System and method for monitoring plantar temperature of the foot

Abstract

A console for measuring plantar foot pressure includes a support case and at least two temperature sensitive pads, disposed in the case, configured to allow a user to measure the temperature of the soles of their feet without assistance.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A console for measuring plantar foot temperature, said console comprising:
 a support case; and   at least one temperature sensitive pad, disposed in said case, configured to allow a user to measure the temperature of a sole of one of their feet without assistance.   
     
     
         2 . The console as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising two temperature sensitive pads allowing the user to compare the temperature of the soles of their feet to one another. 
     
     
         3 . The console as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein said temperature sensitive pad is a multi-layered pad with at least first, second, third and fourth temperature sensitive layers, which together form an overall plantar foot temperature profile for said user's foot. 
     
     
         4 . The console as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein said first temperature sensitive layer is a chiral nematic liquid crystal layer is configured to obtain a clear thermal image in the range of substantially 60-70 degrees F. 
     
     
         5 . The console as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein said second temperature sensitive layer is a cholesteric layer configured to obtain a clear thermal image in the range of substantially 74-80 degrees F. 
     
     
         6 . The console as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein said third temperature sensitive layer is a cholesteric layer is configured to obtain a clear thermal image in the range of substantially 82 degrees F., with a glow-green color 
     
     
         7 . The console as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein said fourth temperature sensitive layer is a leuco dye layer is configured to obtain a clear thermal image in the range of substantially 88 degrees F., with a fluorescent yellow color 
     
     
         8 . The console as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein said temperature sensitive pad further comprises a tycote ink layer disposed over said first chiral nematic liquid crystal layer. 
     
     
         9 . The console as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein said temperature sensitive pad further comprises a florescent yellow ink layer disposed under said leuco dye layer. 
     
     
         10 . The console as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein said temperature sensitive pad further comprises a polycarbonate film as a top layer to reduce glare.