초록 ▼

An apparatus and method of operation for measuring forces applied to a wearer's foot, the apparatus providing an indication to the wearer when forces on the foot exceed pre-selected upper limits or do not meet pre-selected lower limits. A body member is disclosed for attachment around the wearer's f

An apparatus and method of operation for measuring forces applied to a wearer's foot, the apparatus providing an indication to the wearer when forces on the foot exceed pre-selected upper limits or do not meet pre-selected lower limits. A body member is disclosed for attachment around the wearer's foot, the body member having an exterior sole and an interior sole portion covered by a rigid foot plate. The foot plate includes an upper support surface for contact with the foot. The interior sole portion includes at least one cavity within, with a force sensing unit attachable partially within the cavity. At least one strain gage is positioned at a midpoint on the force sensing unit, and the force sensing unit is connectable to the underside of the foot plate. An electronic means is mounted within the cavity and is electrically connected to the at least one strain gage. The electronic means receives electronic signals from the strain gage, the signals in proportion to force applied onto the force sensing unit when the wearer's foot applies weight onto the foot plate, with conversion of the signals to output signals for transmission to a signal processing means in a remotely located receiver and display unit. The display unit compares the output signals to upper limits and lower limits, and displays alarms when output signals do not reach lower limits, or exceed upper limits, therefore assisting with therapeutic rehabilitation of an injured lower extremity.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for measuring force applied by the weight of a wearer onto a foot of the wearer, said apparatus providing an indication to the wearer when the force is below, or exceeds pre-selected limits, said apparatus comprising:a body member for attachment to the foot o

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for measuring force applied by the weight of a wearer onto a foot of the wearer, said apparatus providing an indication to the wearer when the force is below, or exceeds pre-selected limits, said apparatus comprising:a body member for attachment to the foot of the wearer, said body member to support at least a portion of the foot, said body member including an upper enclosure, said upper enclosure having an attachment means for contact of said upper enclosure with the sides and top of the foot;a foot plate removably insertable within said body member, said foot plate having an upper support surface for contact with the bottom of the foot, and having an underside;a lower sole portion positioned below said foot plate, said lower sole portion having an upper surface, and a lower surface for contact with the support surface;a cavity within said upper surface of said lower sole portion, said cavity having a front end and a rear end;a force sensing unit having ends attachable within said cavity, said force sensing unit connectable to said underside of said foot plate, said force sensing unit measures strain in proportion to the force received by said force sensing unit from the foot in contact with said foot plate, said force sensing unit generates strain signals;an electronic means mounted within said cavity, said electronic means is electrically connected to said force sensing unit, said electronic means receives said strain signals from said force sensing unit and converts said strain signals to output signals for transmission to one or more remote locations;a power supply connectable to said electronic means;a signal processing means at a remote location, said signal processing means receives said output signals from said electronic means; anda display unit coupled with said signal processing means, said display unit displays output signals from said signal processing means;whereby force placed by the weight of the wearer of said body member onto said foot plate is transmitted through said foot plate to said force sensing unit attachable within said cavity, the force imparts strain on said force sensing unit which is measured as strain signals, said electronic means receives strain signals from said force sensing unit and converts said strain signals to output signals for radio transmission to said signal processing means for indication to the wearer when the force is below or exceeds pre-selected limits.