Vambrace for use with a computer controlling device

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.

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:
 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.   
     
     
         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.