Fishing Rod Forearm Support
By Fetchco, George; Mollendorf, Joseph C.; NSF 2008 Engineering Senior Design Projects to Aid Persons With Disabilities, pp. 138-139Publication Date: 2011
Description of a fishing rod forearm support for people with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome affecting the gripping ability of the hand. While the forces endured from the use of a fishing rod are traditionally resisted by the hand and forearm muscles, this support transfers the force from the hand and forearm to the elbow and shoulder. The device consists of three main sections: (1) an insulated tube into which the handle of the fishing rod is inserted, (2) a section of rolled aluminum sheet metal covered with foam padding on which the user’s forearm rests, and (3) a tube connected perpendicular to the first section, the purpose of which is to provide structural support between the first and second sections. An elastic strap is riveted onto the support and attached with Velcro. The user fits his or her hand and forearm into the support and secures the strap over the forearm. Two prototypes were made, one from aluminum sheet metal and one from carbon fiber for weight reduction. The fishing rod forearm support was developed by an engineering student attending the University of New York at Buffalo at a cost of 120 dollars.
Published by: Creative Learning Press, Inc. (Website:http://www.creativelearningpress.com)
Link to text: http://nsf-pad.bme.uconn.edu/2008/Chapter%208,%20State%20University%20of%20New%20York%20at%20Buffalo.pdf
ISBN: 1-931280-15-0
