A sling support

Abstract

The present invention in one preferred embodiment is a sling support configured to be retained about the back of a chair or headrest and able to support the arms of a person to maintain them in an upright position while sitting in the chair. A collar can be placed around the neck of the person to keep their head in an elevated and upright attitude. The sling support and collar have complementary functions and together assist the person to stay upright and not slump forward, thereby enabling the person to sleep. The sling support is useful during long flights or journeys.

Description

A SLING SUPPORTFIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for use to support a person sitting in a chair for a long period of time. The present invention has particular, but not exclusive application for use during long-haul airplane travel.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Long-distance travel in airplanes, buses and trains requires passengers to sit for long periods of time in their allocated seats. Sitting for a long period of time can be uncomfortable. When a person tries to sleep sitting upright in their seat, the discomfort can be exacerbated by not being in a position to allow them to sleep for an extended period. When a person sleeps their muscles relax and while in an upright sitting position, the weight of the head shifts causing the person to fall forwards. The act of falling forward tends to jolt the person awake and they immediately raise their neck and head and attempt to sleep again. They then fall forward again, jolt awake, raise their neck and head again. This pattern continuously repeats until the person gives up on sleeping. Where a person does fall asleep, they are usually in an awkward position and the person can subsequently suffer muscle stiffness or pain. As a result of having to continually readjust their position and get back to sleep, the person can suffer from poor quality sleep.

[0003] Neck pillows are common sleeping aids for travelers. A neck pillow wraps around a person’s neck and tends to prevent the head moving forward independent of the neck. However, they do not stop the head slumping forward and jolting the person awake. Consequently, there is no adequate solution to the problem of trying to sleep in an upright position during a long haul flight or journey.OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to alleviate at least in part one or more of the aforementioned problems or at least provide a viable alternative.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The inventor had experienced difficulty sleeping during long haul flights. The inventor tried using conventional neck pillows but found that these did not stop his head and upper body from slumping forwards. The inventor recognized that when a person sleeps their muscles relax and that the head and upper body tend to fall forward as the body in a sitting position relaxes. The inventor recognized that the slumping was caused by more than just the head moving forward, but involved the shoulders and upper body relaxing and moving forward. The inventor considered ways to prevent or restrain the upper body from slumping and moving forward. The inventor subsequently developed a device that cradled the person’s arm(s) and restrained them in a position to prevent the upper body and head from moving forward. The inventor considered the typical environment around a traveler and determined that securing the device to the chair, rather than to the person as with conventional neck pillows, would relieve the person of the weight of their arms and shoulders and hold them in a position to substantially prevent slumping.

[0006] In one aspect the present invention broadly resides in a device for use to support an arm or arms of a person sitting in a chair, the device including an anchor portion attachable to the chair; and one or more sling portions connected or connectable to the anchor portion by one or more straps, said one or more sling portions adapted to support the arm or arms of the person, wherein in use the one or more sling portions supports the weight of the person’s arm or arms and holds the arm or arms in a position relative to the chair to maintain the person’s upper body in a substantially upright sitting position.

[0007] Preferably, the anchor portion is attachable to a back portion of the chair. Preferably, the anchor portion is attachable to a headrest of the chair.

[0008] Preferably, the anchor portion is attachable to the chair by a hook-and-loop fastener.

[0009] Preferably, the anchor portion has at least two strips of a hook-and-loop fastener material.

[0010] Preferably, the anchor portion is configurable to change the position of the one or more straps.

[0011] The device preferably has a single sling portion or two attachable and overlapping sling portions.

[0012] In one embodiment, the device has two sling portions, and in use the two sling portions can be arranged to at least partially overlap. Preferably, the two sling portions are attachable to each other. Preferably, the two sling portions are attachable to each other by a hook-and-loop fastener, with each of the two sling portions having at least one hook portion or loop portion of the hook-and-loop fastener. Preferably, the two sling portions are attachable to each other in an overlapping or partially overlapping arrangement.

[0013] Preferably, the one or more straps are arranged so that the one or more straps cross over at one or more points.

[0014] In one embodiment, at least one of the one or more straps is connectable to the same of the one or more straps or another of the one or more straps by a connector. The connector can be a clip, buckle, fastener, clamp, catch, lock, hook, loop, magnet, or clasp. Preferably, at least one connector is configured to adjust the length of at least one of the one or more straps.

[0015] The one or more straps are preferably connectable by at least one connector, said connector can adjust the to the same of the one or more straps or another of the one or more straps by a connector, said connector can adjust the length of at least one of the one or more straps.

[0016] Preferably, the device further includes one or more adjusters to adjust the positioning of the one or more straps. Preferably, the one or more adjusters are located on two or more portions of the one or more straps. Preferably, the one or more adjusters are moveable relative to the one or more straps, and the movement of the one or more adjusters adjusts the positions of the one or more straps. More preferably,the one or more adjusters are slidably moveable relative to the one or more straps, and the sliding movement of the one or more adjusters adjusts the positions of the one or more straps. Preferably, each of the one or more adjusters is a flat cylindrical shape with a channel running through the one or more adjusters, wherein the channel configured to receive the two or more portions of the one or more straps.

[0017] Preferably, at least one of the one or more adjusters is configured to receive and secure a portion of a set of headphone.

[0018] Preferably, at least one of the one or more sling portions has a pocket.

[0019] In one embodiment, the device is configurable to function as a bag. Preferably, the device is configurable to function as a shoulder bag with the anchor portion positionable on one of the person’s shoulders and the one or more sling portions being used to hold items.

[0020] Preferably, the anchor portion has a length between 100mm to 400mm. More preferably, the anchor portion has a length of approximately 150mm.

[0021] Preferably, the anchor portion has a width between 20mm to 300mm. More preferably, the anchor portion has a width of approximately 100mm.

[0022] Preferably, each of the one or more straps has a length between 2000mm to 4000mm. More preferably, each of the one or more straps has a length of approximately 3400mm.

[0023] Preferably, each of the one or more straps has a width between 10mm to 60mm. More preferably, each of the one or more straps has a width of approximately 25mm.

[0024] Preferably, each of the one or more sling portions has a length between 300mm to 1500mm. More preferably, each of the one or more sling portions has a length of approximately 1000mm.

[0025] Preferably, each of the one or more sling portions has a width between 100mm to 600mm. More preferably, each of the one or more sling portions has a width of approximately 400mm.

[0026] Preferably, at least one of the one or more sling portions is cushioned. The cushioning can provide a soft surface for a person to rest their arm or arms.

[0027] In one embodiment, the device includes one or more cushions. Preferably, the cushions are removably attachable to at least one of the one or more sling portions.

[0028] Preferably, the one or more sling portions are made from a cloth material. Preferably the cloth is tough and sturdy weave and can withstand lateral pulling forces. In a preferred embodiment the cloth is a denim material.

[0029] The sling portion can be a single layer of material; two layers having an additional padding or cushioning layer; three layers where there is an additional internal layer over the padding or cushioning layer and where one or more pockets can be formed; and four layers where in addition to the three layers there is an additional outer layer that provides a surface for marketing and advertising as well as provide one or more external pockets.

[0030] Preferably the sides of the sling portion have one or more fasteners such as snap-fit fasteners or a zip to form a bag when closed. The formed bag enables a person to carry additional items such as a blanket or book.

[0031] In another aspect the invention broadly resides in a collar to support the person’s neck when sitting in a chair, the collar including an elongate brace member with an upper edge, a lower edge and two ends; and at least one connector to connect the two ends of the elongate brace member to together, wherein the brace member configured to wrap around the person’s neck so that the two ends meet; wherein the lower edge has a contour substantially shaped to conform with the shape of the person’s shoulders.

[0032] Preferably the upper edge is shaped to hold the head in an upright position with a substantially zero or slightly upwardly inclined attitude.

[0033] Preferably, the aforementioned collar is usable in conjunction with the described device.

[0034] Preferably, the collar is removably attachable to the device.

[0035] Preferably, the collar also supports the person’s head. Preferably, in use the person’s head rests against the upper edge of the brace member and the lower edge of the brace member rests on the person’s shoulders

[0036] Preferably, the brace member is made of foam.

[0037] Preferably, the at least one connector is connectable to the brace member in a number of configurations which alter the shape of the collar. The collar shape configurations can allow the collar can be adjusted to suit different persons.

[0038] Preferably, the at least one connector is a hook and loop fastener. More preferably, the at least one connector is a strip of material with loops and a portion of brace member has at least one attachment portion having corresponding hoops such that the connector is attachable to the brace member.

[0039] Preferably, the collar has at least one connector being a strap which is attached over the two ends of the brace member and at least one connector being a strap which is attached over the upper edge of the brace member.

[0040] Preferably, the upper edge of the brace member has a contour substantially shaped to conform with a shape of the person’s head.

[0041] Preferably, the collar is at least partially covered with a water absorbent material.

[0042] In another aspect the present invention broadly resides in a method of setting up a device for use to support an arm or arms of a person sitting in a chair, the device including an anchor portion attachable to the chair; and one or more sling portions connected or connectable to the anchor portion by one or more straps, said one or more sling portions adapted to support the arm or arms of the person, the method including attaching the anchor portion to the chair; positioning the one or more sling portions in front of the person; and placing the arm or arms of the person into the one or more sling portions,wherein in use the one or more sling portions supports the weight of the person’s arm or arms and holds the arm or arms in a position relative to the chair to maintain the person’s upper body in a substantially upright sitting position.

[0043] The features described with respect to the abovementioned device aspect of the invention apply also to the abovementioned method aspect of the invention where applicable.

[0044] In one embodiment, the device has two sling portions, and in use the two sling portions are arrangeable to at least partially overlap. Preferably, the two sling portions are attachable to each other in an overlapping or partially overlapping arrangement. Preferably, the method includes arranging the two sling portions to overlap such that the overlapping sling portions provide a cradle for the person’s arm or arms.

[0045] In one embodiment, at least one of the one or more straps is connectable to the same of the one or more straps or another of the one or more straps by a connector and the method includes connecting the one or more straps together before placing the arm or arms of the person into the one or more sling portions.

[0046] In one embodiment, the device further includes one or more adjusters to adjust the positioning of the one or more straps and the method includes manipulating the adjusters to adjust the positioning of the one or more straps.

[0047] In one embodiment, the device further includes one or more cushions fixed or removably attachable to at least one of the one or more sling portions and the method can include attaching the one or more cushions to the at least one of the one or more sling portions.

[0048] In an embodiment wherein the device is used conjunction with a collar to support a person’s neck when sitting in a chair, the collar including an elongate brace member with an upper edge, a lower edge and two ends; and at least one connector to connect the two ends of the elongate brace member together,the method includes wrapping the brace member around the person’s neck such that the two ends meet, and connecting the two ends of the elongate brace member to together with the at least one connector.

[0049] Preferably, the at least one connector connectable to the brace member in a numberof configurations which alterthe shape of the collar, and the method includes using the at least one connector to alter the shape of the collar.

[0050] Preferably, the collar has at least one connector being a strap which is attached over the two ends of the brace member and at least one connector being a strap which is attached over the upper edge of the brace member, and the method includes attaching the at least two connectors to the brace member.

[0051] In a further aspect the present invention broadly resides in a system for use to support an arm or arms of a person and the person’s head and neck when sitting in a chair, the system including a collar to support the person’s neck; and a device to support the arm or arms of the person, the device including, an anchor portion attachable to the chair; and one or more sling portions connected or connectable to the anchor portion by one or more straps, said one or more sling portions adapted to support the arm or arms of the person, wherein in use the one or more sling portions supports the weight of the person’s arm or arms and holds the arm or arms in a position relative to the chair to maintain the person’s upper body in a substantially upright sitting position.

[0052] The features described with respect to the abovementioned device and method aspects of the invention apply also to the abovementioned system aspect of the invention where applicable.

[0053] In one embodiment, the system includes one or more cushions. Preferably, the cushions are removably attachable to at least one of the one or more sling portions.

[0054] In one embodiment, the system includes a blanket. Preferably, the blanket is removably attachable to the device. More preferably, the blanket is removably attachable to at least one of the one or more adjusters.

[0055] In one embodiment, the system includes one or more ear plugs.

[0056] In one embodiment, the system includes an eye mask.

[0057] In one embodiment, the system includes a lower back or lumbar support.

[0058] Preferably, the one or more sling portions are made from a cloth material.

[0059] In a further aspect the present invention broadly resides in a kit, the kit including a collar to support a person’s neck; and a device to support an arm or arms of the person, the device including, an anchor portion attachable to a chair; and one or more sling portions connected to the anchor portion by one or more straps, said one or more sling portions adapted to support the arm or arms of the person, wherein in use the one or more sling portions supports the weight of the person’s arm or arms and holds the arm or arms in a position relative to the chair to maintain the person’s upper body in a substantially upright sitting position.

[0060] The features described with respect to the abovementioned device, method and system aspects of the invention apply also to the abovementioned kit aspect of the invention where applicable.

[0061] Preferably, the kit includes one or more adjusters to adjust the positioning of the one or more straps. Alternatively, the device preferably includes one or more adjusters to adjust the positioning of the one or more straps.

[0062] Preferably, the kit includes a blanket. Preferably, the blanket is removably attachable to the device. More preferably, the blanket is removably attachable to at least one of the one or more adjusters.

[0063] Preferably, the kit includes one or more ear plugs.

[0064] Preferably, the kit includes an eye mask.

[0065] In one embodiment, the kit includes a lower back or lumbar support.

[0066] The features described with respect to one aspect also apply where applicable to all other aspects of the invention. Furthermore, different combinations- io - of described features are herein described and claimed even when not expressly stated.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0067] In order that the present invention can be more readily understood reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and wherein:Figure 1 is a plan view of a device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.Figure 2 is a perspective view of the device of Figure 1 with the straps connected.Figure 3 is a plan view of a device in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.Figure 4 is a perspective view of the device of Figure 1 with the sling portions partially overlapping.Figure 5 is a top view of the device of Figure 1 with the sling portions partially overlapping.Figure 6 is a perspective view of the device of Figure 1 with the sling portions overlapping.Figure 7 is a top view of the device of Figure 1 with the sling portions overlapping.Figure 8 is an environmental side view of a person sitting in a chair.Figure 9 is an environmental side view of a person sitting in a chair with the person using a collar.Figure 10 is an environmental side view of a person sitting in a chair with the person using a collar and a device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.Figure 11 is a diagrammatic view of a preferred embodiment of a single layer support sling.- n -Figure 12 (a) and (b) are diagrammatic views of the anchor portion of the preferred embodiment.Figure 13 is a diagrammatic view of the internal surface of the sling portion showing a third layer and the formation of internal pockets.Figure 14 (a) and (b) are diagrammatic views of a four layered sling portion with external pockets.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0068] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a device 10. The device 10 has an anchor portion 20 and a sling portion 30. The anchor portion 20 has a rectangular shape with two long sides and two short sides. The sling portion 30 has a rectangular shape with two long sides and two short sides.

[0069] The sling portion 30 is connected to the anchor portion 20 by a pair of straps 40. Each of the pair of straps 40 connect to the short sides of the anchor portion 20 and the sling portion 30. Each of the pair of straps 40 has a connector 42 in the form of a buckle. Each of the connectors 42 allow the length of each of the pair of straps 40 to be adjusted to suit the needs of the person.

[0070] The anchor portion 20 has two strips of a hook-and-loop fastener material 22.

[0071] The sling portion 30 has a pocket 32. The pocket 32 is suitable for storing personal items that the person would like to keep close to hand, such as a book, a phone or a water bottle.

[0072] The anchor portion 20 and the sling portion 30 are made from a cloth material. Each of the connectors 42 are made from a plastic material. This enables the device 10 to be carried through security checkpoints, such as in airports, easily as the device will not set off metal detectors.

[0073] In use, each pair of straps 40 are connected such that the device has an overall hoop shape.

[0074] The anchor portion 20 is attached to a back portion of a chair, the chair having a section of hook-and-loop fastener material corresponding to the strips of ahook-and-loop fastener material 22. For example, the strips 22 of the anchor portion 20 have a series of hooks and the chair has a section of a corresponding series of loops.

[0075] The sling portion 30 is positioned in front of the person such that the person can place their arm or arms in the sling portion 30. The sling portion 30 supports the arm or arms of the person and retains the arm or arms in a position relative to the chair to maintain the person’s upper body in a substantially upright sitting position. The sling portion 30 can also be adjusted such that the persons1arm or arms are held against the person’s upper body to further restrain the upper body.

[0076] With reference to Figures 3 to 7, there is shown a device 100. The device 100 has an anchor portion 120 and two sling portions 130,150. The anchor portion 120 has a rectangular shape with two long sides and two short sides. The anchor portion 120 is approximately 150mm long and approximately 100mm wide. Each of the two sling portions 130,150 has a rectangular shape with two long sides and two short sides. Each of the two sling portions 130,150 is approximately 1000mm long and approximately 400mm wide. The device 100 has an overall hoop shape.

[0077] Each of the sling portions 130, 150 are connected to the anchor portion 120 by a pair of straps 140a, 140b. Each of the pair of straps 140a, 140b connect to the long sides of the anchor portion 120 and one of the short sides of each of the sling portions 130,150. The anchor portion 120 is positioned in between the sling portion 130 and the sling portion 150. Each of the pair of straps 140a, 140b are approximately 3400mm long and approximately 25mm wide.

[0078] The pair of straps 140a, 140b cross over each other such that each of the pair of straps 140a, 140b are attached to one of the sling portions 130,150 on one side of the device 100 and attached to another of the of the sling portions 130,150 on another side of the device 100. The pair of straps 140a, 140b assist in distributing the load of the persons’ arm or arms when the device 100 is in use.

[0079] The anchor portion 120 has three strips of a hook-and-loop fastener material 122.

[0080] Each of the two sling portions 130,150 have strips of a hook-and-loop fastener material arranged along the long edges of the respective sling portions130, 150. The strips of a hook-and-loop fastener material alternate between long strips of loop material 134,154 and short strips of hook material 136,156. Portions of the loop material 134,154 also extend on to portions of the pair of straps 140a, 140b. When the device 100 is laid flat, as shown in Figure 1 , the strips of hook-and-loop fastener material on sling portion 130 are positioned on one side of the device 100, and the strips of hook-and-loop fastener material on sling portion 150 and the strips of a hook- and-loop fastener material 122 are positioned on another side of the device 100. The strips of a hook-and-loop fastener material on the two sling portions 130,150 are arranged such that when the two sling portions 130,150 overlap, either completely or partially, the hook-and-loop fastener material attaches the two sling portions 130,150 together.

[0081] The device 100 further includes two adjusters 160 to adjust the positioning of the pair of straps 140a, 140b. The adjusters 160 have flat cylindrical shapes with a channel running through each adjuster 160. Each channel is configured to receive portions of the pair of straps 140a, 140b. The adjusters 160 are slidably moveable relative to the pair of straps 140a, 140b, and the sliding movement of the adjusters 160 adjusts the positions of the pair of straps 140a, 140b.

[0082] In use, anchor portion 120 is attached to a back portion of a headrest of a chair, the chair having a section of hook-and-loop fastener material corresponding to the strips of a hook-and-loop fastener material 122. The headrests on back of plane chairs often have hook-and-loop fastener material that is available for use to secure the anchor portion 120.

[0083] The anchor portion 120 can be repositioned to change which of the three strips of a hook-and-loop fastener material 122 attach to the chair and consequently change the position of the pair of straps 140a, 140b.

[0084] The sling portions 130,150 are overlapped, either completely or partially, and attached by the corresponding hook-and-loop fastener material to provide a cradle suitable for receiving an arm or arms of the person. The sling portions 130,150 are attached to each other at four points as each short strip of hook material 136 connects to a corresponding strip of long loop material 154, and each short strip of hook material 154 connects to a corresponding strip of long loop material 136.

[0085] The short hook strips 136, 156 are attachable to the long loop strips 134, 154 at various positions along the lengths of the long loop strips 134,154. This allows the sling portions 130,150 to be attached to each other while partially overlapping.

[0086] Partially overlapping the sling portions 130,150, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, produces a larger cradle than if the sling portions 130,150 were overlapped completely, as shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0087] The overlapped sling portions 130, 150 are positioned in front of the person such that the person can place their arm or arms in the overlapped sling portions 130,150.

[0088] The adjusters 160 can then be moved to adjust the positioning of the overlapped sling portions 130,150 such that the person’s arm or arms are held back towards their upper body.

[0089] The overlapped sling portions 130,150 support the arm or arms of the person and holds the arm or arms in a position relative to the chair to maintain the person’s upper body in a substantially upright sitting position.

[0090] With reference to Figures 8 to 10, there is shown a person A sitting in a chair 200. The chair 200 forms part of a column of similar chairs such as would be found in an aircraft, train or bus. The chair 200 has a headrest 210.

[0091] In Figure 8, person A is wearing a collar 300. The collar 300 supports person A’s head and neck. The collar 300 includes an elongate brace member and a pair of connectors. The brace member has an upper edge, a lower edge and two ends. The lower edge has a contour substantially shaped to conform with a shape of person A’s shoulders. The pair of connectors are used to connect the two ends of the elongate brace member together. The brace member configured to wrap around person A’s neck such that the two ends meet. In use person A’s head rests against the upper edge of the brace member and the lower edge of the brace member rests on person A’s shoulders.

[0092] In Figure 9 person A is wearing the collar 300 and a device 400. The device 400 supports the arm or arms of person A. The device 400 has an anchor portion which attaches the device 400 to the back of the headrest 210. The device 400 has a sling portion connected to the anchor portion by a plurality of straps. In use the slingportion supports the weight of person A’s arm or arms and retains the arm or arms in a position relative to the chair 200 to maintain person A’s upper body in a substantially upright sitting position. The device 400 can also be adjusted so as to hold the person’s arm or arms against the person’s upper body to further restrain the upper body.

[0093] Figure 11 shows an alternate preferred embodiment of the support sling 500 where there is a single layer sling portion 501 and an anchor portion 502. The single layer sling portion 501 has two longitudinal straps 503 attached to the outside surface of the single layer sling portion 501 . The two longitudinal straps 503 join at each end and extend as a single strap 504 from each end. The single strap 504 has a male clip part 505 while the anchor portion 502 has a complementary female clip part 506. When the clips 505, 506 are joined, the support forms a bag and can be carried over the shoulder.

[0094] Figure 12 shows the anchor portion 502 in more detail. The anchor portion 502 has two flap portions 510 that can fold onto each other. Preferably one or both flap portions 510 have a soft rubber-like surface to provide a non-slip contact. The flap portions 510 have first part Velcro tabs 511 at one end and two sets of complementary second part Velcro tabs 512 near the middle and at the opposite end. With two sets of complementary second part Velcro tabs 512, there is a choice of which set of tabs 512 can be used to fasten to tabs 511 .

[0095] In use, the anchor portion 502 can be fitted about the headrest of a chair by positioning it around the head rest or head rest supports or over the top of the chair and between the head rest supports. The clips 506 are connected to their complementary sling portion clips 505 to form the sling support in which a person’s arms and upper body are held by the seat. The straps 503 are on the outside of the formed sling support.

[0096] Figure 11 shows a single layer sling portion 501 . A further embodiment of the sling portion is a two layered sling portion where the second layer is a padding or cushion layer to provide support and comfort to a person’s held arms. Another embodiment is a three layered sling portion which in addition to a padding or cushion layer has another internal layer in which one or more internal pockets are formed to store items.

[0097] Figure 13 shows the internal surface of a sling portion 600 showing 4 pockets 601 , in which a person can store headphones, pens, mobile phone, passport, toothbrush and toothpaste and similar items while they are held in position by the formed sling support. The pockets 601 can optionally be closed by fasteners. Figure 13 also shows a plurality of fasteners 604 along the outer edges 605 of the internal surface 606. The fasteners 604 are two-part fasteners where complementary parts are either side of the middle and allows the sling portion 600 to be folded in half longitudinally and the edges 605 fastened closed to form a bag. Alternately a zip can be used to close the sides and form a bag. The formed bag will enable a person to carry additional items such as a blanket or book that they may need in their travel. The described neck support may be stored in the formed bag.

[0098] A further preferred embodiment of the sling portion is the 4 layer sling portion which has an additional outer layer that forms one or more pockets on the outside surface of the sling portion. The one or more pockets formed can be closed by fasteners or zips. Figure 14 shows a sling portion 700 where there are two external pockets 701 formed between the two outer straps 702. The two external pockets 701 provide additional storage of items for the person that they can access during their travel.ADVANTAGES

[0099] The present invention in one preferred embodiment is a sling support configured to be retained about the back of a chair or headrest and able to support the arms of a person to maintain them in an upright position while sitting in the chair. A collar can be placed around the neck of the person to keep their head in an elevated and upright attitude. The sling support and collar have complementary functions and together assist the person to stay upright and not slump forward, thereby enabling the person to sleep. The sling support is useful during long flights or journeys.

[0100] An advantage of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is that the device supports the weight of the person’s arm or arms and retains the persons’ upper body in a position relative to the chair. This maintains the person’s upper body in a substantially upright sitting position and prevents the weight of the arms from pulling the upper body forward when the person’s muscles relax when resting.Consequently, the person maintains a stable and comfortable sleeping position. The device can also be adjusted so as to hold the person’s arm or arms against the person’s upper body to further restrain the upper body.

[0101] Another advantage of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is that the device is light and can be compacted into a smaller shape for ease of portability. Thus, the device can be easily carried on and off passenger transportation vehicles such as trains and planes.

[0102] A further advantage of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is that the device can be used to raise the person’s arm or arms during rest and thus reduce the burden on the person’s circulatory system.

[0103] Another advantage of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is that the device can be used in conjunction with other sleeping aids such as neck pillows and or lumbar supports.

[0104] A further advantage of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is that the device can be used as an over-the-shoulder bag.VARIATIONS

[0105] It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.

[0106] Throughout the description and claims of this specification the word “comprise” and variations of that word such as “comprises” and “comprising”, are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A device for use to support an arm or arms of a person sitting in a chair, the device including an anchor portion attachable to the chair; and one or more sling portions connected or connectable to the anchor portion by one or more straps, said one or more sling portions adapted to support the arm or arms of the person, wherein in use the one or more sling portions supports the weight of the person’s arm or arms and holds the arm or arms in a position relative to the chair to maintain the person’s upper body in a substantially upright sitting position.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the anchor portion is attachable to a headrest of the chair.

3. A device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein there is a single sling portion or two attachable and overlapping sling portions.

4. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more straps are connectable by at least one connector, said connector can adjust the to the same of the one or more straps or another of the one or more straps by a connector, said connector can adjust the length of at least one of the one or more straps.

5. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein there is one or more adjusters to adjust the positioning of the one or more straps, said one or more adjusters are moveable relative to the one or more straps, and the movement of the one or more adjusters adjusts the length of the one or more straps.

6. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the one or more adjusters is configured to receive and secure a portion of a set of headphones, and at least one of the one or more sling portions has a pocket.

7. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein in an alternate configuration the device can form and function as a bag with the anchor portion positionable on one of the person’s shoulders and the one or more sling portions being used to hold items.

8. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anchor portion has a length of approximately 150mm and width of approximately 100mm; each of the one or more straps has a length of approximately 3400mm and a width of approximately 25mm; each of the one or more sling portions has a length of approximately 1000mm and a width of approximately 400mm.

9. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the one or more sling portions is cushioned to support a person’s arm.

10. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more sling portions are made from a cloth material that has a tough and sturdy weave and can withstand lateral pulling forces.

11. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sling portion can be a single layer of material; two layers having an additional padding or cushioning layer; three layers where there is an additional internal layer over the padding or cushioning layer with one or more pockets; and four layers where in addition to the three layers there is an additional outer layer that provides a surface for marketing and advertising and optionally one or more external pockets.

12. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device includes a collar that has an elongate brace member with an upper edge, a lower edge and two ends; and at least one connector to connect the two ends of the elongate brace member to together, wherein the brace member configured to wrap around the person’s neck so that the two ends meet; wherein the lower edge has a contour substantially shaped to conform with the shape of the person’s shoulders and the upper edge is shaped to hold the head in an upright and elevated position with a substantially zero or slightly upwardly inclined attitude; said collar complements the device to hold the upper body of the person in an upright position.

13. A kit for maintaining the upper body of a person in an upright position during long flights or journeys, said kit including a device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and a foam collar having an elongate brace member with an upper edge, a lower edge and two ends; and at least one connector to connect the two ends of the elongate brace member to together, wherein the brace member configured to wrap around the person’s neck so that the two ends meet; wherein the lower edge has a contour substantially shaped to conform with the shape of the person’s shoulders and the upper edge is shaped to hold the head in an upright position with a substantially zero or slightly upwardly inclined attitude.

14. A kit as claimed in claim 13, wherein there is also one or more ear plugs, an eye mask, a lower back or lumbar support, a cushion and or blanket.

15. A method of using a device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including the steps of attaching the anchor portion to the chair; positioning the one or more sling portions in front of the person; and placing the arm or arms of the person into the one or more sling portions,wherein in use the one or more sling portions supports the weight of the person’s arm or arms and holds the arm or arms in a position relative to the chair to maintain the person’s upper body in a substantially upright sitting position.

16. A method as claimed in claim 15, wherein there is a collar that complements the use of the device to maintain a person in an upright position and includes the further steps of wrapping the collar around the person’s neck and connecting the two ends together with at least one connector.

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