DK200900029U3 - Apparatus for forming individually shaped foot j - Google Patents

Description

DK 2009 00029 U3

Apparatus for forming individually designed footwear Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to footwear, more particularly to an apparatus for forming personalized insoles, shoes and other footwear.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

About 70% of the world's population suffers from some form of foot problems. Only a few of the total have had a chance to buy insoles that alleviate at least some of the problems. Custom shoes and insoles have traditionally been made by professional shoemakers, physiotherapists or foot therapists. Until now, the associated buying process has been rather time consuming and expensive; a person willing to spend € 120-250 on custom insoles, or more than € 300 on custom made shoes, must visit one of the aforementioned professionals or their remote partner to get their foot characteristics measured, including .g. foot size and other characteristics, advantageously also causing problem features, after which the order is placed on a waiting list to start the actual manufacturing process by the person skilled in the art. Often, the delay between placing the order and receiving the ordered shoes / insoles extends over some days or even weeks, making the overall process cumbersome, especially from a random client's point of view.

Foot movement / walking probes are reflected on soles, ankles, knees, hips, back, etc, which is why their treatment and prevention is particularly beneficial to the whole of human well-being. One person takes about 15,000-16,000 steps each day. The burden on feet in sports is many times the body weight. For example, the strength of the substrate is about three times the body weight when running, and 7.5 times when playing basketball, due to jumps and other irregular movements. Provided the foot posture is correct, the load is divided equally between the upper joints.

A common condition called pronation refers to inward (i.e. medial) rolling of the foot (especially heel and foot arch), which goes into overpronation when the foot rolls too much. In contrast, oversupply is caused by too little inward rolling. Both conditions easily cause pain, abrasions and even stress injuries to the feet and various joints in the body.

Various (arch) insoles are available for correcting the foot posture. They have been designed to support longitudinal medial and lateral arches, but they do not actually correct the foot posture without separate glued wedges. Wedge forming is a time consuming and expensive process. The result obtained depends on the person performing the work, and yet there is a tendency for it to become quite inaccurate. As another disadvantage, after gluing the wedges to the soles, one cannot get a new shape without first removing the wedges.

Finished insoles do not provide a perfect fit for anyone's feet, as people generally do not have identical foot shape. Therefore, many supportive insoles are ultimately considered inconvenient due to their poor fit.

Summary of the Invention

Now there is an improved method and technical equipment implementing the method by which an individually designed shoe or insole can be manufactured, which shoe or insole provides natural arch support. The invention relates in particular to an apparatus which is characterized by that which is stated in the independent claim. Various embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

The present invention provides an apparatus for use in the manufacture of an insole for a shoe or other footwear, the insole comprising at least one layer made of thermoplastic material, the apparatus comprising: a foot analysis means for selecting a suitable insole blank for a client, the foot analysis means comprising a podoscope , an image data acquisition means and image data visualization means, and a frame for integrating the foot analysis means into an integrated unit.

According to one embodiment, the frame comprises: a housing for the podoscope, a vertical support connected from its lower part to the housing, and a horizontal support connected to an upper part of the vertical support.

According to one embodiment, the housing is a podium in which the podoscope is arranged to be embedded.

According to one embodiment, the image data acquisition means is connected to a lower part of the vertical support.

According to one embodiment, the horizontal support is arranged to be used as a plane for the image data visualization means.

3 DK 2009 00029 U3

According to one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a mold stand with at least one molding base.

The arrangement according to the invention offers considerable advantages. First, the apparatus helps to produce an individually shaped shoe or insole which provides natural arch support and distributes the substrate's power more evenly through the foot, knee, hip and back. Second, it reduces overpronation or oversupination and restores gait. It positively affects posture and eases fatigue, sprained ankles, rubbing and pain. The floor space required by the apparatus is very small, ie. less than 0.5 m2, allowing it to be introduced even in small shops conveniently. The appliance does not require any fixed installation, so it is easy to carry inside a retail store or from one store to another. Furthermore, the design and dimensions of the apparatus are arranged to provide optimal ergonomics for the client during the procedure of analyzing his / her feet.

This aspect of the invention and the related embodiments will become apparent in light of the detailed description of the embodiments below.

drawing List

Various embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 1 is a sketch of two insole embodiments of the invention; FIG. 2 is a process diagram illustrating an example of a method according to the invention in which individually designed footwear is provided to a client;

FIG. 3a, 3b show some examples of an apparatus for use in the process of providing the client individually designed footwear; 4 depicts a podoscope comprising a transparent glass plate on which the client is undergoing foot analysis; and FIG. 5 further visualizes selected process steps of FIG. 2nd

Description of Embodiments

An insole blank (~ insert) has at least one layer which is made of thermoplastic and extends at least from under the heel to under the arch of the foot of the person, then the foot of the client. Two or three interconnected material layers are advantageously used in the insole blank for the well-being of the client. The upper layer (if used) of the insole blank is placed against the foot and the lower layer is placed against the shoe. Materials for these two layers can be selected from any of the known materials used in insoles. For example, the lower layer may be made up of a known material such as Rheluflex (trademark of Rhenoflex GmbH Ltd) which includes nonwoven polyester as a carrier, ionomer resin-ethylvinyl acetate blend as extruded core and EVA heat adhesive as adhesive.

The insole of the insole (in the case of three layers) is made of thermoplastic. The thermoplastics used can be selected from a large group of known thermoplastics. The critical value is the temperature, so-called glass transition temperature, where the thermoplastic becomes plastic and, on the other hand, returns to solid form when the temperature drops after forming the insole. This temperature should generally not be so high that the insole feels uncomfortable against the client's foot. Notwithstanding a high glass transition temperature, a thermoplastic is still usable if it can be cooled sufficiently before placement in contact with the foot, provided the thermoplastic remains plastic, ie. Malleable. Sufficient temperature for the thermoplastic to become plastic is preferably somewhere below 90 ° C and above 45 ° C. Advantageously, the range is 50 ° C to 85 ° C. Suitable materials that become or are plastic within the preferred ranges are e.g. thermoplastic polyesters A-PET (amorphous polyester terephthalate) and PETG (glyco-modified polyethylene terephthalate, which is a copolyester), or those having essentially the same characteristics. Furthermore, e.g. ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride) are used.

The thickness of the thermoplastic layer will preferably be chosen to provide reasonable support for the client's foot when the layer is in a rigid state. The thickness may also vary throughout the layer, if e.g. more flexibility is required under the toe area (thinner) than in the arch of the foot (thicker).

Other characteristics required by the thermoplastic dictate that it should be rigid below the melting temperature.

With reference to an embodiment shown in the upper sketch 102 in FIG. 1, the intermediate layer 104 (or the only layer) made of thermoplastic can cover the entire area of the insole at the rim. In an alternative embodiment, see sketch 110, the layer 112 covers only a portion of the insole at the rim. In this option, it is necessary for the thermoplastic to extend longitudinally at least below the heel to less than the foot arch and in the lateral direction with advantage almost to the entire width of the insole. As a possible implementation, the thermoplastic layer is designed to extend from below the heel to the base of the foot so that the transverse arch can be supported. A pre-cut cushion can also be placed under the transverse arch when the insole is shaped to lift the transverse arch to optimal position. However, it is advantageous to preserve an area at the edge of the insole without the hard thermoplastic in cases where little adjustment is needed when the insole is placed in the shoe. The toe area of the insole should also be without the hard thermoplastic to allow natural foot movement during walking or running.

A main aspect of the invention relates to the manufacture of a piece of insole which is finished in one piece (so that it is possible to have separate layers bonded with adhesive or the like) and easy to heat above the glass transition temperature of the included thermoplastic . After cooling, the insole is preferably a one-piece rigid structure that corrects the position of the foot and supports the foot, especially the foot arch and the transverse arch thereof. The foot arch can be adjusted to a suitably high position by pulling the client's toe up and / or down by lifting his / her heel while keeping the toes against a support surface (hoisting effect). The adjustments can be made on a soft surface with or without additional manual control. Alternatively, a trained person can achieve a reasonable result alone with their hands without a supportive surface.

Alternatively, a shoe may be provided in which the shoe has a sole which may be formed according to the client's foot to correct its incorrect position. In this case, the shoe should have at least one layer of thermoplastic material. The shoe is advantageously manufactured to include all necessary layers and is only adapted to the person upon purchase. Suitable shoes include e.g. different types of hiking shoes, sports shoes, boots, sandals and soft sneakers. The sole is advantageously at least a two-piece construction comprising a thermoplastic layer, either placed on top of the sole material or integrated, e.g. embedded, inside it. The one or more sieve layers in addition to the thermoplastic layer may comprise e.g. EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate) or other known materials; the aforementioned EVA is e.g. also available in various hardnesses. If there is more than one layer, the thermoplastic layer may be smaller in the lateral direction than the entire sole. It is important that the thermoplastic layer reaches at least from under the heel to under the arch of the foot in the same way as with the insole. The thermoplastic materials can be selected in the same way as with the insole. It may be advantageous to make at least the outer surface of the sole of some durable material with good frictional properties 6 DK 2009 00029 U3. Eg. viscoelastic foam or other material, which may also be temperature sensitive, may optionally be used inside the shoe, thereby reshaping the shoe's interior besides the insole and providing additional comfort / support. With this embodiment, a very comfortable personalized shoe can be secured, which firmly supports the bone structure of the feet and ankle. It is very important if, for example, the client. have diabetes or arthritis and the shoe must not cause friction or abnormal pressure on the foot.

In a further alternative, footwear such as shoes (hiking, sports, discipline dependent, etc.), skates, ski boots, etc. with pre-installed insoles in accordance with the invention may be offered, which insoles should then be adapted to the person prior to use. The layers within the shoe receiving the Insole according to the invention should advantageously correspond to the insole shapes. Eg. viscoelastic foam or other material which may optionally be temperature sensitive can be used inside the shoe, whereby the shoe's interior is also reshaped beyond just the insole.

FIG. Figure 2 shows a process diagram only as an example of the method of providing individually designed insoles to a client in a retail store. The insoles may be provided as such or with shoes which may even comprise insoles of the invention as standard. Similarly, shoes comprising a moldable sole according to the invention may be offered by the method shown below.

The present concept makes it possible to complete insoles on order just minutes after receiving the order. The insoles can be delivered to retailers as part of a complete service package that includes a point of sale, foot examination equipment as well as equipment for manufacturing custom insoles. The service package may also include training the sales staff through a teaching program that may be an (intensive) course or lesson-based.

In step 202, a process startup, a point of sale is prepared 218 for use in dealership premises. The point of sale can advantageously be supplied as an apparatus comprising a number of separate elements which are built together as an analysis and manufacturing unit. The apparatus includes the means necessary to quickly provide a customer with suitably shaped insoles. In particular, the apparatus comprises a frame for integrating foot analysis means and preferably at least a portion of the insole manufacturing means for an integrated unit.

t 7 DK 2009 00029 U3

FIG. 3a shows an example of the apparatus. The apparatus 300 comprises foot analysis means, preferably comprising a podoscope 302, a camera system 304 and a computer 306. By definition, the podoscope is a device for analyzing interaction between the foot and a supporting surface. A client stands on a transparent glass plate in the podoscope, see reference numeral 404 on sketch 402 in FIG. 4, whereupon an image of his feet is displayed through a mirror to the person performing the measurements, see lower sketch 410. The foot analysis means further preferably comprises an image data acquisition means 304 (also designated as number 406 in FIG. 4), such as an optical scanner, a camera or other suitable apparatus for optically and / or electrically forming images of the client's feet and their position (error). Such imaging technology enables client-dependent data to be stored at the reseller for future use and archiving purposes.

The image data acquisition means 304 is preferably connected to the computer 306 (also designated as number 502 in Fig. 5) which is configured to visualize various images, e.g. footprints with optional zoom, silhouettes etc. on a display based on the data collected. The trained salesperson can then point out to the client via the visualized image the problems found in his foot position and explain how the situation can currently be improved with the customized insoles according to the invention. The computer can also be configured to store the data, preferably client-specific. Instead of or in addition to the computer, a printer connected to the image data acquisition means 304 can be used to visualize the footprints, whereby printed images can be stored. Furthermore, the computer can either have its own data transfer interface, e.g. a network interface, or a separate data transfer interface can be connected thereto or directly to the data collection means to transfer the collected data to external destinations such as the reseller chain's central server or third party databases, if permitted by the client.

The foot analysis means are connected to each other by the frame 308. The frame comprises a housing 308a for the podoscope 302, a vertical support 308b and a horizontal support 308c for the computer 306 and / or the printer.

The housing 308a is constructed as a podium in which the podoscope 302 can be embedded such that the upper layer (i.e., the glass plate) of the podoscope and the upper layer of the housing remain substantially in the same plane. In other words, the height of the housing 308a is primarily determined by the height of the podoscope 302 and any space required by power lines and the connecting cables of the podoscope 302, and it is preferably within the range of 5 to 25 cm, more preferably within the range of 10 to 8. U3 20 cm, making it easy for a client to step on it. Furthermore, the housing may preferably be formed such that there is a margin around the boundaries of the podoscope, whereby the width and depth of the upper layer of the housing extend several centimeters beyond the boundaries of the podoscope in a horizontal plane. It makes it easier for the client to step on the house and stand still on it, and on the other hand, the mechanical construction of the house can be made robust.

The vertical support 308b is connected to an edge of the housing 308a so that the client can step freely on the podoscope. The image data acquisition means 304, i.e. the camera or optical scanner may be connected, preferably embedded, in the lower portion of the vertical support. The vertical support 308b can be fitted with a mirror to the podoscope, further facilitating the client to step on the house and stand still on it. The vertical support 308b also serves as a housing for connecting cables between the podoscope 302, the image data acquisition means 304 and the computer 306. In addition, the upper end of the vertical support may be provided with a handle 308d to facilitate the client's balance while standing the House.

The horizontal support 308c, which is connected to the upper part of the vertical support 308b, is primarily intended to be used as a plane for the computer 306 and / or the printer. Therefore, the dimensions of the horizontal support 308c are preferably selected such that at least one laptop can be safely placed on top of the support. The horizontal support 308c may comprise a raised edge or edge strip 308e on one or more edges of the plane, preferably at least the rear edge of the plane, to prevent the computer 306 and / or the printer from falling off the plane. The horizontal support 308c may further comprise a pre-installed interface for connecting the computer 306 and / or the printer to the podoscope 302 and the image data acquisition means 304.

The advantages of such an apparatus are obvious. The floor space required by the apparatus is very small, ie. less than 0.5 m2, allowing it to be inserted even in small shops conveniently. The appliance does not require any fixed installation, so it is easy to carry inside a retail store or from one store to another. Furthermore, the design and dimensions of the apparatus are arranged ten! to provide optimal ergonomics for the client during the procedure of analyzing his / her feet.

According to one embodiment, the idea of assembling the necessary elements as an analysis and manufacturing unit is further reinforced by including a molding stand with one or more molding substrates (ie a cushion / cushion) made of a flexible material in the apparatus. This embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 3b. Therein, as shown in FIG. 3a further equipped with a casting base 310 located above the podoscope 302. The casting base 310 is preferably removable, i.e. it is an independent element which can be placed on the housing 308a when the heated insole items are formed into a shape suitable for the client. Alternatively, rails or a hinge may exist between the molding base 310 and the housing 308a which allows the molding base 310 to be removed on top of the podoscope 302, but still retains the molding base attached to the housing 308a. Further, there are preferably means for securely securing the casting support to the housing 308a, wherein the means may comprise e.g. a groove in the housing, in which groove the edges of the molding base are mounted, or a non-slip surface provided between the molding base 310 and the housing 308a, or a kind of locking system equipped e.g. with a latch or latch.

The point of sale as such preferably further comprises a stand or stand with a number of insole items (preferably packed in lightweight, space-saving and at least partially transparent boxes, made of, for example, cardboard) with different properties (size, thickness, basic shape, etc.). and a heating system, see the figure 504 in FIG. 5, such as an oven for heating the insole items.

20

Still, the start-up phase includes training 220 of sales assistants and other personnel regarding sales and customization processes at the insoles of the invention. Turning now to the execution process of the invention, step 204 refers to a client-specific analysis phase, during which a trained sales assistant 25 first examines the client's needs, either by manual / ocular examination of the feet or by listening to the client, preferably by doing both.

In step 206, an appropriate number of workpiece pairs have already been determined and heated to a temperature which allows at least predetermined parts 30 to be reshaped in response to a physical force applied to them. The material choices for the items as explained above guarantee a softening temperature for the predetermined parts which are still tolerable to the client, e.g. 85 ° C. After heating the workpiece to a reasonably high temperature such as the aforementioned 85 ° C, it is preferred to wait until the temperature drops to a more comfortable value from 70 to 75 ° C from the client's point of view. Alternatively, the client may wear a sock or equivalent protection to insulate the foot from the excessive heat. The heating device is advantageously selected and configured so that the heating time is preferably only a few minutes or less to give the client quick operation.

In step 208, the heated items are preferably placed on the molding base in a molding stand, for example, and the client is instructed in applying force through his soles to the workpiece surfaces, while the assistant directs the client's feet to a correct position and manual shapes by physical interaction. , eg. through the fingertips, insoles to fit the feet and achieve an improved shape according to the principles of the invention, see step 210 of FIG. 2 and the number 506 in FIG. 5. Molding may, for example, refer to the insertion of projections in the desired direction from the original insole shape / plane. Furthermore, the client can stand on the items to apply the necessary pressure corresponding to the really weight bearing attitude.

In step 212, the assistant checks whether each insole fits the client's respective foot (sole) and provides improved foot posture and posture, see figures 508 and 510 of FIG. 5. In cases where some adjustment still needs to be made, the method may be redirected to an appropriate prior step, such as steps 206, 208 or 210. Otherwise, the individually shaped insoles should fit with the client's shoes, which may require a little further adjustments such as cutting off. edge areas etc. 224.

Execution of the process ends in step 216. Waiting until the insole temperature drops below the glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic after which the insoles can be put into service. In cases where the dealer in question is willing to maintain a customer register or submit such information to a central register, possibly maintained by the retailer chain, insole manufacturer or a third party, the customer data may be stored 226 to facilitate future business with the same client. This is preferably done only after receiving an explicit permission from the client to store personal information. The step 226 may also include providing the client with instructions for maintaining the insole.

Although the above method is described from a pair of insoles individually adapted to the client, which is still the preferred scenario, it is possible to provide a single insole (or single shoe) in the same way.

In the present invention, a lining or other element / layer for placement in a shoe and optionally provided with a shoe or other footwear may also be considered as insole according to the invention, provided it exhibits similar effects and general applicability.

11 DK 2009 00029 U3 Similarly, a shoe according to the invention may be offered in the spirit of the above method. In particular, a shoe sole or part thereof can be constructed by following the ideas presented above with reference to an insole. Eg. For example, the sole of a sneakers, a ballet shoe, a sandal or other type of shoe with sufficiently soft parts suitable for manual molding after heating can be reshaped accordingly.

Instead of heating, the blanks can be reshaped by utilizing a feature other than the embedded thermoplastic material. For example, certain resins can be cured by utilizing predetermined chemical substances. When using these, it is important to choose materials that enable seamless, yet real-time reshaping of the subject at the client's footing, ie. they must not impose health hazards on the client, e.g. burns, during or after the reshaping procedure.

In addition to humans, the invention can also be used in the manufacture of customized footwear for animals to order.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any of the above-described embodiments can be implemented as a combination of one or more of the other embodiments, unless explicitly or implicitly stated that certain embodiments are merely alternatives to one another.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not only limited to the embodiments presented above, but can be modified within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (11)

12 DK 2009 00029 U3 An apparatus for use in the manufacture of an insole for a shoe or other footwear, the insole comprising at least one layer made of thermoplastic material, the apparatus comprising: - a foot analysis means for selecting a suitable insole blank for a client, the foot analysis means comprising a podoscope, - an image data acquisition means and image data visualization means; and - a framework for integrating the foot analysis means into an integrated unit. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises: - a housing for the podoscope, - a vertical support connected from its lower portion to the housing, and - a horizontal support connected to an upper portion of the vertical support. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the housing is a podium in which the podoscope is arranged to be embedded. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the image data acquisition means is connected to a lower portion of the vertical support. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the horizontal support is arranged to be used as a plane for the image data visualization means. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the image data visualization means comprises a computer and / or a printer. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the image data acquisition means comprises a camera or an optical scanner. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus further comprises a mold stand with at least one molding base. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the mold stand is arranged so that it can be removably placed on the top of the podoscope. DK 2009 00029 U3 13 Apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the mold stand is attached to the housing so that it can be removably placed on the top of the podoscope. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is arranged to be used in the manufacture of a shoe or other footwear, said shoe or footwear comprising a sole having at least one layer made of thermoplastic material.