System, method and apparatus for determining the thickness of orthotics needed to correct for differences in leg length

Abstract

The present invention is a system, method, and apparatus that relates to providing a quick measurement the difference, if any, of a person's left and right leg lengths, in order to determine the correct thickness of an orthotic insert for the left and/or right shoes in order to provide correction and alignment of a person's skeletal frame.

Claims

1. A method for providing a measurement of the difference, if any, of left and right leg lengths of a person, in order to determine a thickness of an orthotic insert for a left shoe and a right shoe, the method comprising the steps of: providing an apparatus with a left surface and a right surface, the left surface associated with a first scale and the right surface associated with a second scale and wherein the apparatus is configured to independently lift and lower the left surface and the right surface to predetermined stops while the person is standing on the left surface and the right surface and to sense pressure with pressure sensors comprising a first pressure sensor associated with the left surface and a second pressure sensor associated with the right surface, the apparatus further comprising a processor operatively connected to the first scale and the second scale and the pressure sensors; weighing a person's weight bearing through both a left foot with the first scale, and simultaneously and independently weighing the person's weight bearing through a right foot with the second scale; changing a height of the left surface or the right surface from a neutral position between the person's left and right feet during said simultaneous and independent weight measurements by lifting or lowering the left surface and/or the right surface to the predetermined stops, such that the weight associated with the first scale and the weight associated with the second scale is an indication of said person's center of gravity bearing through the left and right legs; sensing pressure using the first pressure sensor of the first scale and the second pressure sensor of the second scale to provide pressure data; and using the processor to determine the thickness of the orthotic insert for the left shoe and the right shoe to even foot pressures for compensating for unequal leg lengths using the sensed pressure and a height difference between the left surface and the right surface.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the apparatus further comprises a display operatively connected to the processor.

3. A method for providing a measurement of the difference, if any, of left and right leg lengths of a person, in order to determine a thickness of an orthotic insert for a left shoe and a right shoe, the method comprising the steps of: providing an apparatus with a left surface and a right surface, the left surface associated with a first scale and the right surface associated with a second scale and wherein the apparatus is configured to independently lift and lower the left surface and the right surface to predetermined stops while the person is standing on the left surface and the right surface and to sense pressure with pressure sensors comprising a first pressure sensor associated with the left surface and a second pressure sensor associated with the right surface, the apparatus further comprising a processor operatively connected to the first scale and the second scale and the pressure sensors; weighing a person's weight bearing through both a left foot with the first scale, and simultaneously and independently weighing the person's weight bearing through a right foot with the second scale; changing a height of the left surface or the right surface from a neutral position between the person's left and right feet during said simultaneous and independent weight measurements by lifting or lowering the left surface and/or the right surface to the predetermined stops; sensing pressure using the first pressure sensor of the first scale and the second pressure sensor of the second scale to provide pressure data; and using the processor to determine the thickness of the orthotic insert for the left shoe and the right shoe to even foot pressures by for compensating for unequal leg lengths using the sensed pressure and a height difference between the left surface and the right surface.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) FIG. 1 is an illustration of the present invention.

(2) FIG. 2 is an illustration of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 3 is an illustration of a compute device used in conjunction with the present invention.

(4) FIG. 4 is an illustration of a mat used in conjunction with the method of the present invention.

(5) FIG. 5 is an illustration of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

(6) The present invention provides a variety of methods for quickly ascertaining the difference, if any, between a person's left and right leg lengths. The resulting measurements can be used to correctly determine the thickness of an insert for the left and/or right shoes in order to provide correction and alignment of a person's skeletal frame, and relief from pain, and possibly avoiding surgery, such as knee and/or hip replacement(s).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

(7) The preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 in its simplest form, which consists of the following elements:

(8) Person 100 is illustrated with unequal length legs. The left leg is illustrated as shorter than the right leg.

(9) Elevation Shim 110 is illustrated placed between Person 100's left leg and floor platform 120 to make up the difference in Person 100's leg length. Elevation Shim 110 is one of various thicknesses that could be made available at an Orthotic Kiosk, at a Podiatrist's Office, at an Orthotics Store, or shipped via a package to a potential customer's house or place of business for use in self-measurement in their own private setting. The various thicknesses of Elevation Shim 110s are required to be able to determine a range of difference in Person 100's leg length. As an example, a standard package of Elevation Shim 110s could include the following thicknesses for Person 100 to determine the correct thickness for either the left or right orthotic that is needed to equalize the difference in their leg length: 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm. Elevation Shim 110's are a simple means for Person 100 to sense which thickness of Elevation Shim 110 provides the best “feeling” of proper support.

(10) As an example, if Person 100 determines a 2 mm Elevation Shim 110 placed under the right foot provides the best “feeling”, or provides the most “relief”, they would order a standard thickness orthotic for their foot condition for their left foot, and a 2 mm thicker orthotic for their foot condition for their right foot. Floor 120 is illustrated as the floor of a building that is directly supporting Person

(11) 100's right foot, and supporting Elevation Shim 110 directly, which is in turn supporting Person 100's left foot and making up the difference in leg length.

(12) Alternatively, the present invention can be implemented using the method described as follows:

(13) The various thicknesses of Elevation Shim 110s needed to measure the potential inequality of leg length in Person 100 can be implemented as a Mat 400, as shown in FIG. 4, with various parallel Elevation Shims 110 built integrally into the Mat 400, as shown in FIG. 4. The following chart is an example of the thicknesses of various parallel Elevation Shim 110 paths for Mat 400 as illustrated in FIG. 4:

(14) TABLE-US-00001 CHART 1 ELEVATION SHIM ELEVATION PARALLEL SHIM 110 PATH NUMBER PATH (From One THICKNESS Side Of Mat AS SHOWN (Not Shown) IN END DIFFERENCE IN To Other VIEW OF THICKNESS FROM PARALLEL Side Of Mat FIG. 4 PATH TO PARALELL PATH (Not Shown)) (mm) (mm) 1 1 2 2 Path 1 To Path 2 - 1 mm Difference 3 4 Path 2 To Path 3 - 2 mm Difference 4 7 Path 3 To Path 4 - 3 mm Difference 5 11 Path 4 To Path 4 - 4 mm Difference 6 16 Path 5 To Path 6 - 5 mm Difference

(15) Person 100 would walk back and forth on Mat 400 as illustrated in FIG. 4 with each foot on a different parallel path, and all the various combinations of neighboring parallel paths of Mat 400 as illustrated in FIG. 4, record their subjective results, and determine which difference in elevation between the various parallel path “feels” the best as applied to either their right or left foot.

(16) Alternatively, Mat 400 can be approximately 12″ to 14″ long, and a Person 100 could have one at their residence, and stand instead of walk to determine which difference in thickness from parallel path to parallel path best fits a variety of different thickness orthotics they might own to compensate for different leg lengths on different days, which may be due to muscles that are more or less contracted on any particular day, or joints which may be in a different alignment due to a chiropractic adjustment, etc. Person 100 would stand with each foot on a different parallel path, and all the various combinations of neighboring parallel paths of Mat 400 as illustrated in FIG. 4, record their subjective results, and determine which difference in elevation between the various parallel path “feels” the best as applied to either their right or left foot.

(17) FIG. 2 is an alternative illustration of a more sophisticated embodiment of the present invention. The element of various thicknesses of Elevation Shim 110 needed to measure the potential inequality of leg length in Person 100 can be implemented without any Elevation Shim 110s. Each section of Split Floor 220, 221 would be raised and lowered continuously using hydraulic cylinder, or electrical cylinder, etc., throughout a range of motion, or to predetermined stops throughout a range of motion in order for Person 100 to assess what “feels” the best in conjunction with the measurements made by a kiosk, or a pair of split, integrated scales with the measurements interpreted by a competent professional such as a doctor, chiropractor, or trained specialist. As the Split Floor 220, 221 is moving throughout its range of motion, Person 100 could be enabled to press a button and record when they “feel” the best at a particular piston stop.

(18) As Split Floor 220, 221 moves through its various stops, it is also designed to return to various stop positions after the initial measurements are made and determine which “feels” better, stop 2 or stop 3, as an example. This is much like the procedure an ophthalmologist, or optometrist does when measuring a person's eyesight, and is fitting them for glasses or contact lenses, “Which is better, A or B?”.

(19) As an example, alternatively a orthotic kiosk, such as the Dr. Scholl Orthotic Kiosk could be re-designed to measure and assess the difference in thicknesses needed for either the left or right orthotic to compensate for differences in leg length, in addition to performing the aforementioned measurements designed to choose an orthotic that corrects for foot related problems. These measurements could be done in conjunction with Machine Vision technology, as a sophisticated aid to help measure the relative alignment and height of the left and right hips, left and right knees, left and right ankles, left and right shoulders, left and right eyes, etc. of Person 100. The machine vision technology (not shown) could be used to measure the height of a person as they stand alternatively on each leg independently, as it also measures the position of the knees, hips, shoulders, eyes, etc., as a means to help determine which leg is shorter, or longer, and be used in making an informed judgment based on a variety of measurements, including the all important amount of weight that a person with unequal leg lengths exerts on two independent, integrated scales, The following chart is an example of an orthotic kiosk with built-in piston stops that raise and lower the left and right sections of Split Floor 220, 221 mounted integrally in an orthotic kiosk:

(20) TABLE-US-00002 CHART 2 DIFFERENCE IN FLOOR ORTHOTIC HEIGHT FROM KIOSK SPLIT NEUTRAL POSITION RELATES FLOOR PISTON STOP (For Either Left Or TO AN NUMBER Right Moveable ELEVATION (For Either Left Or Right Floor Sections Of SHIM Moveable Floor Sections Orthotic Kiosk) THICKNESS OF: Of Orthotic Kiosk) (mm) (mm) 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5

(21) Person 100 is illustrated with unequal length legs. The left leg is illustrated as shorter than the right leg.

(22) The Piston Stops in Split Floor 220, 221 which act in the place of Elevation Shims 110 are used to measure, and make up the difference in Person 100's leg length. As the Piston Stops run up and down through a calculated number of positions, constant pressure sensor readouts are taken, which optionally can be made in conjunction with machine vision technology gathering data on the position and angle of the ankles, lower legs, knees, upper legs, hips, shoulders, eyes, etc. The sensor pressure data can be correlated with any optional machine vision data in order to determine the correct orthotic to even foot pressures, as well as the correct difference in thickness of orthotics to compensate for unequal leg lengths. The piston stop positions would relate to one of various thicknesses that could be made available at an orthotic kiosk (such as the Dr. Scholls Orthotic Kiosk illustrated previously), at a Podiatrist's Office, at an Orthotics Store, at a Chiropractor's office, etc.

(23) FIG. 5 is an illustration of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the Split Floor 220, 221 as illustrated in FIG. 2 as the floor of an orthotic kiosk, have been replaced by a Split Floor 220, 221 that also includes a pair of high-sample rate scales 520, 521 that directly supporting Person 100's left and right feet independently, which is designed to measure and assess which of Person 100's legs is short or longer than the other, if either.

(24) In FIG. 2, Person 100 is standing on Split Floor 220, 221 which are both located at the same elevation, which include an integrated pair of high-sample rate scales 520, 521, which may be built into an orthotic kiosk, or alternatively implemented as a pair of self-contained integrated scales that may optionally include pressure sensors, but are high-sample rate scales 520, 521 that are integrated, and designed to measure the weight bearing down of the left and right foot of Person 100 individually. The high-sample rate scales 520, 521 that are integrated, will record the weight (in lbs., kgs, etc.) of the amount of weight that is supported by the left and right legs of Person 100 respectively.

(25) As an example, if Person 100 weighs 125.0 lbs., and stands with both feet first on high-sample rate scale 220, and second stands with both feet on high-sample rate scale 520 and also weighs 125.0 lbs., it would be determined that the high-sample rate scales are calibrated at a zero difference relative to one another. The process can optionally be repeated by standing in the reverse direction as well, and both results averaged if there is a slight difference between the readings, and one, or the other scale could be zeroed out relative to the other scale.

(26) Next, if Person 100 stands with one leg on high-sample rate scale 520, and with their other leg on high-sample rate scale 521, which are both integrated, the weights recorded for their left and right legs would be 62.5 lbs. if their legs are of equal length. If Person 100 who is standing with one leg on high-sample rate floor scale 520, and high-sample rate floor scale 521 are different by more than a few pounds, it could be assumed, and eventually determined, that their legs are likely of an unequal length, which would require different thickness orthotics for each leg.

(27) As an example, high-sample rate scale 520 recorded a weight of 75.0 lbs., and high-sample rate scale 521 recorded a weight of 50.0 lbs., for a combined weight of 125.0 lbs. It would be determined that Person 100s leg that recorded a higher weight on high-sample rate scale 520 is likely shorter. This potential difference in leg length could be correlated with machine vision technology readings of the position and alignment of the ankles, knees, hips, shoulders, and eyes. This difference in weight readings on the pair of high-sample rate scales 520, 521, which could be a separate machine, or integrated into an orthotic kiosk, would likely be due to Person 100s center of gravity not bearing down through each leg equally

(28) Following is a chart that illustrates the raw data recorded by a high-sample rate floor scale that is sampling every 1/10th second as Person 100 stands on the pair of high-sample rate scales.

(29) TABLE-US-00003 CHART 3 Raw Data Recorded By High-Sample Rate Scale (220, 221) Weight Of Right Weight Of Left Leg Of Leg Of 125.0 Lb 125.0 Lb Person 100 Person 100 Recorded Recorded On High- On High-Sample Rate Time Sample Rate Scale 520 Scale 521 (Seconds) (Lbs) (Lbs) 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.2 47.0 25.0 0.3 59.2 38.4 0.4 74.0 51.0 0.5 74.2 50.8 0.6 75.0 50.0 0.7 75.2 49.2 0.8 75.4 49.6 0.9 74.2 50.8 1.0 74.8 50.2 1.1 75.2 49.8 1.2 73.6 51.4 1.3 75.8 49.2 1.4 75.0 50.0 1.5 43.0 37.0 1.6 28.8 0.4 1.7 0.2 0.3 1.8 0.1 0.4 1.9 0.3 0.3 2.0 0.0 0.0

(30) The raw data collected by the pair of high-sample rate scale 520, 521 during the measurements recorded in Chart 3 by programmed logic in a processor operating in conjunction with high-sample rate scale 520, 521 could be interpreted as follows in Chart 4:

(31) TABLE-US-00004 CHART 4 0.0 to 0.1 seconds - no weight on scales (scales zeroed relative to one another) (average non-tare readings = 0.0 lbs) 0.2 to 0.3 seconds - Person 100 steps on scales (data has no meaning, and is discarded from any calculations) 0.4 to 1.4 seconds - Person 100 is standing as still as possible on scales (average weigh recorded on scale 220 is 74.76 lbs, and the average weight recorded on scale 221 is 50.18 lbs) 1.5 to 1.6 seconds - Person 100 is getting off scales (data has no meaning, and is discarded from any calculations) 1.7 to 2.0 seconds - no weight on the scales, scales are zeroing out (average non-tare weight readings return to 0.0, no adjustments need to be made in any subsequent calculations)

(32) The Split Floor 220, 221 could then be unlocked, and raise up and down throughout their range of motion to determine at what points the integrated high-sample rate scales 520, 521 read within a few tenths of a pound of each other, at which point the compute device illustrated in FIG. 3 would use to determine the difference in shims required for the orthotics needed for person 100.

(33) The high-sample rate scales 520, 521, which are integrated, include a compute device 300 (not shown), that records readings from the high-sample rate scales 520. 521 to be capable of inputting Person 100's identity, as well as a method of storing data, a method of transmitting and receiving data, various ports to connect other devices, and a screen for communicating information with a Person 100, and a doctor, chiropractor, or other trained professional.

(34) FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a compute device (300) which can be attached to, or integrated into, a high-sample rate scales 520, 521 as illustrated in FIG. 5, which may be a pair of high-sample rate scales 520, 521, which may be independent, or alternatively integrated into the floor of an orthotic kiosk.

(35) Compute device (300) is comprised of the following elements, a scale port interface (310), which includes a PHY and MAC; a data port interface (320), which includes a PHY and MAC; a processor with memory (330); an input (340); and outputs including: a display (350), and visual indicator (360).

(36) The present invention includes a scale port interface (310), which includes a PHY and MAC, is provided for interfacing with scale high-sample rate scale 520,521 as illustrated in FIG. 2.

(37) Scale port interface (310) can be a wired or wireless connection.

(38) Examples of a wired connection include, but are not limited to, RS-232, Serial RS-232 max, RS-422-B, RS-423-B, RS-449, RS-485, RS-530, RS 561, RS-562, RS-612, RS-613, USB Low Speed, Parallel (Centronics), Serial RS-422 max, USB Full Speed, FireWire (IEEE 1394) 100, Fast Wide SCSI 2, FireWire (IEEE 1394) 200, FireWire (IEEE 1394) 400, USB Hi-Speed, FireWire (IEEE 1394b), etc.

(39) Examples of a wireless connection include, but are not limited to, IrDA-Control, 802.15.4 (2.4 GHz), Bluetooth 1.1, 802.11 legacy, Bluetooth 2, RONJA free source optical wireless, 802.11b DSSS, 802.11b+ non-standard DSSS, 802.11a, 802.11g DSSS, 802.11n, 802.16 (WiBro) and 802.16 (Hiperman), etc. Other examples of a wireless connection include, but are not limited to cell phone standards such as, but not limited to, GSM, UMTS, IS-95, CDMA 2000, etc.

(40) The present invention includes a scale port interface 320, which includes a PHY and MAC, is provided for interfacing with a Person 100 (not shown) and/or a doctor, chiropractor, or trained professional (not shown), or another person, or a remotely located server, web-based application, business information system, database, software application, cell phone application, etc. Data port interface (320) can be a wired or wireless connection.

(41) Examples of a wired connection include, but are not limited to, RS-232, Serial RS-232 max, RS-422-B, RS-423-B, RS-449, RS-485, RS-530, RS 561, RS-562, RS-612, RS-613, USB Low Speed, Parallel (Centronics), Serial RS-422 max, USB Full Speed, FireWire (IEEE 1394) 100, Fast Wide SCSI 2, FireWire (IEEE 1394) 200, FireWire (IEEE 1394) 400, USB Hi-Speed, FireWire (IEEE 1394b), magnetic stripe card reader, bar code scanner, etc.

(42) Examples of a wireless connection include, but are not limited to, IrDA-Control, 802.15.4 (2.4 GHz), Bluetooth 1.1, 802.11 legacy, Bluetooth 2, RONJA free source optical wireless, 802.11b DSSS, 802.11b+ non-standard DSSS, 802.11a, 802.11g DSSS, 802.11n, 802.16 (WiBro) and 802.16 (Hiperman), GSM CSD, HSCSD, GPRS, UMTS, CDMA, and TDMA, RFID, etc.

(43) The present invention may include a processor with memory (330). The memory may be on-board processor memory, or separate memory in compute device (300). Processor with memory (330) may be a device such as, but not limited to, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an ASIC, etc.

(44) The present invention includes an input (340). Input 340 may be a device such as, but not limited to, a keyboard, a touch screen, etc.

(45) The present invention includes a display 350. Display 350 may be a device such as, but not limited to, a LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a TFT (Thin Film Transistor), an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode), CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), etc. Display 350 can be used to display messages related to the Person 100, or doctor, chiropractor, trained professional, etc., regarding the measurements taken, whether a re-take is needed, advertising, inspirational messages, etc.

(46) The present invention includes a visual indicator 360. Visual indicator 360 may be a device such as, but not limited to, an LED (Light Emitting Diode). Only one is shown for clarity, but other visual indicators 360 may be included.

(47) In addition, to the various methods outlined in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 5 for helping person 100 determine which thickness of orthotics to purchase to correct for their unequal length legs, they may use the following method to help determine which leg is shorter, and an approximate difference in leg length. Any person 100 with unequal length legs will tend to stand on their shorter leg in a vertical alignment with the rest of their body, and with their long length leg off the side. Their legs form a right triangle, which can be analyzed using the Pythagorean theorem or Pythagoras' theorem is a relation in Euclidean geometry among the three sides of a right triangle (right-angled triangle). In terms of areas, it states: In any right-angled triangle, the area of the square whose side is the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is equal to the sum of the areas of the squares whose sides are the two legs (the two sides that meet at a right angle). The theorem can be written as an equation relating the lengths of the sides a, b and c, often called the Pythagorean equation:
a.sup.2+b.sup.2=c.sup.2
where c represents the length of the hypotenuse, and a and b represent the lengths of the other two sides.

(48) Applying the Pythagorean equation to the problem of unequal length legs on any person 100, a represents the distance between the center of the back of the heels on the left and right legs, b represents the distance from the floor to the crotch for the short leg (the leg in vertical alignment with the rest of the body), and c represents the unknown leg length of the long leg (the leg that is oriented off to the side of person 100's body).

(49) Solving for c then, the following equation can be used to determine the leg length of the long leg:
c=(a.sup.2+b.sup.2).sup.1/2

(50) Once c is known, the difference in leg length is calculated as follows:
c−b=Difference In Leg Length

(51) The optionally calculated Difference In Leg Length will be a good approximation, and a quick quality check of the Difference in Leg Length determined in the steps and methods associated with FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 5, as was illustrated in FIG. 4.

(52) It will therefore be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those herein described, as well as many variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing description thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to a particular embodiment, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended or to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise to exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements.

(53) What has been described herein is a system, method, and apparatus for providing a quick, accurate set of measurements to determine the difference, if any, of a person's left and right leg lengths, in order to determine the thickness of an insert for the left and/or right shoes in order to provide correction and alignment of a person's skeletal frame, and it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain advantages of the present invention have been achieved. It should also be appreciated that various modifications, adaptations, and alternatives may be made. It is of course not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components for purposes of describing the present invention. All such possible modifications are to be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention which is to be limited only by the following claims.