LOAD PROFILE ANALYZER IN THE ATTACHED SPECIFICATION

• US 3,818,756 A
• Filed: 09/07/1971
• Issued: 06/25/1974
• Est. Priority Date: 09/07/1971
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Multi-Tech Corporation (SFLMaven Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Edward R. Barron, Stanley D. Tanenholtz
• Inventors: Barron, Edward R., Tanenholtz, Stanley D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Queisser, Richard C.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Corr, Denis E.
• Application Number:
  US05/178,017
• Time in Patent Office: 1,022 Days
• Field of Search: 73/172,159,133 200/159B,159R,DIG.2
• US Class Current: 73/172
• CPC Class Codes: A41H 1/00 Measuring aids or methods

Abstract

Disclosed is a load profile analyzer for measuring and indicating static and dynamic loads exerted upon different areas of the human body by objects in contact therewith. A plurality of pressure sensors are suspended in predetermined positions with respect to the body by a support and the pressures sensed are indicated by a display.

Claims

1. A load profile analyzer for determining the distribution of forces on a test body produced by the loading effect of a body covering and comprising:

a. a plurality of electrically operated pressure sensors for simultaneously producing distinguishable output signals in response to different load magnitudes exerted on the test body;

b. a flexible support sheet means for supporting said pressure sensors between the test body and the body covering, said sensors being in mechanical contact with the test body and each sensor being responsive only to the pressure exerted on the discrete portion of the body adjacent thereto, said flexible support sheet means being adapted to freely assume the surface contour of any irregularly contoured surface on which it is supported and to produce substantially no alteration in the distribution of forces transmitted by the body covering to the test body; and

c. an analyzer means operatively connected to said pressure sensors and adapted to analyze and indicate the pressures sensed by said pressure sensors.

2. A load profile analyzer according to claim 1 wherein said analyzer means comprises a plurality of separate indicators, each operatively associated with one of said plurality of sensors.

3. A load profile analyzer according to claim 2 wherein said analyzer means comprises a dynamic means adapted to operate continuously and indicate any change in pressure occurring as the test body changes position.

4. A load profile analyzer according to claim 3 wherein said indicators comprise recording means for recording the indications produced over a period of time.

5. A load profile analyzer according to claim 3 wherein said analyzer means also comprises a memory means for retaining the indications produced by a given set of sensed pressures.

6. A load profile analyzer according to claim 2 wherein said indicators comprise peaking means to indicate the maximum pressure sensed during a given dynamic test.

7. A load profile analyzer according to claim 1 wherein said support sheet means comprises a suspension means for suspending said sensors.

8. A load profile analyzer according to claim 1 wherein said support sheet means comprises a stretchable liner means for supporting said sensors and permitting said sensors to move with respect to each other.

9. A load profile analyzer according to claim 8 wherein said support sheet means comprises flexible circuit means for making electrical connections to said sensors.

10. A load profile analyzer according to claim 1 wherein said support sheet means comprises a stretchable envelope means for covering and protecting said sensors.

11. A load profile analyzer according to claim 1 wherein said analyzer means comprises a plurality of separate indicators each operatively associated with one of said sensors, and display means to simulate the portion of the test body being tested.

12. A load profile analyzer according to claim 1 wherein said sensors are progressive contact switches.

13. A load profile analyzer according to claim 1 wherein said sensors comprise variable inductance coils.

14. A load profile analyzer according to claim 1 wherein said sensors are replaceable

15. A load profile analyzer according to claim 1 wherein the test body is a portion of a human wearer of the body covering and said analyzer means comprises a plurality of separate indicators, each operatively associated with one of said sensors.

16. A load profile analyzer according to claim 15 wherein said support sheet means is in the form of a vest and said analyzer means indicates the pressures exerted on the torso of the wearer.

17. A load profile analyzer according to claim 16 wherein said analyzer means comprises a mannequin with said plurality of indicators disposed theron, each of said indicators disposed in the position on said mannequin that corresponds to the poSition occupied by the associated one of said plurality of sensors on the torso of the wearer.

18. A load profile analyzer according to claim 15 wherein said support sheet means is in the form of a stocking and said analyzer means indicates the pressures exerted on the foot of the wearer.

19. A load profile analyzer according to claim 18 wherein a said analyzer means comprises a model of a human foot with said plurality of indicators disposed thereon, each of said indicators disposed in the position on said model that corresponds to the position occupied by the associated one of said plurality of sensors on the foot of the wearer.

20. A load profile analyzer according to claim 15 wherein said support sheet means is in the form of a skull cap and said analyzer means indicates the pressures exerted on the head of the wearer.

21. A load profile analyzer according to claim 20 wherein said analyzer means comprises a model of a human head with said plurality of indicators disposed thereon, each of said indicators disposed in the position on said model that corresponds to the position occupied by the associated one of said plurality of sensors on the head of the wearer.