Measuring and testing – Human stress limit
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-29
2001-05-15
Raevis, Robert (Department: 2856)
Measuring and testing
Human stress limit
Reexamination Certificate
active
06230574
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an apparatus and method for assessing the strangulation hazards of products and apparel, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for assessing strangulation hazards of these products and apparel on children.
2. Description of the Related Art
Currently, techniques for measuring the strangulation hazards of children's products and apparel are inadequate. Despite numerous safety requirements, over 150 children strangled to death between 1981 and 1991 as a result of products and apparel specifically intended for children's use. Children's products and apparel can pose serious strangulation hazards if not properly designed.
There have been some studies on the qualitative relationship between different types of childhood products and apparel, and the strangulations hazards they pose. However, there is no present method for quantitatively assessing the degree of strangulation hazard posed by children's products and apparel. Consequently, the potential risks associated with these products and apparel are not fully understood. Therefore, products and apparel are released in the market without proper testing of the risk of strangulation on the user. There is a need for an objectively-based test for assessing the level of strangulation hazards associated with a children's product.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The advantages and purposes of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages and purposes of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
To attain the advantages and in accordance with the purposes of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the invention includes an apparatus for measuring the effect of strangulation. The apparatus comprises a model of a human having an artificial neck, and at least one sensor for measuring physical characteristics of the artificial neck during application of an applied force on the artificial neck.
In another aspect, the model further includes a circulation system for circulating a fluid, and the at least one sensor includes a plurality of flow sensors to measure a flow of the fluid in the circulation system at predetermined locations and a plurality of pressure sensors to measure a pressure of the fluid at predetermined locations.
In a further aspect of the invention, the model includes a closed tube, and the at least one sensor includes a pressure sensor to measure the pressure of the air in the closed tube.
In a yet further aspect of the invention, the invention includes a method for measuring the effect of strangulation on a model of a human. The method comprises the steps of imparting an applied force on the neck portion of the model and measuring the physical characteristics of the neck portion during the application of the applied force on the neck portion.
In another aspect, the invention includes a method of manufacturing an artificial human neck. The method includes the steps of: producing an artificial carotid artery and artificial jugular vein by forming a mandrel by molding a first castable liquid material, placing the mandrel in a vein or artery mold, pouring a second castable liquid material around the mandrel inside the vein or artery mold to form the vein or artery, and heating the mold to slightly above the melting temperature of the mandrel to remove the mandrel from the vein or artery; producing an artificial spine and artificial muscle tissue surrounding the artificial spine; and producing an artificial trachea and artificial fat tissue surrounding the artificial trachea.
In a further aspect, the invention includes a method of manufacturing an artificial human neck. The method includes the steps of producing an artificial spine and muscle tissue surrounding the artificial spine, producing an artificial fat tissue, and inserting a closed tube inside the artificial fat tissue.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4194303 (1980-03-01), Heller
patent: 5018977 (1991-05-01), Wiley et al.
patent: 5055052 (1991-10-01), Johnsen
Milkovich Scott
Rider Brian
Rider Eugene D.
Stool Daniel
Xu Tao
Finnegan Henderson Farabow Garrett & Dunner L.L.P.
Raevis Robert
Risk Analysis & Management
LandOfFree
Apparatus and method for measuring strangulation effect does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Apparatus and method for measuring strangulation effect, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Apparatus and method for measuring strangulation effect will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2507489