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: An apparatus for measuring the length or perimeter of an object has a main housing part provided with a main abutment and forming a main attachment location and a movable housing part provided with a movable abutment normally spaced longitudinally from the main abutment and with a movable location forming a guide. The movable part is longitudinally displaceable on the main housing part so as to displace the abutments longitudinally relative to each other and also to displace the locations longitudinally relative to each other. A flexible but substantially inextensible element has an outer end fixed to the main attachment location and an outer portion extending between the locations, passes through the guide at the movable location, has an intermediate portion guided in the movable part, and has an inner portion extending in the main portion and an inner end.

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: An apparatus is disclosed having a toe support portion, an arch support portion and a heel support portion, each of which are mounted along a longitudinal axis to be aligned with the elongate dimension of the foot, so as to be engageable with the respective portions thereof. The supports are movable along a vertical axis and rotatable about the longitudinal axis. A displacement means is also provided in coupling engagement with each support portion to displace vertically one of the support portions in response to vertical displacement of another of the support portions. A method is also disclosed for determining the neutral alignment position of a foot, while a further method is provided for ascertaining the condition of the posture of a person.

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: 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: An apparatus is disclosed for determining the shoe size corresponding to a foot, the apparatus is of the type including a foot rest adapted to recieve the foot to be measured and a measuring tape extending transverse to the foot rest, which is fixed at a first end relative to the foot rest, forms a loop over the latter, and is movable relative to the foot rest at its second end to tighten the loop about the circumference of the foot to be measured, and a reading point which is fixed relative to said first end of the measuring tape and is arranged opposite markings which are movable together with the second end of the measuring tape. The device is improved by providing additional reading points fixedly associated with the one reading point and a movable chart carrier which is coupled with the second end of said measuring tape and arranged adjacent to all reading points to receive the markings.

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: An equine leg conformation is altered by bracing the hoof against shifting movement while standing on a supporting surface, wedging the hoof to tilt it with respect to the surface into an attitude which serves to provide a desired altered leg configuration, and altering the support for the leg to provide a hoof attitude in normal use equivalent to the aforesaid attitude. Apparatus for use in altering the leg conformation includes a base providing a supporting surface for the hoof, means on the base for bracing the hoof against shifting movement, and wedge means advanceable on the base in the direction of the bracing means for tilting the hoof with respect to the supporting surface into an attitude which serves to provide a desired leg conformation.

Abstract: A device for measuring the human foot comprises: (a) at least one element consisting of a supporting surface for the bottom of the heel and a stop for the back of the heel; and (b) a graduated tape connected to the above element and surrounding the foot in an area passing through the rear end of the heel-bone and through the joint between the ankle bone and the scaphoid bone, the free end of the tape sliding in a passage and emerging from the device so that it can be grasped. This measuring device makes it possible to determine the type of boot best suited to the foot measured.