Abstract: The present invention discloses an automatic foot-sizing apparatus having a base, at least one motor, an activation switch activated by the proximity of the ball of the person's foot, at least three panels driven by the motor for engaging the heel, the toe projecting forwardmost from the foot, and the outer edge of the person's foot being measured, a distance-determining means associated with each panel for producing data representing how far each panel travels from a known starting position until engaging the person's foot, and a microprocessor for detecting activation of the switch, for controlling the motor, for receiving the distance-representing data, and for converting the distance-representing data into a shoe size. The apparatus provides a visual display for providing measurement information to the user and a keypad entry to enable the user to start the apparatus and to indicate the age, sex, and arch-type of the person being measured.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an apparatus for measuring a foot's length and width to correspond to a shoe size, utilizing digital distributed sensor arrays The apparatus is a low profile self-contained apparatus comprising a transducing medium, a microcontroller, a reference impedance element, a signal amplifier, digital distributed sensor arrays comprising vertical and horizontal traces and a display to generate and display foot sizing data. The shoe size is then calculated using a sizing algorithm with the results shown on a display which is connected to the output of the microcontroller unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for analyzing feet which utilize matrixes of pressures sensors and optical sensors connected to a controller and a monitor. An apparatus of the invention includes a housing which houses a controller and a monitor and defines left and right foot wells for receiving left and right feet, respectively. The floor of each foot well includes a pressure pad assembly which includes a matrix of pressure sensor contacts covered by a variably resistive pressure pad to form pressure sensor matrixes. A digital signal processor normalizes and smoothes the pressure data for display on the monitor. Infrared LED's and phototransistors are located around the perimeter of each foot well and are utilized to measure the length, width, and heights of a foot. A microprocessor addresses each LED and phototransistor separately. The controller reads data created by the DSP and IR microprocessor, calculates additional data, and displays the resulting data on the monitor.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an apparatus for measuring a foot's length and width to correspond to a shoe size and a method to eliminate multiplexers and demultiplexers in circuits. The apparatus is a low profile self-contained apparatus comprising a transducing medium, a microcontroller, a reference impedance element, a signal amplifier, an analog to digital conversion circuit, and a display to generate and display foot sizing data. A microcontroller unit ?is connected directly to the hybrid multiplexing circuit which! contains algorithms which solve a set of linear equations to indirectly determine the electronic image of a foot. The shoe size is then calculated using a sizing algorithm and then displayed on a display which is connected to the output of the microcontroller unit.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining a contour of the underside of a person's foot includes an array of gauge pins supported by a first support structure and disposed in spaced relation for independent, guided movement along their longitudinal axes. An inflatable diaphragm elevates the gauge pins into extended positions until they contact the underside of the foot. A camera, forward of the gauge pin array, is pointed towards the gauge pin array. An initial reference image is captured of the gauge pins in their retracted position. The person's foot is then placed on the first support structure and the gauge pins are elevated (by means of the diaphragm). The gauge pins are locked in place; the foot is removed and an image of the conforming gauge pin array is acquired by the camera, using ambient light. The image is sent to a processor which analyzes the image and compares it to the reference image to determine the new location of the tops of the gauge pins.

Abstract: An apparatus for the laser measurement of the shape of an object or foot includes a base, a turntable, a linear slide, and a laser camera which slides on the linear slide. The turntable is attached to the base. The linear slide is attached to the turntable and extends from the turntable. The linear slide moves with the rotation of the turntable. The laser camera moves along and measures a first side and a second side of the object in order to create a three-dimensional profile of the object or foot shape. The apparatus further includes a robotic control and a computer. A method for measuring an object shape with the inventive apparatus provides a profile of the object or foot. The method also provides for the selection of a shoe size based upon the profile generated by the inventive apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring feet for fitting shoes which utilizes matrixes of pressures sensors and optical sensors connected to a controller and a monitor. An apparatus of the invention includes a housing which houses a controller and a monitor and defines left and right foot wells for receiving left and right feet, respectively. The floor of each foot well includes a pressure pad assembly which includes a matrix of pressure sensor contacts covered by a variably resistive pressure pad to form pressure sensor matrixes. A digital signal processor normalizes and smooths the pressure data for display on the monitor. Infrared LED's and phototransistors are located around the perimeter of each foot well and are utilized to measure the length, width, and heights of a foot. A microprocessor addresses each LED and phototransistor separately. The controller reads data created by the DSP and IR microprocessor, calculates additional data, and displays the resulting data on the monitor.

Abstract: An apparatus for electronically measuring a foot size including a tracing device for electronically tracing an outline of a consumer's foot, a data processing device for receiving measured foot outline data and for translating the foot outline data into a foot size, and a display device for displaying the foot size and foot outline data. A method for electronically measuring a foot size of a foot placed on a flat surface, including tracing a foot outline with a tracing device, transferring foot outline data to a data processing device, translating the foot outline data into a shoe size and displaying the shoe size and foot outline data.

Abstract: A product, in particular a shoe, apparel, a ball or a fishing lure, incorporating an impact sensing element made from polymeric piezoelectric material. In response to impact, the piezoelectric material generates an electrical signal to a battery-powered light- or sound-emitting unit or to an information display device which is at least partially molded into or contained in the product, thus causing circuitry to energize the light- or sound-emitting device from the battery or to display information on the information display device. In some embodiments involving light-emitting devices such as LEDs, the light is conducted to an outside surface of the product directly through the LED or via one or more optical fibers. A shoe can be provided with numerous light-emitting devices, one or more impact sensing elements, a temperature sensor and appropriate circuitry to process the impact and temperature information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring feet for fitting shoes which utilizes matrixes of pressures sensors and optical sensors connected to a controller and a monitor. An apparatus of the invention includes a housing which houses a controller and a monitor and defines left and right foot wells for receiving left and right feet, respectively. The floor of each foot well includes a pressure pad assembly which includes a matrix of pressure sensor contacts covered by a variably resistive pressure pad to form pressure sensor matrixes. A digital signal processor normalizes and smooths the pressure data for display on the monitor. Infrared LED's and phototransistors are located around the perimeter of each foot well and are utilized to measure the length, width, and heights of a foot. A microprocessor addresses each LED and phototransistor separately. The controller reads data created by the DSP and IR microprocessor, calculates additional data, and displays the resulting data on the monitor.

Abstract: A last having an outer footwear shaping surface is provided wherein the outer footwear shaping surface is constructed and arranged to have a foot length component corresponding to the length measurement of the foot, a width component corresponding to the width line, and curvature angles corresponding to the curvature angles of the foot. An arch-line component, a heel width component, and a foot volume component may also be provided to correspond with the foot.

Abstract: A shoe size selection system using a foot image to obtain measurement information in three dimensions leading to a proper shoe size recommendation. The system provides a computer program that interprets three-dimensional information about a foot and calculates the key features that relate foot length and girth data that affect the comfort and fit of a shoe. Apparatus is used to allow the computer to reproduce on a viewing screen the results of a scan of a foot and to indicate on a chart a preferred shoe size for a foot that may be normal as to physical form or abnormal as to physical form.

Abstract: A method for accurately sizing a foot 10 comprising the steps of deriving a length measurement from a foot centerline, calculating a width line between medial 40 and lateral 42 portions of foot 10 at the foot flexion points, determining an arch-line type, and comparing the angle of curvature of the medial edge and the lateral edge of foot 10 measured from a heel point 34 of foot 10. Calculations for heel width and foot volume are also provided.

Abstract: A sole measuring device, more particularly for soles of ski boots, having a rail which is attached to a stationary stop for the sole, on which rail there is slidably mounted a slide provided with another stop or which is formed as such. In such a device, provision is made according to the invention that both stops (4, 20) have marks which correspond to an acceptable minimum distance of the upper edge (11) of the sole (10) from its bearing face and to an acceptable maximum distance of the lower edge of the sole (10) from its bearing face. In this way, ski boots that can be used in conjunction with certain ski bindings can be sorted out in very simple fashion from those that are no longer suitable for this purpose.

Abstract: System for measuring the limit of peripheral strength, consisting of method and apparatus for raising the heel of a patient in discreet steps while testing for peripheral strength.

Abstract: A three-plane goniometer or angle measuring apparatus includes three small potentiometers which are closely spaced together to measure rotation of the knee about three different axes. The unit is primarily mounted on a cuff on the outside of the thigh. The mounting assembly for the three plane goniometer includes a curved yoke where the ends of the yoke curve from the front to the rear, with the goniometer unit being held between the ends of the rearwardly extending arms of the yoke, so that accurate measurement may be maintained in all three planes even while the knee is bent to its extreme flexed position. Extending downwardly from the goniometer is a square rod which slidably engages a square hole in a nylon ball mounted in a two-axis gimbal, which is secured to a cuff strapped to the calf of the leg.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for forming customized footwear, such as shoes, boots or inner bladders for shoes or boots, and particularly an athletic shoe or boot, is disclosed in which an impression of the foot is used to make a positive mold, around which the shoe, boot or bladder is constructed. In the improved process a range-of-motion measuring apparatus is used to accurately determine the neutral position of the bone structure of the rearfoot complex of the foot. The foot is maintained in that position by means of the apparatus while the impression or casting of the foot is being made. The process provides a shoe, boot or inner liner or bladder therefor which will evenly support the foot in a neutral position. The range-of-motion measuring apparatus includes a beam generating laser that is directed toward a mirror mounted on the leg of the person being fitted.

Abstract: A shoe sizer capable of measuring the feet of men or women and designed to be readily shipped by mail, comprising a base having a flat upper surface, an elongate slot, and a plurality of mounting recesses; a vertically-projecting heel portion having a mounting lug for engaging one of the mounting recesses and designed to accurately and consistently position a heel on a selected portion of said base; a vertically projecting stopping member to aid in the proper positioning of the foot; a foot width indicator which is slidably engaged in the elongate slot; and a sizing grid placed on the upper surface of the base so as to accurately and consistently measure the size and width of either men's or women's feet.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the measurement of the dimensions of footwear lasts and for determining reference directions for measurement and manufacture are described. Horizontal and vertical projection tracings are made from a master last, by a mechanical sensing-following mechanism combined with an optical projection system. Deviations from desired positions are rectified by displacing the last, in at least two directions. The location and magnitude of deviations can be marked on the last.

Abstract: A universally sized insole of a cushioned material having pattern markings printed therein for trimming to the appropriate size. Men's and women's size markings are oppositely displaced on the insole to minimize interference between the two to facilitate trimming.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a measuring device for measuring the relative-correctable difference in length of a person's legs in order to determine the amount of elevation required in the construction of an orthopedic shoe to compensate for such difference. The measuring device includes a base plate of predetermined thickness and a sole plate of predetermined thickness, the sole plate having a plan configuration similar to the base plate. Means are provided for preventing relative movement of the sole plate and the base plate, and means for securing the base plate and the sole plate to the foot of the associated person is provided whereby such person can stand and walk on the measuring device. Additional measuring plates of predetermined thickness are provided for increasing the elevation of the measuring device in predetermined increments whereby the correctable difference in elevation of the associated person's leg can be determined.