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: 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: The gauge comprises a platform (1) showing a band of parallel curves (3) arranged with points of maximum offset from the longitudinal axis of the platform and reflecting different heel-to-toe lengths which are repeated in a scale (4) marked along the edge flanking the inside of the foot (P); the breadth fit is measured by means of a tape (7) anchored slidably to the scale at one end, which is passed diagonally over the instep and back under the platform, clearing the outside edge, (15a), in such a way that graduated markings afforded by the remaining end (7a) can be read off against the inside edge.

Abstract: A pedotopography apparatus which measures the shape of a foot by producing a moire fringe pattern representative of the underside of the foot, capturing and storing an image of the moire fringe pattern in an image storage buffer, analyzing the image to locate at least two points of interest on the foot and computing information corresponding to the distance between the two points. In the preferred embodiment the captured image is processed by Sobel convolution to enhance edges in the image. Both an apparatus and a method of processing are disclosed.

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: The jig for facilitating the adjustment of a block under the sole of a cyclist's shoe, comprises a support (5) whereon the user's foot (6) is intended to be positioned. This support (5) is provided with an indentation (7) intended to receive the bulge corresponding to the articulation of the first metatarsal; a stop (19) is slidably mounted along the longitudinal direction of the support (5), this stop (19) being capable of being applied against one end of the foot (6), and provision is made for at least one graduation (G) on a longitudinal edge of the support, so as to cooperate with a specific zone (33) of the stop (19), to indicate the correct adjustment of the block (2) to be carried out, so that the articulation of the first metatarsal should occupy a specific position in relation to the axis (34a) of the pedal (34).

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: Apparatus for electronically measuring the size of a foot for determining a properly fitted specific shoe size. A light source is arranged to cause an outline of a foot to be delineated upon a translucent panel. Light energy is directed from the panel through photo optic means to an electronic device containing means for inherently discriminating impulses of energy into a distinct white/black status to produce an electronic duplicate of the foot outline. The electronic image of the foot is processed within the apparatus to determine an accurately fitted size of shoe for the measured foot. Video display means is provided so that a customer may view the process of measurement of the shoe size and be informed of the precisely determined size of shoe to fit the customer's measured foot. Specific hardware is provided in the form of schematic diagrams for defining the operation of the invention.

Abstract: An illuminated foot measuring grid is provided which allows any number of users to measure foot size by standing upon a rear illuminated measuring grid work. The grid is also warmed by the illuminating source and is a great comfort to the user. While supported by a rigid frame, the top illuminated panels are actually a sandwich of three light transmitting panels. The bottom, very thick panel provides structural support. The intermediate panel contains the graphic grid work as well as any advertising and decorative colored regions. The top panel is a thin disposable panel which is replaced when it becomes worn. Chairs may also be placed upon the invention for user convenience and comfort.

Abstract: Apparatus for electronically measuring the size of a foot for determining a properly fitted specific shoe size. A light source is arranged to cause an outline of a foot to be delineated upon a translucent panel. Light energy is directed from the panel through photo optic means to an electronic device containing means for inherently discriminating impulses of energy into a distinct white/black status to produce an electronic duplicate of the foot outline. The electronic image of the foot is processed within the apparatus to determine an accurately fitted size of shoe for the measured foot. Video display means is provided so that a customer may view the process of measurement of the shoe size and be informed of the precisely determined size of shoe to fit the customer's measured foot.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for determining shoe size by examination of a foot, which device is portable, consumes relatively little energy and is entirely free of mechanical components. The apparatus is of the type in which radiant energy emitters and radiant energy sensors are provided in opposed, spaced relationship and measurement is achieved by interposing the foot therebetween. Discrete emitters and sensors are provided along the length and width of the foot in dedicated emitter/sensor pairs which are spaced from other such pairs by a distance not exceeding the dimensional difference between consecutive shoe sizes. In various embodiments, correlation is maintained between emitter/sensor pairs through spatial arrangement, time division, multiplexing and combinations thereof, as well as through diverse modulation. At the same time, correlation between adjacent pairs is kept low to avoid cross-interference effects.

Abstract: A device for measuring and exhibiting the length and width of the human foot which comprises a first movable member adapted to be placed in contact with the end of a foot and a second movable member adapted to be placed in contact with the side of the foot. The device also includes an alpha-numeric display means which is adapted to exhibit at a single location the various lengths and widths of a foot and means responsive to the placement of the movable members for enabling the exhibition in the display means of the specific length and width of the foot measured.

Abstract: The specification describes an automatic machine for measuring the length, width and girth of a foot for the purpose of determining the most appropriate shoe size. The machine measures the width of the foot at a distance approximately three quarters of the length of the foot from the heel end and measures the girth of the foot at the same position. Placing the heel against a heel stop on a platform initiates motor driven movement of a toe stop towards the toes. When the toe stop comes into abutment with the toes, a microswitch is actuated which starts a motor driving one of two width probes for bringing the two width probes into engagement with opposite sides of the foot, the width probes being coupled together for lateral floating movement. The width probes are mounted on a carriage which is driven lengthwise of the foot in conjunction with the toe stop end at three-quarters of the speed of the toe stop.