a pin joint.

Said coupling device may further comprise a longitudinal body having a first longitudinal body end region through which the first coupling joint extends and a second longitudinal body end region through which the second coupling joint extends.

According to a further embodiment, the carrier device has a telescopic arm or is designed as a telescopic arm, wherein the telescopic arm is adapted to translate the support means along the plane, in particular parallel to the table top, translational.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the support support and / or the mounting bracket are each formed as a four-bar chain with equal length cranks.

According to a further embodiment, the support support, the mounting support and / or the further support each have a first support element, a second support element, a proximal longitudinal element and a distal longitudinal element, wherein the first and second support element and the proximal and distal longitudinal element form a parallelogram, wherein the first and second support members each form parallel sides of the parallelogram, and wherein the proximal and distal longitudinal members respectively form parallel sides of the parallelogram. In this case, the support elements are connected in the region of their ends via joints or rotary joints (ie rotatable connections) with ends of the distal and proximal longitudinal elements. The support elements and longitudinal elements thereby form a four-bar chain with cranks of equal length. Because of the two parallel carrier elements, such a carrier is also referred to below as a double carrier. The hinge axes about which the hinges are rotatable are parallel to one another and parallel to said plane in the arm loading device positioned in which the support device is pivotable. That is, the support means is displaceable by means of the four-bar chain (or four-link chains) along the first axis of rotation or perpendicular to the said plane.

The hinge axes of the first and second carrier element may have the same distance and / or the joint axes of the proximal and distal longitudinal element may have the same distance. In particular, the distance between the joint axes of the carrier elements is greater than the distance between the joint axes of the longitudinal elements.

These distances are chosen in particular so that the carrier elements are each rotatable relative to the longitudinal elements in a certain angular range, so are not rotatable in the entire angular range.

The joints may e.g. be configured as pin joints.

According to a further embodiment, the first and second support elements each extend along a longitudinal axis and are U-shaped in cross-section with respect to the longitudinal axis, wherein the first and second support members are connected via the hinge axes with the proximal and distal longitudinal members such that the respective ends the longitudinal elements are arranged within the U-shaped profile. In this case, the support elements each have two parallel side portions, which form the legs of the U-shaped profile in cross section, wherein the hinge axes perpendicular to the side portions through the side portions and the respective end of the respective longitudinal element, so that the respective support member with the respective longitudinal element are rotatably connected via the respective hinge axis.

According to a further embodiment, it is provided that the arm relief device has an elastic element, in particular a spring, wherein the elastic element is designed to generate the counterforce when the force is applied to the support device perpendicular to the plane. The elastic element is typically designed as a spring, wherein the spring is designed and arranged such that it is tensioned upon application of the force to the support means and as a result of their tension exerts the opposing force.

In the equilibrium position, in which the weight of the resting on the support arm is compensated by the counterforce, the spring may already have a bias. However, it is also conceivable that the spring in the equilibrium position has no tension. In this case, the counterforce required to balance the weight of the arm is provided in other ways.

When the support is moved downwardly towards the table top, the tension of the spring increases, so that the counterforce exerted by the spring increases. In this way, the said dependence of the reaction force on the traveled movement path can be realized.

In particular, the support carrier and / or the mounting bracket on the elastic element.

The elastic element may e.g. be formed as a spring, which connects the first and second support elements of the support carrier, the mounting bracket and / or the other carrier, in particular under a bias of the spring. The spring force exerted by the spring on the carrier elements results in a rotational movement of the carrier elements with respect to the longitudinal elements of the corresponding four-bar chain, so that the angle between the adjacent carrier elements and longitudinal elements decreases. As a result, the spring force is transferred via the four-bar chain on the bearing support connected to the support means, that a resultant counterforce perpendicular to the plane, in particular away from the table top upwards, acts on the support means.

According to a further embodiment, the tension of the elastic element can be adjusted at least in the loaded state by means of the height adjustment device. The loaded state is to be understood as the state of the arm relief device, in which the user's arm loads the support device, so that at least the weight of the arm acts on the support device.

That is, the vertical distance of the support means from the table top in the equilibrium position can be regulated via the tension of the elastic element. In this way, the said distance for users with different arm weights and body dimensions can be individually adjusted by the tension of the elastic member, the reaction force is regulated, so that sets a desired distance from the table top.

Of course, by adjusting the tension, the counterforce can also be regulated when the arm moves on the table top, especially such that the antagonistic muscle strand has to be stretched during the movement.

1. a) Befestigung einer Armentlastungsvorrichtung gemäß dem ersten Aspekt der Erfindung an einem Gegenstand,
2. b) Auflegen eines Bereichs eines menschlichen Arms, z.B. eines Unterarms oder Ellenbogens, oder einer menschlichen Hand auf die Auflageeinrichtung,
3. c) Bewegung des Arms oder der Hand senkrecht zu der Ebene unter Aufbringung einer der von dem Arm bzw. der Hand aufgebrachten Kraft entgegengesetzten Gegenkraft auf die Hand bzw. den Arm.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for treating a mouse arm and / or a method for preventing the development of a mouse arm, comprising the steps of:

1. a) fixing an arm relief device according to the first aspect of the invention to an object,
2. b) placing a region of a human arm, eg a forearm or elbow, or a human hand on the support device,
3. c) movement of the arm or the hand perpendicular to the plane while applying one of the force applied by the arm or the hand opposite counterforce on the hand or the arm.

In particular, the armrest device is attached to a desk top of a desk, in particular so that the support is positioned in an area where the user typically moves his or her elbow or forearm when working with a mouse and / or keyboard.

The equilibrium position of the support device is adjusted in particular so that the user when working with a mouse and / or always a light force, preferably between 1 N and 100 N, must exercise on the support device, if he used the elbow or forearm of the work Arms on the support device supports.

The user works with the mouse or keyboard so that the user always keeps his elbow of the arm used for working supported on the support device while working. Translational movements of the arm parallel to the table top, e.g. when moving the mouse, due to the pivoting of the support means free, that is, without counteracting a significant drag of the movement can be performed.

Also, two arm relief devices, one for the left and the elbow of the right arm, respectively, may be used and appropriately positioned and mounted in the vicinity of the workstation (preferably a left armrest and another right of the user). Alternatively, for attachment to a table top, the attachment can optionally also be done on a suitable chair.

By placing the elbow or forearm of the arm with which the user operates the mouse on the support means integrated in the arm relief device according to the invention, the arm weight (typically 3000 g ± 1000 g) is first removed from the user.

The balance position of the overlay (height above the table top) can be individually adjusted to the user's sitting position at the desk so that the user intuitively manipulates the elbow or forearm when working with the mouse, as long as he has his elbow or forearm positioned on the overlay device (slightly) trying to press down. "Working with the mouse" here means not only performing click movements, but any activities in which the mouse is touched, such as the mouse on the surface of the table top.

A slight pressure of the elbow on the support device is sufficient. Preferably, the balance position of the support means is adjusted so that the user, when working with the mouse with the elbow or forearm in addition to the weight of the dead weight of the arm, a force between 2.9 and 14.7 N (corresponding to a weight of about 300 to 1500 g in addition to the arm weight) on the support device exercises.

Not only does the user passively "lay down" the arm on the arm support and support device, but also actively force down on the support means, activating the lower part of the trapezius muscle (ascending ascendent). As a result, pushing down on the elbow activates the antagonistic chain of movement, especially the entire antagonistic chain of movement.

The state of tension of the agonistic chain of motion, which has been caused by one or more fingers held in a "waiting hover" over the mouse, is reduced or eliminated by activating the antagonistic movement chain. The now activated lower part of the trapezius inhibits the discomfort causing upper part of the trapezius (the descendants) by reciprocal inhibition (mutual inhibition).

The invention will be explained below with reference to examples and a drawing.

• 1: eine perspektivische schematische Darstellung einer Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Armentlastungsvorrichtung.

It shows:

• 1 : A perspective schematic representation of an embodiment of the arm relief device according to the invention.

1 shows a schematic representation of embodiment of the arm relief device according to the invention in a perspective view.

The arm relief device has a support device 1 , a carrier device 2 and a fastening device 3 on. To simplify the description of the mode of action of the arm relief device, the arm relief device will be described below with reference to a coordinate system (x, y, z) which is also shown in FIG 1 is drawn.

The arrow z indicates the direction of gravitational force (gravity) during the intended use of the Armentlastungsvorrichtung. The direction of the arrow z (arrowhead) thus points to "down", the end of the arrowhead points to "up". In the following, in particular, the terms "top" and "bottom", "above", "below", etc. refer to the directions or orientations thus defined by means of the arrow z. Further below, a plane perpendicular to the arrow z is referred to as a "horizontal" or "horizontal" plane.

This plane is in particular parallel to the table top to which the armrest device is attached.

With the fastening device 3 is the Armentlastungsvorrichtung be secured to a desk top, that the Armentlastungsvorrichtung respect to the gravitational force as in 1 is positioned shown. The desktop is particularly horizontal, but it is also conceivable that the desk plate is inclined to the horizontal.

The support device 1 has a support buffer 10 , which may be made of sponge rubber or visco-elastic foam, for example, and an axle element 14 on. The pad 10 is here on one end of the axle 14 stored, with the axle 14 rotatable in a first connection 12 is positioned. The pad 10 can also rotate with the axle 14 be connected. The bearing surface of the pad 10 runs essentially perpendicular to the orientation of the shaft element 14 ,

The first connection 12 connects the support device 1 with the carrier device 2 , The carrier device 2 here has a support carrier 2100 and a mounting bracket 2200 on. The carrier device 2 also has a coupling device 2300 on that the support wearer 2100 with the mounting bracket 2200 combines.

The support carrier 2100 is designed as a double carrier, ie, the support carrier 2100 has a first carrier element 2110 and a second carrier element 2112 and a first distal longitudinal element 2120 and a first proximal longitudinal member 2122 on, wherein the support elements 2110 . 2112 and the longitudinal elements 2120 . 2122 at rotary joints 2131 . 2132 . 2133 . 2134 are connected by pin joints, so that the support elements 2110 . 2112 and the longitudinal elements 2120 . 2122 form a four-jointed chain. The first distal longitudinal element 2120 is about the first connection 12 connected to the support device.

The axes of rotation of the slewing rings 2131 . 2132 . 2133 . 2134 , so the pin joints of the support carrier 2100 are parallel to each other and are horizontally arranged when the armrest device is attached to a horizontal desk top as described above.

The distance between the first rotary joint 2131 and the second rotary joint 2132 as well as the distance between the third rotary joint 2133 and the fourth rotary joint 2134 are equal. Further, the distance between the first rotary joint 2131 and the third rotary joint 2133 and the distance between the second rotary joint 2132 and the fourth rotary joint 2134 equal. One to the axes of rotation of the rotary joints 2131 . 2132 . 2133 . 2134 vertical (imaginary) plane is thus pierced by the axes of rotation at four points that form the corners of a parallelogram.

Between the first support element 2110 and the second support member 2112 is a first spring 2160 , Eg a coil spring, mounted so that the first support element 2110 and the second support member 2112 by the force of the first spring 2160 be contracted, ie, that the force of the first spring 2160 the distance between the two support elements 2110 . 2112 seeks to reduce. The first spring 2160 is, for example, with one of its ends on the second rotary joint 2132 attached and with its other end to a bolt inside a slot 2162 can be adjusted (ie moved and detected), with the slot 2162 in the proximal end region of the first carrier element 2110 is arranged. By means of the inside of the slot 2162 movable bolt can thus the tension of the first spring 2160 be set. Runs the first proximal longitudinal element 2122 in the z direction, the force of the first spring acts 2160 thus on the arrangement of the longitudinal elements 2120 . 2122 and the carrier elements 2110 . 2112 of the support wearer 2100 one that the first distal longitudinal element 2120 against the z-direction (ie upwards) is pressed. Thus, therefore, by means of the first spring 2160 one up ( in particular away from the table top) counterforce are generated when the user moves his resting on the support elbow or forearm to the table top.

The mounting bracket 2200 is analogous to the support described above 2100 , So also designed as a double carrier, ie, the mounting bracket 2200 has a third carrier element 2210 and a fourth support member 2212 on. The mounting bracket 2200 also has a second distal longitudinal element 2220 and a second proximal longitudinal member 2222 on.

Here are the support elements 2210 . 2212 about rotary joints 2231 . 2232 . 2233 . 2234 with the second longitudinal elements 2220 . 2222 connected, wherein the support elements 2210 . 2212 and the second longitudinal elements 2220 . 2222 to form a four-jointed chain. The rotary joints 2231 . 2232 . 2233 . 2234 of the mounting bracket 2200 are each designed as a pin joint. The axes of rotation of the slewing rings 2231 . 2232 . 2233 . 2234 of the mounting bracket 2200 are parallel to each other and are horizontally arranged when the armrest device is attached to the desk top as described above. In addition, the rotary joints 2231 . 2232 . 2233 and 2234 parallel to the slewing rings 2131 . 2132 . 2133 . 2134 of the mounting bracket 2100 ,

Between the third carrier element 2210 and the fourth support member 2212 is a second spring 2260 mounted so that the third carrier element 2210 and the fourth support member 2212 by the force of the second spring 2260 be contracted, ie, that the force of the second spring 2260 the distance between the two support elements 2210 . 2212 seeks to reduce. The second spring 2260 For example, with one of its ends on the sixth rotary joint 2232 attached and with its other end to a bolt inside a slot 2262 can be adjusted (ie moved and detected), with the slot 2262 in the proximal end region of the third carrier element 2210 is arranged. By means of the inside of the slot 2262 movable bolt can thus the tension of the second spring 2260 be set. Is the second proximal longitudinal element 2222 aligned in the z-direction (to define the orientation of the longitudinal elements 2220 . 2222 see above), the force of the second spring acts 2260 thus on the arrangement of the longitudinal elements 2220 . 2222 and the carrier elements 2210 . 2212 of the support wearer 2100 one that the second distal longitudinal element 2220 against the z-direction (ie upwards) is pressed and the counterforce on the support device 1 at least partially by means of the second spring 2260 is produced.

The coupling device 2300 connects the support carrier 2100 with the mounting bracket 2200 , The coupling device 2300 has a longitudinal body 2310 on. In the to the support carrier 2100 facing area of the longitudinal body 2310 is a first coupling joint 2320 formed, which the longitudinal body 2310 rotatable with the proximal longitudinal element 2122 of the support wearer 2100 (ie, the first proximal longitudinal element), wherein the axis of rotation of the first coupling joint 2320 parallel to the orientation of the first proximal longitudinal element 2122 is (see above). In the to the mounting bracket 2200 facing area of the longitudinal body 2310 is a second coupling joint 2340 formed, which the longitudinal body 2310 rotatable with the distal longitudinal member 2220 of the mounting bracket 2200 (ie, the second distal longitudinal element), wherein the axis of rotation of the second coupling joint 2340 both parallel to the orientation of the second distal longitudinal element 2220 is (see above) and parallel to the axis of rotation of the first coupling joint 2320 ,

By this construction of the coupling device 2300 This ensures that the first proximal longitudinal element 2122 always parallel to the second distal longitudinal element 2220 runs.

In addition, the coupling device allows 2300 not just a simple rotation of the support 2100 relative to the mounting bracket 2200 , but also a shift of the support wearer 2100 relative to the mounting bracket 2200 , This additional degree of freedom permits an even better adaptation of the carrier device to the movement of the support device guided by the user's elbow or forearm 1 ,

The fastening device 3 allows, for example, the attachment of the Armentlastungsvorrichtung to a desk top. The fastening device 3 is by means of a fixing joint 36 rotatable with the proximal longitudinal element 2222 the mounting bracket (ie, the second proximal longitudinal member), wherein the axis of rotation of the mounting joint 36 parallel to the orientation of the second proximal longitudinal element 2222 is. The attachment joint 36 is also so with the fastening device 3 connected to the axis of rotation of the mounting joint 36 is aligned perpendicular to the desk top, when the Armentlastungsvorrichtung means of the fastening device 3 attached to the desk top.

For attachment to an object, such as an armrest or seat of a chair, the fastening device 3 For example, have a U-shaped fitting, which is a first surface element 32 and a second surface element 33 has, arranged parallel to each other and by means of a connecting element 31 are connected to each other such that, for example, an armrest or seat of a chair, which does not exceed a predetermined thickness, between the surface elements 32 . 33 slidable. The second surface element 33 may have a threaded hole through which a grub screw is rotated. On to the first surface element 32 pointing end of the grub screw a buffer 34a which, upon a corresponding rotation of the threaded pin in the direction of the first surface element 32 can be performed. Located between the surface elements 32 . 33 An armrest or seat of a chair, this can thus between the first surface element 32 and the buffer 34a be clamped, whereby the fastening device is attached to the armrest or seat. To facilitate manual screwing in and out of the threaded pin from the threaded hole, the threaded pin can be attached to its first surface element 32 pointing away a widening or a gripping surface 34b exhibit.

Of course, the fastening device 3 also be adapted to be attached to a table top. For example, the in 1 embodiment shown modified such that the attachment joint 36 along the second axis of rotation d2 (ie in height, in particular upwards, ie away from the table top) with respect to the fastening device 3 is offset. In this embodiment, the first surface element 32 and the third surface element 33 towards the attachment joint 36 run. When the tabletop between the first and second surface element 32 . 33 is clamped, the Armentlastungsvorrichtung thus can be easily positioned over the table top and move along the said plane.

The dimensions of the support carrier 2100 , the mounting bracket 2200 and the coupling device 2300 are particularly dimensioned so that the support device 1 can be moved so that the projection of the central axis of the shaft element 14 on a horizontal plane can reach any point within a semicircle that lies in front of the desk edge at which the Armentlastungsvorrichtung by means of the fastening device 3 was attached, with a radius of for example 50 cm around the axis of rotation of the mounting joint 36 ,

When the user - relative to the edge of the desk to which the armrest loader is mounted - is seated to a certain side (eg, left) of the armrest loader, movement of the support can occur 1 the overlay and mounting brackets 2100 . 2200 and the coupling device 2300 be moved to the other side (eg, to the right), so that the carrier device 2 does not hinder or disturb the user.

The support carrier 2100 , the mounting bracket 2200 and the coupling device 2300 the carrier device 2 form in the 1 illustrated embodiment, a link chain between the support carrier 1 and the fastening device 3 out. This articulated chain has four parallel axes of rotation d1 . d2 . d3 . d4 on, with the first axis of rotation d1 along the axle 14 the first connection 12 , the second axis of rotation d2 along the mounting joint 36 the fastening device, the third axis of rotation d3 along the first coupling joint 2320 the coupling device 2300 and the fourth axis of rotation d4 along the second coupling joint 2340 the coupling device 2300 runs. By means of these rotary axes d1 . d2 . d3 . d4 is the support device 1 pivotable or displaceable in a plane perpendicular to the axes of rotation. In particular, this plane runs parallel to the desk top of the desk, at which the attachment means 3 can be attached. Preferably, this plane is horizontal. The pivotability or displaceability parallel to this plane allows a substantially free translational movement of the lying on the support arm of the user, for example when he moves the mouse on the table top. Furthermore, support device 1 by means of the four-bar chains of the support carrier 2100 and the mounting bracket 2200 displaceable perpendicular to said plane, so that the support means 1 in particular over the table top (or on the table top) is movable up and down.

The feathers 2160 . 2260 are curious when the support device 1 is loaded by the resting arm of the user, that is, when the weight of the arm on the support device 1 acts. At the same time they allow inside the slots 2162 . 2262 slidable bolts that allow the tension of the springs 2160 . 2260 can be adjusted, depending on the weight of the support device 1 resting arm, a corresponding counter to the weight of the arm counteracting counterforce to adjust so that the support means 1 a desired equilibrium position (that is, a desired vertical distance from the table top). Thus, a height adjustment is realized by the within the slots 2161, 2162 displaceable bolt.

During a downward movement of the support device 1 on the table top to become the first spring 2160 and the second spring 2260 further tensioned, so that this an upward force on the support device 1 exercise, which is opposite to the downward movement. This results in the user having to apply a force to the support means 1 to move down (eg, to touch the mouse or keyboard) or to hold it there (eg, in a working position in which the user operates the mouse or keyboard), the force F activating the antagonistic muscle strand, which inhibits the agonistic muscle strand leads.

Physiologically, this is achieved by the user of the artery load device ascending the ascendants of his trapezius muscle (more precisely: the side - left or right side) of the trapezius muscle whose arm the user uses for working with the mouse and whose elbows he / she uses on the support device 1 It is necessary to clamp, which leads to an inhibition of the descending part of the trapezius muscle, ie, the permanent tension of the descending part of the trapezius muscle usually associated with long work with a mouse / keyboard is prevented. This counteracts advantageously the formation of a "mouse arm".

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

support device

2

support means

3

fastening device

10

edition buffer

12

first connection

14

axle

31

connecting member

32

first surface element

33

second surface element

34a

buffer

34b

grip

36

attachment link

2100

support beams

2110

first carrier element

2112

second carrier element

2120

first distal longitudinal element

2122

first proximal longitudinal element

2131

first rotary joint

2132

second rotary joint

2133

third rotary joint

2134

fourth rotary joint

2160

First spring

2162

slot

2200

mounting bracket

2210

third carrier element

2212

fourth carrier element

2220

second distal longitudinal element

2222

second proximal longitudinal element

2231

fifth rotary joint

2232

sixth rotary joint

2233

seventh rotary joint

2234

Eighth rotary joint

2260

second spring

2262

slot

2300

coupling device

2310

longitudinal body

2320

first coupling joint

2340

second coupling joint

d1

first axis of rotation

d2

second axis of rotation

d3

third axis of rotation

d4

fourth axis of rotation

Claims (10)

Armentlastungsvorrichtung, in particular for preventing the expression or for the recovery of a mouse arm when working with a computer mouse, comprising: - a support device (1) which is suitable for placing an elbow or forearm; - A support means (2) which is designed to support the support means (1); characterized in that the support means (1) by means of the support means (2) guided in a plane is displaceable, wherein the support means (2) is adapted to upon application of a force (F) on the support means (1) perpendicular to the plane in Depending on a caused by the force (F) movement path to generate a force (F) counteracting counterforce. Armentlastungsvorrichtung after Claim 1 , characterized in that the support means (1) is pivotable about at least a first axis of rotation which is perpendicular to the plane, wherein the support means (1) under load by the force (F) is displaceable perpendicular to the plane. Armentlastungsvorrichtung after Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the carrier device (2) has at least one height adjustment device, wherein the height adjustment device for setting a position of the support device (1) along a path perpendicular to the plane in Dependence of perpendicular to the plane on the support means (1) acting force (F) is configured. Armrest device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the armrest device further comprises a fastening device (3), wherein the fastening device (3) is connected to the carrier device (2), and wherein the fastening device (3) for fastening the armrest device (1 ) on an object, in particular a desk, preferably for attachment to the table top of the desk, is suitable. Armentlastungsvorrichtung after Claim 4 wherein the support means (2) comprises: - a support support (2100) having a distal end, the support support (2100) being connected at its distal end to the support means (1); - A mounting bracket (2200) having a proximal end, wherein the mounting bracket (2200) is connected at its proximal end with the fastening device (3). Armentlastungsvorrichtung according to at least one of Claims 2 to 5 characterized in that the armrest loading device has a first connection (12) between the support device (1) and the carrier device (2), which realizes the first axis of rotation and / or where the armrest device between the carrier device (2) and the fastening device (3) a rotatable mounting joint (36) which realizes a second axis of rotation which is substantially parallel to the first axis of rotation. Armentlastungsvorrichtung after Claim 5 or 6 characterized in that the armrest loading device comprises a coupling device (2300) which hingedly couples the support bracket (2100) to the mounting bracket (2200), the coupling device (2300) comprising joint axes substantially parallel to each other about which of the support brackets (2100). or the mounting bracket (2200) are pivotable, wherein the hinge axes are aligned substantially parallel to the first axis of rotation and to the second axis of rotation. Armentlastungsvorrichtung according to at least one of Claims 5 to 7 , characterized in that the support support (2100) and / or the mounting bracket (2200) are each formed as a four-bar chain with equal length cranks. Armentlastungsvorrichtung according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Armentlastungsvorrichtung has at least one elastic element which is adapted to generate upon application of the force (F) on the support means (1), the counterforce. Armentlastungsvorrichtung after Claim 9 , characterized in that by means of the height adjustment means, the tension of the elastic element is adjustable at least in the loaded state.

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