Apparatus for adjusting a shoe and methods for making and using the same
OwnerJudy Rossinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus for adjusting a shoe and methods for making and using the same. A relative movement can be generated between a platform and a model foot wearing the shoe such that the platform contacts the shoe and the model foot adjusts the shoe via the relative movement. Advantageously, the model foot can be a surrogate to a human foot in adjusting the shape of the shoe. The model foot can stretch the shoe in the same manner as human walk. A person can experience great comfort when wearing the stretched shoe. The model foot can simulate the mechanical characteristics of the natural foot. The model foot can simulate gait of a natural foot and the stretching of the shoe can be further customized.
Claims20
A method for adjusting a shoe for the shoe to fit a shape of a natural foot having a deformed toe, comprising:
- disposing a model foot in a sock that is more slippery against an internal surface of the shoe than the model foot, the model foot including a modeling portion replicating the shape of the natural foot and an endoskeleton embedded in the modeling portion,
- wherein the modeling portion includes:
- a first foot sub-portion including toes of the model foot;
- a third foot sub-portion including a heel of the model foot;
- and
- a second foot sub-portion between the first and third foot sub-portions, the first and third sub-portions being made of a first silicone rubber, the second sub-portion being made of a second silicone rubber softer than the first silicone rubber,
- and wherein the endoskeleton has an L shape including:
- a foot segment including first and second foot end regions respectively distal from and proximal to the heel of the model foot;
- and
- a leg segment including:
- a first leg end region joining with the second foot end region;
- and
- a second leg end region attached to an end region of an elongated post that defines a column of holes;
- applying an alcohol gel to a location on the sock that covers the deformed toe;
- disposing the model foot with the sock into the shoe;
- attaching the elongated post to a pair of slotted bars via bolting through a selected hole of the holes on the elongated post, a bottom of the shoe facing a platform;
- receiving foot motion data for the natural foot via a user interface in communication with a controller;
- and
- moving the platform relative to the model foot for a selected duration via the controller to simulate walking motion of the model foot on the platform, the platform contacting the shoe via said moving such that the model foot moves within the shoe and the location of the model foot that replicates the deformed toe stretches an internal surface of the shoe such that the internal surface fits the shape of the deformed toe.
A method for adjusting a shoe for the shoe to fit a shape of a natural foot, comprising:
- generating a relative movement between a platform and a model foot that is at least partially disposed in the shoe, the platform contacting the shoe via the relative movement such that the model foot moves within the shoe, the model foot including at least one modeling portion replicating the shape of at least a part of the natural foot;
- and
- repeating the relative movement for a selected number of times such that an internal surface of the shoe is stretched by the modeling portion to fit the shape of the natural foot.
An apparatus for adjusting a shoe for the shoe to fit a shape of a natural foot, comprising:
- a model foot to be disposed in the shoe, including:
- at least one modeling portion being made of a silicone rubber and replicating the shape of at least a part of the natural foot;
- and
- a core at least partially embedded in the modeling portion and more rigid than the modeling portion;
- a coupling structure having first and second end regions, the first end region joining with the core;
- a top assembly that is stationery and connected with the coupling structure at the second end region;
- a platform facing a bottom of the model foot;
- and
- a controller configured to control a movement of the platform relative to the model foot, wherein the platform is configured to move relative to the model foot and contact the shoe such that the model foot moves within the shoe and an internal surface of the shoe is stretched by the model foot to fit the shape of the natural foot.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.