Anthropometric measuring device

• US 6,423,015 B1
• Filed: 10/27/2000
• Issued: 07/23/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 10/30/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Alessandro Ferraroli, Laurent Winkenbach
• Original Assignee: Alessandro Ferraroli, Laurent Winkenbach
• Inventors: Winkenbach, Laurent, Ferraroli, Alessandro
• Primary Examiner(s): HINDENBURG, MAX F
• Application Number:
  US09/699,085
• Time in Patent Office: 634 Days
• Field of Search: 600/587, 600/592, 600/594, 600/595
• US Class Current: 600/587
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1079 using optical or photographic means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4528 Joints A61B5/4533, A61B5/4538 take precedence

Abstract

Anthropometric measuring device for determining characteristics relating to the skeleton of an individual (12). This device includes:

a podium (10) on which the individual (12) takes his place,

marks (48) arranged on the body of said individual (12), at places corresponding to the position of the joints,

photographing means (14) of the digital type for recording the visible data concerning the individual placed on the podium,

a computer (52) provided with a program arranged so as to determine the structure of the skeleton and to calculate the dimensions of a tool which will be handled by said individual.

The assembly is arranged so that the dimensions selected allow the individual to use said tool with the minimum effort for the maximum effect.

Claims

1. An anthropometric measuring device for determining characteristics relating to the skeleton of an individual, including:

a podium on which the individual takes a place,

marks arranged on the body of said individual, at places corresponding to the position of the joints chosen among the shoulders, wrists, hips, knees and ankles,

photographing means of the digital type for recording the visible data concerning the individual placed on the podium, and

a computer provided with a program arranged so as to determine the structure of the skeleton and to calculate the dimensions of a tool which will be handled by said individual, all of which is arranged so that the dimensions selected allow the individual to use said tool with the minimum effort for the maximum effect.

2. A device according to claim 1, arranged so that the individual stands upright on the podium and wherein he bears marks arranged on his body including the parts which are not directly visible from the position in which the photographing means are located, and at least one mirror, placed at the side of and behind said individual with reference to the photographing means, so that all the marks arranged on his body can be captured by means of said photographing means.

3. A device according to claim 2, including two mirrors arranged symmetrically.

4. A device according to claim 2, further including a column provided with vertical guide means, a horizontal measuring bar intended to be arranged at the crutch, mounted so as to move vertically on said column and associated with means for generating a force oriented upwards, to ensure that said bar remains permanently in contact with the body of the individual.

5. A device according to claim 4, wherein said bar is also provided with a mark comparable to those arranged on said body.

6. A device according to claim 2, wherein said photographing means are formed by a camera of the digital type arranged at a measured horizontal distance equal to approximately 1.5 times the height of the individual.

7. A device according to claim 6, wherein said podium includes a transparent plate intended to serve as a support for the feet of the individual and wherein a mirror is arranged under the plate and reflects the image of the contact of the feet on the plate towards the camera.

8. A device according to claim 3, further including a column provided with vertical guide means, a horizontal measuring bar intended to be arranged at the crutch, mounted so as to move vertically on said column and associated with means for generating a force oriented upwards, to ensure that said bar remains permanently in contact with the body of the individual.

9. A device according to claim 3, wherein said photographing means are formed by a camera of the digital type arranged at a measured horizontal distance equal to approximately 1.5 times the height of the individual.

10. A device according to claim 4, wherein said photographing means are formed by a camera of the digital type arranged at a measured horizontal distance equal to approximately 1.5 times the height of the individual.

11. A device according to claim 5, wherein said photographing means are formed by a camera of the digital type arranged at a measured horizontal distance equal to approximately 1.5 times the height of the individual.

12. An anthropometric measuring device for determining skeleton features of an individual, the device comprising:

a raised platform for supporting the individual in a standing position;

a plurality of marks, each mark being applied relative to the body of the individual at locations of joints including at least two or more of a left shoulder, a right shoulder, a left wrist, a right wrist, a left hip, a right hip, a left knee, a right knee, a left ankle and a right ankle;

a mirror arrangement including at least one of a left rear mirror for reflecting a left rear side of the individual and marks thereon and a right rear mirror for reflecting a right rear side of the individual and marks thereon;

a digital camera recording visible data concerning the individual placed on the platform, the visible date including data from one or more of the left rear side of the individual and the right rear side of the individual and including recording the plurality of marks; and

a computer provided with a program for determining the structure of the skeleton of the individual, based on the relative position of the marks and calculating dimensions of a tool which will be handled by said individual to allow the individual to use said tool with the minimum effort for the maximum effect.

13. A device according to claim 12, wherein said mirror arrangement includes two mirrors arranged symmetrically.

14. A device according to claim 12, further including a column provided with vertical guide means, a horizontal measuring bar arrangable at the crotch of the individual and mounted to move vertically on said column and associated with means for biasing the bar upwards to maintain the bar in contact with the body of the individual.

15. A device according to claim 14, wherein said bar is also provided with a mark.

16. A device according to claim 12, wherein said digital camera is arranged at a measured horizontal distance equal to approximately 1.5 times the height of the individual.

17. A device according to claim 16, wherein said platform includes a transparent plate intended to serve as a support for the feet of the individual and wherein a mirror is arranged under the plate and reflects the image of the contact of the feet on the plate towards the camera.

18. An anthropometric measuring device for determining characteristics relating to the skeleton of an individual, the device comprising:

a podium for supporting the individual in a standing position raised from a floor surface, the podium including a transparent plate for supporting the feet of the individual;

a plurality of marks, each mark being applied relative to the body of the individual at locations of joints including at least two or more of a left shoulder, a right shoulder, a left wrist, a right wrist, a left hip, a right hip, a left knee, a right knee, a left ankle and a right ankle;

a mirror arrangement including at least one of a left rear mirror for reflecting a left rear side of the individual and marks thereon, a right rear mirror for reflecting a right rear side of the individual and marks thereon and a lower mirror arranged under the plate for reflecting an image of the contact of the feet of the individual on the plate towards a forward direction;

a digital camera recording visible data concerning the individual placed on the podium, the visible date including data from one or more of the left rear side of the individual and the right rear side of the individual and including recording the plurality of marks; and

a computer provided with a program for determining the structure of the skeleton of the individual, based on the relative position of the marks and calculating dimensions of a tool which will be handled by said individual to allow the individual to use said tool with the minimum effort for the maximum effect.