Sock for detection of pressure points on feet
US6918883B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 18, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jul 19, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 1, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/1036
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides a sock containing a coating applied to at least a portion of a surface of the sock for sensing pressure points on a patient's foot. The coating material comprises a pressure-sensitive film comprised of oxygen-sensitive photo luminescent probe molecules dispersed within a polymer matrix, and, optionally, an inorganic pigment. Areas of increased pressure can be detected by correspondence to areas on the film of increased fluorescence intensity. The coating material can also be comprised of a coloring agent or dye such that after the sock has been worn for a period of time, in those areas of the foot susceptible to pressure points, the coating material transfers from the interior of the sock and adheres to the foot in those points. The present invention is particularly applicable to persons having diabetic neuropathic feet wherein portions of the foot may be insensitive to pressure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.