Having A Support Or Foot Locator For Body Patents (Class 33/515)
  • Patent number: 12042020
    Abstract: Custom-made shoes and orthopedic insoles support the wearer, with these products being manufactured at specialist retailers by a method that includes the steps of: producing a footprint; capturing the footprint and a measurement standard as a footprint image using a camera; and, extracting and/or determining the characteristic foot data on the basis of the footprint image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Inventor: Martin Bischoff
  • Patent number: 11096623
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for characterizing a condition of spinal deformities are contemplated. Mobile devices that incorporate inclinometers or accelerometers are held securely in a supporting structure. Supporting structures can include features that secure the mobile device in an upper portion and a lower portion that includes at least one roller, and a centrally placed notch dimensioned to permit the assembled device to span the width of a typical human spinal column. The roller includes an encoder that provides a measure of distance travelled as the device rolls. The support device can include additional features, such as additional sensors that are accessible by the mobile device, a centrally placed guide that can be used to keep the assembled device in alignment during use, and supplementary battery power for the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Avalon Spinecare (HK) Limited
    Inventors: Yuk Lun Tsang, Lut Hey Chu, Johnson Yiu-Nam Lau
  • Patent number: 10834898
    Abstract: An orthosis is fitted to a body joint, in a preferred embodiment the equine fetlock, by locating the center of rotation (COR) of the joint; measuring the bones comprising the joint at points located with respect to the COR; selecting the appropriate orthosis from a selection of models thereof; and custom-fitting the orthosis to the individual by heating it to soften a layer of thermoformable foam on the interior of the orthosis and clamping the orthosis in place over the body joint. A kit of tools for performing the measurements is disclosed, as are a method for location of the COR of the body joint by palpation and a preferred heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Horsepower Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Mouli Ramani, Victoria Thompson, Keith Sproat, Kristin Jugenheimer Size, Richard L. Miller, Carl A. Kirker-Head, Geralyn Schad, Evan Hunter Williams
  • Patent number: 10149637
    Abstract: A method for selecting size of an orthotic for a foot is described, where the method comprises collecting certain measurements for a foot, such as a length l1 corresponding to a distance from a proximal point of the heel to a base of a metatarsal head and, optionally, a width w corresponding to a distance from the medial edge of the foot at approximately the base of the first metatarsal head to the lateral edge of the foot at approximately the base of the fifth metatarsal head, and, optionally, a height h corresponding to the height of the lateral foot arch relative to ground. The height h is measured, in some cases, with the foot in an adjusted or restored condition. The measurements are used to recommend or to select a size of an orthotic product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Inventor: Sue Ann Latterman
  • Patent number: 9423231
    Abstract: A positioning device for positioning the saddle of a bicycle that includes a measuring pole and an adaptor positioned at an end of the measuring pole for coupling the end to the pedal crankshaft of the bicycle. The positioning device also includes a positioning assembly with a base that is configured to be supported on the saddle. An articulation assembly couples the base with the measuring pole. The base is slideable along the measuring pole and has a main plate that is capable of being supported on the saddle. The base includes a front stop adapted for abutting a front end of the saddle. The positioning device being adapted for incorporating an angle of inclination measuring device for measuring the angle of inclination of the measuring pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Inventors: Jose Luis Fernandez Sanchez, Ion Oregui Unamuno
  • Patent number: 9301688
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel approach means of screening foot skin condition of patients at risk for foot tissue breakdown, such as persons with diabetes, through the provision of a remote screening device that can be used in telemedicine or home self-monitoring approaches. The invention would record high resolution images of the bottom of the patient's feet, without artifacts or other distortions that might arise from images taken of feet that have been compressed through standing and the like. These images could immediately be viewed by the patient and/or electronically submitted to a medical facility where clinicians could screen the images for signs of tissue breakdown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignees: The United States of America, as Represented by Dept. of Veterans Affairs, Regents of University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Gary D. Goldish, Andrew Hansen, Eric Nickel
  • Patent number: 8984759
    Abstract: A bicycle cleat positioning kit includes a foot locating instrument and a foot measuring instrument. The foot locating instrument includes a foot support surface. The foot measuring instrument includes a foot reference indicator indicative of a foot reference location and a cleat attachment indicator indicative of a cleat attachment location relative to the foot reference indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Aoki, Junichi Kikuta
  • Patent number: 8914988
    Abstract: A measurement system is described for determining the varus and/or valgus angles of a pronating and/or supinating foot, especially when the subtalar joint of the foot is placed and/or maintained in a neutral position. When the user's foot is maintained in the subtalar joint neutral position, it causes a platform member to rotate relative to a correspondingly shaped depression formed in a base portion such that a top surface of the platform member is no longer in a substantially coplanar relationship with a top surface of the base portion. When this occurs, a bottom surface of the platform member is exposed. As a result, indicia are exposed which correspond to degree markings disposed on the bottom surface of the platform member. The degree markings indicate the angle that corresponds to the varus and/or valgus angles, and thus the amount of pronation and/or supination, of the user's foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Marie Smirman
  • Publication number: 20140360033
    Abstract: An apparatus comprised of a plurality of engagement structures independently movable along a longitudinal axis to initially engage a mid-foot region of a foot is described. A center structure or a first set of engagement structures engage the foot in a mid-foot region, and one or more peripheral engagement structures engage the plantar surface in regions surrounding the mid-foot region independent from the structure(s) engaging the mid-foot region. Positional information about the engagement structures is obtained, and a surface map from the positional information is constructed, to determine a profile or contour for an orthotic device in which the foot is in a restored bone state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: J. Kevin Miller, Neal J. Beidleman, Neville A. Bonwit, Luke Clauson, Kenneth J. den Dulk, Gregg E. Freebury, Matthew B. Newell
  • Patent number: 8893397
    Abstract: A modular footbed comprised of a forefoot portion, a heel portion, a bridge and arch support can be fashion to place the knee in dynamic alignment with the femoral head of the femur and the ankle. Standing on one leg and repetitively extending and flexing the knee of the supporting leg, one can observe side-to-side deviations of the knee from a natural position. Various components of the modular footbed are incorporated so as to enable the knee to remain aligned throughout its range of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Eric G. Ward
  • Publication number: 20140182152
    Abstract: A footgauge having a foot support plate having an upper surface on which the foot is placed with the heel against a fixed heel abutment. A touchscreen computer device (TCD) is inserted in a tray below the surface and engages a movable toe abutment. The toe abutment is moved into engagement with the foot and the user then and the user then presses a fixed pointer into contact with the screen of the TCD. The TCD is programmed and calibrated so as to give a foot length reading which is dependent on how far the toe abutment is moved towards the heel abutment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventors: Chris Towns, Peter Rickett, Dan Innes, Yaan Kinally
  • Publication number: 20140096406
    Abstract: The invention refers to a shoe-measuring gadget (1) for determining the accuracy of fit of shoes (22), which has a foot length-measuring device (2) for determining the foot length of a foot (21) positioned in the shoe-measuring gadget and an inner shoe length-measuring device (3) for determining the spatial length remaining between the longest toe of the foot (21) and the inner shoe wall opposite this toe. The shoe-measuring gadget can be used for determining the accuracy of fit after the foot measurement determination in the shoe (22) intended for this purpose. According to the invention, the shoe-measuring gadget has a width-measuring device (14) designed in such a way that it is capable of, at least area-wise, recording the foot width of the foot (21) positioned in the shoe-measuring gadget and, at least area-wise, the inner shoe width in the shoe-measuring gadget inserted in the shoe (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Clevermess UG
    Inventor: Nicole Oberhofer
  • Publication number: 20130318805
    Abstract: A bicycle cleat positioning kit includes a reference indicating instrument and a cleat adjusting instrument. The reference indicating instrument includes a shoe reference indicator with respect to a bicycle shoe. The cleat adjusting instrument includes a cleat adjusting indicator indicative of an adjustment amount of a cleat with respect to the shoe reference indicator of the reference indicating instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Toshiaki AOKI, Junichi KIKUTA
  • Publication number: 20130318763
    Abstract: A bicycle cleat positioning kit includes a foot locating instrument and a foot measuring instrument. The foot locating instrument includes a foot support surface. The foot measuring instrument includes a foot reference indicator indicative of a foot reference location and a cleat attachment indicator indicative of a cleat attachment location relative to the foot reference indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Toshiaki AOKI, Junichi KIKUTA
  • Patent number: 8567080
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of measuring and identifying foot arch type according to footprint data. The method includes: obtaining a static standing footprint having a foot contour including lateral and medial contours; obtaining a lateral ball and lateral heel tangent points of the footprint, and a medial ball and a medial heel tangent point of the footprint; obtaining a ball and a heel mid-point; obtaining a foot center axial line and a foot perpendicular bisector; obtaining the length of a foot width Lf as the length of the foot perpendicular bisector, and the width a foot arch La; and calculating a foot type index FTI by dividing the width of the foot arch La by the length of the foot width Lf (FTI=La/Lf), and identifying a foot arch type of the footprint by the foot type index FTI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Global Action Inc.
    Inventors: Sai-Wei Yang, Keh-Tao Liu, Chao-Yi Cheng
  • Patent number: 8567081
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining contours of a patient's foot. The apparatus includes an alignment section that orientates the foot relative to an optical imaging section. The alignment section includes at least one support member located proximate a focal length of the imaging section, that engages the plantar surface substantially only in the immediate area of the fifth metatarsal head of the foot. The support generates a dorsally-directed load that locks the midtarsal joint. The alignment section further includes a heel stirrup and a laser beam or other reference line for aligning the second metatarsal head with the distal one-third of the lower leg, to place the subtalar joint in a neutral condition. The foot is thus suspended in space such that the imaging section is able to obtain an accurate measurement of the plantar surface without distortion of the soft tissues or bone structure of the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Northwest Podiatric Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20130276317
    Abstract: A measurement system is described for determining the varus and/or valgus angles of a pronating and/or supinating foot, especially when the subtalar joint of the foot is placed and/or maintained in a neutral position. When the user's foot is maintained in the subtalar joint neutral position, it causes a platform member to rotate relative to a correspondingly shaped depression formed in a base portion such that a top surface of the platform member is no longer in a substantially coplanar relationship with a top surface of the base portion. When this occurs, a bottom surface of the platform member is exposed. As a result, indicia are exposed which correspond to degree markings disposed on the bottom surface of the platform member. The degree markings indicate the angle that corresponds to the varus and/or valgus angles, and thus the amount of pronation and/or supination, of the user's foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: MARIE SMIRMAN
  • Patent number: 8479405
    Abstract: A measurement system is described for determining the varus and/or valgus angles of a pronating and/or supinating foot, especially when the subtalar joint of the foot is placed and/or maintained in a neutral position. When the user's foot is maintained in the subtalar joint neutral position, it causes a substantially hemispherically shaped platform member to rotate relative to a correspondingly shaped depression formed in a base portion such that a top surface of the platform member is no longer in a coplanar relationship with a top surface of the base portion. When this occurs, a bottom surface of the platform member is exposed. As a result, indicia are exposed which correspond to degree markings disposed on the bottom surface of the platform member. The degree markings indicate the angle that corresponds to the amount of pronation and/or supination of the user's foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Marie Smirman
  • Patent number: 8382684
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of displaying pressures and forces on a part of the skeleton such as the feet which relate to movements of the human or animal body, especially movements of the lower skeleton, e.g. foot, ankle, knee or hip; as well as to a method of displaying these movements based on the measured pressures and forces on the feet. The present invention also includes apparatus for displaying these pressures and forces and/or movements and software for use in the apparatus. In particular eversion or inversion motion of the foot is displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: RSSCAN International
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Wilssens
  • Patent number: 8347517
    Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device of flexible material for the determination of parameters for the production of dental prostheses which combines different functions, including protractor, spacing template, ruler and an option of utilizing a compass-formed modulus shear measuring module to facilitate shearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Heraeus Kulzer GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Polei
  • Patent number: 8322043
    Abstract: An automatic anthropometer for automatically measuring human height is provided. The automatic anthropometer includes a main post configured to stand vertically to a foot board and have a guiding rail formed integrally with an inner surface in a length direction, a sliding post configured to include a guide wheel that rotates along the guiding rail, and ascend and descend along the length direction of the main post under the guide of the guiding rail to measure height of a user, a head-touch bar configured to be coupled to the sliding post, and a lifting-driving device configured to raise and lower the sliding post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Biospace Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ki Chul Cha
  • Patent number: 7975390
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the critical foot and shoe-last dimensions and variables is provided. The apparatus includes a surface for a foot to stand on, a mechanism to determine the axis passing through heel centerline, a mechanism to determine the foot or shoe last width measurement, a mechanism to determine the axis passing through center of the foot (or last) width, a mechanism to determine the mid-foot height and a mechanism to determine heel width. Based on the above mentioned mechanisms, the apparatus can determine the required dimensions and the curvature of a person's foot, called the flare angle, and as well as the curvature of a shoe-last so that footwear fitting can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Ravindra Stephen Goonetilleke, Channa Patuwatha Witana
  • Publication number: 20110161194
    Abstract: An application on an e-commerce website predicts the best fitting size of a desired shoe type selected by a user based on the best fitting shoes previously purchased by the user. A robotic measuring device is used to measure the inner dimensions of sizes of many shoe types, including first and second shoe types. The application determines that the user has purchased the first shoe type in a first size that fit the user well. The application compares the dimensions of the first size to the dimensions of various sizes of the second shoe type and identifies a second size of the second shoe type whose dimensions match the dimensions of the first size. The first shoe type is chosen from a shoe category similar to that of the second shoe type. The application then recommends that the second size of the second shoe type will fit the user well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: Michael A. Dumke, Michael B. Briare
  • Patent number: 7950163
    Abstract: A foot type and plantar pressure measuring device is provided. The device includes a color pad and a foggy film on the color pad. The device further includes a mesh pad on the foggy film and/or a resilient pad under the color pad, the resilient pad having protrusions. When a patient stands still on the device for a few seconds and then steps off, the patient's foot type and plantar pressure is shown by color pattern displayed on surface areas of the foggy film. The color pattern corresponds to the plantar pressure exerted on the device, and tones of the color pattern represent the plantar pressure exerted on the surface areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventor: Ming-Jor Lo
  • Patent number: 7938788
    Abstract: A method for classifying foot types by measuring the position of the Rearfoot Supinatory End Range of Motion, the Rearfoot Pronatory End Range of Motion, the Forefoot Supinatory End Range of Motion and the Forefoot Pronatory End Range of Motion, and classifying the foot based on the results of these measurements is disclosed. Once a human foot is classified and typed according to the disclosed method, a treatment plan can be customized for the specific foot type. The treatment can include the use of pre-orthotic pads and orthotic inserts which are customized according to a patient's specific foot type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Inventor: Dennis Shavelson
  • Patent number: 7854071
    Abstract: A method and kit of parts for measuring the comfortable shape of a foot for a person. The kit comprises front and rear platforms of adjustable height and a supporting surface for accommodating the plantar surface of a foot extending between said platforms. The aforementioned components can be adjusted to various settings with a view to determining a comfortable plantar foot shape. The foot shape can then be captured by scanning with an optical or mechanical probe or scanner. A method of making a customized shoe and shoe last on basis of the captured foot shape is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Ravindra Stephen Goonetilleke, Channa Patuwatha Witana, Thilina Wijayantha Weerasinghe
  • Publication number: 20100293799
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved foot type and plantar pressure measuring structure which is comprised of a meshed pad, a semi-transparent thin film, a color pad, and a pad with resilient protrusions. These four layers are stacked in the order described. When a patient stands still on top of the structure for a few seconds and then steps off, the patient's foot type and plantar pressure is shown by color pattern displayed. Colored areas generated come from the direct stick-on contact between the thin film and the color pad with the interaction with the pad with resilient protrusions. The location of contact color, size of contact color and tone of contact color displayed from this device can be used to determine foot type and plantar pressure distribution. This invention provides a low cost and easy to operate system without the need of any paper, ink, or electricity for the measurement of foot type and plantar pressure distribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: Ming-Jor Lo
  • Publication number: 20100229422
    Abstract: A method and kit of parts for measuring the comfortable shape of a foot for a person. The kit comprises front and rear platforms of adjustable height and a supporting surface for accommodating the plantar surface of a foot extending between said platforms. The aforementioned components can be adjusted to various settings with a view to determining a comfortable plantar foot shape. The foot shape can then be captured by scanning with an optical or mechanical probe or scanner. A method of making a customized shoe and shoe last on basis of the captured foot shape is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Ravindra Stephen GOONETILLEKE, Channa Patuwatha Witana, Thilina Wijayantha Weerasinghe
  • Patent number: 7685728
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the comfortable footbed shape for a person. The apparatus comprises a rear platform for supporting the rear of a foot, a front platform for supporting a forefoot, the height of at least one of said front and rear platforms being adjustable relative to the height of the other one of said platforms and fixable at a selected height relative to the other platform; and a supporting surface for accommodating the plantar surface of a foot, the supporting surface comprising a length of flexible material fixable mounted to and extending between said front and rear platforms. The apparatus can adjust the aforementioned components to various settings with a view to determining the plantar foot shape and the perceived comfort in any chosen posture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Ravindra Stephen Goonetilleke, Channa Patuwatha Witana
  • Patent number: 7676936
    Abstract: A foot measurement apparatus for measuring the dimensions of a foot. The foot measurement apparatus includes an integrally-formed unitary base having first and second sections each with proximal ends and distal ends and top and bottom surfaces. The first and second sections are connected by a living-hinge interconnection portion at their proximal ends. The foot measurement apparatus also includes a measuring scale attached to the top surfaces of the first and second sections. The foot measurement apparatus additionally includes an erectable heel-tab structure which is attached to the unitary base near the distal end of the first section. The heel-tab structure has a heel-contact portion which is pivotable between a collapsed position overlying the top surface of the first section and an erected position substantially normal to the first section. The foot measurement apparatus also includes an erectable toe-tab structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Woodrow Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael E. Ball, Jeffrey D. Bransky
  • Publication number: 20100058855
    Abstract: A method for determining a mobility of an object includes the steps of measuring at least a portion of a shape of an object under an initial increment of a weight load of a plurality of increments of a total weight load using a device and measuring at least a portion of the shape of the object under a next increment of a total weight load of a plurality of increments of a weight load using the device. Repeating the measurements until a total weight load is achieved and comparing the measurements from the device under the plurality of incremental weight loads, thereby determining a mobility of at least the portion of said object under the plurality of increments of weight loads. The method further includes adjusting the elevation and angular orientation of a support surface for the object to achieve further measurements and a device for obtaining such measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Tony Tadin, Arjen Sundman
  • Patent number: 7549232
    Abstract: A method and system for a 3-D (three-dimensional) capture system including a flexible housing defining a substantially airtight reservoir therein, a volume of particles disposed in the reservoir, a volume of a gas and/or a liquid disposed in the reservoir; and a valve system in communication with the reservoir for selectively permitting the removal of at least the volume of the gas and/or the liquid therefrom. The captured 3-D impression is selectively erasable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Amfit, Inc.
    Inventor: Tony Tadin
  • Patent number: 7536794
    Abstract: A foot measuring or sizing device comprising a base platform, a heel support (28), an alignment fin (6) and a measurement scale (16). The heel support is pivotally connected to the base platform and the foot fin being slidably along an elongate slot formed in the base platform to facilitate alignment of the foot to be measured with a central axis or plane of the foot measuring or sizing device prior to determining a length, measuring a width and/or determining the amount of lift or adjustment of the foot to be measured is necessary to properly support a foot while using footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Bivab, LLC
    Inventors: Gordon G. Hay, Keith M. Orr, Derek Carroll
  • Patent number: 7516560
    Abstract: A method of making an article of footwear includes obtaining a girth measurement of the article of footwear. The girth measurement device includes an expandable and retractable ribbon. The girth measurement device may be used to measure samples from a production run to ensure consistency of the run with a standard. The girth measurement device may also be used to measure an article of footwear post-production to determine an accurate size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventor: Nick R. Long
  • Patent number: 7484408
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring volume of a lower extremity includes a substantially elastic sock body with a leg end, a toe end, and a length between the leg end and the toe end. The sock body may be dimensioned to substantially snugly receive a lower extremity. A measurement thread is attached to the sock body in a manner that causes the measurement thread to wrap around the lower extremity in multiple coils along the length of the sock body. The apparatus also includes a measurement gauge that measures at least one attribute of the measurement thread that corresponds to sock volume. In one embodiment, the measurement thread is substantially inelastic and has a fixed end, and the measurement gauge measures length of the measurement thread between the fixed end and the measurement gauge. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Jennifer A. Healey
  • Publication number: 20080276476
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the comfortable footbed shape for a person. The apparatus comprises a rear platform for supporting the rear of a foot, a front platform for supporting a forefoot, the height of at least one of said front and rear platforms being adjustable relative to the height of the other one of said platforms and fixable at a selected height relative to the other platform; and a supporting surface for accommodating the plantar surface of a foot, the supporting surface comprising a length of flexible material fixable mounted to and extending between said front and rear platforms. The apparatus can adjust the aforementioned components to various settings with a view to determining the plantar foot shape and the perceived comfort in any chosen posture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Ravindra Stephen, Channa Patuwatha
  • Patent number: 7448141
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a bicycle saddle fit system comprises first and second supports, a substrate coupled to the first and second supports, and a measurement gauge coupled to the substrate. The first and second supports are each configured to receive sit bones of an adult human. At least one of the first and second supports is selectively moveable to locate the sit bones and to define a sit bone width. The substrate is configured to facilitate the selective moveability of the at least one of the first and second supports. The measurement gauge is configured to visually indicate the sit bone width. In another embodiment, a method of fitting a bicycle saddle to a human rider comprises locating the first and second sit bones of the rider, reading a sit bone width from the measurement gauge, and assessing a saddle characteristic based on the rider's sit-bone width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl Bird, Greg Grenzke
  • Patent number: 7441343
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a bicycle saddle fit system comprises first and second supports, a substrate coupled to the first and second supports, and a measurement gauge coupled to the substrate. The first and second supports are each configured to receive sit bones of an adult human. At least one of the first and second supports is selectively moveable to locate the sit bones and to define a sit bone width. The substrate is configured to facilitate the selective movability of the at least one of the first and second supports. The measurement gauge is configured to visually indicate the sit bone width. In another embodiment, a method of fitting a bicycle saddle to a human rider comprises locating the first and second sit bones of the rider, reading a sit bone width from the measurement gauge, and assessing a saddle characteristic based on the rider's sit-bone width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl Bird, Greg Grenzke
  • Patent number: 7421789
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a footwear characteristic measuring system designed to determine measurements of a particular footwear wedge insert which may be used to encourage correct knee alignment in an article of footwear. The system includes a base, a recess, a set of angled members, and an illumination device. The recess is disposed within the base and is sized such that a user's foot may be disposed within the recess. The illumination device is disposed on the base and is medially aligned with the recess. The illumination device is oriented so as to transmit an illumination output upward or perpendicular to the top surface of the base. The angled members include an angled top surface and are configured to reliably couple within the recess of the base. A second embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of encouraging correct knee and ankle alignment in an article of footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Somnio, Inc.
    Inventor: Sean Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20080114269
    Abstract: A method for assessing displacement of the talus relative to an axis of the foot and lower leg, which includes marking the anatomy of a test subject to enable tracking of the movement of the talus relative to the axis, and aligning the foot in a first position, and observing the displacement of the talus as indicated by the marking relative to the first position while allowing a displacement of the rear foot bone complex. Another embodiment includes a system for assessing pronation in a foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: Michael
    Inventors: Michael Martindale, Martyn Shorten
  • Patent number: 7361150
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method which consists in producing a radiographic image of the skeleton to be studied, determining the position of the body's global axis of gravity (5), selecting on the image segments of the skeleton (S1-S7) to be considered and their articulations (A5), locating the main tensor muscles (M1-M6, M62), and determining by calculation the intensity of the return forces exerted by said tensor muscles to compensate the gravitational force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Berthonnaud, Joannes Dimnet, Pierre Roussouly
  • Patent number: 7346998
    Abstract: There is provided a foot measuring system that includes a support surface for a foot, a plurality of movable measurement structures, an inflatable diaphragm for contacting the first end of each structure and forcing a movement of each structure from an initial position toward a measurement position, a measurement device for measuring the measurement position relative to the initial position of each structure, after the movement of each structure, to determine a shape of the foot. Each structure of the plurality of movable structures has a first end and a second end. The present invention also includes a method for measuring the contours of a foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Amfit, Inc.
    Inventors: Tony Tadin, Arjen Sundman
  • Patent number: 7343691
    Abstract: A girth measuring device for a shoe is disclosed. The portions of the device are configured to be placed inside the shoe and a measurement ribbon is moved from a retracted position to an expanded position. As the measurement ribbon expands, it eventually contacts the shoe. This contact can be sensed and information related to the girth of the shoe is available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick R. Long, Jeffrey L. Crull, Michael J. Maloney, Tom Sutrina, Thomas P. Blandino
  • Patent number: 7331117
    Abstract: A calcaneal bisector for indicating a calcaneal bisection line of a heel firstly includes a frame and a first plate mounted relative to the frame. One side of the heel can be aligned to the first plate when the bisector is in use. The bisector also includes a second plate movably mounted to the frame, and the second plate is slidable relative to the first plate for aligning to the other side of the heel. The bisector further includes an indicator movably mounted relative to the frame for indicating the calcaneal bisection line and a transmission mechanism disposed between the plates and the indicator for correlating movements of the indicator and the relative movements of the plates so as to ascertain the calcaneal bisection line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Chun-Pong Lau, Kam-Lun Leung
  • Patent number: 7325323
    Abstract: In a foot inclination angle measuring method of the present application, the shape of a foot 10 is measured in three dimensions. And, based on three-dimensional data on the measured shape of the foot 10, a two-dimensional cross section 30 of the foot 10 orienting in a front-rear direction, which includes a cross section of a heel of the foot 10, is obtained. Then, a central line C1 of the two-dimensional cross section 30 in a right-left direction is obtained and the angle of inward/outward inclination of the foot 10 is obtained from the angle of inclination (a) of the central line C1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: ASKS Corp.
    Inventors: Makoto Katsu, Hironori Shinohara, Hiroyuki Kusumi
  • Patent number: 7284336
    Abstract: In one disclosed embodiment, a bicycle saddle fit system comprises an impression pad of sufficient size to span the sit bones of an adult human, and a measurement gauge fixed to and extending along the impression pad. The measurement gauge is usable to measure the distance between sit-bone impressions made in the impression pad by a person previously seated on the impression pad. In another disclosed embodiment, a method of fitting a bicycle saddle to a human rider comprises measuring a sit-bone width of the rider, determining a preferred riding posture of the rider, and assessing a saddle characteristic suitable for the rider based on both the rider's sit-bone width and the rider's preferred riding posture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl Bird, Greg Grenzke
  • Patent number: 7231723
    Abstract: A device for at least one of neural sensor placement and taking reference system measurements may include a front frame member supportable by a person's nose when the device is placed on the person's head for at least one of neural sensor placement, taking reference system measurements or for other purposes. A pair of sidebar frame members may be attached to opposite ends of the front frame member. Each sidebar frame member may be respectively supported by one of the person's ears when the device is placed on the person's head. A back frame member includes opposite ends that may be respectively attached to each of the sidebar frame members. An angle measurement apparatus may be attached to at least one of the sidebar frame members. An arched member may be pivotably attached at one end to the angle measurement apparatus to determine an angle of the arched member relative to the sidebar frame member. An opposite end of the arched member may be attached to another of the sidebar frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kenneth R. O'Neill, Richard A. Barker
  • Patent number: 7125509
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus which enables in-situ casts of the feet of a patient to be made whilst the feet support the patient's weight. In particular, two heel supports (28, 29) and two stirrups (38, 39) receive the heels and forefeet of the patient. Each is capable of independent movement being both rotation about the heel-toe axis and movement substantially transverse to that axis. A method of forming a cast of the patient's feet is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventor: Neil Robert Smith
  • Patent number: 7100296
    Abstract: A device and method is provided whereby application is made to at least part of the sole of a suitably positioned foot for inverting or everting the foot. The device (1) (FIGS. 1 and 2) comprises a member or plate (20) having a planar surface (21) for pressure application to the sole by a handle (28) and in one arrangement is hingedly mounted (22, 24, 26) about horizontal axes from a leg rest (10) which lies in use on a seat or couch for the patient. This enables the surface (21) to be brought against the sole and also tilted for required contact with the latter. The plate (20) is also shown mounted for angular movement about a vertical axis X for additional tilting of the surface (21). An electronic unit (30) on the plate (20) has an LCD display (32) for showing angles of tilt. With the surface (21) in appropriate contact the sole can be manually palpated or manipulated e.g. for contact of the surface (21) with metatarsal joints or points, and/or the subtalar joint palpated for the neutral condition etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Andrew Carl Root
  • Patent number: 7086168
    Abstract: A device and method for fitting shoes especially suited for mail order consumers. The device comprises container filled with a foam material for creating an impression of the foot, wherein the container includes a base, a lid, and a cutout portion forming an opening for the ankle. The consumer inserts his foot into the base of the container and closes the lid about the foot to form the impression in the foam. The impression is analyzed to determine a proper fitting shoe for the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventor: Jon C. Spivey