Abstract: A system and method for measuring the size of a person's foot so that properly sized shoes can be selected. The measuring system has a support surface having a transparent window, and a fixture positioned over the transparent window for receiving a foot to be scanned. The measuring system also includes an imaging device for scanning the foot in the fixture through the window to produce an image of a bottom surface of the foot superimposed on foot measuring indicia. In one embodiment, the fixture is shaped like a shoe. The person can print the image and use the image to select a properly sized pair of shoes.

Abstract: Clearance between a support contour of a seat cushion and an adjacent pelvic and proximal thigh anatomical portion of a person is evaluated with a clearance measurement device that deforms in response to force applied thereto. The clearance measurement device is located on the support contour at a predetermined location where the clearance is to be evaluated. A person sits on the cushion with the clearance measurement device. The clearance is related to the extent of deformation. Impression foam, a malleable putty-like substance, or a fluid cushion are examples of clearance measurement devices.

Abstract: The invention is a foot measurement apparatus suitable for mailing to individuals. The measurement apparatus includes a base with a scale, a first abutment attached to the base, and a second abutment that is movably-attached to the base. In an assembled configuration, the first and second abutments extend outward from the base and contact the foot to measure, for example, the length or width of the foot. In a collapsed configuration, however, the first and second abutments collapse against the base in order to decrease the size of the measurement apparatus, thereby facilitating mailing.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3-D) capture method and system having a 3-D contour capture device for capturing a surface contour of an object, a contoured support device for placing between the surface and the 3-D contour capture device that provides additional support to at least a portion of the surface, wherein a first contour captured by the 3-D contour capture device is modified based on a second contour captured with the contoured support device placed between the surface and the 3-D contour capture device to provide a resultant 3-D contour.

Abstract: An improved foot pressure testing structure which comprises a test memory mold plate, a meshed plate and an evenly distributed convex moldboard being stacked with each other on a sole, such that when a patient wears the foot pressure testing structure and walks several steps (or for several minutes) for a test, the test memory mold plate is pressed due to the weight and pressure produced by the patient and the time accumulated in such walking activity, which causes the bottom of the test memory mold plate to be attached closely to and embedded deeply into the meshed plate and the moldboard to form a concave line.

Abstract: A system for creating at least one foot insert for an individual using a neutralizer 10, a levelor 40, and a sled 60. The neutralizer has a housing, protractor, and an angularly adjustable plate capable of supporting the foot. The neutralizer is adapted to accommodate a single foot of the individual to determine the neutral angle for each foot individually. The levelor is positionable on the neutralizer and has a plurality of adjustable arms to transfer the neutral angle from the neutralizer to the levelor. The levelor is also mountable to the sled with the adjustable arms being adapted to engage an insert for transferring the neutral angle to the insert.

Abstract: The invention is a foot measurement system suitable for mailing to consumers. The primary components of the measurement system include a length portion for determining the length of the foot and a width portion for determining the width of the foot. The length portion and the width portion each include sliders that may be positioned in an abutting relationship with areas of the foot. When the sliders are properly positioned, foot dimensions may be determined by reference to scales on each of the length and width portions. The measurement system also includes a container, for receiving and supporting the length portion and the width portion, that is suitable for use as a shipping container. In addition the measurement system may include a calibration device for ensuring measurement accuracy and a register for recording measurements.

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.

Abstract: The present invention is a device and method of assessing the amount of pronation of a foot. The device includes a marker applied to the talar-head region of the foot. As the foot displaces from a first, subtalar-joint-neutral position to a second, relaxed position, corresponding movement of the marker is observed. The amount of movement in the marker relates to the amount of pronation of the foot. An optional template aids observation of this movement. The method assesses pronation by observing the talar-head displace as the foot transitions from a subtalar-joint-neutral position to a relaxed position. Optionally, the method includes providing a marker and a template to aid observation.

Abstract: A device and method is provided whereby application is made to at least part of the sole of a suitably positioned 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.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring the size of a person's foot so that properly sized shoes can be selected. The measuring system has a support surface having a transparent window, and a fixture positioned over the transparent window for receiving a foot to be scanned. The measuring system also includes an imaging device for scanning the foot in the fixture through the window to produce an image of a bottom surface of the foot superimposed on foot measuring indicia. In one embodiment, the fixture is shaped like a shoe. The person can print the image and use the image to select a properly sized pair of shoes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a static pose fixture (10) used for measuring a subject (42) that is the object of a motion capture system. The static pose fixture (10) provides a means for holding the subject (52) in a static position by using various struts in order to automate the sizing of a computer generated model or to position and orient markers with respect to the model.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, system and shoe for determining the fit of a shoe from outside the shoe wherein the shoe has an outsole that has a reference gauge for placing a person's heel and a reference mark indicating how far a person's toes should extend so that the shoe would fit. The system is adaptable so a decal may be used or a separate foot measurement guide such as a hang tag may be attached to a shoe where the visual fit guide depicted on the hang tag corresponds to the size of the shoe to which it is applied. The hang tag may be printed on both sides to correspond to both a left and right foot.

Abstract: A system for creating at least one foot insert for an individual using a neutralizer 10, a levelor 40, and a sled 60. The neutralizer has a housing, protractor, and an angularly adjustable plate capable of supporting the foot. The neutralizer is adapted to accommodate a single foot of the individual to determine the neutral angle for each foot individually. The levelor is positionable on the neutralizer and has a plurality of adjustable arms to transfer the neutral angle from the neutralizer to the levelor. The levelor is also mountable to the sled with the adjustable arms being adapted to engage an insert for transferring the neutral angle to the insert.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a plantar contour of a foot of a user, the plantar contour having a height. The apparatus comprises an impression block having a thickness sufficient to form an impression of at least a portion of the height of the plantar contour. A method for forming an insole corresponding to a plantar contour of a foot of a user, wherein the plantar contour has a height. The method comprises the steps of (1) placing the foot of the user into an impression block having a thickness wherein the thickness is sufficient to form an impression of at least a portion of the height of the plantar contour (i.e., a portion or the full arch contour); (2) forming a digitized model of the impression; (3) extrapolating data from the digitized model of the impression to form a complete digitized model of the full height of the plantar contour; (4) providing the complete digitized model to a milling machine; and (5) directing the milling machine to manufacture the insole using the complete digitized model.

Abstract: A system for creating at least one foot insert for an individual using a neutralizer 10, a levelor 40, and a sled 60. The neutralizer has a housing, protractor, and an angularly adjustable plate capable of supporting the foot. The neutralizer is adapted to accommodate a single foot of the individual to determine the neutral angle for each foot individually. The levelor is positionable on the neutralizer and has a plurality of adjustable arms to transfer the neutral angle from the neutralizer to the levelor. The levelor is also mountable to the sled with the adjustable arms being adapted to engage an insert for transferring the neutral angle to the insert.

Abstract: A body molding 1 carries a separate foot support platform 5 and an integral heel stop 6 upstanding at the rear of the platform which is supported by an integral leg 8. A slider 12 is engaged with the platform 5 for sliding movement in a front-rear direction, and includes an upstanding toe stop 14. The platform 5 carries a length scale 21 from which the length of a foot can be measured according to the position of the slider along the platform, and a tape 20 is received in slots 19 on opposite sides of the slider 12 to form a width gauge for measuring the absolute width of the foot. The width gauge 20 is adjustable in a front-rear direction independently of the slider to allow the foot to be measured at its widest part.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring a plantar contour having a foam impression block and a carrier. The apparatus has a foam impression block including a front portion and a rear portion and a carrier including a height adjuster. The block is associated with the carrier such that the rear portion and the height adjuster are adjacent one another.

Abstract: A system and method for sizing one's feet for shoes, and for the fitting of shoes. The system includes a computer having a fitting program, which receives foot data from a user, and shoe data for a selected shoe from a shoe information database and compares them, determining a fit indicator for each compared property. The foot and shoe data includes the length, the metatarsal length, the width and the heel width. A useful shoe length is calculated by the program based on the shoe length and several modifiers including the elevation of the heel, the thickness of the collar and the shape and height of the toebox. The program also receives a sock type indicator from the user, indicating a selected sock to be worn with the selected shoe, and accounts for the thickness of the selected sock when determining the fit indicator.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a person's plantar contour having a foam impression block with a toe thickness and a heel thickness wherein the toe thickness is less than the heel thickness. A method for measuring a person's plantar contour using such a foam impression block by placing the plantar contour of the person's foot over the foam impression block such that the toes are over the toe thickness and the heel is over the heel thickness; and then pressing the plantar contour into the block to deform the block.

Abstract: A device and method is provided whereby application is made to at least part of the sole of a suitably positioned 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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, system and shoe for determining the fit of a shoe from outside the shoe wherein the shoe has an outsole that has a reference gauge for placing a person's heel and a reference mark indicating how far a person's toes should extend so that the shoe would fit. The system is adaptable so a decal may be used or a separate foot measurement guide such as a hang tag may be attached to a shoe where the visual fit guide depicted on the hang tag corresponds to the size of the shoe to which it is applied. The hang tag may be printed on both sides to correspond to both a left and right foot.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a plantar contour of a foot of a user, the plantar contour having a height. The apparatus comprises an impression block having a thickness sufficient to form an impression of at least a portion of the height of the plantar contour. A method for forming an insole corresponding to a plantar contour of a foot of a user, wherein the plantar contour has a height. The method comprises the steps of (1) placing the foot of the user into an impression block having a thickness wherein the thickness is sufficient to form an impression of at least a portion of the height of the plantar contour (i.e., a portion or the full arch contour); (2) forming a digitized model of the impression; (3) extrapolating data from the digitized model of the impression to form a complete digitized model of the full height of the plantar contour; (4) providing the complete digitized model to a milling machine; and (5) directing the milling machine to manufacture the insole using the complete digitized model.

Abstract: A method of measuring the height of a foot arch precisely and easily using two essential heights of the foot arch is disclosed. In the method, a foot cast is primarily cast by pouring plaster into a foot mold. Thereafter, a first intersecting point and a second intersecting point are determined. The first intersecting point is determined by making a first line and a third line intersect. The second intersecting point is determined by making a second line and the third line intersect. The first line is a straight line extending from the center of the second toe to the center of the heel end. The second line is a straight line extending from the center of the big toe to a point spaced apart inwardly from the center of the heel end by ⅛ of the total distance of the heel end. The third line is a center line of the transverse arch of the foot. Finally, a first height and a second height are measured while the foot pattern is set in an upright position.

Abstract: An infantometer in combination with a pediatric weighing scale. The infantometer has a pediatric-scale mounting means projecting downwardly from the main frame thereof with releasable retaining means for releasably retaining the infantometer to a pediatric scale, where the infant-receiving tray of the infantometer also serves as the infant-receiving tray of the pediatric weighing scale, whereby both height and weight measurements of an infant may be carried out substantially simultaneously.

Abstract: The height-measuring device of the present invention is foldable, or collapsible, on itself, in order to provide an easier and less-costly method of packaging and shipping. The height-measuring device of the present invention is also provided with an inherent, slidable or extensible leg or setup section that is slidably mounted in the rear of the sale-part, which extensible leg has a length equal to the lowest measurement-reading of the scale-section, whereby the bottom edge surface of the scale-part may be readily located during installation of the height-measuring device the proper distance above the floor.

Abstract: An apparatus for assesing and measuring, in tee dimensions, foot and lower limb abnormalities for example as shown in FIG. 1 comprises a rear plate intended to support a rear part of a patient's foot, in use, the rear plate being pivotable in both the frontal and sagittal planes, and a front plate intended to support a front part of the patient's foot, the front plate being pivotable in the frontal plane independently of the rear plate.

Abstract: A footwear customization system that includes a rearfoot and forefoot goniometer for measuring rearfoot and forefoot alignment of a foot to provide rearfoot and forefoot alignment data. A customizable piece of footwear having a moldable, settable midsole is mounted on a shoe press, and the shoe press applies pressure to the midsole based on the rearfoot and forefoot alignment data in order to form a contour in the midsole. The contour provides alignment corrections based on the rearfoot and forefoot alignment data. A computer running a footwear customization program can be interfaced to the rearfoot and forefoot goniometer and the shoe press to receive the rearfoot and forefoot alignment data from the rearfoot and forefoot goniometer and provide it to the shoe press. An injection apparatus can be used to set the midsole of the piece of footwear so that the midsole retains the contour after the piece of footwear has been removed from the shoe press.

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: A folding collapsible body-height measuring gauge including: a scale having a plurality of scale elements pivotably connected with one another in a series, each scale element having a coupling block at one end and a coupling open chamber at an opposite end for connection; a measurement indicator longitudinally slidably mounted on the scale; and a base having a coupling block at its one end adapted for supporting the scale in a vertical position for measuring the height of the body and two pivoted legs at its opposite end, the coupling block of the base having two coupling portions disposed at different elevations and adapted for coupling to the scale.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for transferring measurements from a diagnostic image to a body site. The apparatus includes a fixture having channels formed along its length. A removable template is provided which can be removably positioned in the fixture. The template is marked corresponding to a diagnostic image on an X-ray film. A positioning block is provided which is adapted to slide along the length of the channels formed in the fixture. The positioning block includes a positionable indicator having an indicator head. The indicator head has a guide aperture therethrough. The indicator head is positioned over the mark on the template corresponding to the diagnostic image. A patient's body part, for example a foot, is then aligned with the fixture. The template is removed from the fixture, and a mark is made on the patient's body using the guide aperture, thereby allowing a physician to directly mark a site on the patient's body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for evaluating foot posture and its effect of the functional biomechanics of the lower extremities. The device is divided into one half and another half, both of which are identical mirror images and which are connected by a releasable connecting member. Each section includes a split-surface platform mounted on a frame. The split-surface platform has a front and a rear plate. The front and rear plates each have a means for adjusting the horizontal angle of the plate through a range of 25.degree. in either direction and a means for indicating the specific angle. The mechanics of the front and rear plates are not connected to each other, thus allowing independent manipulation of the front and rear portion of the patient's foot. The rear plate may be fitted with variable height booster plates for providing sagittal plane control for limb length discrepancies as well as for accommodating high-arched (equinas) foot types.

Abstract: An infantometer is made of low-friction styrene, has two telescoping halves, with each having half of the measuring indicia thereon. The first stationary half has a fixed handle against which the head of the infant is placed. The measuring indicia or scale on the first half is located along one side edge thereof. The second, sliding half telescopingly slides in the first fixed half, and has a fixed foot-handle attached at it distal, free end for abutment against the feet of the outstretched infant. The measuring indicia or scale on the second half is located along a side edge thereof laterally opposite to that corresponding to the first half. The measuring indicia on the second half is arranged in descending order of magnitude, so that the free end-edge of the first half serves as a indication-rule. The two halves have an upper surface that form a trough or concave central section on which the infant is supported, whereby the infant is prevented from falling out.

Abstract: A molded booster seat has an upper back portion and a lower seat portion connected to an integral hinge. The upper and lower portions are pivoted about the integral hinge toward each other to form a rigid body, and cooperate to form a plurality of mortise and tenon joints. The upper and lower portions are locked in the rigid body configuration by a pair of side plates and a pair of locking rods extending through the seat between the side plates. The booster seat also includes an adjustable belt positioner that is configured to move between a plurality of different adjustments. The upper and lower positions are located to accommodate the fall range of sizes of children of a child sitting in the booster seat. The booster seat further includes indicia for indicating height limitations of a child sitting in the seat. The indicia can be labels attached to a seat cover disposed on the seat.

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: 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: The measurement device includes a frame with a support and mounting member, a longitudinal bar, a lateral bar pivotally and slidably attached to the longitudinal bar with a pair of stirrups or heel cups attached symmetrically on either side of the longitudinal bar at a known distance from the longitudinal bar. A plurality of potentiometers or other resistive measurement devices are attached to the two bars to provide analog measurements of lengthwise and angular displacement. A microprocessor controller calculates actual leg length and offset by combining the measurements obtained from the first two resistive elements using a simple trigonometric function. An output means in the form of an LED and/or LCD display provides a visual display of the calculated actual and offset values.

Abstract: An impression of a limb, for example, a foot, can be taken, e.g. for mail order or catalog sales and shoes, shoe inserts and the like without trying on, utilizing a transparent pouch, one inner wall of which has an adhesive layer separated by a silicone foil from a single-use carbon-paper sheet which is attached to a cover sheet within the pouch. Upon withdrawal of the silicone-coated layer, the foot can be pressed against the other wall of the pouch and the cover sheet to transfer carbon coating from the carbon-paper sheet to the adhesive whereupon the cover sheet and single-use carbon-paper sheet can be extracted from the pouch. The transferred imprint on the adhesive layer is protected within the pouch.

Abstract: An infant measuring and growth charting device having a substantially flat bottom base of a length and width to accommodate infants to be measured, a fixed head board, and a slideable locking foot board, the infant being place in the device, the foot board slid forward to touch the bottoms of the infants feet, the infants legs being fully extended, and the device locked into place. An embedded ruler is affixed into the upper surface of the bottom base, and a viewing hole in a portion of the sliding foot board, over the embedded ruler, follows, and displays the measurements of the infant, and when the exact measurement of the infant is displayed in the viewing hole, the foot board is locked into that position, and this exact measurement will be in the viewing hole for later recording, or, photographing. After the infant is removed from the measuring device, a T-square charting device is inserted into the same groove used to guide the moveable foot board.

Abstract: The apparatus has a plate (1) pivotingly mounted on a horizontal axis (X--X') with stops (4) limiting the inclination of the plate (1) on either side of the axis. The inclination of the plate is measured at (7) and recorded at (14). Display (17) displays the values recorded in recorder (14). The stops (4) are adjustable. The measuring device comprises an electric potentiometer (7) servocontrolled by the motion of the plate (1) about its pivoting axis (X--X'). An associated electric voltage or current measuring apparatus has output which is applied to an analog-digital converter (10) having an output connected to the input (12) of a first digital data memory (14).

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: The invention is related to a method for the selection of an insole and/or of a shoe that adjusts the posture of the foot and for determination of the biomechanical mode of operation of the foot. In the method, the determination of the mode of operation of the foot is carried out by placing the foot on a symmetry axis of a measurement base, and the load thus applied by the measurement base to a rigid support base in relation to the symmetry axis of the measurement base is measured. For the measurement, the supposed symmetry axis of the foot to be measured is aligned with the symmetry axis of the measurement base by guiding the position of the foot onto said symmetry axis by the heel and by the toes. The measurement of the load is carried out preferably in two stages so that first the load is measured when the person stands on the measurement bases with straight legs, and thereafter the load is measured when the knees have been bent substantially 45.degree. from the straight posture.

Abstract: A system for measurement of the geometries and axes of rotation of an object such as the human body is disclosed. The system includes fixtures which are employed in conjunction with sonic, infrared or other digitizer sources. In the case of the human body, the measurements are made by placing the digitizer sources at locations such as the shoulders, waist and legs to monitor the position of the body during various measuring sequences. The digitizer determines the position of the sources in space by measuring the time for the signal to reach an array of receivers. The fixtures employed in the invention include: a T-square foot reference; a single source digitizing strap; an offset digitizing wand; a base and angle fixture; a foot and hip rotation fixture; an ankle axis practice fixture; and an umbilicus reference bar.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the loaded axes of the foot is disclosed. The apparatus is particularly well suited for location of the ankle (talo-crural) and subtalar (talo-calcaneal) joint axes. The apparatus inludes a platform having one major axis of rotation to which either the ankle or subtalar axes can be aligned. The platform is hung from this fuxture axis and has adjustment for both height and pitch. The platform is adjustable from side to side and rotates about the perpendicular to the hanging support.

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: Knee orthosis measurement apparatus for attaching to the leg including a linear column having measurement probes mounted thereon for engaging the leg. The probes are mounted upon a scale connected to the column whereby the position of the probes to the columns may be readily determined to compare the position of various locations of the leg to the column.

Abstract: The machine of the present invention measures and records in terms of the orientation planes of motion the presence of, the location, of and the severity of the postural distortion-stress effects of C-1 subluxations on the human body, making possible thereby statistical analyses between C-1 misalignments (determined by X-ray analysis) and such postural distortion-stress effects on the skeletal framework as directly result from the misalignment interferences of C-1 on the nervous system and its normal functioning. This machine can demonstrate the postural distortion-stress effects of C-1 subluxation on the spine by checking the malpositional relationships of upper thoracic vertebral segments and pelvis prior to and subsequent to C-1 correction, indicating thereby the corrections obtainable throughout the spine and thus reducing the need for repeated applications of X-radiation to the patient.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for diagnosing posture abnormalities includes a video camera, a video display terminal, a subject platform positioned between the camera and the terminal so that the subject can view the terminal. A computer is employed to freeze a video image of the subject on said terminal so that an operator can obtain data regarding the relative positions of landmarks on said image using a light pen. The computer analyzes the landmark position data and generates a diagnosis of postural abnormalities of the subject. The method and apparatus may also employ a weight scale on the subject platform for transmitting data to the computer regarding the weight distribution on the feet of the subject.