Force sensing insole for electro-goniometer

Patent 4745930 Issued on May 24, 1988. Estimated Expiration Date:

October 16, 2006. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

1771258

3702999

3791375

Load signaling device for a patient's foot
Patent #: 3974491
Issued on: 08/10/1976
Inventor: Sipe

Flexible force sensor
Patent #: 4426884
Issued on: 01/24/1984
Inventor: Polchaninoff

Flexible force sensor
Patent #: 4503705
Issued on: 03/12/1985
Inventor: Polchaninoff

Multi-event notification system for monitoring critical pressure points on persons with diminished sensation of the feet Patent #: 4647918
Issued on: 03/03/1987
Inventor: Goforth

Inventor

Confer, Richard G.

Assignee

Chattanooga Corporation

Application

No. 06/919880 filed on 10/16/1986

US Classes:

600/592, Foot600/595Body movement (e.g., head or hand tremor, motility of limb, etc.)

Examiners

Primary: Howell, Kyle L.
Assistant: Citrin, Randy

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Bell, Seltzer, Park & Gibson

International Class

A61B 5/103 (20060101)

Abstract

A force sensing insole is disclosed which is adapted to be used in association with an electro-goniometer for analyzing the gait of a patient. The insole includes a body member composed of three overlying sheets of thin plastic material which are bonded together, with the intermediate sheet having cut-outs in each of the heel, ball and toe portions so as to define three separate internal chambers. A contact switch is positioned in each of the open chambers, and which comprises a plurality of parallel fingers formed of conductive ink on the inwardly facing surface of one of the outer sheets, and an area of conductive material on the inwardly facing surface of the outer sheet. The body member includes a laterally extending flexible strip, and which is adapted to flex and extend outwardly from the wearer's shoe. Also, lines of conductive ink are provided in the body member which extend from each of the contact switches to a terminal positioned at the end of the strip.