Limb strength measurement device
First Claim
1. A limb strength measurement device for measuring strength of a limb under isometric flexion or extension, the limb having a first portion and a second portion pivotable about a joint, the device comprising:
- a first pair of longitudinal members provided in a spaced relationship, wherein a gap between said first pair of longitudinal members is suitable for insertion of the limb therethrough,a first contact pad supported between said first pair of longitudinal members near a first end thereof;
a second contact pad supported between said first pair of longitudinal members near a second end thereof;
a second pair of longitudinal members provided in a spaced relationship, wherein said second pair of longitudinal members are pivotally connected to said first pair of longitudinal members near a first end of said second pair of longitudinal members, and wherein a gap between said second pair of longitudinal members is suitable for insertion of the limb therethrough;
a third contact pad coupled to said second pair of longitudinal members near a second end thereof,a locking mechanism for locking an angular orientation of said second pair of longitudinal members relative to said first pair of longitudinal members, such that when said device is worn, said first contact pad and said second contact pad contact opposing sides of the first portion of the limb, and said third contact pad contacts the second portion of the limb, thereby securing said device relative to the limb; and
a force measurement device configured to measure a force applied to said third contact pad by the second portion of the limb.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Wearable devices, and methods of use thereof, are provided for the measurement of isometric limb strength. In some embodiments, the device includes pivotally connected members and associated contact pads for contacting portions of a limb, where the members may be locked in position to perform isometric flexion or extension force measurements of the limb about a joint. A load cell or other force measurement sensor integrated with the device measures the force applied to one of the contact pads, either directly or indirectly. In some embodiments, the device can be reconfigured for the measurement of isometric strength for both flexion and extension.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A limb strength measurement device for measuring strength of a limb under isometric flexion or extension, the limb having a first portion and a second portion pivotable about a joint, the device comprising:
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a first pair of longitudinal members provided in a spaced relationship, wherein a gap between said first pair of longitudinal members is suitable for insertion of the limb therethrough, a first contact pad supported between said first pair of longitudinal members near a first end thereof; a second contact pad supported between said first pair of longitudinal members near a second end thereof; a second pair of longitudinal members provided in a spaced relationship, wherein said second pair of longitudinal members are pivotally connected to said first pair of longitudinal members near a first end of said second pair of longitudinal members, and wherein a gap between said second pair of longitudinal members is suitable for insertion of the limb therethrough; a third contact pad coupled to said second pair of longitudinal members near a second end thereof, a locking mechanism for locking an angular orientation of said second pair of longitudinal members relative to said first pair of longitudinal members, such that when said device is worn, said first contact pad and said second contact pad contact opposing sides of the first portion of the limb, and said third contact pad contacts the second portion of the limb, thereby securing said device relative to the limb; and a force measurement device configured to measure a force applied to said third contact pad by the second portion of the limb. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A limb strength measurement device for measuring strength of a limb under flexion or extension, the limb having a first portion and a second portion pivotable about a joint, the device comprising:
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a first longitudinal member; a second longitudinal member pivotally connected to said first longitudinal member near a first end of said second longitudinal member; a first contact pad extending laterally from said first longitudinal member near a first end thereof; a second contact pad extending laterally from said first longitudinal member near a second end thereof; a third contact pad coupled to said second longitudinal member near a second end thereof, a locking mechanism for locking an angular orientation of said second longitudinal member relative to said first longitudinal member, such that when said device is worn, said first contact pad and said second contact pad contact opposing sides of the first portion of the limb, and said third contact pad contacts the second portion of the limb, thereby securing said device relative to the limb; and a force measurement device configured to measure a force applied to said third contact pad by the second portion of the limb.
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23. A limb strength measurement device for measuring strength of a limb under isometric flexion or extension, the limb having a first portion and a second portion pivotable about a joint, the device comprising:
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a first pair of longitudinal members provided in a spaced relationship, wherein a gap between said first pair of longitudinal members is suitable for insertion of the limb therethrough, a first contact pad supported between said first pair of longitudinal members near a first end thereof; a second contact pad supported between said first pair of longitudinal members near a second end thereof; a second pair of longitudinal members provided in a spaced relationship, wherein said second pair of longitudinal members are pivotally connected to said first pair of longitudinal members at a pivot location, and wherein a gap between said second pair of longitudinal members is suitable for insertion of the limb therethrough; a third contact pad supported between said second pair of longitudinal members near a first end thereof, wherein said first end of said second pair of longitudinal members is distal from said pivot location, and a force measurement device restricting pivotal motion of said second pair of longitudinal members beyond a pre-selected angle when said first contact pad and said second contact pad contact opposing sides of the first portion of the limb and said third contact pad contacts the second portion of the limb; wherein said force measurement device is configured to indirectly measure a force applied to said third contact pad by the second portion of the limb. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25)
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Specification