Modular work evaluation apparatus

A modular universal work evaluation apparatus to give therapists the ability to measure job task performance in the context of a variety of specific jobs or tasks. The invention generally comprises a main bench unit forming a walled semi-enclosure with a removable top, one or more simulated work evaluation stations enclosed within the main bench unit, and one or more work evaluation stations attachable to the main bench unit. All simulated work evaluation stations include a plurality of workable components for simulating specific job related tasks performed by the patient at work. The internal work evaluation stations include one or both of a simulated shoveling pit and/or a simulated engine block accessible by removing the removable top. The external work evaluation stations include one or more of a shelving unit for determining how much weight a patient can lift at various heights, a mechanical fastener module with a plurality of fasteners that can be assembled and disassembled with conventional tools, a simulated plumbing module having a plurality of valves and pipes that can be worked with conventional plumber's tools, and a simulated electrical module having various electrical components that can be worked with conventional electrician's tools.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates to work evaluation in which therapists 
measure job task performance of patients after job-related injuries and, 
more particularly, to a modular work evaluation apparatus with integral 
work evaluation stations including (but not limited to) a gravel pit to 
assess shoveling, a shelving unit to determine how much weight can be 
lifted at various heights, a mechanical fastener module to assess 
assembly/disassembly skills, an engine block module, a plumbing module, 
and an electrical module for assessment of manual dexterity during 
disassembly and repair. 
2. Description of the Background 
Therapists are often called upon to assess the degree of impairment of 
job-related functions (and the subsequent degree of rehabilitation) after 
a patient has incurred a job-related injury. 
A variety of generic muscle testing methods and devices have been proposed 
in the prior art. The most basic entail/require patients to push, pull, or 
exert some other force on their examining physician. The physician 
endeavors to recall his impression of the forces which the patient was 
able to exert during a previous visit, and this is compared over time to 
reach a conclusion regarding the patient's condition. The consistency and 
reliability of such impressions and evaluation procedures is highly 
questionable. This is particularly true where a physician sees hundreds of 
patients between visits. 
More reliable muscular evaluation devices have been proposed for use in 
testing muscles or muscle groups at substantially any position over the 
patient's body. These generally comprise specialized resistance devices 
adapted for use in testing muscular force. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 
4,939,933 to Curran shows an isometric strength-testing method and device 
using an adjustable testing station and a variety of attachments. U.S. 
Pat. No. 3,752,144 to Weigle, Jr. shows a muscular evaluation device 
including multiple stations at which a force sensor is placed against 
parts of a user's body to record strength. However, these and like devices 
fail to allow evaluation of job-related functioning in the specific 
context of the patient's actual job. Consequently, such devices have not 
been found to be practical or widely acceptable for use in job-related 
evaluation. 
There are a number of more job-specific devices. For instance, U.S. Pat. 
No. 5,498,162 to Schaefer shows a method for demonstrating a lifting 
technique using a box containing weights. U.S. Pat. No. 3,973,332 to 
Slomski shows a device for evaluating the psycho-physiological response of 
a driver. U.S. Pat. No. 4,471,957 to Engalitcheff, Jr. shows a method and 
work-bench device for rehabilitating damaged limbs for use in operating 
familiar hand-tools. The device employs resistance training on a rotatable 
shaft. U.S. Pat. No. 5,211,562 to Wickstrom discloses a method and device 
for evaluating physical ability with ordinary mechanics tools. Also, U.S. 
Pat. No. 5,498,162 to Schaefer shows a method for demonstrating a lifting 
technique using a box containing weights. While the above devices are more 
job-specific, and therefore allow evaluation in the context of only one 
job-related task. As such, they are not practical or widely acceptable for 
use in universal job-related evaluation. Presently, no known work 
evaluation device exists whereby a therapist can reliably and consistently 
evaluate the function of a patient suffering from a muscle disorder in the 
specific context of a range of particular jobs. It would be greatly 
advantageous to provide a more universal work evaluation device. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
In accordance with the above, it is an object of the present invention to 
provide a work evaluation apparatus to assess various job related 
functions of patients after injury at work, and in the specific context of 
their normal job tasks. 
It is another object to provide a compact modular work evaluation apparatus 
with a variety of integral and easily-accessible work evaluation stations. 
It is another object to provide a modular work evaluation apparatus with a 
variety of work evaluation stations corresponding to job-tasks in which 
job-related injury is most prevalent. 
It is still another object to provide a modular work evaluation apparatus 
which allows for easy and convenient retrofit inclusion of additional work 
evaluation stations as the need arises. 
According to the present invention, the above-described and other objects 
are accomplished by providing a modular universal work evaluation 
apparatus to give therapists the ability to measure job task performance 
in the context of a variety of specific jobs or tasks. The invention 
generally comprises a main bench unit forming a walled semi-enclosure with 
a removable top, at least one simulated work evaluation station enclosed 
within the main bench unit, and at least one work evaluation station 
attachable to the main bench unit. All simulated work evaluation stations 
include a plurality of workable components for simulating specific job 
related tasks performed by said patient at work. The internal work 
evaluation stations include one or both of a simulated shoveling pit 
and/or a simulated engine block accessible by removing the removable top. 
The simulated shoveling pit includes a substance to be shoveled (such as 
gravel), and an inclined shelf supported within the main bench unit. The 
inclined shelf is spaced from and angled downward toward the back wall of 
the main bench unit to allow the substance (when shoveled from a floor of 
the main bench unit onto the shelf) to recirculate back to said floor for 
further shoveling. 
The simulated engine block further comprises a shelf attached interiorly to 
a wall of the main bench unit, and a plurality of threaded sockets and 
corresponding spark plugs and an oil filter which can be installed and 
removed to/from the sockets with conventional mechanic's tools. 
The external work evaluation stations include one or more of 1) a shelving 
unit for determining how much weight a patient can lift at various 
heights; 2) a mechanical fastener module with a plurality of fasteners 
that can be assembled and disassembled with conventional tools; 3) a 
simulated plumbing module having a plurality of valves and pipes that can 
be worked with conventional plumber's tools; and 4) a simulated electrical 
module having various electrical components that can be worked with 
conventional electrician's tools. 
The shelving unit includes an adjustable-height shelf and adjustable-weight 
container positional on the shelf for determining how much weight a 
patient can lift at various heights. 
The mechanical fastener module includes a vertical pole with a plurality of 
pre-drilled holes there through and fasteners for attachment through the 
holes which can be assembled and disassembled. The pre-drilled holes are 
preferably spaced along said pole at various heights and angles to prompt 
the patient to assemble and disassemble the fasteners while assuming 
various body positions. 
The simulated plumbing module includes a vertical panel attachable to an 
exterior wall of the main bench, a horizontal shelf attached to and 
extending outward from the vertical panel, and a plurality of plumbing 
components including a faucet mounted on the horizontal shelf, and a 
plurality of valves and pipes mounted beneath the horizontal shelf. 
The simulated electrical module includes a vertical panel attachable to an 
exterior wall of the main bench, and various electrical components mounted 
on the vertical panel. 
Of course, many modifications of the invention would be apparent to those 
skilled in the art. Specifically, further simulated work evaluation 
modules may be added to the basic apparatus as the need arises. Such 
modifications are considered within the spirit and scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
The present invention is a universal work evaluation apparatus to give 
therapists the ability to measure the specific job task performance of 
patients after job-related injuries, and across a range of common job 
tasks. The work evaluation apparatus is designed to be as compact as 
possible to minimize space, yet fully functional to addressing a wide 
range of specific job tasks. This is accomplished by a modular design that 
incorporates a variety of integral and easily-accessible work evaluation 
stations. Presently, the work evaluation apparatus is configured to 
provide modular work stations corresponding to specific job-tasks in which 
job-related injury is most prevalent. However, the work evaluation 
apparatus is designed to allow easy and convenient retrofit inclusion of 
additional work evaluation stations as the need arises. 
FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a modular work evaluation apparatus 1 
according to one embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated work 
evaluation apparatus 1 generally includes a main bench unit 10 with 
lift-off cover 20, a shelving unit 2 for assessment of a patient's lifting 
capability at various heights, and a mechanical fastener module 3 for 
assessment of a patient's manual dexterity when manipulating wrenches and 
other hand tools. Other modules (to be described) are enclosed within the 
main bench unit 10 or are attached to its exterior for assessing a variety 
of other job-specific tasks. In its present and illustrated form the work 
evaluation apparatus 1 including main bench unit 10, shelving unit 2, 
mechanical fastener module 3, and all other modules are constructed 
substantially of hardwood panels with hardwood reinforcements and secured 
by conventional means such as bolts and tee nuts and/or wood screws or the 
like. However, it should be understood that plastic, fiberglass, or metal 
panels secured by appropriate means will serve the same purpose and such 
is a matter of design choice. 
In the illustrated hardwood embodiment, the main bench unit 10 is enclosed 
on three sides by three upright side panels 12. A floor panel 18 underlies 
and is secured to all three side panels 12, and a removable top panel 20 
serves as a top enclosure and work surface. 
The outwardly facing side is substantially unbounded, but is provided with 
a lateral brace 14 connecting the floor panel 18 and opposing side panels 
12. Corner reinforcing blocks 16 are secured at the lower four comers of 
the main bench unit 10 to reinforce the structure. All wood panels, blocks 
and struts are bolted or screwed together by conventional bolts and tee 
nuts and/or wood screws. 
The removable top panel 20 is unsecured but is preferably held in place 
atop the side panels 12 by downwardly protruding ribs or pegs (not shown) 
which conform to the opening. 
The dimensions of the main bench unit 10 and all other modules (to be 
described) are significant insofar as they are designed to accurately 
reflect the characteristics of actual occupational simulations within the 
constraints of a very compact overall unit. Accordingly, suggested 
dimensions will be provided. However, the exact dimensions are a matter of 
design choice and may be varied to fit particular needs. The suggested 
dimensions are therefore exemplary and reasonable variations are 
considered to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
Suggested dimensions of the main bench unit 10 are as follows: 
Height: 321/2" 
Length: 48" 
Width: 281/2" 
The shelving unit 2 is a three-walled enclosure including two opposing side 
panels 24 secured to a back panel 22. The back panel 22 of shelving unit 2 
is attached to the main bench unit 10 as shown by a pair of hasp 
assemblies 21 (detailed in enlarge bubble illustration) secured to 
opposing sides of the main bench unit 10. Each hasp assembly 21 includes a 
hinged hasp 23 secured at one end to the back panel 22 of the shelving 
unit 2. The free end of each hasp 23 is defined by a slot which can be 
pivoted into position over a yoked bolt 27, bolt 27 being secured in the 
side wall 12 of main bench unit 10. A conventional bolt 29 is inserted 
downward through the yoke of bolt 27 and is anchored therein by a 
conventional tee nut to thereby secure shelving unit 2 to the main bench 
unit 10. 
The two opposing side panels 24 and back panel 22 of shelving unit 2 are of 
equal vertical dimensions and stand approximately six (6) feet to allow 
comprehensive assessment of lifting capability over a patient's normal 
lifting range. 
A mechanical fastener module 3 (to be described more fully) is secured to 
one side of the main bench unit 10 to allow convenient assessment of a 
patient's manual dexterity while manipulating standard wrenches, screw 
drivers and other hand tools. The mechanical fastener module 3 includes an 
upright pole spaced from shelving unit 2 and a variety of attached 
fasteners to allow comprehensive assessment of manual dexterity over a 
patient's normal vertical range. 
FIG. 2 is a front perspective drawing of the shelving unit 2 as used in the 
modular work evaluation apparatus 1 of FIG. 1. Shelving unit 2 includes an 
adjustable shelf 26 to allow the therapist to determine how much weight 
can be lifted by a patient at various heights. The lateral extent of the 
adjustable shelf 26 conforms to the spacing between side panels 24. The 
specific height of shelf 26 is set by seating shelf 26 within opposing 
slots formed between equally spaced supporting slats 27 attached to both 
side panels 24. An equal number of slats 27 are secured by conventional 
wood screws or bolts along the inner surface of both side panels 24 to 
allow the therapist to select any height ranging from approximately one to 
six feet. Once the shelf 26 is inserted at an appropriate height, a box 28 
containing a predetermined weight is set in front on the floor. Box 28 is 
formed with slots in the sides which serve as handles. A patient may grasp 
the weighted box 28 by its side-handles and attempt to lift it and place 
it atop the shelf 26, thereby exhibiting their lifting capability for the 
therapist. The weight of the box 28 and height of the shelf 26 are 
variables which serve to indicate the lifting strength of the patient. 
Suggested dimensions of the shelving unit 2 are as follows: 
Height: 72" 
Length: 37" 
Width: 16" 
FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the mechanical fastener module 3 as 
used in the modular work evaluation apparatus 1 of FIG. 1. The mechanical 
fastener module 3 comprises vertical pole 3 of square cross-section with 
an assortment of nuts, washers and bolts attached along its length, the 
latter of which can be disassembled and assembled with conventional 
wrenches or other hand tools. This allows a therapist to measure the 
manual dexterity of the patient in the context of assembling and/or 
disassembling. Preferably the assortment of nuts, washers and bolts 
includes an array of conventional hex bolts, flathead screws and hex 
screws to allow testing of dexterity with corresponding wrenches and 
screwdrivers. The assortment of nuts, washers and bolts are evenly spaced 
and inserted in the pole 3 at regular intervals within pre-drilled holes. 
There are several optional simulation modules which can be stored within 
the confines of the main bench unit 10 and removed as desired and attached 
thereto for other types of evaluation. 
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the mechanical fastener module 3 
of FIG. 3. An integral spacer 31 is permanently attached to a pole 3 to 
allow the pole 3 to extend unobstructed past the top cover 20. Pole 3 (and 
spacer 31) are secured to one side panel 10 of the main bench unit 10 via 
conventional bolts and tee nuts (presently 3/8" bolts and mating tee 
nuts), the bolts protruding through both pole 3 and spacer 31 into side 
panel 12 of the main bench unit 10. The mechanical fastener module 3 may 
be conveniently attached/removed by means of a 3/8" wrench supplied with 
the unit. 
It is preferred that the assortment of nuts, washers and bolts be inserted 
through all four sides of pole 3 to insure that the patient must deal with 
various angles and postures. Similarly, it is preferred that the nuts, 
washers and bolts be inserted along both the upper length of pole 3 and 
the lower length of pole 3 to insure that the patient can be evaluated in 
both standing and crouching positions. 
FIG. 5 is a side perspective view illustrating removal of the main bench 
unit top cover 20 to gain access to the engine block module 4 and gravel 
pit module 5. Once the top cover 20 is removed, the interior of the main 
bench unit 10 is frontally exposed to give access to interior work 
evaluation modules to be described. One such interior work evaluation 
module is an engine block module. 
FIG. 6 is a front view of the engine block module 4 which is secured to the 
rear side panel 12 of the main bench unit 10. The engine block module 4 
comprises a vertical mounting board 42 secured by conventional bolts and 
tee nuts (presently 3/8" bolts and mating tee nuts) to the rear side panel 
12 of main bench unit 10. The engine block module 4 may be conveniently 
attached/removed by means of a 3/8" wrench supplied with the unit. 
Vertical mounting board 42 supports an attached horizontal shelf 44 
protruding approximately six inches toward the main bench unit 10 
enclosure. A number of threaded metal sockets (not shown) are embedded in 
the horizontal shelf 44 and are adapted for screw-insertion of a 
corresponding number of conventional spark plugs 46. Similarly, a threaded 
metal bolt 47 is embedded beneath the horizontal shelf 44 and is adapted 
for screw-insertion of a conventional oil filter 48. 
The array of upwardly mounted spark plugs 46 on shelf 44 and downwardly 
mounted oil filter 48 within the tight confines of the main bench unit 10 
provide an extremely realistic simulation of an actual vehicle engine 
compartment. This insures that the attending therapist can acquire a 
practical evaluation of the ability of an injured mechanic to install 
and/or remove actual spark plugs and oil filters in their customary 
working environment. It is envisioned that further engine components may 
be added as desired such as air filters and housings, thermostats, etc. 
All mounted components can be taken apart and put back together with 
conventional mechanic's tools to be provided. 
Suggested dimensions of the engine block module 4 are as follows: 
Height (of vertical mounting board 42): 4" 
Length (of vertical mounting board 42): 17" 
Width (of vertical mounting board 42): 61/2" 
FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the electrical module 6 illustrating 
its attachment to the main bench 10. Electrical module 6 includes various 
electrical components for assessment of manual dexterity during 
disassembly and repair of such devices. The components of electrical 
module 6 are secured to the face of a hardwood panel 61 that is in turn 
secured to one side panel 12 of the main bench unit 10. As before, one or 
more hardwood brackets (see ref 31 of FIG. 4) may be employed to serve as 
spacers thereby insuring that the electrical module 6 may extend 
unobstructed past the top cover 20. Panel 61 is secured by conventional 
bolts and tee nuts as shown (presently 3/8" bolts and mating tee nuts) 
which protrude into side panel 10 of the main bench unit 10. The 
electrical module 6 may be conveniently attached/removed by means of a 
3/8" wrench supplied with the unit. 
Suggested dimensions of the electrical module 6 are as follows: 
Height (hardwood panel 61): 48" 
Length (hardwood panel 61): 26" 
FIG. 8 is a front close-up view of the electrical module 6 of FIG. 7 
illustrating a presently preferred array of standard electrical 
components. The illustrated components include a main junction box 62 with 
integral bank of circuit breakers 63. The main junction box 62 is 
electrically connected to other components by conduits 69 which are 
anchored by compression collars 70. The main junction box 62 is fed 
through a single-pole switch box 67 by a main power conduit 68. The main 
junction box 62 feeds three conventional quad-socket power outlet boxes 
64, as well as a double-pole switch box 66. The double pole switch box 66 
is connected to a dual overhead light 65 as well as a single-bulb light 
socket 71. All internal wiring is present. This particular array of 
electrical components insures that the attending therapist can acquire a 
practical evaluation of the ability of an injured electrician to install, 
remove and/or test actual wiring in their customary working environment. 
It is envisioned that further components may be added as desired, and all 
mounted components can be taken apart and put back together with 
conventional electrician's tools to be provided. 
FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of the gravel pit module 5. The engine 
block module 4 should be removed prior to using the gravel pit module 5. 
Then, gravel or another substance is added to the interior confines of the 
main bench unit 10 and a standard shovel is employed to evaluate the 
ability of a laborer as they shovel gravel. In addition to the gravel 
itself, the gravel pit module 5 primarily comprises an inclined shelf 51 
which is attached by conventional bolts and tee nuts (with washers) to 
both opposing side panels 12 of the main bench unit. Inclined shelf 51 is 
attached so to span the interior of the main bench unit 10 between 
opposing side panels 12. The incline of shelf 51 is calculated to allow 
gravel shoveled onto its upper surface to run off, and the bottom edge of 
inclined shelf 51 is spaced a short distance from the rear panel 12 of 
main bench unit 10 to provide a clearance for the gravel to escape 
downward and back onto the floor panel 18 of the main bench unit 10. In 
this configuration, gravel is recirculated and can be continuously 
shoveled to give the attending therapist a practical evaluation of the 
ability of an injured laborer to shovel in their customary working 
environment for a prolonged period of time. It is envisioned that other 
substances may be used together with their appropriate implements. 
FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of the plumbing module 7 illustrating 
its attachment to the main bench 10. The components of plumbing module 7 
are secured to a horizontal shelf 78 and to the face of an attached 
vertical hardwood panel 77. The vertical panel 77 is in turn secured to 
one side panel 10 of the main bench unit 10. As before, one or more 
hardwood brackets (see ref 31 of FIG. 4) may be integrally attached to 
serve as spacers thereby insuring that the plumbing module 7 may extend 
unobstructed past the top cover 20. Vertical panel 77 is secured by 
conventional bolts and tee nuts (presently 3/8" bolts and mating tee nuts) 
which protrude into side panel 10 of the main bench unit 10. The plumbing 
module 7 may be conveniently attached/removed by means of a 3/8" wrench 
supplied with the unit. 
Suggested dimensions of the plumbing module 7 are as follows: 
Height (vertical hardwood panel 77): 31" 
Length (vertical hardwood panel 77): 21" 
Plumbing module 7 is shown to include a presently preferred array of 
standard plumbing components which can be assembled and put back together 
with conventional plumber's tools. The illustrated components include a 
sink fixture with faucet 71 and a drain extending downward to a 
conventional U-trap formed of conduits 72 coupled by compression fittings 
73. Two capped main conduit sections 74 are attached and extend forwardly 
from the vertical panel 77. Likewise, two smaller conduit sections 76 are 
attached and extend forwardly from the vertical panel 77, the two being 
connected by a length of flexible tubing 75. All fluid connections and the 
particular chosen array of plumbing components insures that the attending 
therapist can acquire a practical evaluation of the ability of an injured 
plumber to install, remove and/or test actual plumbing assemblies of 
various sizes while in their customary working environment (e.g., within 
tight confines in a crouched position under a sink. It is envisioned that 
further plumbing components may be added as desired, and all mounted 
components can be taken apart and put back together with conventional 
plumber's tools to be provided. 
Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiments and certain 
modifications of the concept underlying the present invention, various 
other embodiments as well as certain variations and modifications of the 
embodiments herein shown and described will obviously occur to those 
skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with said underlying concept. It 
is to be understood, therefore, that within the scope of the appended 
claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically set 
forth herein.