CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is a non-provisional application that claims priority and incorporates by reference in its entirety provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 61/116,259, entitled "A Means to Provide Support for The Arm When Held in the Abducted or Reaching Position" filed on November 19, 2008.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to various forms of ergonomic occupational health support devices. More particularly, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to ergonomic occupational health support devices to improve support of the shoulder during difficult prolonged periods of arm abduction or reaching.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Ultrasound professionals suffer one of the highest work related injury rates of any profession. This is due to unnatural positions required of an ultrasound operator to their upper extremity and prolonged abduction of their arm. According to one survey conducted by the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (SDMS) 84% of the sonographers will suffer some form of injury related to scanning (e.g., chronic neck and back pain or even thoracic scoliosis) and 20% of the sonographers will be forced to leave the profession. It is believed that the primary cause of these injuries is the result of prolonged unsupported abduction of the scanning arm away from the body and awkward body positions required of the sonographer to complete an ultrasound exam. When an operator scans with an arm remaining unsupported and abducted, the shoulder of the operator is bearing all the weight of the arm and the transducer. By positioning the arm away from the body often for periods of several minutes at a time, the neck and shoulder muscles do not have the opportunity to contract and relax. This prevents the muscles from receiving oxygenated blood or removing deoxygenated blood. This eventually causes muscle fatigue and injury to the muscles and supporting tendons. Currently, the primary solution is to provide the operator with some opportunity for muscle recovery during each patient exam, which naturally extends the length of the exam. SUMMARY

[0004] It is accordingly an object of the disclosure to provide an ergonomic occupational health support device configured to improve support of the arm and/or shoulder during difficult prolonged periods of arm abduction that overcomes the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known mechanisms of the general type currently employed in the ultrasound industry. The described apparatus, methods and systems of ergonomic support for the arm reduce the muscle fatigue of an operator's arm when held in the abducted or reaching position and thereby optimize muscle recovery. This reduction in muscle fatigue may be demonstrated by using a biofeedback monitoring device attached to muscles on the shoulder to illustrate how muscle firing is impacted by having support for the operator's arm. Without the support apparatus, methods and system the upper extremity muscles of the operator are contracted the biofeedback monitoring device will emit an audible signal. Additionally, when the arm of the operator are placed into the arm cradle of the disclosed apparatus the biofeedback signal caused by the stress on the upper extremity muscles will diminish or disappear as the muscles are able to relax and be refreshed. [0005] In at least one embodiment of the support apparatus, multiple joints are used to provide the operator with freedom of movement during a patient exam while simultaneously providing support for the scanning arm thereby drastically reducing related musculoskeletal injuries to the scanning arm.

[0006] Other features that are considered as characteristic for the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. Although the disclosure is illustrated and described herein as embodied in apparatus, methods, and systems for ergonomic abducted arm support, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the disclosure and are within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. [0007] The construction and method of operation of various embodiments in the disclosure, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the following drawings in which:

Figures IA is a perspective exploded view in elevation showing an ergonomic abducted arm support system, the system including an ergonomic abducted arm support apparatus and an IV pole in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; Figures IB is a exploded perspective view in elevation showing a coupling mechanism for use with an ergonomic abducted arm support apparatus and an

IV pole in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 2 is a side view showing available movement in an ergonomic abducted arm support system of Figure 1 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; Figures 3A is an exploded view showing a portion of the ergonomic abducted arm support apparatus of Figure 1; Figures 3B is a side cross sectional view showing a portion of the ergonomic abducted arm support system of Figure 1, more specifically showing the coupling of the apparatus and IV pole; Figure 4 is an exploded view of an ergonomic abducted arm support apparatus suitable for use with the ergonomic abducted arm support system of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a perspective view in elevation showing another embodiment of the ergonomic abducted arm support system with an ergonomic abducted arm support apparatus and an examination table in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 6 are views showing an arm cradle of Figure 1 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; Figures 7 are views showing a swivel collar of Figure 1 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 8 are views showing a bent tube of Figure 1 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 9 are views showing a male ball joint of Figure 1 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; and Figure 10 are views showing a female ball joint of Figure 1 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 11 is an exploded view showing a portion of a coupling between an articulating leg and an arm cradle of an ergonomic abducted arm support system in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; and Figure 12 is a side view showing a portion of an elastomeric support mechanism in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof wherein like numerals designate like parts throughout, and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. [0010] Reference in the specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" in various places in the specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment; however, they may. The terms "comprising", "having", and "including" should be considered synonymous, unless context dictates otherwise. The phrase "A/B" means "A or B". The phrase "A and/or B" means "(A), (B), or (A and B)". The phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" means "(A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C) or (A, B and C)". The phrase "(A) B" means "(A B) or (B)", that is "A" is optional. The use of any of these phrases does not imply or indicate that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic being described is a necessary component for every embodiment for which such a description is included.

[0011] Ultrasound professionals suffer one of the highest work related injury rates of any profession. According to a survey conducted by the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (SDMS) 84% of sonographers will suffer some form of injury related to scanning, 20% will be forced to leave the profession. The cause of these injuries is the result of prolonged unsupported abduction of the scanning arm away from the body and awkward body positions required of the sonographer to complete an ultrasound exam. By positioning the arm away from the body often for periods of several minutes at a time, the neck and shoulder muscles do not have the opportunity to contract and relax. This prevents the muscles from receiving oxygenated blood or removing deoxygenated blood. This eventually causes muscle fatigue and injury to the muscles and supporting tendons. [0012] Referring now to Figure IA, a perspective exploded view in elevation shows an ergonomic abducted arm support system 100. The system 100 includes an ergonomic abducted arm and shoulder support apparatus 140 and a portable IV pole 110 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. The shoulder support apparatus 140 is used to hold the sonographers scanning arm while it is abducted away from the body. Supporting the scanning arm during an exam allows the muscle to relax, and refresh the blood supply thus reducing fatigue and risk for injury.

[0013] The shoulder support apparatus 140 includes a hollow bent metal tube 150 in the shape of an inverted "J", a straight hollow metal tube 160, and an arm cradle 170. In one embodiment, the arm cradle 170 is an acrylic half tube in the shape of a "C" configured to hold a sonographers scanning arm. The straight tube 160 is coupled to the bent tube 150 via a swivel joint 180. In one embodiment, the swivel joint 180 is a ball joint having a male portion shown in greater detail in Figure 9 and a female portion shown in greater detail in Figure 10.

[0014] The shoulder support apparatus 140 also includes a tensioning system of spring loaded elastic cord and a pair of cables. The tensioning system allows the arm cradle 170 to support an abducted operator arm via a retractable cable when in use and to return to the highest position pulled tight against the straight tube 160 when not in use (as shown in Figure IA). The internal spring loaded elastic cord and cable system run inside of the bent tube 150 and straight tube 160 coupling an anchor in the swivel collar 190 to the arm cradle 170. The internal spring loaded elastic cord and cable system that are shown in greater detail in Figures 3A, 3B, 4, 11, and 12.

[0015] The shoulder support apparatus 140 illustrated in Figure IA is coupled to the IV pole 110 via a swivel collar 190. In one embodiment, the swivel collar allows for 360 degree rotation of the apparatus 140 about the vertical axis of the IV pole 110. The IV pole 110 also includes a weight 120 and weight cover 130 to stabilize the IV pole due to the added pull of the shoulder support apparatus 140. In one embodiment, the weight 120 is selected from a range of about 5kg to about 100kg. More preferably, the weight 120 is selected between a range of about 10kg and about 50kg. In one embodiment, the weight 120 is selected to be about 25 lbs. [0016] Referring now to Figure IB, a close up exploded view of the swivel collar and modified connector on the IV pole. More specifically, the modified connector in the IV pole 110 augments a detent of a standard IV pole with washers 195 ("U" side down) and an IV pole cap 197. A cross-section of one embodiment of the coupling between the swivel collar 190 and IV pole 110 is shown in greater detail in Figure 3B. [0017] Referring now to Figure 2, a variety of available adjustment and relative movement mechanisms are shown in the ergonomic abducted arm support system 200 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. The sum of these movement mechanisms in the ergonomic abducted arm support system 200 provide continuous support for the user's arm, while also allowing for all six degrees of freedom at a configurable nominal height. A clamping mechanism 210 provides global height adjustment to compensate for variations in an operator's height and/or arm weight and for variations in examination height of the subject matter.

[0018] Swivel joint 290 allows for full rotation of the shoulder assist apparatus about a vertical axis of the attached IV pole. In an alternate embodiment, the swivel joint might limit the zone of rotation. However, a more preferred configuration is for the swivel joint to allow full 360 degree rotation.

[0019] Ball joint 280 enables an articulation of the rigid tube coupled to the bent tube in all directions. As shown, this articulating leg hangs from the ball joint 280. As such, this articulating leg returns to a vertical orientation by gravity when not in use. In one embodiment, the articulating leg may move in a pendular motion beneath the ball joint apex. [0020] A retractable cable 230 is coupled to arm rest 270 and allows for rotation in all directions. The retractable cable 230 is spring loaded to return the arm rest 270 to a highest position abutting the articulating leg when not in use. The specific weight of each user's arm determines the length of exposed cable.

[0021] Referring now to Figure 3A, an exploded view shows a portion of the ergonomic abducted arm support apparatus 300 similar to that depicted in Figure 1. The apparatus 300 includes a swivel collar 310 with an anchor screw 320 and eye bolt 330, an internal spring 340, an elastic cord 360, retainer cable 350, and tube 370. In one embodiment, one end of the spring 340 is attached to the eye bolt 330. The elastic cord 360 also loops through the eye bolt 330. The eyebolt 330 may be secured to the swivel collar 310 at an anchor point. The retainer cable 350 is coupled to the other end of the spring 340. The tube 370 may be coupled to the swivel collar 310 via anchor screws 320.

[0022] Referring now to Figure 3B, a side cross sectional view shows the coupling of the apparatus 300 and IV pole 110 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the swivel collar 310 seats onto nylon plug 390 so that the nylon plug 390 may provide a wear surface for rotation motion of the apparatus 300. As illustrated a detent feature prevents the inadvertent separation of the apparatus 300 from the IV pole 110. A split ring clamp 380 on the IV pole 110 provide for global height adjustment of the apparatus 300. The end of tube 370 is fixable coupled to the swivel collar via anchor screw 320, which also traps or anchors the eye bolt 330 in the swivel collar 310. The retainer cable 350 spring loads the end cap at the far end of tube 370 preventing it from popping out under abusive loads, which is shown in greater detail in Figure 11. The retainer cable 350 also helps to hold together the male and female ball joint at the end of the tube 370. In addition, one embodiment attaches the elastic cord 360 to the retractable cable 350 at the other end of tube 370.

[0023] Referring now to Figure 4, an exploded view of an ergonomic abducted arm support apparatus 400 is show suitable for use with the ergonomic abducted arm support systems of Figure 1 and Figure 5. The apparatus 400 includes a swivel collar 3, a bent tube 1, a spring 6, an elastic strap 8, a ball joint (9 and 10), a straight tube 11, two retainer cables (14 and 15), and an arm cradle 13.

[0024] In one embodiment, a flexible tubular base includes swivel collar 3, the bent tube 1 , ball joint (9 and 10), and the straight tube 11. The flexible tubular base includes also an anchor to couple with an external mount and an internal elastomeric support mechanism. An axial cavity extends the length of the flexible tubular base. An elastomeric support mechanism may be positioned within the axial cavity of the flexible tubular base, a first end of the elastomeric support mechanism coupled to the anchor and a second end coupled to the arm cradle, the elastomeric support mechanism configured both to dampen forces on the operator's forearm when in an abducted and/or reaching position and to tension the arm cradle relative to the flexible base. [0025] The arm cradle 13 may be configured to fit under and to support an operator's forearm and is shown in greater detail in Figure 6 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. One embodiment of the swivel collar 3 is shown in greater detail in Figure 7 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. One embodiment of the bent tube 1 is shown in greater detail in Figure 8 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. One embodiment of the male ball joint 9 is shown in greater detail in Figure 9 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. One embodiment of the female ball joint 10 is shown in greater detail in Figure 10 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. [0026] Referring now to Figure 5, a perspective view in elevation showing another embodiment of the ergonomic abducted arm support system 500 with an ergonomic abducted arm support apparatus 540 and an examination table 510 in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. The ergonomic abducted arm support apparatus 540 having an articulating leg 580 and a retractable arm cradle 570. In one embodiment, the ergonomic abducted arm support apparatus 540 is configurable to selectively slide along a side rail of the examination table. One suitable embodiment of the ergonomic abducted arm support apparatus 540 is shown in greater detail in Figure 4.

[0027] Referring now to Figure 11, a long retainer cable 1150 spring loads the end cap 1120 at the far end of straight articulating leg tube 1160 preventing it from popping out under abusive loads. The retainer cable 1150 also helps to hold together the male and female ball joint (e.g., 9 and 10 of Figure 4) at the end of the bent tube (e.g., 1 of Figure 4). In addition, a short retractable cable 1130 flexibly couples arm cradle 1170 to the flexible tubular base. In one embodiment, the short retractable cable 1130 attaches to the elastic cord (e.g., elastic strap 8 of Figure 4).

[0028] In one embodiment, the spring is fixed at the long end of a J shaped tube. The elastic cord and wire cables (1130 and 1150) run through the J tube and the straight articulating leg tube 1160. The straight articulating leg tube 1160 is connected to the J tube with a ball and socket joint allowing for articulation in all directions. The short retractable cable 1130 continues through the straight articulating leg tube 1160 and connects to the acrylic C shaped arm Cradle 1170. When the sonographer places their arm in the cradle 1170 their weight will extend the spring loaded retractable cable 1130 until it reaches equilibrium with the weight of the arm. The retractable cable 1130 will return the arm cradle 1170 to its highest position when not in use.

[0029] In one embodiment, the long end of the J tube is attached to a mobile IV pole and moved to a position alongside the exam table for use. In another embodiment the long end is attached to the examination table via a fixed clamp or swivel attachment. In yet another embodiment, the support apparatus can be integrated directly into an ultrasound machine thereby ensuring that an operator will be able to use the device in an ergonomically safe manner. In all of these configurations, the support apparatus allows you to have complete freedom of movement during a patient exam while simultaneously providing support for your scanning arm.

[0030] The described apparatus, methods and systems of ergonomic support for the arm reduce the muscle fatigue of an operator's arm when held in the abducted or reaching position and thereby optimize muscle recovery. This reduction in muscle fatigue may be demonstrated by using a biofeedback monitoring device attached to muscles on the shoulder to illustrate how muscle firing is impacted by having support for the operator's arm. Without the support apparatus, methods and system the upper extremity muscles of the operator are contracted the biofeedback monitoring device will emit an audible signal. Additionally, when the arm of the operator are placed into the arm cradle of the disclosed apparatus the biofeedback signal caused by the stress on the upper extremity muscles will diminish or disappear as the muscles are able to relax and be refreshed.

[0031] In at least one embodiment of the support apparatus, multiple joints are used to provide the operator with freedom of movement during a patient exam while simultaneously providing support for the scanning arm thereby drastically reducing related musculoskeletal injuries to the scanning arm. In one embodiment, a hollow vertical tube is mounted to a movable base. The tube is curved at the top in the form of an inverted "J" so as the open end points down to the users arm. Connected to the "J" is a second straight piece with a pivot ball at each end. Within the hollow base of the tube resides a spring which has a flexible cable which passes along the tube around the curve and down to the users arm. At the end of the cable is a "C" shaped piece which fits under the users forearm. [0032] The device suspends the users-arm over a work surface to provide support during the performance of a work task. The curved Plexiglas arm holder is attached to a cable which is attached to a spring or rubber band thus allowing the arm to be suspended above a work surface and supported while still freely mobile. In one embodiment, A force such as a spring or rubber element that is coupled to the affected users arm to provide additional support during physical tasks. Device provides support for a worker's arm or arms to reduce shoulder fatigue during prolonged arm abduction and extension. In one embodiment, the device can be mounted either on a vertical pole on a moving base or affixed to a table, desk or workbench or ceiling.

[0033] Referring now to Figure 12, a side view illustrates a spring portion of an elastomeric support mechanism 1200 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. The elastomeric support mechanism 1200 includes a spring 1240 having first and second end loops (1246 and 1243), a retainer cable 1250, and elastic cord 1260. As previously discussed, the first spring end loop 1246 is coupled to the anchor 1230 of the apparatus. Moreover, the elastic cord is also affixed to the anchor 1230. In one embodiment, a removable assembly cord 1270 maybe used to pull the elastomeric support mechanism through the tube during assembly.

[0034] The suspension of the arm cradle is regulated by the elastomeric support mechanism 1200. The elastomeric support mechanism 1200 may be positioned within the axial cavity of the flexible tubular base. A first end of the elastomeric support mechanism coupled to the anchor and a second end coupled to the arm cradle. When properly connected the elastomeric support mechanism may be configured to dampen forces exerting themselves on the operator's forearm and shoulder when in an abducted and/or reaching position. The elastomeric support mechanism may also be used to tension the arm cradle relative to the flexible base, thereby ensuring that it will snap back out of the way at the end of use. [0035] Although certain embodiments have been illustrated and described herein for purposes of description of the preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalent embodiments or implementations calculated to achieve the same purposes may be substituted for the embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Those with skill in the art will readily appreciate that embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure may be implemented in a very wide variety of ways. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.