Arm support device

Abstract

Arm support devices, which are suitable for a seated person wears to provide comfort, especially while traveling, are provide. Methods of providing support are also disclosed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An arm support device for a user, comprising:
 a first pocket member ( 210 ) comprising:
 a first pocket end ( 212 ) comprising an opening suitable for insertion of at least a right hand of said user; 
   a second pocket member ( 213 ) comprising:
 a second pocket end ( 214 ) comprising an opening suitable for insertion of a left hand of said user; 
   an elongated member ( 220 ) comprising:
 a first strap end ( 222 ); 
 wherein said first strap end is attached to said first pocket member; 
 a second strap end ( 224 ); 
 wherein said second strap end is attached to said second pocket member; and 
   a central strap portion ( 226 );
 wherein said central strap portion is located approximately midway between said first strap end and said second strap end. 
   
     
     
         2 . The arm support device of  claim 1 ,
 wherein said elongated member has a total length sufficient to span the length between said user's right hand and said user's left hand as measured closely behind said user's neck when said user's right hand and said user's left hand are held at approximately mid torso of said user.   
     
     
         3 . The arm support device of  claim 1 ,
 wherein said elongated member is adjustable in length.   
     
     
         4 . The arm support device of  claim 1 ,
 wherein said elongated member comprises at least one fastener selected from the group consisting of hook-and-loop fastener, snap, button, hook, zipper, magnet, laces, and combinations thereof.   
     
     
         5 . The arm support device of  claim 1 ,
 wherein said first pocket member supports at least a portion of a forearm, a wrist, a hand, or a combination thereof on each side of said user; and   wherein said second pocket member supports at least a portion of a forearm, a wrist, a hand, or a combination thereof on each side of said user.   
     
     
         6 . The arm support device of  claim 1 ,
 wherein the length of said first pocket member is at least a portion of the distance between an elbow and an extended fingertip of said user; and   wherein the length of said second pocket member is at least a portion of the distance between an elbow and an extended fingertip of said user.   
     
     
         7 . The arm support device of  claim 1 , further comprises:
 a neck support ( 230 ) attached to said central strap portion.   
     
     
         8 . The arm support device of  claim 1 ,
 wherein each of said first pocket member and said second pocket member comprises at least one material selected from a woven fabric, knitted fabric, nonwoven fabric, foam material, and combinations thereof.   
     
     
         9 . The arm support device of  claim 1 ,
 wherein said elongated member comprises at least one material selected from a woven fabric, knitted fabric, nonwoven fabric, foam material, and combinations thereof.   
     
     
         10 . The arm support device of  claim 1 ,
 wherein the elongated member and each of said first pocket member and said second pocket member are formed from the same material.   
     
     
         11 . The arm support device of  claim 1 ,
 wherein said neck support is a pillow ( 240 ).   
     
     
         12 . The arm support device of  claim 11 ,
 wherein said pillow is an inflatable pillow.   
     
     
         13 . The arm support device of  claim 11 ,
 wherein said neck support is releasably attached to said central strap portion.   
     
     
         14 . The arm support device of  claim 1 ,
 wherein said first pocket member is releasably attached to said second pocket end.   
     
     
         15 . The arm support device of  claim 1 ,
 wherein said first pocket member forms a glove; and   wherein said second pocket member form a glove.   
     
     
         16 . The arm support device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a covering ( 250 ) attached to said central strap portion.   
     
     
         17 . The arm support device of  claim 16 ,
 wherein said covering is a blanket, cape, shawl, poncho, scarf, hat, balaclava, or a combination thereof.   
     
     
         18 . The arm support device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a storage pocket ( 260 ).   
     
     
         19 . A coat or jacket, comprising:
 said arm support device of  claim 1 .   
     
     
         20 . A method of providing support to a user in a seated position, comprising:
 providing said arm support device of  claim 1 ; and   inserting a right hand of said user into said first pocket end and a left hand of said user into said second pocket end.