System and method for forming custom-made shoe inserts
US4876758A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 31, 1987 |
| Grant date | Oct 31, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 31, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05B2219/49025
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A foot impression unit is provided with an array of gauging elements, a control mechanism for urging the gauging elements into contact with the undersurface of a person's foot to form an impression of the undersurface of the foot, a locking mechanism for releasably locking the gauging elements in place to retain that impression, and a sensing mechanism for scanning the gauging elements to produce digital signals indicative of the positions of the gauging elements. These digital signals are stored and processed by a computer to provide a stored data record serving as a digital representation of the impression of the undersurface of the foot. The computer may also be employed to provide stored additional information for modifying that data record to compensate for a perceived defect of the foot. In response to the stored data record and any stored additional information for modifying that data record, a shaping unit shapes an insert blank to form a custom-made shoe insert conforming to the undersurface of the foot and compensating for any perceived defect of the foot.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.