Abstract: A shoe sizing assembly for measuring and constructing custom shoe sizes includes a panel that is positionable on a support surface for having a person's foot placed thereon. A scanner is coupled to the panel and the scanner emits a measuring signal upwardly from the panel thereby facilitating the scanner to detect the sole of person's foot. In this way the scanner measures the size of the person's foot. A heating element is coupled to the panel and the heating element heats the panel when the heating element is turned. Thus, the heating element melts an adhesive between the shoe sole and the shoe upper for bonding the shoe sole to the shoe upper.

Abstract: A sole measuring device includes a slow recovery memory unit configured to receive a foot sole and to create a foot print, an alignment unit connected to the slow recovery memory unit used for indicating an alignment position of the foot, and a scale unit connected to the slow recovery memory unit used for providing a scale mark. The present invention is able to measure not only foot length but also foot width precisely, as well as foot arch can be inferred properly.

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 present invention provides a base plate that forms an insole for an orthotic foot brace. The base plate has a graph inscribed on one of its surfaces. It includes first and second coordinate markings to define positions for attaching podiatric appliances to the base plate. The foot of the patient can be placed against the base plate on the graph and a traced outline can be formed of the foot. After attachment of the podiatric appliance at positions defined by the coordinates and prescribed by a health care provider, the base plate can be cut to the outline of the foot to form the insole of the orthotic foot brace.

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: In a patterned matrix for use in conjunction with the skiving of shoe parts upon a splitter machine, the pattern matrix being applied contiguous with the intended shoe part for application to the machine, the pattern matrix including along its edge a relief or raised portion that urges the aligned edges of the shoe part into a greater skiving out than any other portion of the shoe part, and another relief being of greater density, comprising a cord, arranged within the first relief or raised portion and effecting during skiving a deeper cut into the intended shoe part to assure a uniformly weakened area for forming the fold line for the shoe part when being fabricated into a shoe component. A pair of patterned matrixes may be adhered together, as through a pressure sensitive material, with the relief member therebetween, for allowing usage of the patterned matrix for forming skived edges upon shoe parts of reverse proportions, as where each may be constructed into a pair of shoes.

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.