US20220079258A1

US20220079258A1 - Vambrace for use with a computer controlling device

Info

Publication number: US20220079258A1
Application number: US17/322,445
Authority: US
Inventors: Dylan Drake
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-09-15
Filing date: 2021-05-17
Publication date: 2022-03-17

Abstract

An arm support apparatus for use with a computer controlling device comprises an arm supporting layer comprising a first upper surface and an opposing first lower surface, wherein the first upper surface is conformable or substantially conformable to one or more contours of an arm of a user, a low-friction layer comprising a second upper surface coupled to the first lower surface of the arm supporting layer and an opposing second lower surface configured to contact a supporting surface upon which the user controls the computer controlling device, and one or more arm-securing structures for securing the arm of the user to the arm supporting layer.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT DOCUMENTS

This patent application claims the benefit of priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 120, to pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/021,071, filed on Sep. 15, 2020, entitled “Ultra-Lightweight Thin Stabilizing Friction Reducing Video Game Vambrace,” which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to accessories for use with a computer controlling device such as a mouse or a video game controller. Computer users that are participating in activities that involve movement, such as use of a computer keyboard, a computer mouse, or another input device, can experience discomfort in their arms including, and in particular, in the forearm and wrist. Often, this discomfort can be attributed to improper positioning of the forearm and wrist. This can be a particular problem for activities involving rapid and repetitive movement, such as rapid typing on a keyboard or rapid mouse movement—for example when used as input devices for video games or other software programs that require rapid movement—which can cause overuse or repetitive stress disorders, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. It has been well known that repetitive use of computer mice and keyboards can lead to such repetitive-stress injuries.
Many computer games are controlled at least partially with a computer mouse and/or a computer keyboard. This is especially true with so-called “first-person shooter” games, wherein a mouse is often used to control the aim of the player's weapon. Such control in video games often requires a large range of movements, from minute and precise, to relatively large. These movements often need to be performed very rapidly, which requires a relatively high rate of movement speed for the user. The need for rapid movement over a wide range of motion has further exacerbated problems associated with repetitive-stress disorders, such as those associated with repeated use of computer controlling devices such as computer mice, keyboards, and video game controllers.
Thus, there is a need for devices or structures that can ameliorate or alleviate these problems associated with repetitive use of computer controlling devices, in particular those associated with rapid and repetitive use of computer mice, keyboards, and video game controllers.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure describes a wearable accessory that can be worn on the arm of a user, e.g., on the user's forearm and/or wrist, while operating one or more computer controlling devices, such as one or more of a computer mouse, a keyboard, or a video game controller. The accessory can be worn on the user's arm to provide for reduced friction between the arm and a surface upon which rests the user's arm during operation of at least one of the one or more computer controlling devices. In particular, the present disclosure describes a deformable vambrace that can be worn on the user's arm for reduced friction when the user is using a mouse or another computer controlling device as an input device, such as for a video game or other computer program.
In an example, the present disclosure describes an arm support apparatus for use with a computer controlling device, the apparatus comprising an arm supporting layer comprising a first upper surface and an opposing first lower surface, wherein the first upper surface is conformable or substantially conformable to one or more contours of an arm of a user, a low-friction layer comprising a second upper surface coupled to the first lower surface of the arm supporting layer and an opposing second lower surface configured to contact a supporting surface upon which the user controls the computer controlling device, and one or more arm-securing structures for securing the arm of the user to the arm supporting layer.
In another example, the present disclosure describes an arm support apparatus for use with a computer controlling device, the apparatus comprising an arm supporting layer comprising a first upper surface and an opposing first lower surface, wherein the first upper surface is conformable or substantially conformable to one or more contours of an arm of a user, a low-friction layer comprising a second upper surface coupled to the first lower surface of the arm supporting layer and an opposing second lower surface configured to contact a supporting surface upon which the user controls the computer controlling device, wherein the arm supporting layer and the low-friction layer are deformable; and one or more arm-securing structures for securing the arm of the user to the arm supporting layer.
This summary is intended to provide an overview of subject matter of the present disclosure. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation of the invention. The detailed description is included to provide further information about the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the example vambrace while being worn on the arm of a user who is using a computer controlling device, such as a computer mouse.

FIG. 2 is side view of the example vambrace of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the example vambrace of FIGS. 1 and 2 while being worn on the user's arm.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of an alternative example vambrace similar to the example vambrace of FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the alternative example vambrace of FIG. 4 while being worn on the user's arm.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the example vambrace of FIGS. 2 and 3 while being worn on the user's arm before tightening an arm securing structure to secure the vambrace to the user's arm, taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the alternative example vambrace of FIGS. 4 and 5 while being worn on the user's arm after tightening the arm securing structure to relatively tightly secure the vambrace to the user's arm, taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description describes a friction-reducing vambrace for use with a computer controlling device-such as a computer mouse, a keyboard, or a video game controller. In particular, the present disclosure describes a deformable (e.g., bendable, moldable, and/or conformable) vambrace that can be worn by a user on his or her arm, e.g., on the forearm and/or wrist, to reduce friction with a supporting surface (such as a desk top or table top) during use of the computer controller device. In an example, the deformable vambrace is formed from lightweight materials so that it does not substantially contribute to the apparent weight on the user's arm during use of the computer controlling device. In particular, the present disclosure describes a friction-reducing vambrace that reduces friction between the user's arm and the supporting surface in order to improve the user's experience and performance while using a computer mouse as an input device for a computer program that requires relatively rapid movement of the computer mouse, such as a video game.
The present disclosure includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, which are also referred to herein as “examples,” are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. The example embodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized, or structural, and logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the disclosed subject matter will be described in conjunction with the enumerated claims, it will be understood that the exemplified subject matter is not intended to limit the claims to the disclosed subject matter. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described can include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.
Values expressed in a range format should be interpreted in a flexible manner to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. For example, a concentration range of “about 0.1% to about 5%” should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited concentration of about 0.1 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, but also the individual concentrations (e.g., 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%) and the sub-ranges (e.g., 0.1% to 0.5%, 1.1% to 2.2%, and 3.3% to 4.4%) within the indicated range. The statement “about X to Y” has the same meaning as “about X to about Y,” unless indicated otherwise. Likewise, the statement “about X, Y, or about Z” has the same meaning as “about X, about Y, or about Z,” unless indicated otherwise.
In this document, the terms “a,” “an,” or “the” are used to include one or more than one unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive “or” unless otherwise indicated. Unless indicated otherwise, the statement “at least one of” when referring to a listed group is used to mean one or any combination of two or more of the members of the group. For example, the statement “at least one of A, B, and C” can have the same meaning as “A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; or A, B, and C,” or the statement “at least one of D, E, F, and G” can have the same meaning as “D; E; F; G; D and E; D and F; D and G; E and F; E and G; F and G; D, E, and F; D, E, and G; D, F, and G; E, F, and G; or D, E, F, and G.” A comma can be used as a delimiter or digit group separator to the left or right of a decimal mark, for example, “0.000.1″” is equivalent to “0.0001.”
The term “about” as used herein can allow for a degree of variability in a value or range, for example, within 10%, within 5%, within 1%, within 0.5%, within 0.1%, within 0.05%, within 0.01%, within 0.005%, or within 0.001% of a stated value or of a stated limit of a range, and includes the exact stated value or range.
The term “substantially” as used herein refers to a majority of, or mostly, such as at least about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5%, 99.9%, 99.99%, or at least about 99.999% or more, or 100%.
In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein, and not otherwise defined, is for the purpose of description only and not of limitation. Furthermore, all publications, patents, and patent documents referred to in this document are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, as though individually incorporated by reference. In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and those documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated reference should be considered supplementary to that of this document; for irreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in this document controls.
FIGS. 1-7 shows various views of an example arm support apparatus 10 for reducing friction between an arm 1 of a user 2 and a supporting surface (such as the top surface of a desk or table, not shown) during use of a computer controlling device. As used herein, the term “computer controlling device” refers to any device that is used to interact with a computer for the purposes of controlling some aspect of operation of the computer. In particular, a “computer controlling device,” as used in the present disclosure, refers to a peripheral device that is used for the purpose of inputting information or commands to the computer during operation of a computer program, such that the computer controlling device can also be referred to as a “computer input device” or simply an “input device.”
Examples of computer controlling devices with which the example arm support apparatus 10 can be used include, but are not limited to: a computer mouse (hereinafter referred to simply as a “mouse” for the sake of brevity), a computer keyboard (hereinafter referred to as a “keyboard”); and a hand-held video game controller (hereinafter referred to as a “game controller”).
The arm support apparatus 10 of the present disclosure can be particularly beneficial during use with a mouse 8 (as shown in FIG. 1) because, as noted above, some programs can require a wide range of movements—e.g., from small, precise movements to large, rapid movements—and therefore the remainder of the present disclosure will describe the arm support apparatus 10 with respect to its use with a mouse. Those having skill in the art will appreciate, however, that when something is described with respect to a mouse, the same feature can be applicable to other computer controlling devices. In other words, the use of the word “mouse” is the present disclosure can be thought of as shorthand for any computer controlling device and not as being limited specifically to a mouse.
In an example, the arm support apparatus 10 provides support to a wrist or forearm, or both, of a user while using the mouse. In an example, the arm support apparatus 10 is deformable such that it can at least partially conform to one or more surfaces of the user's forearm or wrist, or both, so that the arm support apparatus 10 is more comfortable for the user. In an example, the arm support apparatus 10 is configured to be coupled to the user's arm, for example at the user's wrist and/or forearm, via one or more arm coupling structures (described in more detail below). In particular, the arm support apparatus 10 can be configured to be coupled to the underside of the user's forearm. Therefore, the arm support apparatus 10 will also be referred to herein as the “vambrace 10,” which implies a structure or apparatus that is configured to be applied and coupled to the underside of the wrist 4 and/or forearm of the user's arm 1.
In an example, the vambrace 10 includes a low-friction structure 12 that is configured to be in contact with the supporting surface, e.g., such that the low-friction structure 12 is on a bottom side 14 of the vambrace 10. The vambrace 10 can also include an arm support structure 16 configured to be in contact with the user's arm 1, e.g., with the underside of the user's arm 1, such as with the underside of the user's forearm and/or an underside of the user's wrist, e.g., such that the arm support structure 16 is on a top side 18 of the vambrace 10, wherein the top side 18 opposes the bottom side 14 of the vambrace 10.
In an example, the low-friction structure 12 is a generally flat layer such that the low-friction structure 12 will also be referred to hereinafter as the “low-friction layer 12.” In an example, the low-friction layer 12 is made from a low-friction material, e.g., a material having a coefficient of friction (also referred to as “COF”) (e.g., as measured by the standardized test published as ASTM D1894 by ASTM International) that is equal to or less than about 0.1, such as a COF that is equal to or less than 0.095, equal to or less than about 0.09, equal to or less than about 0.085, equal to or less than about 0.08, equal to or less than about 0.075, equal to or less than about 0.07, equal to or less than about 0.065, equal to or less than about 0.06, equal to or less than about 0.055, equal to or less than about 0.05, equal to or less than about 0.045, equal to or less than about 0.04, equal to or less than about 0.035, equal to or less than about 0.03, equal to or less than about 0.025, equal to or less than about 0.02, equal to or less than about 0.015, or equal to or less than about 0.01.
A low COF for the low-friction layer 12 can allow the user 2 to more precisely control movement of the user's arm 1 across the supporting surface, for example for precision movement of a computer mouse 8, even at rapid speeds because of the reduced friction achievable by the low-COF material of the low-friction layer 12. The vambrace 10 can also provide a more effective pivot point on the supporting surface compared to the user's arm 1 by itself. Therefore, the low COF for the low-friction layer 12 allows the vambrace 10 to be particularly suitable for use in any video game that requires precision, accuracy, and speed. This is particularly useful in so-called “first person shooter games,” or “FPS games.” Examples of first person shooter games include, but are not limited to: the CALL OF DUTY® series (e.g., Call of Duty: Black Ops—Cold War or Call of Duty: Modern Warfare; the COUNTER-STRIKE® series (e.g., Counter-Strike: Global Offensive); FORTNITE®; APEX LEGENDS®; OVERWATCH®, VALORANT®; the BATTLEFIELD® series (e.g., Battlefield V); PLAYERUNKNOWN'S BATTLEGROUNDS®; RUST®; or the TOM CLANCY'S RAINBOW SIX® series (e.g., Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege®), to name just a few.
In an example, the low-friction layer 12 is a generally planar piece of a low-friction material, such as a flat or substantially flat piece of a low-friction plastic. A non-limiting example of a low-friction plastic that is particularly suitable for use in forming the low-friction layer 12 in the vambrace 10 is a fluoropolymer formed from one or more polymerized fluorine-containing monomer units, such as those wherein a majority of the polymerized monomer units that form the polymer or copolymer are derived from tetrafluoroethylene (also referred to herein as “TFE”) or commonly substituted versions of TFE (e.g., the polymer having the IUPAC name poly(1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethylene), also referred to by the trade name “TEFLON” as sold by The Chermours Co., Wilmington, Del., USA) and which will also be referred to herein as “poly(tetrafluoroethylene)” or “PTFE”). Other fluoropolymer low-friction plastics that can form the low-friction layer 12, include, but are not limited to: poly(vinylidene difluoride) (“PVDF”); fluorinated ethylene propylene (“FEP”); perfluoroalkoxy alkanes (“PFA”); ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (“ETFE”); ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene (“ECTFE”).
Other plastics that may be useful in forming the low-friction layer 12 include, but are not limited to: polyamide imides (“PAI”); polyimides; polyetheretherketone (“PEEK”); polyphenylene sulfide (“PPS”); polyamides (e.g., Nylon); polyoxymethylene (“POM”, also known as “acetal” or “polyacetal”); polybutylene terephthalate (“PBT”); polyphenylene sulfide (“PPS”); ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (“UHMWPE”); and polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”) or other polyesters.
In an example, the arm support layer 16 is a generally planar piece of material, e.g., a flat or substantially flat piece of material. In an example, the arm support layer 16 comprises a material that is soft or otherwise comfortable during prolonged use with the user's arm 1 being in contact with the arm support layer 16. In an example, the arm support layer 16 comprises a soft polymer, such as ethylene vinyl acetate (“EVA”). Other materials that can be used to form the arm support layer 16 include, but are not limited to: textiles (e.g., cotton fabric, polyester fabric, lycra, nylon fabric, spandex fabric, blends thereof etc.); rubberized plastics; foams; foam rubbers; and the like.
In the example shown in the figures, the arm support layer 16 and the low-friction layer 12 are generally the same size so that both the low-friction layer 12 and the arm support layer 16 cover substantially the same area of the arm 1 of the user 2. However, the present disclosure is not so limited. Rather, the low-friction layer 12 can cover a larger surface area of the user's arm 1 than the arm support layer 16 or vice versa, e.g., with the arm support layer 16 covering a larger surface area of the user's arm 1 than the low-friction layer 12.
In an example, the arm support layer 16 can be part of a structure that extends all the way around the circumference of the user's arm 1 along at least a portion of the length of the arm 1. In other words, in an example, the arm support layer 16 is part of a sleeve that surrounds the circumference of the arm 1 along at least the portion of the length of the arm 1. In such a case, the sleeve that includes the arm support layer 16 can be made from a textile material, such as a blend of cotton and spandex for a tight fitting sleeve, and one or more low-friction structures 12 can be coupled to the arm support layer 16 portion of the sleeve
The vambrace 10 can also include one or more coupling structures 20 configured to couple the low-friction layer 12 to the arm support layer 16 so that they form a single unitary structure. In an example, shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 6, one or more of the coupling structures 20 comprises one or more fasteners 20. In an example, one or more of the fasteners 20 comprise a threaded shank 22, best seen in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6. The threaded shank 22 can threadingly engage with the material of the one or both of the low-friction layer 12 and the arm support layer 16. The fastener 20 can also include a fastener head 24 to further hold the low-friction layer 12 onto the arm support layer 16.
In an example, the head 24 of the fastener 20 can be configured to be flush or to protrude beyond the lower surface of the low-friction layer 12 (as seen in FIG. 6). In some examples, the COF of the material of the fastener head 24 can be higher than the COF of the low-friction layer 12, and therefore, in some cases the material of the fastener head 24 may undesirably interfere with the rapid and/or precise movement of the user's arm 1 for which the vambrace 10 is designed, e.g., because the fastener heads 24 may be exposed to the supporting surface during movement of the wearer's arm 1 (as is best seen in FIGS. 3 and 6). Therefore, in an optional example shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, an alternative version of the vambrace 10′ can include similar fasteners 20′ that include a low-friction coating 26 on the outer-facing surface of the fastener head 24′. In an example, the low-friction coating 26 can be formed from any of the same low-friction materials described above for the low-friction layer 12, e.g., a low-friction polymer including, but not limited to, one or more of: PTFE, PVDF, ETFE, PFA, ECTFE, PEEK, a PAI, a polyimide, a polyamide, POM, PBT, PPS, UHMWPE, or PET.
Although the figures show the example vambraces 10, 10′ as using fasteners 20, 20′ as the coupling structures configured to couple the low-friction layer 12 to the arm support layer 16, those having skill in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure is not limited to fasteners 20 for this purpose. Rather, those having skill in the art will understand that other structures can be used as the one or more coupling structures including, but not limited to: one or more adhesives; stitching; staples; pins; brads; welds; by extruding the material of the low-friction layer 12 onto the pre-formed structure of the arm support layer 16; by shaping the low-friction layer 12 and the arm support layer 16 to form an interference fit; by extruding the material of the arm support layer 16 onto the pre-formed structure of the low-friction layer 12; by coextruding the materials of the low-friction layer 12 and the arm support layer 16 together to form the structures of the low-friction layer 12 and the arm support layer 16; and the like.
The vambrace 10 can also include one or more structures for securing the user's arm 1 to the top side 18 of the vambrace 10 (also referred to herein as “the one or more arm-securing structures”). In an example, the one or more arm-securing structures comprise one or more straps 28 that are each coupled to the arm support layer 16 or to the low-friction layer 12, or both, at one or more locations on the vambrace 10. Each strap 28 can be configured to extend upward from the top side 18 of the vambrace 10 so that the strap 28 can be wrapped around the wearer's arm 1 at a specified location along the arm 1. In an example, each of the one or more straps 28 can include a fabric or polymer webbing, such as a polypropylene webbing.
In an example, the vambrace 10 includes two or more straps 28, such as a first strap 28A connected to the arm support layer 16 and/or the low-friction layer 12 at a first location and a second strap 28B connected to the arm support layer 16 and/or the low-friction layer 12 at a second location. In an example, the first location where the first strap 28A is connected is at or proximate to a first end 30 of the vambrace 10 that is intended to be worn at or near the wrist 4 of the user 2. In an example, the second location where the second strap 28B is connected is at or proximate to a second end 32 of the vambrace 10 that is intended to be worn somewhere along the forearm of the user depending on the length of the user's forearm, for example somewhere proximate to the user's elbow 6 (shown in FIG. 5).
However the straps 28 are configured and wherever they are connected, it is preferred that they be configured so that the vambrace 10 is relatively tightly held to the user's arm 1 so that the vambrace 10 does not shift during use. In an example, one or more of the one or more straps 28 can include a tightening device so that the user 2 can adjust the tightness of the one or more straps 28 in order to set the one or more straps 28 at a desired tightness, e.g., at a preferred diameter of the strap 28 around the user's arm 1 and/or at a preferred tension being applied by the strap 28 onto the arm 1, such that the user 2 can set the strap 28 according to his or her preferred snugness for the particular use that the user 2 intends.
In an example, the tightening device comprises a slider 34 for each of the one or more straps 28. The slider 34 can be configured to slide along its corresponding strap 28 between a loosened position (such as the example position shown in FIG. 6) and a tightened position (such as the example position shown in FIG. 7) relative to the corresponding strap 28. When the slider 34 is in the loosened position, the apparent length of the strap 28 is longer than when the slider 34 is in the tightened position, as can be seen in a comparison of FIG. 6 (loosened position) and FIG. 7 (tightened position).
In an example, when in the tightened position, the tension generated by the strap 28 is sufficient to bend one or both of the low-friction layer 12 and the arm support layer 16 so that the layers 12, 16 will conform or substantially conform to the contours of the user's arm 1, as described in more detail below. In another example, the one or more arm-securing structures, such as the one or more straps 28, are configured so that when the user puts the vambrace 10 on his or her arm 1, the one or more arm-securing structures generates sufficient tension to at least partially bend one or both of the low-friction layer 12 and the arm support layer 16 to at least partially conform to one or more contours of the user's arm 1 without the need of a tightening device like the slider 34.
In an example, the arm-securing structure can also include a fastening structure to fasten at least a portion of one of the one or more arm-securing structures (e.g., one of the straps 28) to another structure, such as another portion of the same arm-securing structure (e.g., to the same strap 28), to another arm-securing structure (e.g., to a different strap 28), or to another structure of the vambrace 10, such as the arm support layer 16 or the low-friction layer 12. In an example, the fastening structure for at least one of the one or more arm-securing structure comprises a hook-and-loop fastener, such as those sold under the VELCRO trademark (not shown).
Those having skill in the art will appreciate that the one or more arm-securing structures are not limited to one or more straps, such as the straps 28 shown in the figures and described above. Rather, those having skill in the art will appreciate that any structure or structures that can effectively, and releasably secure the user's arm 1 to the top side 18 of the vambrace 10 will fall within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, as noted above, in an example the arm support layer 16 can be part of a sleeve that the user 2 can wear on his or her arm 1. In such an example, the arm-securing structure is the portion of the sleeve that wraps around the top side of the user's arm 1, e.g., such that the arm support layer 16 and the arm-securing structure are part of the same structure (that is, the sleeve). Other examples of structures that can secure the user's arm 1 to the top side 18 of the vambrace 10 include, but are not limited to: laces, cords, rings, belts, clamps, beams, and the like.
In an example, the vambrace 10 can be configured to be deformable (e.g., bendable or moldable) so that one or more structures of the vambrace 10 can conform or substantially conform to one or more contours of the user's arm 1 while the user is wearing the vambrace 10. As used herein, the term “contour” refers to an outer surface or combination of outer surfaces that form the three-dimensional outline of the user's arm 1. As used herein, the term “conform” refers to one or more surfaces of the vambrace 10 generally matching, and in some examples matching or substantially matching, one or more contours of the user's arm 1.
The concept of the vambrace 10 being one or more of deformable, bendable, or moldable such that one or more structures of the vambrace 10 conforms or substantially conforms to one or more contours of the user's arm 1 will also be referred to herein as “deformably conforming.” As will be understood by those having skill in the art, a deformably conforming vambrace 10 can provide for better comfort for the user, especially during long-term usage of the vambrace 10 while operating a computer controlling device such as a computer mouse 8.
In an example, the vambrace 10 can be made to be deformably conforming by being made from materials that are bendable or otherwise deformable to a certain extent without breaking, e.g., when subjected to a specified tension or pressure, such as by the tension applied by the straps 28 or one or more other arm-securing structures. In an example, the materials of the low-friction layer 12 and the arm support layer 16 are selected and sized so that they are sufficiently bendable so that overall the vambrace 10 will be deformably conforming, as discussed above.
In an example, the vambrace 10 can be configured to deformably conforming by being made to be very thin, e.g., so that the distance between one or more bottom surfaces of the user's arm 1 and the supporting surface is as small as possible. A very thin vambrace 10 can also make repeated use of the vambrace 10 over a long period of time more comfortable and can provide for better precision control of the computer mouse 8 or another computer controlling device.
In an example, the combined thickness of the low-friction layer 12 and the arm support layer 16 is about 10 millimeters (“mm”) or less, such as 9.5 mm or less, 9 mm or less, 8.5 mm or less, 7.5 mm or less, 7 mm or less, 6.5 mm or less, 6 mm or less, 5.5 mm or less, 5 mm or less, 4.5 mm or less, 4 mm or less, 3.5 mm or less, 3 mm or less, 2.5 mm or less, 2 mm or less, 1.5 mm or less, or 1 mm or less, or any range of thicknesses with any of these values as the endpoints (e.g., from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, for example from about 2.5 mm to about 5 mm, such as from about 3 mm to about 4 mm).
In an example, the low-friction layer 12 has a thickness of from about 0.005 mm to about 1 mm, such as from about 0.01 mm to about 0.5 mm, for example about 0.01 mm, about 0.015 mm, about 0.02 mm, about 0.025 mm, about 0.03 mm, about 0.035 mm, about 0.04 mm, about 0.045 mm, about 0.05 mm, about 0.055 mm, about 0.06 mm, about 0.065 mm, about 0.07 mm, about 0.075 mm, about 0.08 mm, about 0.085 mm, about 0.09 mm, about 0.095 mm, about 0.1 mm, about 0.105 mm, about 0.11 mm, about 0.115 mm, about 0.12 mm, about 0.125 mm, about 0.13 mm, about 0.135 mm, about 0.14 mm, about 0.145 mm, about 0.15 mm, about 0.155 mm, about 0.16 mm, about 0.165 mm, about 0.17 mm, about 0.175 mm, about 0.18 mm, about 0.185 mm, about 0.19 mm, about 0.195 mm, about 0.2 mm, about 0.205 mm, about 0.21 mm, about 0.215 mm, about 0.22 mm, about 0.225 mm, about 0.23 mm, about 0.235 mm, about 0.24 mm, about 0.245 mm, about 0.25 mm, about 0.255 mm, about 0.26 mm, about 0.265 mm, about 0.27 mm, about 0.275 mm, about 0.28 mm, about 0.285 mm, about 0.29 mm, about 0.295 mm, about 0.3 mm, about 0.305 mm, about 0.31 mm, about 0.315 mm, about 0.32 mm, about 0.325 mm, about 0.33 mm, about 0.335 mm, about 0.34 mm, about 0.345 mm, about 0.35 mm, about 0.355 mm, about 0.36 mm, about 0.365 mm, about 0.37 mm, about 0.375 mm, about 0.38 mm, about 0.385 mm, about 0.39 mm, about 0.395 mm, about 0.4 mm, about 0.405 mm, about 0.41 mm, about 0.415 mm, about 0.42 mm, about 0.425 mm, about 0.43 mm, about 0.435 mm, about 0.44 mm, about 0.445 mm, about 0.45 mm, about 0.455 mm, about 0.46 mm, about 0.465 mm, about 0.47 mm, about 0.475 mm, about 0.48 mm, about 0.485 mm, about 0.49 mm, about 0.495 mm, or about 0.5 mm.
In an example, the arm support layer 16 has a thickness of from about 0.1 mm to about 7.5 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 5 mm, for example from about 3 mm to about 4 mm, for example about 3 mm, about 3.005 mm, about 3.01 mm, about 3.015 mm, about 3.02 mm, about 3.025 mm, about 3.03 mm, about 3.035 mm, about 3.04 mm, about 3.045 mm, about 3.05 mm, about 3.055 mm, about 3.06 mm, about 3.065 mm, about 3.07 mm, about 3.075 mm, about 3.08 mm, about 3.085 mm, about 3.09 mm, about 3.095 mm, about 3.1 mm, about 3.105 mm, about 3.11 mm, about 3.115 mm, about 3.12 mm, about 3.125 mm, about 3.13 mm, about 3.135 mm, about 3.14 mm, about 3.145 mm, about 3.15 mm, about 3.155 mm, about 3.16 mm, about 3.165 mm, about 3.17 mm, about 3.175 mm, about 3.18 mm, about 3.185 mm, about 3.19 mm, about 3.195 mm, about 3.2 mm, about 3.205 mm, about 3.21 mm, about 3.215 mm, about 3.22 mm, about 3.225 mm, about 3.23 mm, about 3.235 mm, about 3.24 mm, about 3.245 mm, about 3.25 mm, about 3.255 mm, about 3.26 mm, about 3.265 mm, about 3.27 mm, about 3.275 mm, about 3.28 mm, about 3.285 mm, about 3.29 mm, about 3.295 mm, about 3.3 mm, about 3.305 mm, about 3.31 mm, about 3.315 mm, about 3.32 mm, about 3.325 mm, about 3.33 mm, about 3.335 mm, about 3.34 mm, about 3.345 mm, about 3.35 mm, about 3.355 mm, about 3.36 mm, about 3.365 mm, about 3.37 mm, about 3.375 mm, about 3.38 mm, about 3.385 mm, about 3.39 mm, about 3.395 mm, about 3.4 mm, about 3.405 mm, about 3.41 mm, about 3.415 mm, about 3.42 mm, about 3.425 mm, about 3.43 mm, about 3.435 mm, about 3.44 mm, about 3.445 mm, about 3.45 mm, about 3.455 mm, about 3.46 mm, about 3.465 mm, about 3.47 mm, about 3.475 mm, about 3.48 mm, about 3.485 mm, about 3.49 mm, about 3.495 mm, about 3.5 mm, about 3.505 mm, about 3.51 mm, about 3.515 mm, about 3.52 mm, about 3.525 mm, about 3.53 mm, about 3.535 mm, about 3.54 mm, about 3.545 mm, about 3.55 mm, about 3.555 mm, about 3.56 mm, about 3.565 mm, about 3.57 mm, about 3.575 mm, about 3.58 mm, about 3.585 mm, about 3.59 mm, about 3.595 mm, about 3.6 mm, about 3.605 mm, about 3.61 mm, about 3.615 mm, about 3.62 mm, about 3.625 mm, about 3.63 mm, about 3.635 mm, about 3.64 mm, about 3.645 mm, about 3.65 mm, about 3.655 mm, about 3.66 mm, about 3.665 mm, about 3.67 mm, about 3.675 mm, about 3.68 mm, about 3.685 mm, about 3.69 mm, about 3.695 mm, about 3.7 mm, about 3.705 mm, about 3.71 mm, about 3.715 mm, about 3.72 mm, about 3.725 mm, about 3.73 mm, about 3.735 mm, about 3.74 mm, about 3.745 mm, about 3.75 mm, about 3.755 mm, about 3.76 mm, about 3.765 mm, about 3.77 mm, about 3.775 mm, about 3.78 mm, about 3.785 mm, about 3.79 mm, about 3.795 mm, about 3.8 mm, about 3.805 mm, about 3.81 mm, about 3.815 mm, about 3.82 mm, about 3.825 mm, about 3.83 mm, about 3.835 mm, about 3.84 mm, about 3.845 mm, about 3.85 mm, about 3.855 mm, about 3.86 mm, about 3.865 mm, about 3.87 mm, about 3.875 mm, about 3.88 mm, about 3.885 mm, about 3.89 mm, about 3.895 mm, about 3.9 mm, about 3.905 mm, about 3.91 mm, about 3.915 mm, about 3.92 mm, about 3.925 mm, about 3.93 mm, about 3.935 mm, about 3.94 mm, about 3.945 mm, about 3.95 mm, about 3.955 mm, about 3.96 mm, about 3.965 mm, about 3.97 mm, about 3.975 mm, about 3.98 mm, about 3.985 mm, about 3.99 mm, about 3.995 mm, or about 4 mm.
In an example, one or more materials that form the low-friction layer 12 and the arm support layer 16 are heat deformable, meaning that they become more deformable (and thus more able to conform to one or more contours of the user's arm 1) as their temperature increases. In an example, the body heat of the user's arm 1 can be sufficient to cause one or both of the low-friction layer 12 or the arm support layer 16 to become more deformable compared to when the user's body heat is not applied to the vambrace 10, such that the user's own body warmth can provide for at least a portion of the deformable conformability described above.
The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein.
In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and any documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in this document controls.
In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.
The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An arm support apparatus for use with a computer controlling device, the apparatus comprising:

an arm supporting layer comprising a first upper surface and an opposing first lower surface, wherein the first upper surface is conformable or substantially conformable to one or more contours of an arm of a user;

a low-friction layer comprising a second upper surface coupled to the first lower surface of the arm supporting layer and an opposing second lower surface configured to contact a supporting surface upon which the user controls the computer controlling device; and

one or more arm-securing structures for securing the arm of the user to the arm supporting layer.

2. An arm support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one or both of the arm supporting layer and the low-friction layer are deformable.

3. An arm support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the low-friction layer comprises a low-friction material.

4. An arm support apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the low-friction material comprises polytetrafluoroehtylene.

5. An arm support apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the low-friction material comprises at least one of: poly(vinylidene difluoride); fluorinated ethylene propylene; a perfluoroalkoxy alkane; an ethylene tetrafluoroethylene; ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene; a polyamide imide; a polyimides; polyetheretherketone; polyphenylene sulfide; a polyamide; polyoxymethylene; polybutylene terephthalate; polyphenylene sulfide; ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene; and polyethylene terephthalate.

6. An arm support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the arm supporting layer comprises ethylene vinyl acetate.

7. An arm support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the arm supporting layer comprises at least one of: a textile; a rubberized plastic; a foam; or a foam rubber.

8. An arm support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the one or more arm-securing structures comprises one or more straps.

9. An arm support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the one or more arm-securing structures comprises a sleeve.

10. An arm support apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising one or more coupling structures to couple the low-friction layer to the arm supporting layer.

11. An arm support apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the one or more coupling structures comprises one or more fasteners.

12. An arm support apparatus for use with a computer controlling device, the apparatus comprising:

a low-friction layer comprising a second upper surface coupled to the first lower surface of the arm supporting layer and an opposing second lower surface configured to contact a supporting surface upon which the user controls the computer controlling device,

wherein the arm supporting layer and the low-friction layer are deformable; and

13. A wrist and arm support apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the low-friction layer comprises a low-friction material.

14. An arm support apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the low-friction material comprises polytetrafluoroehtylene.

15. An arm support apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the arm supporting layer comprises ethylene vinyl acetate.

16. An arm support apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the one or more arm-securing structures comprises one or more straps.

17. An arm support apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the one or more arm-securing structures comprises a sleeve.

18. An arm support apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising one or more coupling structures to couple the low-friction layer to the arm supporting layer.

19. An arm support apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the one or more coupling structures comprises one or more fasteners.