Sling with pockets

#Embodiments of the invention relate to slings and, more particularly, to a sling with pockets.

#The medical and physical therapy fields have employed slings for years in order to stabilize an arm and provide rest after an arm injury. Patients with arm injuries or paralysis often find comfort by supporting the injured arm with a traditional sling. A traditional sling includes a fabric support member formed as a longitudinal channel with one open end and a closed end for receiving the elbow of the user. Traditionally, the forearm extends along the length of the longitudinal channel with the user's hand positioned adjacent to the open end. A strap traditionally connects the open and closed ends of the sling and extends over one shoulder and across the back of a patient when worn.

#After serious arm injuries, the arm may need to be immobilized as much as possible. Often, the sling securely holds the elbow in the longitudinal channel, such that the arm does not accidentally slip out of the sling. In some cases, a strap connected to the sling wraps around the body of the user and secures the injured arm against the body. Although such an arrangement provides immobilization and support in some cases, the sling and the injured arm make some pants and/or shirt pockets impossible to use.

#FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example of a sling with pockets from the front in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

#FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the sling of FIG. 1 from the rear in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

#FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an individual wearing an example of the sling shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

#The present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the Figures in which various embodiments of the invention are shown. The subject matter of this disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

#Embodiments of the invention relate to a sling having at least one pocket, or other such compartment to contain items, arranged on a support member configured to support an individual's arm in the event of an injury to the arm, shoulder, hand, or any other body part where it is beneficial to support or immobilize an arm. The one or more pockets may be placed on the inside of the sling's support member in order to provide easily accessed and secure storage space when wearing a sling. In one example of an embodiment of the invention, a sling may be constructed having two straps, a support member, and at least one pocket or compartment arranged on the support member such that an individual wearing the sling may place either arm in the support member and have increased personal storage available to the other arm via the at least one pocket or compartment.

#FIGS. 1 and 2 show an example of a sling 100 from the front and from the back, respectively. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the sling 100 includes a support member 110, a strap 120, and a strap 130. As shown, the support member also includes a first open end 111 and a second open end 112. As shown in FIG. 1, the support member 110 may be positioned to form a longitudinal cradle or channel structure having a first interior surface 113 and a second exterior surface 114. When folded or shaped into the cradle or channel structure, the support member forms a first half 115 to be positioned against an individual's chest or stomach and a second half 116 opposite the first half, allowing a patient to rest an injured arm between the two halves. Each of the straps 120 and 130 may include an adjustment apparatus 140, such as buckles, D-rings, VELCRO® or other such adjustment means, for adjusting the length of the straps 120 and 130. FIG. 1 also shows a zipper pocket 150 and pockets 155 and 160 formed in the surface of the first surface 113. Additional pockets, for example, may be formed or placed on the second surface 114. As used herein, the term pocket is intended to include a pockets formed on a surface, such as pockets 155 and 160, for example, and pockets formed in a surface or lining, such as the zipper pocket 150.