Patent Application
20090313853
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to 3-D (three-dimensional) contour capturing and, more particularly, to a method and system for capturing and supporting a 3D contour of a subject object.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the prior art there are various known methods for capturing a 3D contour. However, the heretofore 3D capture systems do not provide an inexpensive, uncomplicated, clean, and accurate methodology for capturing the 3d contour of a subject item.
Therefore, there exists a need in many applications and contexts, such as but not limited to, the fields of customized seating, sleep surfaces, helmets, shipping containers, grips, foot supports, footwear and the like, where a 3D capture system overcoming the above-noted deficiencies would prove beneficial.
A method and system for a 3-D (three-dimensional) capture system is provided. A three-dimensional (3-D) capture system embodiment of the present invention includes a flexible housing defining a substantially airtight reservoir therein, a plurality of particles disposed in the reservoir, a gas and/or liquid disposed in the reservoir, and a valve assembly in communication with the reservoir for regulating a quantity of the gas and/or liquid disposed in the reservoir.
In another embodiment of the present invention, regulating includes removal of at least a portion of the gas and/or liquid in response to pressure on the reservoir, and the housing substantially retains a contour formed by the pressure after the pressure is removed.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the particles are elastomeric.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the particles are solid.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the particles are spherical, cylindrical, and/or randomly shaped.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the particles are of a size from about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the particles have more than one density.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the particles have more than one hardness.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the valve assembly includes a unidirectional valve to control a flow of the gas and/or liquid.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the unidirectional valve includes a bypass capability to allow the gas and/or liquid to be selectively reintroduced into the housing.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a plug to prevent leaks of the gas and/or liquid through the valve assembly.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the valve assembly includes two or more valves.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the valve assembly includes an output valve and an input valve.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the system includes an electronic control system to control an opening of the valve assembly.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a shielding layer to prevent damage to the control system due to static charges.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the electronic control system includes a processor and a battery.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a remote control device to activate the control system.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the control system is voice activated.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a heat sensor. The heat sensor activates the control system when the system exceeds a selected temperature to allow the gas and/or liquid to enter the housing and cool the housing.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the particles are doped with an adhesive.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the particles are lubricated with a high viscosity material.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the particles are anti-static.
In another embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion of the particles can be fused together by an appropriately calibrated energy source.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the energy source is selected from a heater and a microwave device.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the reservoir has opposing surfaces selectively bonded together by a barrier to form at least two partitions to limit a migration of the particles between the at least two partitions.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the gas and/or liquid is an adhesive, water, or air.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the housing includes at least one mid layer and an outer layer, wherein the at least one mid layer is disposed between the particles and the outer layer.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the mid layer is a mesh-type screen.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the housing forms a seating surface.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the seating surface is used in a chair, a wheelchair, a plane, a bicycle, a motorcycle, a train, an automobile, a bus, or a mattress topper.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a pump for pumping the gas and/or liquid.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a vacuum system for the gas and/or liquid.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the housing is configured to support a human foot.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the system is integral to footwear.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the system is integral to a helmet.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the system is integral to a gripping device.
In another embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion of the housing is elastic.
In another embodiment of the present invention, at least some of the particles are fibers
In another embodiment of the present invention, each of the at least two partitions are filled with particles having different characteristics.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the system includes pre-shaped sections in the reservoir for retaining subsets of the particles having differing binding characteristics. Each of the sections is connected to an individual valve assembly for selectively controlling a flow of the gas and/or liquid thereto.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the system includes pre-shaped sections in the reservoir. A barrier between adjoining partitions permits the flow of the gas and/or liquid therethrough.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the housing includes a footwear insole.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the housing includes a footwear midsole.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the housing includes a deformable mold.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the housing includes an erasable mold.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the housing includes a midsole or an insole. The housing has built-in supports and is filled with the particles for capturing a plantar foot impression.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the particles are lubricated, coated or treated with a tacky or sticky viscous lubricant, sealant or material having non-hardening, binding adhesive properties.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the particles have a Shore A hardness from about 10 to about 70.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the valve assembly has an end opening smaller than the particles.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a midsole cavity having a predetermined shape and support structure therein.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a midsole having a forward portion. The forward portion consists of about ⅓ of the midsole and has a lower cavity to limit an amount of particles distributed under a forefoot.
In another embodiment of the present invention, one or more areas of the housing are restricted from particle migration.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the housing includes an outlet for release of the gas and/or liquid.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the housing includes one or more holes to allow the gas and/or liquid to escape.
In another embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion of the particles are doped with a substance that can be fused together by applying an appropriately calibrated energy source.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the valve assembly has an end opening that includes a screen to prevent particles from entering the valve assembly.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the system includes an adhesive surface applied to the housing to reduce migration of the particles.
A method embodiment of the present invention for producing a custom support device includes disposing a subject item on a substantially air-tight housing that is partially filled with a plurality of particles and a gas and/or liquid, and removing at least a portion of the gas and/or liquid in the housing.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the method includes vibrating the housing.
A three-dimensional (3-D) capture system embodiment of the present invention includes a flexible housing defining a substantially airtight reservoir therein, a plurality of particles disposed in the reservoir, a volume of a gas and/or liquid disposed in the reservoir, a valve assembly in communication with the reservoir for regulating a quantity of gas and/or liquid in the reservoir, and vibrator for stimulating and distributing the particles to conform to a contour of a subject item.
A process embodiment of the present invention, for making a custom footwear from a positive foot contour, includes pre-loading loose particles into a midsole of the footwear, originating a vacuum line from within the footwear to a unidirectional air valve assembly terminating outside of the footwear, sealing the midsole airtight, placing a positive foot contour onto the midsole and pressing down firmly; and activating a vacuum system connected to the valve assembly to capture a form of the foot contour.
In another embodiment of the process of the present invention, at least a portion of the particles are fused together by an appropriately calibrated energy source.
In another embodiment of the process of the present invention, the energy source is selected from a heater and a microwave device.
A method embodiment of the present invention for producing a custom support device includes disposing a subject item on a substantially air-tight housing that is partially filled with a plurality of particles, and a gas and/or liquid, moving, forcibly, the subject item on a surface of the housing, and removing at least a portion of gas and/or liquid in response to the moving.
A midsole embodiment of the present invention for obtaining a contour impression, includes loose, distinct particles disposed in the midsole.
An insole embodiment of the present invention for obtaining a contour impression, includes loose, distinct particles disposed in the insole.
A three-dimensional (3-D) capture system embodiment of the present invention includes a flexible housing defining a substantially airtight reservoir therein, a plurality of particles disposed in the reservoir, and a gas and/or liquid disposed in the reservoir. The plurality of particles and the gas and/or liquid within the housing maintain a contour of a subject item forcibly placed on the housing.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a high viscosity substance to retain the plurality of particles in a substantially fixed position relative to one another.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a vibrator mechanism for stimulating the particles into a desired location.
A three-dimensional (3-D) capture system embodiment of the present invention includes a rigid or semi-rigid orthotic housing defining a substantially airtight reservoir therein, a plurality of particles disposed in the reservoir, a gas and/or liquid disposed in the reservoir, a valve assembly in communication with the reservoir for regulating a quantity of the gas and/or liquid disposed in the reservoir, and a vibrator for stimulating and distributing the particles to conform to a contour of a subject item.
A footwear device embodiment of the present invention includes a flexible housing defining a substantially airtight reservoir therein, a plurality of particles disposed in the reservoir, a gas and/or liquid disposed in the reservoir, a valve assembly in communication with the reservoir for regulating a quantity of the gas and/or liquid disposed in the reservoir, and a vibrator for stimulating and distributing the particles to conform to a contour of the footwear device to that of a subject item. The footwear device is a midsole or an insole.
In another embodiment of the footwear device of the present invention, the particles are beads and/or fibers.
A seating device embodiment of the present invention includes a flexible housing defining a substantially airtight reservoir therein, a plurality of particles disposed in the reservoir, a gas and/or liquid disposed in the reservoir, and a vacuum pump connected to the flexible housing for selectively removing at least a portion of the gas and/or liquid from the reservoir.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the seating device includes a valve in communication with the reservoir for selectively sealing a flow of the gas and/or liquid to/from the reservoir.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the seating device includes a controller for controlling operation of the vacuum pump.
In another embodiment of the seating device of the present invention, the controller includes a timer.
In another embodiment of the seating device of the present invention, the controller controls a direction of air flow for the vacuum pump.
In another embodiment of the seating device of the present invention, the controller causes the vacuum pump to reverse the direction of air flow.
In another embodiment of the seating device of the present invention, the controller controls the direction of airflow according to a programmed, predetermined sequence of vacuuming events.
In another embodiment of the seating device of the present invention, the controller controls the direction of airflow according to a manual input.
In another embodiment of the seating device of the present invention, the vacuum pump operates in response to a manual input.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the seating device includes a plurality of flexible housings connected to the vacuum pump.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the seating device includes a heat sensor. The controller causes the gas and/or liquid to flow into the housing when the heat sensor detects a temperature in the housing that exceeds a selected temperature.
A seating device embodiment of the present invention includes a flexible housing defining a substantially airtight reservoir therein, a plurality of particles disposed in the reservoir, a gas and/or liquid disposed in the reservoir, and a valve assembly connected to the flexible housing for selectively removing at least a portion of the gas and/or liquid from the reservoir.
In another embodiment of the seating device of the present invention, the valve assembly has an end opening that includes a screen to prevent particles from entering the valve assembly.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the seating device includes a valve in communication with the reservoir for selectively sealing a flow of the gas and/or liquid to/from the reservoir.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the seating device includes a controller for controlling operation of the valve system.
In another embodiment of the seating device of the present invention, the controller includes a timer.
In another embodiment of the seating device of the present invention, the valve system operates in response to a manual input.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the seating device includes a plurality of flexible housings connected to the valve system.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the seating device includes a heat sensor. The controller causes the gas and/or liquid to flow into the housing when the heat sensor detects a temperature in the housing that exceeds a selected temperature.
A three-dimensional (3-D) capture system embodiment of the present invention includes a flexible housing defining a substantially airtight reservoir therein, a plurality of particles disposed in the reservoir, and a liquid and/or gas disposed in the reservoir. At least a portion of the gas and/or liquid is selectively removed from the reservoir for capturing a 3-D impression of a subject item.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the 3-D capture system includes a midsole having an elevated air vacuum line in communication with the reservoir for permitting an escape of at least a portion of the gas and/or liquid from the reservoir in response to the subject item being disposed on the 3-D capture system.
In another embodiment of the 3-D capture system of the present invention, the gas and/or liquid is permitted to flow through the elevated air vacuum line in only one direction.
In another embodiment of the 3-D capture system of the present invention, the gas and/or liquid is permitted to flow through the elevated air vacuum line in both a forward and a reverse direction.
In another embodiment of the 3-D capture system of the present invention, the vacuum line is connected to a manual check valve for output of the gas and/or liquid, and an additional line for input of the gas and/or liquid.
In another embodiment of the 3-D capture system of the present invention, the 3-D capture system includes a flap integrated into the elevated air vacuum line to selectively permit gas and/or liquid to flow through the elevated air vacuum line.
In another embodiment of the 3-D capture system of the present invention, the 3-D capture system includes a seating device.
A footwear device embodiment of the present invention includes a flexible housing defining a substantially airtight reservoir therein, a plurality of particles disposed in the reservoir, a gas and/or liquid disposed in the reservoir, and a supplemental reservoir housing a supplemental gas and/or liquid supply therein. The gas and/or liquid is selectively removed from the reservoir and the supplemental reservoir provides at least a portion of the supplemental gas and/or liquid supply to the reservoir. The footwear device is a midsole or an insole.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the footwear device includes a supplemental gas and/or liquid disposed in the supplemental reservoir.
A gripping device embodiment of the present invention includes a flexible housing defining a substantially airtight reservoir therein, a plurality of particles disposed in the reservoir, a gas and/or liquid disposed in the reservoir, and a valve assembly in communication with the reservoir for regulating a quantity of the gas and/or liquid disposed in the reservoir.
In another embodiment of the gripping device of the present invention, the valve assembly includes a valve for permitting the removal of at least a portion of the gas and/or liquid disposed in the reservoir.
In another embodiment of the gripping device of the present invention, the valve assembly is connected to a source of vacuum.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the gripping device includes a layer of memory intensive material disposed about the housing.
In another embodiment of the gripping device of the present invention, the housing is disposed about a handle of an athletic tool.
In another embodiment of the gripping device of the present invention, the gripping device is adapted for use with a golf club, a baseball bat, a racquet, a pole, a steering wheel, a handlebar, a firearm handle, a power tool, or a hand tool.
In another embodiment of the gripping device of the present invention, the valve assembly has an end opening that includes a screen to prevent particles from entering the valve assembly.
A method embodiment of the present invention for producing a customized handle grip includes disposing a user's hand on a substantially air-tight housing that is partially filled with a plurality of particles, and a gas and/or liquid, applying pressure to the housing with the hand, and removing at least a portion of the gas and/or liquid in the housing.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the method includes removing the hand. A contour of the hand is retained on the housing.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the method includes vibrating the housing.
In another embodiment of the method of the present invention, removing at least a portion of the gas and/or liquid is accomplished by the pressure of the hand.
In another embodiment of the method of the present invention, removing at least a portion of the gas and/or liquid is accomplished at least by a vacuum pump.
An object of this disclosure is to provide insoles/midsoles for placement in or on an article of footwear to support all or a portion of a wearer's foot. The insole/midsole permits adaptation and customization of the insole/midsole to the wearer's foot. The insole/midsole preferably has built-in and/or molded-in anatomical contours which preferably can dynamically support, for example, an arch portion of the foot. The contour gives or extends downward under body weight, foot profile and pressure, and can be adapted to recover, rebound or spring upward and return to its initial contour.
Another object of this disclosure is to provide insoles/midsoles for placement in or on an article of footwear to support all or a portion of a wearer's foot wherein one or more of the anatomical upwardly extending contours can be tailored to the wearer's weight, foot profile and expected activities. For example, supports, cushions, posts or pads of various strengths or resistances can be secured to the under surface of the anatomical contour to tailor the arch support to the wearer's needs.
Another object of the disclosure is that the insole/midsole includes beads or particles, preferably semi-rigid, to provide the support to all or a portion or portions of the wearer's foot. The insole/midsole includes a base shell support layer, often referred to as a base layer, that has a heel support portion and, depending on the foot length of the insole/midsole, preferably also has any one or combination of arch support portions, that is, a transverse arch support portion, a medial arch support portion, a lateral arch support portion, and a metatarsal arch support portion. In accordance with the disclosure, the base shell support layer preferably is semi-rigid, although it can be flexible or rigid. The particles can be disposed directly or indirectly on the heel support portion, to support the heel, or to form, support, adapt or customize the any one or combination of the aforementioned arch support portions. The particles can form the anatomical arch support contour or they can approach, be adjacent, or partly or fully cover a, e.g., molded-in, domed, arch support. Generally, given a sufficient thickness, the more rigid the base layer, the less the need for support of anatomical contouring with particles or otherwise.
In accordance with the disclosure, the disposition of particles “on” the base shell support layer or on a portion thereof, including e.g., on the heel support portion, can include a disposition that is “about” the portion. Thus, a disposition “on”, like a disposition “about” can include a disposition around or along all or a portion of the base shell support layer or its peripheral area.
Another object of the disclosure is to secure particles to the heel support portion of the insole/midsole and dispose thereover additional particles that preferably have been coated or doped with a tacky or sticky viscous lubricant, sealant or material to allow the coated particles, when subjected to initial foot pressure, to migrate radially outward and upward and conform to the wearer's foot. The tacky or sticky viscous lubricant, sealant or material has adhesive properties. It acts as a non-hardening, binding adhesive to hold the additional particles to the secured particles. The particles can be provided to or disposed on the heel support portion in a flexible package that can be secured to the heel support portion.
Another object of this disclosure is to provide the above-mentioned and/or other insoles/midsoles of various lengths, for example, full foot length, or ⅔rds or ⅓rd foot length, the latter, for example, as heel cups.
The above and other objects and advantages of the present disclosure are provided by an insole/misole for placement in or on an article of footwear to support all or a portion of a wearer's foot, comprising: a base shell support layer, preferably semi-rigid, having an upper surface, wherein the base layer includes a heel support portion, a plurality of substantially rigid particles disposed on the heel support portion, and an upper layer, the upper layer overlying and being secured to the base layer, the upper layer overlying the particles and maintaining them in an area between the upper layer and the base layer. In accordance with this disclosure, to “maintain” broadly means to keep, hold or retain in a particular area.
The heel support portion can include a central area, a peripheral area substantially surrounding the central area, and a peripheral wall substantially surrounding the peripheral area. In some embodiments, the plurality of particles can be disposed on the peripheral area of the heel support portion. The base layer can include, forward of the heel support portion, any one or combination of a transverse arch support portion, a medial arch support portion, a lateral arch support portion, and a metatarsal arch support portion, and the plurality of particles can instead or also be disposed on the any one or combination of arch support portions. Any one or combination of the arch support portions can have a built-in or molded-in anatomical contour. One or more supports can be mounted to the undersurface of the base layer in the area of the transverse arch support. Some of the plurality of particles are disposed directly on the peripheral area of the heel support portion and are adhered to the heel support portion, and some of the plurality of particles disposed on the peripheral area are coated with a tacky or sticky viscous lubricant, sealant or material and are disposed on or over and held or secured to the plurality of particles that are adhered to the heel support portion.
The base shell support layer can be comprised of a polyolefin, and a suitable length of one or both of its upper and lower surfaces can be covered with a cloth layer that is coated with a fiberglass resin. For example, a full length base support layer may have only the rear ⅔rds of its length coated with fiberglass, leaving the forward ⅓rd uncoated to allow that portion to flex. The peripheral wall of the base layer can include one or more small air vent holes therethrough. The peripheral wall can be substantially vertical or disposed at from about 90 degrees to about 110 degrees relative to the upper surface of the heel support portion of the base layer. The peripheral wall of the upper layer extends upwardly and preferably has an upper edge that is higher than the upper edge of the peripheral wall of the base layer.
The upper layer of the insole/midsole has a heel support portion with a bottom wall and an upwardly extending peripheral wall that has or have a radius of curvature such that it is or they are bowl-shaped when viewed in vertical section. The substantially vertical peripheral wall of the base layer and the bowl shape of the bottom wall and/or peripheral side wall of the upper layer preferably are secured together to form a cavity therebetween. The peripheral wall of the heel support portion can include a plurality of small air holes open to ambient atmospheric pressure and which communicate with the cavity. The peripheral area can have particles disposed thereon in a substantially C-shaped pattern, with the open portion of the C-shape facing toward the metatarsal arch support portion of the insole. Alternatively, the particles can be disposed thereon in an annular shape.
Objects and advantages of the disclosure are also provided by an insole of the disclosure comprising: a base shell support layer having an upper surface, wherein the base layer includes one or a combination of a heel support portion, a medial arch support portion, a lateral arch support portion, and a metatarsal arch support portion, a plurality of particles disposed on any one or combination of the arch support portions of the base layer. The insole can have and a semi-flexible upper layer having a bottom surface that overlies and is secured to the base layer, the upper layer overlying the particles and maintaining them in an area between the upper layer and the base layer.
The particles can be selected from the group consisting of rigid, substantially rigid, semi-rigid, and resilient. Preferably, the plurality of particles are substantially rigid, they are disposed on the peripheral area of the heel support portion, there is included a transverse arch support portion and there is a smooth transition from the particles of the peripheral area to the transverse arch support portion. The smooth transition can be provided in several ways, for example, by a tape in contact with the forward area of the particles. The particles can also be disposed on the heel support portion and they can extend forward along the longitudinal axis of the base layer and cover the metatarsal arch support portion to either side of the longitudinal axis of the base layer.
The any one or combination of arch support portions of the base layer can have a built-in or molded-in raised domed contour. The particles disposed on the peripheral area of the heel support portion can be contained in a flexible package that resembles the peripheral area of the heel portion, to facilitate disposition of the particles in the periphery of the heel portion.
Objects of the disclosure are provided by heel cups for placement in or on an article of footwear. The heel cup can comprise: a base shell support layer having an upper surface and having a heel support portion in turn having: a central area, a peripheral area substantially surrounding the central area, and a peripheral wall surrounding a portion of the peripheral area, a plurality of particles disposed on and held to the peripheral area of the heel support portion, and an overlayer secured to the base layer and overlying the plurality of particles in at least the peripheral area of the heel support portion and maintaining the plurality of particles in an area between the overlayer and the base layer. The central area can include a resilient support pad having an upper adherent layer and having a bottom surface that is adhered to the upper surface of the central area. The heel cup preferably is ⅓rd the length of the wearer's foot. According to the disclosure, the base shell support layer of heel cups of the disclosure preferably is semi-rigid, although it can be flexible.
Objects of the disclosure are provided by an insole of the disclosure, wherein the base layer upper surface includes one or more built-in anatomical contours to support the wearer's foot, a plurality of particles is disposed directly or indirectly on the upper surface of the base layer, and the plurality of particles are selectively disposed and provide the one or more built-in anatomical contours, including a built-in peripheral heel support portion, any one or combination of a built-in transverse arch support portion, a built-in medial arch support portion, a built-in lateral arch support portion, and a built-in metatarsal arch support portion, and wherein one or more of these built-in support portions is or are provided by the particle-provided built-in anatomical contours.
Objects of the disclosure are provided by an insole of the disclosure, wherein the base layer upper surface includes one or more built-in, molded anatomical contours to support the wearer's foot, a plurality of substantially rigid particles disposed directly or indirectly on the upper surface of the base layer, including on or adjacent the one or more built-in, molded anatomical contours, and wherein the selectively disposed plurality of particles customize the one or more built-in molded anatomical contours. The plurality of particles can be selectively disposed on and customize the built-in molded peripheral heel support portion. One or more supports can be added to the bottom surface of the base shell under the one or more the built-in anatomical contours to strengthen the built-in anatomical contours. The one or more supports can be a solid material to prevent compression of the one or more built-in anatomical contours imparted by downward pressure of the wearer's foot. Alternatively, the one or more supports can be a semi-flexible material applied to selectively control the amount of compression, by allowing some but limited compression. One or more supports can be added to the bottom surface of the base shell under the any one or combination of the built-in molded anatomical contours to strengthen the built-in molded anatomical contours.
Objects of the disclosure are provided by a flexible package for containing a plurality of particles, comprising: a main body comprised of a flexible film and having a substantially annular-shape when seen in top plan view, the main body having a channel running therethrough for containing the plurality of particles. The channel can be triangularly or substantially triangularly shaped when viewed in vertical section.
Objects of the disclosure are provided by a heel cup for placement in or on an article of footwear, comprising a flexible package whose channel contains particles and whose main body is disposed on the peripheral area of the heel support portion.
The peripheral wall of the base layer around the periphery of the heel support portion of the insole or heel cup can be from about ⅝ inch to about 1¼ inch, and the height of the peripheral wall of the upper layer around the same area can be from about 1 inch to about 1½ inch.
Objects of the disclosure are provided by an insole comprising a base shell support layer having an upper surface, and a heel support portion that includes a central area, a peripheral area substantially surrounding the central area, and a peripheral wall substantially surrounding the peripheral area. The base layer includes, forward of the heel support portion, any one or combination of a transverse arch support portion, a medial arch support portion, a lateral arch support portion, and a metatarsal arch support portion. The insole has a plurality of particles disposed on the any one or combination of arch support portions. The insole has an upper layer overlying and secured to the base layer, the upper layer overlying the particles and maintaining them in an area between the upper layer and the base layer. In an insole of the disclosure having particles on the any one or combination of arch support portions, the peripheral area of the heel support portion can include a cushion of gel or air.
The disclosure includes methods of forming insoles/midsoles for placement in or on an article of footwear to support all or a portion of a wearer's foot, comprising: providing a base shell support layer having an upper surface that includes a heel support portion, disposing a plurality of particles, preferably substantially rigid or semi-rigid particles, on the heel support portion, securing at least a portion of the plurality of particles directly or indirectly to the heel support portion, providing a flexible upper layer that is sized to fit within the base shell support layer, and securing the upper layer to the base layer in a manner that includes maintaining the particles in an area between the upper layer and the base layer. The providing of the base shell support layer can include providing the heel support portion with a central area, a peripheral area substantially surrounding the central area, and a peripheral wall substantially surrounding the peripheral area, and disposing the plurality of particles on the peripheral area of the heel support portion. The providing of the base shell support layer can include providing a single cloth layer secured to one surface, or two cloth layers, one secured to the upper surface and the other secured to the lower surface of the base layer, and coating the upper and/or lower surface cloth layer(s) with a fiberglass resin. The step of securing at least a portion of the particles directly or indirectly to the heel support portion can be effected by applying a tacky or sticky viscous lubricant, sealant, or material that is non-hardening, and has binding adhesion properties to the particles and/or to the heel support portion, or by providing the particles in a flexible package shaped like the peripheral area, and securing the flexible package to the peripheral area of the heel support portion.
The disclosure also includes methods for custom fitting an insole for placement in or on an article of footwear to support a wearer's foot, comprising: providing a base shell support layer having an upper surface and an undersurface, the upper surface including a heel support portion with a peripheral area, and the undersurface including any one or combination of upwardly extending molded-in convex anatomically contoured arch support portions to support the arch portions of the wearer's foot. These methods include modifying the upper surface of the base layer by disposing a plurality of particles on the peripheral area of the heel support portion, securing a first portion of the plurality of particles directly or indirectly to the peripheral area of the heel support portion, and disposing a second portion of the plurality of the particles onto the first portion of the particles, the second portion of particles being coated or doped with a tacky or sticky viscous lubricant, sealant or material having non-hardening, binding adhesive or adhesion properties, to allow the second portion of particles to migrate to fit the contour of the wearer's heel upon the application of heel pressure onto the plurality of disposed particles, to hold the migrated particles in position to conform to and custom fit the heel support portion to the heel of the wearer's foot. These methods can also include modifying the undersurface of the base layer by securing one or more supports to the undersurface(s) of the any one or combination of upwardly extending molded-in convex anatomically contoured arch support portions of the base layer, to selectively support, strengthen and custom fit the molded-in anatomically contoured arch support portions to the one or more contours of the arch portions of the wearer's foot. In these methods, the plurality of particles preferably are substantially rigid and the base shell support layer preferably is semi-rigid.
Further objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be understood by reference to the following drawings and detailed description.
FIG. 108AA is a vertical sectional view with portions broken away as would be seen if taken through another embodiment of a heel support assembly or unit in accordance with this disclosure.
108AAA is a schematic end elevational view of another embodiment of a heel support assembly or unit in accordance with this disclosure.
FIG. 123AA is a top perspective view of the bottom surface of another embodiment of a top layer of a full length insole/midsole of the disclosure.
A three dimensional capture system including a substantially air-tight housing is provided. The shape of the housing is preferably flexible and compatible with the size and shape of a subject item for which a 3-D contour is to be measured. The housing defines a reservoir therein. Loose particles and a gas and/or a liquid are disposed in the reservoir. A valve system is disposed in communication with the reservoir.
In the instance the housing has a sufficient volume of the air and/or liquid inside of the reservoir allowing free movement of the particles therein, the container can be bent, formed or shaped at will. In the instance the housing is bent, formed or otherwise has attained a desired shape, then all or most of the gas and/or liquid inside the reservoir is removed via the valve system. Removal of the gas and/or liquid from the reservoir forces the loose particles in the housing into close proximity to one another. This close proximity of the loose particles prevents easy, readily redistribution of the particles. The bent, formed or desired shape of the housing is retained in the form of a 3-D contour of the housing.
The embodiments disclosed in the drawings include devices that adapt to and support the plantar surface of a foot, devices that adapt to and support a user's posterior, and devices that adapt and conform to a user's grip. The depicted embodiments are illustrative of the invention and its application, but in no way should limit the scope of the invention's application. As noted in the background, this invention can be applied to many different contoured support applications.
The teachings of the present invention may be applied in numerous contexts but will be described primarily in the context of a footwear innersole or midsole. As such, a shoe is designed with a depth sufficient to accept a midsole that incorporates a substantially airtight housing of a size and shape sufficient to fill the interior bottom of the shoe. In the instance the systems of the present invention are included in devices intended to be gripped, the airtight housing is preferably sized to accommodate the hands of the user. The housing is preferably similar in size and shape to a sock liner commonly used in the footwear industry. The housing is preferably at least partially filled with loose, distinct particles.
The midsole may be a drop-in type that is fitted into the sole cavity of a shoe. Alternatively, the midsole may be permanently molded in or glued in the shoe. A drop-in midsole provides the advantage of easy replacement should the midsole fail.
Suitable particles compatible with the present teachings include elastomeric beads with a nominal diameter in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 4 mm. The amount of particles introduced into the container is partly a function of the amount of excess space that exists under the foot inside the shoe if the foot is removed from the shoe. This excess space inside the housing could be tailored to meet the support needs of, for example, the largest numbers of possible wearers of the shoe.
In accordance with the present invention, the particles may be fibers, not beads. The fibers are preferably numerous in quantity and conducive for facilitating the 3-D contour capturing of the present invention. It is to be understood that the fibers can be used in lieu of or in combination with the beads or particles herein with respect to all of the disclosed embodiments, exemplary drawings, and claims. The fibers may be constructed of resilient material. An exemplary resilient material is rubber, which can be obtained, for example, from ground-up rubber tires. In another embodiment, the fibers, beads or particles may be dry, or coated with a lubricant, sealant or other material, or with one or more materials, sealants or coatings having specific properties, preferably having adhesive properties, more preferably non-hardening binding adhesive properties. The coating, lubricant or sealant has, in one aspect hereof, a high viscosity characteristic. The holding power of the high viscosity lubricant, coating, sealant or material is such that when coated or treated, the fibers, beads or particles provide a still, contour-holding contour mold of a subject or object, but not a firm (i.e., permanent) mold thereof.
Particles may be constructed of a variety of materials. Exemplary materials include urethanes, EVA, rubber, gels and various fibers.
The substantially airtight housing can be laminated on at least one surface with a material suitable for contact with the foot. Such suitable materials can include, for example, specially treated leather, cloth or synthetic materials with similar properties.
In an aspect hereof, the reservoir defined in an interior of the housing can have at least one one-way valve in communication therewith which allows for the flow of gas and/or liquid out of the substantially airtight reservoir. The unidirectional valve preferably has an air connector for connecting to a vacuum system for forcibly removing the gas and/or liquid from the housing.
In one aspect, the unidirectional valve includes a bypass capability so that air can be selectively re-introduced into the housing. In one aspect thereof, the gas and/or liquid is not reintroduced back into the housing.
In yet another aspect hereof, a blower or air introduction means may be provided to introduce or force air into the housing.
Operationally, the moldable innersole embodiment of the present invention (also referred to hereinafter as a “self customized insole”) is disposed in the midsole of a shoe. The foot is introduced into the shoe and moved about a top surface of the housing containing the loose particles to force the particles contained therein to conform to the 3-D shape of the plantar surface of the foot. In an alternate method, the shoe, self-customized insole and foot are placed against a vibrating surface or a vibrator to assist in the migration of particles around the plantar surface of the foot to take on the 3-D contour thereof. Refer to
The excess of gas (e.g., air) and/or liquid is removed from the housing. The removal of the gas and/or liquid can be achieved in a number of methods as detailed below. If a unidirectional air valve in communication with the reservoir retaining the particles has a light pressure break-point, and with the flow direction of the unidirectional valve going from the housing to free air, then simply pressing the foot down will expel the majority of the air out of the housing.
A unidirectional air valve is used as discovered above and an air evacuation means is connected to the free air side of the unidirectional valve in another method. The air evacuation means is activated and the majority of the air removed from the container.
The valve may be a one-way check valve. The valve may also be a simple mechanical valve having a push-pull mechanism to manually open or close the valve. A secondary plug or stem may also be included and applied to the outlet of the check valve to prevent leaks. The plug is removable and is removed during resetting of the housing contour. A push-pull valve may be on the same line with a check valve to prevent leaking.
Another method of removing gas and/or liquid from the housing retaining the particles includes using a gas and/or liquid evacuation tool in conjunction with the unidirectional valve. The gas/liquid evacuation tool is connected to the unidirectional valve and activated, thereby removing substantially all of the gas and/or liquid from the housing. This method of gas/liquid removal is highly effective in retaining or locking the shape of the particles since the air evacuation is substantially complete, thereby restricting the free motion of particles.
Once the shape is captured, it may be desirable to retain or lock that shape permanently. A number of methods are disclosed to realize this feature. For example, the action of walking on the self-customizing insole will, by virtue of the force applied by the foot upon the contoured surface force any excess air out of the unidirectional air valve incorporated into the insole with each step. This method has the advantage of being a passive or automatic feature. It will also be tolerant of slight leaks in the container. In addition, use of an airtight plug may also help to prevent leaks and typically will help to retain the contour for periods on the order of weeks. It may not be, however, perfect at retaining the shape over a long term. Particles may migrate due to the less than perfect vacuum inside the container.
According to another exemplary method, an adhesive material is used to retain the captured shape. During the manufacture (or subsequent thereto) of the particles, the particles are doped with an adhesive that is activated once the shape is retained to cause the particles to bind solidly together. The adhesive may be activated by a number of methods including, but not limited to, heat, radio frequency (RF) energy, ultraviolet (UV) energy or a captive catalyst, etc. Regarding the catalyst, a polyurethane or other materials may be used and activated for adhering the particles in a locked position.
According to yet another method for retaining or locking the 3-D shape, melting of at least some of the particles is used. Subsequent to forming the housing to the desired shape and removing excess air to retain the shape, heat is applied thereto, causing the particles to melt sufficiently to bond to one another. This heating can be radiant, ambient, electromagnetic or radio frequency in nature.
In one aspect of the present teachings it may be desirable to return the housing that has captured a 3-D contour to its original, quiescent state. This goal may be especially true for seating or sleeping surface applications, where different individuals may use the same surface. In the case of seating a completely automatic customized seating can be realized using the following embodiment of the invention.
The housing is designed sufficiently sized and shaped to approximate the size and shape of a seating surface. The housing defines a reservoir in an interior thereof for containing loose, discrete particles. There is also included at least a simple on/off valve to control the flow of a gas and/or a liquid into or out of the reservoir. In one aspect hereof, elastomeric beads are used to substantially fill the container. A subject item (e.g., a posterior surface of a person) is placed on the housing to re-distribute the particles in the housing such that the contour of the subject item is captured by the particles.
Optionally, air or liquid may be introduced into the container to unload the particles. Optionally, air or liquid may be circulated inside the container when so unloaded to assist in the free motion of the particles. Optionally, a vibrating action may be used in conjunction with, or in place of pressurization to assist in the free motion of the particles.
Once the desired shape is achieved by the housing and particles, all or part of the gas and/or liquid is removed from the reservoir. The removal of the gas/liquid may be accomplished passively or actively. If passive, a unidirectional air valve is used to allow for the expulsion of excess gas/liquid out of the reservoir. The liquid/gas is expelled due to the force applied by the subject item to the housing. The removal of the gas/liquid forces the particles into close proximity with each other, resulting in a captured 3-D contour that is resistant to movement.
If the gas/liquid is removed via an active process, an air or liquid removal pump is applied to the housing, in communication with the particle retaining reservoir. A unidirectional valve or an on/off valve may be used to prevent the undesired re-introduction of gas or liquid removed therefrom.
To return the housing to its original state, air or liquid must be reintroduced, in a sufficient volume, to allow for free movement of the particles.
In yet another aspect hereof, it may be desirable to allow for the circulation of gas and/or liquid in the reservoir (under a support surface) after the 3-D contour is fully captured. In the instance the particles are adhered to each other in the captured 3-D contour (by adhesives, melting, etc.), a volume of gas and/or liquid is allowed to flow back into and out of the container freely. This would allow, for example, a cooling effect as the subject foot walks in gait.
In an aspect hereof, more than one type and/or size of loose particle material can be retained in a common housing. For instance, different particles may be used because of the molding characteristics thereof, for instance. For example, both softer particles and harder particles may be retained in a midsole container. The harder particles protect the softer particles from collapsing or losing resiliency.
In an alternate embodiment, the housing can be divided into more than one contained compartments or sections. Each compartment may have tailored characteristics for various regions under the supported surface. Such characteristics may include limited size and shape of a supported area, different size, density, weight or hardness of particles or fibers, and differences in gas or liquid. Other characteristics of the sections may include types of coatings, particles or fibers, differences in the ability to introduce or expel gas and/or liquid, and differences in the ability to introduce or expel particles and/or doping materials.
Alternatively, the housing, and in particular the reservoir defined thereby, may be partitioned into a number of sections. The sections may be desired since one part of the housing will be used to permanently capture a 3-D contour while another section will remain free to have “free” particles circulating therein. To separate multiple partitions, at least one baffle can be disposed at the junction of particle partitions. This aspect of the present teachings is shown in
The baffle or barrier separating partitions/sections of particle-filled sections is preferably permeable to gas (i.e., air) and/or the liquid occupying a volume of the housing, yet blocks the particles and/or fibers. The baffle may be formed of any material capable of allowing air and/or liquid to pass therethrough without allowing the particles to pass. Such materials may be, but are not limited to, wire mesh, a membrane, a fabric, and a synthetic mesh.
The partitions may be provided to provided a predetermined contouring effect based on the shaped, size, and placement of the partitioned (i.e., compartmentalized) housing of particles. There may be numerous partitions within the housing in order to provide a highly flexible and highly customizable assembly wherein, for example, each (or at least a selective number) of the partitions or compartments are selectively vacuumed or vacuumed to a predetermined level.
In an aspect hereof, a number of holes are provided in an insole incorporating in the housing hereof. The holes, preferably small and located in an outer surface of the insole, provide an escape for air forced out of the insole by pressure from a foot. The holes are sized and located such that air is forced out therefrom when walking. The size and location of the holes do not, preferably, allow the full re-entry of the escaped air back into the insole during the course of normal walking. That is, the volume of air that is forced out during a walking step does not reenter the insole during the non-contact portions of walking.
In one aspect hereof, a selected section of particles in the housing are not in communication with a valve system that interfaces with a vacuum and/or pump for removing and inserting the gas or liquid, respectively.
In still another aspect of the present teachings, a covering such as a liner, may be attached to the housing containing the particles at the periphery of the liner. That is, the center majority is free to move above the housing due to the attachment only at the edges of the liner covering. The liner being separate from the majority of the housing provides for the migration of air into and out of the assembly. Air that becomes heated, for example in an actively worn shoe, can escape from the housing and the assembly of housing and liner covering through the liner. Further this aspect, the liner can be perforated to further facilitate the exchange of heated air.
It is also contemplated and within the scope of the present invention that the valve system or at least a portion thereof be located within a midsole/insole, outside the midsole/insole, or in the side wall of the midsole/insole and/or shoe side wall.
Key aspects of the present invention can include, but are not limited to, a deformable mold, selective locking intensity by region of the housing, a combination of a solid material to the deformable material from heel to toe in certain shoe embodiments, unidirectional and controllable (i.e., open/closed) vacuum/pump lines, varying degrees of adhesion of the tacky, viscous lubricant, sealant or material on the particles to vary and control the level of support offered by various embodiments of the device herein.
In another aspect hereof, the pump and vacuum systems that may be connected to the valve system are protected from damage and contamination, from either the particles and environmental concerns. As shown in
In an aspect of the present teachings, RF sensitive particles may be disposed in the housing. The RF sensitive particles increase in temperature upon exposure to RF energy. The RF sensitive particles are re-activated and bond to each other and other components in contact therewith by being exposed to an appropriate source of RF energy.
Various materials may be used in combination with the present teachings to facilitate and improve the comfort to a user. Breathable materials, moisture-wicking materials and the like are within the scope herewith.
It one aspect hereof, the housing or a section therein may have the gas and/or liquid therein partially vacuumed or otherwise removed therefrom. That is, the removal of the gas and/or liquid need not be an all or nothing proposition. In fact, it may be beneficial to remove a certain percentage of the gas and/or liquid, for example 60%-70% by volume, to create a housing that is semi-rigid or form holding. In this manner, the contour of the subject object, e.g., a foot, will be substantially retained by the partially vacuum packed particles in the housing.
It is noted that the midsole or insole cavity of a footwear item can be pre-loaded under a partial vacuum. The same application of a partial vacuum can be extended to the implementation of an entire cavity or housing. In the context of footwear, the midsole insole comprising the housing with particles can be partially vacuumed to have a predetermined (i.e., generic) footprint contour. Upon use, the wearer's footprint would customize the midsole insole. One advantage offered by the implementation would be that the user's foot is guided to the proper fitting location.
In another aspect hereof, a two-third foot bed length particle filled insole may rest on top of a full foot bed length housing filled with particles or simply inside of a conventional shoe. Thus, customized cushioning and contouring can be obtained in only certain areas of the footwear in a specific, controlled manner as needed/desired.
In another embodiment, the particle filled housing may be disposed only under the heel, metatarsal heads and toes (i.e., forefoot) of the midsole of footwear. The particles disposed in the housing may be under a partial, complete or non-vacuumed configuration.
In an aspect hereof, the particles (e.g., beads) can act to absorb and/or dissipate shock impacts, such as though experienced when a walking foot strikes the ground.
Another embodiment in accordance with the present teachings includes a sock liner disposed inside of a shoe. The sock liner comprises a housing of particles as described in detail above. The particles may be under a complete or partial vacuum and/or disposed within partitions. The length of the liner may extend the full length of the shoe's foot bed or a portion thereof.
It is also noted that a high viscosity material with adhesive properties such as a lubricant, sealant, adhesive or other material may optionally be applied to the particles configured in an insole or midsole as a measure of making the particles less prone to migrate about the housing and/or a partition therein. The same application of a material with adhesive properties to the particles can be extended to the implementation of an entire cavity or housing. In a preferred embodiment, the material with adhesive properties is a high viscosity fluid that is used to coat the particles. An example of a preferred high viscosity material according to the disclosure of this specification is a Teflon® lubricant, commercially available from I.E. du Pont de Nemours and Company. A preferred example of a preferred material is a non-hardening particle binding adhesive.
Regarding the application of the present teachings to footwear, it is noted that the housing and quantity of particles disposed therein may be adapted to accommodate different types of feet such as, for example, those with a high arch, a low arch, and other characteristic formations. The high arch or low arch insole and/or midsole can be separately packaged for consumer and/or application use.
It is also considered herein that an impression of a subject object, for example a foot, may include a full impression of the subject object or an partial portion thereof such as a partial length impression of a foot impression.
In one aspect of the present invention, the valve system includes two valves (i.e., dual valves) operating as input and output valves for controlling the introduction and evacuation of the liquid and/or gas to and from, respectively, the flexible housing containing the reservoir of particles and gas and/or liquid. One valve operates to control the input or intake of gas and/or liquid. One valve operates to control the output or expulsion of the gas and/or liquid. The input and output valves of the dual valve system are preferably uni-directional (i.e., one-way) valve devices, or at least valve devices configured to operate in one direction. In an alternative, at least one of the dual valves may optionally be bi-directional valve devices operated to allow gas and/or liquid to flow in either direction, in accordance with the teachings of the dual valve system aspects hereof. For example, one embodiment may include a one-way check valve line to allow air to escape, and a dual valve that may be opened to allow air to re-enter the housing.
The dual valve system provides a useable 3-D contour capture system and method for selectively capturing a 3-D impression of the subject object. The dual valve system may be implemented in numerous embodiments for a variety of applications. Exemplary embodiments incorporating the dual valve system include, but are not limited to, a system and method for: a foot impression (e.g., shoe insoles, sandals, ski boots, work boots, orthotics, etc.); all types of footwear and shoes, a seat cushion/surface, optionally including a lower or lumbar back support; a sporting goods device (e.g., a golf club and racquet handle, archery bow, etc.); a tool handle; a firearm handle portion, a steering wheel cover; and etc.
The intake valve of the dual valve system can be selectively opened and closed to permit the flow of an amount of the gas and/or liquid into the flexible housing and the output valve can be selectively opened and closed to permit the flow of an amount of gas and/or liquid out of the flexible housing. For example, the intake valve may be opened or manipulated to introduce a desired volume of liquid and/or gas into the flexible housing. The subject object (e.g., foot or hand) can then be placed on the flexible housing and the outlet valve can be opened or manipulated to permit the forced expulsion of an amount of the liquid and/or gas from the flexible housing, thereby creating a 3-D impression of the subject object in the particles located in the flexible housing. The outlet valve can be closed or manipulated so that no additional liquid and/or gas can be expelled from the flexible housing once the 3-D impression of the subject object is captured. The 3-D impression will thus be captured or locked by the system having dual valves. The captured or locked 3-D impression may be used for further processing such as, for example, electronic and/or manual scanning, mechanical casting, etc.
In an aspect hereof, the outlet valve may be configured to continuously permit the expelling of gas and/or liquid while the shoe, grip handle, etc. including the dual valve system hereof is in use. Therefore, gas and/or liquid may continue to be expelled during use of the device to achieve a better, more customized 3-D impression. The outlet line connected to the outlet valve may also be plugged to prevent leakage.
In the event the 3-D impression is not acceptable (e.g., the 3-D impression contour is not fully and/or accurately captured due to user error), the input valve may be selectively opened or manipulated to allow an introduction of additional liquid and/or gas into the flexible housing, thereby un-doing or “erasing” the previously captured 3-D impression. Another (i.e., new) attempt to capture the 3-D impression of the subject object may be performed using the same system comprising the dual valve system.
In this manner, the dual valve system may be used, repeatedly if desired (i.e., reusable), to selectively capture the 3-D contour of the subject object. It is noted that repeated 3-D impressions performed by any one user provides a method of training the user in the process of taking the 3-D impression. Thus, the final 3-D impression locked into the 3-D contour system (and used for further processing) has an improved likelihood of being an accurate 3-D impression of the subject object.
Optionally, the dual valve system can be interfaced with a pump for the introduction and/or evacuation of the liquid and/or gas to and from, respectively, the flexible housing having the dual valve system.
In another aspect hereof, the inlet valve of the dual valve system (or other systems disclosed herein) may be allowed to be opened or manipulated so as to allow an additional volume of the liquid and/or gas to be introduced into the flexible housing once the subject object is remove therefrom. That is, the 3-D impression is not “locked” into the flexible housing. The 3-D impression is effectively “erased” once the subject object is removed from the flexible housing.
A plug such as plug 2255 of
In another embodiment, a midsole is provided having a number of holes in the side of the midsole, extending to the exterior of a shoe or other footwear. A number of plugs fit into the holes to prevent air from escaping or entering the midsole. The user may remove the plug prior to stepping on the shoe and then reinsert the plug to prevent air escaping and to retain the shape of the midsole. The plug may be made of a resilient material such as plastic, rubber or elastomer and snap in place. In another embodiment, each hole includes a metallic ring to support the hole, and the plug includes magnetic material to retain the plug in contact with the holes. The plug may be removed to allow air to re-enter the midsole and re-shape the midsole or to provide ventilation.
In one embodiment, all particles are subjected to an anti-static process either during manufacture of the particles or prior to loading the particles into the housing. Removal of static charge prevents the particles from clinging to unwanted surfaces and may improve the contouring ability of the particles.
Particles or beads may come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials. In on example,
The valves described herein may be manually activated via mechanical devices, or controlled by electromechanical systems. The valves may be unidirectional or bidirectional. A single valve or multiple valves may be utilized with the 3-D capture system.
An electromechanical system allows easy modification of a 3-D capture system, and may be used to control a single valve or multiple valves. For example, the foot contour of a midsole/insole may be modified while in a static position, while rocking the foot, or in a dynamic position such as while walking. A remote control device may be used to modify the contour. A voice activation circuit may also be incorporated into a control system.
In another aspect, the remote control is utilized to activate preferably electrically operated air valves. A preferred battery is a CR2016 flat lithium 3.6 V battery. In order for the remote control to work, the battery must continually be connected to the processor. To preserve the battery life, a midsole side button can be installed to allow a user to disconnect the battery. The user may push the button to activate the battery and unlock the valve. Alternatively, the control system may be set to connect or disconnect the battery automatically. An associated LED is preferably included to indicate that power to the processor is “on”. The button can be pushed again to turn “off” the power and close the locking valve.
In another aspect, a receiver associated with the electronic processor is preferably customized to respond to a specific remote control frequency. In another embodiment, a distinct remote control frequency may be assigned to each midsole/insole so that the user has the option of adjusting only one insole/midsole or both simultaneously. In a further embodiment, individual pairs of insoles/midsoles are assigned different remote control frequencies to avoid accidental modification of other pairs of insoles/midsoles when two or more users are near one another.
Where a specific shoe is designed in conjunction with a specific insole/midsole, an electronic processor may also be used to ensure that the midsole/insole is not used in another pair of shoes. The designated pair of shoes contains an identification mechanism that is readable by a processor in the midsole/insole. The processor will then prevent use of the midsole/insole unless it reads the proper designated identification signal from the designated shoe.
Because particles have the potential to become statically charged, it may also be desirable to place a layer of shielding material to protect the electronic control system. A shielding layer will prevent damage to the control system due to static charges.
The control system may also automatically activate in response to inputted conditions. For example, a specific desired hardness may be set by the user, and the control system can modify the air/liquid volume to maintain the desired hardness.
In another aspect, the 3-D capture system may incorporate an electro-mechanical control system to allow the contour to periodically reset in response to movement. An example of such a system is a mattress pad or mattress topper. Additionally, a valve system may be connected to a vacuum pump which is controlled by the control system. A sensor is also included to sense movement. The control system can respond to signals from the sensor to allow air into the 3-D capture system to reset the contour. The vacuum pump may then be engaged to set a new contour based on a position of a user's body after the movement.
In another example, a heat sensor is incorporated into the control system to control the temperature of the midsole/insole, seat or other 3-D capture device. A desired maximum temperature may be set, above which the heat sensor sends a signal to the control system to open an air valve to provide circulation and cool the device. When used in a midsole/insole, the heat sensor opens a valve to allow air to circulate through the midsole/insole. Walking movement provides a pumping effect by driving out warm air and drawing cooler outside air into the midsole/insole. This embodiment may be specifically useful as insoles/midsoles for boots such as military boots, especially for use in hot climates such as a desert. This embodiment may also be useful in automatically controlling the temperature of a seat. In one example, a temperature control system including the heat sensor, control system including all control logic circuits, is utilized in a seat for a wheelchair, particularly for paraplegic users.
In another aspect hereof, a particle injector is provided to fill or inject particles such as beads into the midsole/insole housing. Particles can be injected by air pressure, mechanical force, gravity, or a combination. A gravity system may be most useful in a store or factory that manufactures devices such as footwear that include the 3-D capture device. A vibrator may also be included to move the particles and prevent them from accumulating in one area. The particle injector may also be used in reverse, to suck extra beads from the 3-D capture device.
In another aspect, the container features adhesive surfaces to hold a layer of particles in place. Adhesive surfaces may be a surface of the housing coated with an adhesive, or an additional layer of material coated with an adhesive that is applied to the additional layer, such as double-sided adhesive tape.
An adhesive surface applied to the housing will reduce particle migration when the vacuum hold is off or nearly off. Ah adhesive layer will also reduce particle migration due to shear forces applied by the foot's plantar surfaces when walking. In another embodiment, only the weight bearing surfaces of the container are coated with an adhesive material. For a midsole/insole, the forefoot ball and heel areas of the container, where most shearing forces are located, are coated with an adhesive to have a sticky quality. In another embodiment, the higher inside elevations of the container wall may also be coated with an adhesive to catch and hold excessive beads or particles. The undersurface of a cover of midsole/insole 2800, such as midliner cover 2817 shown in
In place of an adhesive surface in the bottom of a container such as a midsole/insole container, and/or on the underside of a cover, a rough, pock-marked surface may be used to reduce unwanted particle migration. The rough or pock-marked surface should be made from a resilient material.
In another embodiment, the container bottom contains partitions to reduce migration of particles. The partitions can be included in addition to an adhesive bottom to further aid in unwanted particle migration.
In another aspect, a window-type mesh screen layer is placed on top of the beads or particles. The screen allows air to move through to the underside of the top layer to improve vacuum force. The screen also smooths the upper surface of the midsole/insole to prevent a lumpy particle surface from showing through the top layer.
In another aspect, the 3-D capture device is in the form of an orthotic support. An example is shown in
A midsole container, insole container or orthotic container may include built in supports for the metatarsals, longitudinal arch, lateral arch and radius of the heel. The midsole container may be concave at the bottom to allow a suspension effect and spring effect to increase comfort. When used in an insole or orthotic, the bottom side of the container can also be concave. This shape will more easily mate with the built in shank curve rise inside the bottom of the shoe, especially in the case of rigid containers. This shape is illustrated in
In this disclosure, an insole includes and/or refers to an “insole/midsole”, “insole orthotic”, “midsole” or “orthotic”, or combinations of such terms. Also, an insole or midsole or insole/midsole includes and/or refers to a heel cup.
In another aspect, instead of molding supports directly into the midsole/insole container as in
In another aspect, the seat cushion includes an electronic control system where the air, vacuum lock system is at least partially controlled with a heat sensor. When the temperature of the seat cushion is above a desired level, the sensor may trigger air valves to open and permit fresh air to enter the seat cushion. Air can also be forced in by a suitable pumping device such a compressor. In an example of a seat cushion used in a vehicle, the compressor from the vehicle's engine may be utilized. In the example of a wheelchair cushion, a compressor may be positioned on the wheelchair. A remote control may also be used in a wheelchair system to set and release the seat contour.
In another aspect for use in a midsole/insole, seating configuration, or other configuration, an interior airtight covering or skin covers an inside container. For example, in a seating configuration, an outer covering such as a leather covering may not be airtight. An airtight skin or covering layer, such as a vinyl material, may be used. Use of a separate covering allows air to be circulated without “erasing” the contour of the seat.
In another aspect hereof, a golf club (and other exercise equipment and sporting goods having a gripping handle or portion) may include a handle coupled to and/or part of a 3-D capture system for providing a customized or personalized grip. An intake and/or output valve (implemented as either a single valve, a combination valve, or two discrete valves) need not be employed but can be unobtrusively incorporated into the shaft of the, for example, golf club. If employed, the input and/or output valve(s) are preferably located in a distal end of the shaft or at any point along the length of the shaft. The valve may be connected to the club shaft by being screwed, friction fitted, snap-fitted or otherwise operatively coupled to the club shaft. The valve may also be plugged to prevent leaks.
Regarding the valve mechanism, the valve may have an external manually operated air flow control mechanism or an internal automated valve mechanism. The valve mechanism is provided to allow the passage of the gas and/or liquid into and/or out of the hand grip.
The shaft of the golf club being fitted with the particle-filled hand grip may be modified internally such that the vacuum line introduce to the interior of the golf club shaft is in clued communication with the particle-filled hand grip. This may be accomplished making at least one aperture, and preferably multiple, in the golf club's shaft in the area covered by the particle-filled hand grip. As shown, the handgrip is sealed at a distal end thereof by a clamp or other method/device and sealed at the proximal end by the handgrip. The handgrip may have a valve located at the proximal end for connecting to the vacuum compressor. The valve can be located at the proximal end of the club shaft by sealing a hollow club shaft with an end cap having a valve port or aperture located therein for receiving the valve that is connected to the vacuum supply line. The clamp and valve operate to provide a sealed environment that can be sufficiently vacuumed to capture a 3-D impression made in the particle-filled hand grip.
The hand grip device hereof also provides the benefit of reducing shock to the user of the club, bat, tool, racquet, firearm, etc. The shape of the particles, for example beads 2 mm in diameter and greater, tend to disperse the force of an impact shock laterally, thus limiting the force transferred to the user. The shape, size, and material of construction of the particles can be varied to enhance the shock absorbency and/or shock dispersing characteristics of the hand grip.
Although the internal surface of the hand grip preferably mimics the surface area of the club's shaft, the hand grip need not follow the size and shape of the club shaft exactly. For example, in the instance of a tapered club shaft, the hand grip may not taper, at least to the extent of the club's shaft. The tapering hand grip can be limited to preserve a sufficient volume in the hand grip for the particles disposed therein in the area of the tapered shaft.
In one aspect, a layer, preferably a thin layer, of memory intensive material such as, for example, urethane foam can be placed or laminated to an underside of the hand grip's outer cover (i.e., skin). The memory intensive material provides an added layer of impression capturing material on top of the particles. The memory intensive material preferably adds to the gripping comfort of the grip handle.
The hand grip, at least the outer contact surface (i.e., skin) thereof, may be constructed of a leather, vinyl, urethanes, etc.
In an aspect hereof, only a portion of the shaft is subject to the vacuuming power of the vacuum compressor connected to the golf club shaft. For example, only that portion of the golf club shaft covered by the handle grip is subject to the vacuuming pressure. This may be accomplished by dividing the golf club shaft into at least two sections using air and liquid-tight seals.
In an aspect herein, the golf club handle including the 3-D capture system may be applied to new golf clubs during the manufacture thereof or applied to retro-fit previously used golf clubs.
The golf handle of the present invention can be implemented as a flexible handle grip having particles contained therein. The shaft of the golf club may be used as a conduit for vacuuming the air from the flexible hosing of the particle-filled hand grip placed on the shaft of the golf club. To facilitate such a vacuuming operation, a number of air passage holes can be made in the golf club shaft, in fluid communication with an inner surface of the particle-filled hand grip. Thus, when the vacuum pressure is applied through a valve connected to the shaft of the golf club, air can then be drawn out of the particle-filled handle grip, thereby capturing a 3-D contour impression of the golfer's grip.
The 3-D impression taking process may be improved by using a vibrator to stimulate (e.g., vibrate) the particles. In this manner, a higher resolution impression may be obtained.
A bead port may be provided to further customize the hand grip by providing an input/extraction port for adding and removing, respectively, additional particles to the hand grip.
The golf club embodiment may but need not include a dual valve system for providing the capability of selectively capturing and erasing the captured 3-D impression until an acceptable impression is obtained, as discussed hereinabove with regard to the dual valve system.
In another aspect of the golf grip embodiment, the flexible housing of the handle grip may be constructed as layers of a sheet-like material having particles disposed therebetween. The sheet-layered, particle filled flexible housing is then wrapped around the shaft of the golf club and secured thereto by any number of methods such as an adhesive, hook and loop fasteners, etc. The layered configuration of the hand grip may have the particles therein located in partitions of the flexible housing. The inner surface of the hand grip that opposes the golf club shaft may be perforated to allow the passage of liquid and/or gas therethrough under the influence of the vacuum compressor. In this embodiment, the vacuum line is placed between the top layer of the hand grip and the bottom layer of the hand grip, thus obviating the need to modify the shaft of a conventional golf club.
The golf club is shown juxtaposed with a scale that is referenced in the “fitting” of the golf club to the user. As shown in
To facilitate the fitting of the golf club to the individual golfer, a holder, block, and/or guide may be used to assist in determining and maintaining the golf club in a desired position to “fit” the individual golfer.
Optionally, a thumb positioning mark or reference may be placed on the hand grip to provide a tactile and/or visual cue to alert the golfer that their hands are properly aligned with, preferably, the center of the club's head. By virtue of properly aligning their hands with the club, a club that is preferably fitted to the golfer, there is an increased likelihood that the golfer is properly aligned with the golf club to execute a properly aligned golf shot. The thumb positioning mark may have reference indicators for one or both thumbs of the users hands. Optionally, grooved gripping channels may be used as an aid in providing tactile and visual cues for alignment of the user's hands on the hand grip.
The desired and proper alignment of the thumb positioning mark or reference relative to the club's head can be maintained by gluing, pinning, screwing, clamping, or otherwise affixing to the shaft of the club so as to prevent a change in the relative position between the club head and the thumb positioning mark. In one aspect hereof, a slip-resistant material such as a rubber layer of material having a coefficient of drag greater than the club's shaft is disposed between the club's shaft and the hand grip. The slip-resistant layer of material provides additional drag and thus tends to resist the turning of hand grip on the club's shaft.
The grip handle may be partitioned internally to maintain a certain volume of the particles within the various partitioned sections thereof. This provides, for example, a substantially uniform distribution of the particles over the area of the grip handle.
Once the golf club is properly gripped and aligned by the golfer, using the scales shown as reference markers, the excess liquid and/or gas is vacuumed out using the compressor. In this manner, the golf grip handle locks in a placeholder for the golfer's hands in the proper “aligned” position. Therefore, the locked 3-D contour of the golfer's grip obtained by the 3-D compression capture system herein can be used as an alignment mechanism for aligning the golfer in not only the proper grip, but the overall aligned and proper golf swing alignment position.
The grip handle may also be partitioned into two separate component grips, which may minimize excess space in the grip. This embodiment may make it easier to evacuate air/liquid that is not directly under the hand during fitting. In this embodiment, each of the two component grips may have its own valve system.
Although the hand grip is discussed primarily in the context of a golf club grip, the grip handle may be applied to a golf club, a baseball bat, an archery bow, all forms of sport racquets, ski pole handles, pole vault poles, race car steering wheels, bicycle handlebars, a firearm handle (e.g., a pistol grip), power tools, hand tools, etc.
A benefit of the customized grip handle is that the personalized grip handle having the 3-D impression contour of the user's hands in an optimum, aligned position can be used to guide the user's hands to the proper positioning location each time the user picks up the golf club. In the event the user's optimum alignment position changes and/or needs correcting, the current impression can be erased by re-introducing a volume of liquid and/or gas into the grip handle and then making a new 3-D impression of the user's grip.
In the instance of a wood baseball bat, it is preferable that a reference mark for aligning the user's hands with the handle of the bat considers the grain of the bat. The hands should be positioned on the bat during the 3-D impression making process so that when the bat is gripped per the 3-D impression, the grains of the wood bat are aligned to minimize the risk of breaking the bat when hitting a baseball.
In embodiments of customized hand grippers of the disclosure, the containers of the particles or beads can be devoid of air lines and/or valves. For example, flexible gripper containers can be made of micro-porous material or material that has small perforations and/or air holes therethrough to ambient atmosphere. This is to allow the user, in gripping the container, to force resident air and/or liquid out of the container and thereby permit a customized or personalized gripping contour of the gripper container to be formed. Some or all of the particles or beads in the container need not be, but can be and preferably are, pre-coated, doped or treated with a viscous, preferably highly viscous, sticky lubricant, sealant or other material having the disclosed adhesive properties to prevent non-user forced or random migration of the particles out of their personalized or customized orientation. The lubricant per se or on and/or about the particles, or the particles can plug the perforations and thereby prevent air from entering or re-entering the container. The size of the perforations preferably is from micro-porous to less than the size of the smallest particles.
Another aspect includes a self customizing inflatable metatarsal arch support. The arch support can include an airtight shaped metatarsal arch shaped support pad and an attached air line. The support pad is inserted inside a shoe and/or midsole or innersole, so that the air line outlet is positioned outside of the shoe. Air can be forced or allowed into the support pad through the air line to increase support. The device may include open cell foam inside the support pad which is compressed when pressure is added and expands when pressure is released to draw air into the support pad through the air line.
In another aspect, the self customizing inflatable metatarsal arch support is manufactured with the support pad filled with air. A one-way valve is attached to the air line. When pressure over a certain amount, e.g. 1 LB, is applied, air is expelled. When the pressure reaches the comfort support level, the line may be plugged to prevent further air from escaping.
Another footwear embodiment includes beads that are laminated, i.e., adhered, into a single sheet. The beads may be formed into a midsole or insole shape, or a midsole/insole shape may be cut from a section of laminated beads. In one embodiment, the beads are permanently adhered together to form a midsole/insole shaped mass, such as a sheet of laminated beads cut into an insole/midsole shape.
In another embodiment, a midsole or insole is provided that includes both laminated beads and loose beads. The loose beads may be coated with a viscous adhesive or lubricant with the disclosed adhesive properties to inhibit migration. For example, a combination insole having sections with coated or uncoated beads, such as the heel section, and sections having laminated bead-sheets, such as the midfoot and forefoot sections, may be used. Such insoles/midsoles may be easier and less time consuming to manufacture than an insole/midsole fully consisting of loose beads.
The beads, also referred to as particles, either loose or sheet beads, may consist of one or a combination of various materials including gels, urethanes, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethanes, EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), sponge rubber, leather and vinyl.
In another aspect, an opening, such as a slit, is located on the container to allow excess beads to escape from the container when pressure is applied.
A patch is located over the opening to allow excess beads to escape but prevent air from entering. The patch may be a logo. In the embodiment of a sandal or an innersole, the opening should be located on an area of the sandal or innersole that would not be covered by a foot when worn. When pressure is applied to the foot, the opening and patch allow excess beads to escape but does not allow air to re-enter when pressure is removed.
As shown in
As shown in
In another embodiment, footwear may include one or more layers of thermal material, i.e., a thermoformable material. A thermal material layer may be of varying thicknesses and hardnesses. For example, a thermal material layer having a thickness ranging from 1 mm to 6 mm, and may have a hardness ranging from firm, e.g., about Shore A 50 to 100, or soft, e.g., about Shore A 10 to 50. The thermal material layer may be single layer film or structure, or a multilayer film or structure, e.g., extruded with or laminated to an additional thermal material layer, or an additional layer of any other suitable material, having a similar or different thickness or hardness.
In another embodiment, thermal material, e.g., thermoplastic, layers are included in conjunction with particles for conforming to the shape of an impression. For example, a full length midsole layer of thermal material may be included with a ⅔ length orthotic. The orthotic includes particles to conform to the shape of the heel and hold the shape upon evacuation of air. The thermal layer offers additional conforming to the toe area. The heat-activated thermal material is activated by the heat of, and deformed by the pressure of, a foot. Upon removal of the foot, the thermal material retains the impression of the toe and forefoot, as well as an impression on that portion of the thermal layer over the orthotic. In another embodiment, the thermal material is included over a portion of the insole/midsole, such as over the forefoot. If a thermal layer and/or plastic type, e.g., thermoplastic beads or particles are employed, caution must be used in connection with exposure of one or more layers thermal layers or materials to radiant energy such as, for example, microwave or other high temperature ovens. The high heat may cause the thermal material or plastic-type beads to shrink or melt. Accordingly, high heat resistant materials and beads are preferred, or must be used.
In another embodiment, a midsole or insole is provided that includes particles and a thermal material layer. No evacuation of air is necessary, and thus there is no need for a valve system. Air may be evacuated from the midsole/insole during manufacture. Upon pressure from a foot, the thermal material will conform to the shape of the foot and retain the shape after the foot is lifted. In other embodiments, air holes are employed in the base support layer and/or the upper layer, or overlayer material is porous to air and therefore a valve or valves are not needed or employed.
In another embodiment, a midsole insert is provided consisting of coated or uncoated particles within an airtight flexible layer of material. For example, the particles may be within a thin sealed plastic layer. The plastic layer does not serve as a midsole container, but rather is inserted into a midsole or midsole cavity of a shoe or sandal. The midsole/midsole cavity dictates the shape formed by the insert. Also included is a valve system including an airline and valve for evacuating air. The valve system may extend through a side of the shoe/sandal, or upward toward the top of the shoe/sandal.
Because particles are restricted in this embodiment to first section 6305, forefoot second section 6310 has no side wall and may be of a relatively small thickness compared to the heel/metatarsal section 6305. This relatively small thickness can be from about 1/16th inch to about ⅛th or to about 3/16ths of an inch or slightly greater. This feature provides low forefoot sections of base layer 6300 which can be inserted into and comfortably fit in the forefoot sections of many varieties of or most footwear.
Heel support portion 6312 of base layer 6300 has an upwardly facing preferably substantially flat interior bottom wall 6320, the bottom wall having a central area 6322, and a peripheral area 6324 substantially surrounding central area 6322. Base layer 6300 also has a peripheral wall 6326 that extends upward from the outer periphery of the bottom wall. In a preferred embodiment, peripheral wall 6326 of heel support portion 6312 is substantially vertical relative to the bottom wall of heel support portion 6312.
In
In other embodiments, support or base layer 6300 can include one or more additional support pads, posts, wedges or patches, generally designated 6340, to provide general or specific additional support to any one or more areas of the base layer, a few examples of which are shown in
Particles 2330 are shown disposed on base layer 6402 on the metatarsal arch support portion 6316, lateral arch support portion 6315 (not shown) and bottom wall peripheral area 6324 surrounding and peripheral to central area 6322 and to resilient support pad 6650.
Although peripheral wall 6326 of base layer 6402 or other base layers of the disclosure preferably are substantially vertical to the heel bottom wall 6313′ or other bottom walls, peripheral wall 6326 can have greater angles, for example, angles of from substantially vertical to about 110 degrees or more relative to heel bottom wall 6313′. Alternatively, the junction of heel bottom wall 6313′ and peripheral wall 6326 about the periphery of the heel of base layer 6402 can be a curve formed by a radius of from 0 to about 25 mm, more preferably from 0 to about 12 mm, and most preferably from 0 to about 6 mm.
The height of peripheral wall 6326 of base layer 6402 can be any suitable height. Preferably, the height of peripheral wall 6326 of base layer 6402 around the periphery of the heel for many applications generally is from about ⅝ inch to about 1¼ inch, and in the area of the medial arch, the wall height generally will be about 1¼ inch, measured from heel bottom wall 6313. Sidewall elevations can be about 30 mm, e.g., in the heel area, to about 33 mm, e.g., in the medial arch area, to allow particles to move upward when excessively wide heels are pressing downward on particles. Preferably, the upper portions of the respective peripheral walls of the upper layer and of the base layer are sewn together to prevent the upper portions from opening up and particles from escaping between the upper edges of these layers.
During assembly of the insole and base layer components, adhesion of upper/top layer 6502 to resilient support pad 6650 that is in turn adhered to the central area of heel arch support portion 6312 of base layer 6402, preferably is effected to prevent one or more particles 2330 from being disposed between the top surface of elevated resilient support pad 6650 and the bottom of adhesive strip 6730 and/or between the top surface of adhesive strip 6730 and the bottom surface of upper/top layer 6502.
Particles 2330 can be deposited in the peripheral areas or portions of base layer 6400 by any suitable means, for example, by manual or mechanical vibration, dispersement or distribution, in which cases, preferably larger particles are disposed first on an adhesive on base layer 6402, followed by disposition of smaller particles which preferably have been coated or doped with a lubricant, preferably a tacky, viscous lubricant, sealant or material, for example a high viscosity polytetrafluoroethylene type composition having non-hardening, binding adhesive properties, to tackify the particles and allow some limited movement, adjustment or slippage, but not excessive movement or migration of the non-adhered particles in the cavity. The use of particles or beads desirably provide heel shock dissipation, that is, they dissipate heel shock forces in directions other than upward into the wearer's heel. It has been found that the presence of particles 2330 in peripheral cavity 6365 is advantageous in that the particles in cavity 6365 adjust and the peripheral walls of the heel support portion also adjust to accommodate and support wearer's heels of different widths and arches of different heights. More particularly, when a wearer having a narrow heel (and high arch) applies weight to an insole such as 6400 that has a peripheral cavity 6365, lubricated or doped particles will displace or shift radially outward and upward. They will rise in the cavity, allow the heel to sink deeper into the underlying particles and cause the rear, lateral and medial sides of peripheral wall 6526 of upper/top layer 6502 to move radially inward and its upper portions more tightly engage and support the wearer's heel (and high arch). When a wearer having a wide heel and a low arch applies weight to such an insole, lubricated or doped particles will move radially outward and cause the lateral and medial sides of peripheral wall 6526 of upper/top layer 6502 to move radially outward to accommodate and support the wearer's wider ankle and lower arch. Instead of or in addition to lubricating and/or doping particles 2330 in cavity 6365, the interior surfaces of the cavity wall may be coated with a tacky, viscous, preferably highly viscous, lubricant, sealant or material having non-hardening binding adhesive properties.
In
Air hole 6654 allows air in and out of the interstitial portion. Preferably, air hole 6654 is small, e.g., about 1/32 to about 1/16th or ⅛th inch in diameter, and preferably slows entrance of air into the interstitial portion, yet allows air to escape at a faster rate when the weight of a wearer's foot is applied to the top layer 6502 or to over layer 6702 (neither shown).
Although not shown, the inside surface of base layer 6402 has particles thereon over desired portions thereof, for example, over its entire length or only about the certain locations, features or contours of the base layer, e.g., the periphery of bottom wall heel support portion, and/or its cuboid, transverse and/or metatarsal arch support portions. Particle containing base layer 6402 can be covered, preferably at least on its outer surface with a preferably thin layer of, for example, cloth or cotton. The cotton layer can be reinforced with a strengthening material or layer of, e.g., nylon fibers or fiberglass resin. The upper or inside surface of medial arch support portion 6314′ of base layer 6402 that includes air hole 6654 can be covered with a screen or fine mesh or other type of water resistant membrane to prevent particles (not shown) from passing therethrough, while allowing air to pass therethrough.
Peripheral wall 6526 of top layer 6502 of a full or partial length insole preferably extends higher than does peripheral wall 6326 of the heel area of the base layer of the insole to prevent chafing to the wearer's foot or ankle caused by rubbing against the upper edge of base layer peripheral wall 6326. Having the upper portion of peripheral wall 6526 of top layer 6502 higher also helps keep particles from migrating, leaking or being forced out between the upper portions of the walls and getting under the wearer's foot.
While it is preferred that the upper surface of the central area of the heel support portion, or of a cushion layer, resilient support pad 7450 or firm spacer layer be substantially devoid of particles, there can be embodiments of the disclosure in which there are some particles on one or more of those surfaces. In such embodiments, it may be desirable to prevent the particles from being uncomfortably felt by the wearer of the insole/midsole or orthotic. For example, the size of the particles can be kept fine or small, e.g., from below or about 0.25 mm to about 0.5 mm or 1 mm, relative to or dependent upon the thickness and/or firmness of the one or more overlying or top layers, so that the particles are not felt by the wearer's foot through such layer(s). Also, or alternatively, the particles can be evenly dispersed or spread over the surface, or they can be employed in a mixture, e.g., with other, larger, particles, e.g., 1 mm or 2 mm, or with or in a matrix, binder, paste or lubricant with adhesive properties, as discussed elsewhere herein, and secured to their directly underlying surface.
Base layer 7402 for a heel cup of
As shown in
In the heel cups shown in
Referring to
Referring more particularly to
The peripheral wall about the heel support portion can be from about 90 degrees to about 110 degrees or more, measured from the upper surface of the heel support portion. The extension of the peripheral wall along the medial arch support portion can be at a suitable wider angle, for example 135 degrees from the adjacent upper surface of the base layer. As formed, base layer 7402 preferably also is formed to include the upwardly extending convexly arched built-in or molded-in contour of one or a combination of arch support portions, that is, including any one or combination of, depending for example on the length of the base layer, a transverse arch support portion 6313, a medial longitudinal arch support portion 7414, a lateral arch support portion 7415, and a metatarsal arch support portion 7416 (none shown in
As an alternative but preferred step, the top and/or bottom surfaces, preferably at least the bottom surface of the as formed base layer 7402 can be provided with, e.g., impregnated with (while the base layer is in the near molten state), or coated or covered with a thin, lightweight, natural or man-made layer of cotton or cloth C (only top layer thereof shown). Cloth layer C preferably is molded-in or adhered to base layer 7402. As a further alternative but preferred step, the upper surface cloth layer, or the bottom surface cloth layer, or both, in their entirety or in specific selected areas, can be coated or covered with a fiberglass resin to increase the strength of base layer 7402, overall or in the selected areas. As formed, base layer 7402 can be any suitable thickness. Typically, the as formed base layer is from about ½ mm to about 1 mm thick. The as-formed base layer typically has an impregnated layer of cotton or cloth C thereon. A single resin coating usually is about ½ mm. Thus, the as formed base layer with the resin coated cotton or cloth layer typically is from about 1½ to about 2 mm thick.
After having provided the base layer that includes a heel support portion, the method preferably includes disposing a plurality of preferably substantially rigid particles on the heel support portion, preferably about the peripheral area of the base layer. This can be done by any suitable method or article, including by hand, by aid of a vibrator or device, e.g., through a tube or straw, or by providing the particles in a flexible package, assembly or unit, preferably shaped like or having the contour of the peripheral area of the heel support portion. Preferably, at least a portion of the plurality of the particles is secured, i.e., held, directly or indirectly to the upper surface of the heel support portion, preferably to the peripheral area of the base layer. The securing of at least a portion of the plurality of the particles to the heel support portion can be effected by applying to the particles or to adjoining surfaces, such as to the heel support portion, a lubricant, sealant or material that has non-hardening, binding adhesive properties. Preferably, the lubricant, sealant or material is a thick one, as discussed previously herein, that adds sticky, non-hardening, pressure-yielding, cushioning and/or support properties, as well as position-maintaining or securing properties to the particles. The material can be a sticky silicon caulking type of material. The securing of at least a portion of the plurality of the particles indirectly to the heel support portion or its peripheral area or portion can be effected by providing the particles in a flexible package that preferably is shaped like the peripheral area of the heel support portion, and securing the flexible package to the heel support portion or peripheral area of the base layer.
Preferably after disposing a plurality of the substantially rigid particles on the heel support portion or on its peripheral area and securing at least a portion of the particles to the base layer, the method includes providing a flexible upper layer of footwear material that is sized to fit within the base shell support layer, and securing the upper layer to the base layer in a manner that includes maintaining the particles in an area between the upper layer and the base layer.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, as shown in
Referring to
A second resilient pad or cushion layer 7450′ preferably is placed over and adhered to central area 7422 of two-adhesive sided tape T. The forward edge S of cushion layer 7450′ can also be skived to provide a smooth transition from the forward edge. The unskived portion of second cushion layer 7450′ also can be about 1 mm thick. Preferably, a paper release layer-covered double-adhesive sided tape T is applied, that is, adhered to the top surface of second cushion layer 7650′.
Referring to
Referring to
A preferably pre-measured second layer of particles 6330 that has been lubricated, doped or treated with a non-hardening, binding adhesive material is applied onto the first layer of secured non-lubricated, doped or treated particles 6330, and the second layer of particles is smoothed out or moved about such that they are provided in the desired contour. The binding adhesive material provides tackiness or stickiness to the particles. It allows the second layer of particles to be deposited on the first particles and readily moved about to the desired positions at which the tacky particles resist further movement until downward pressure is applied, for example, by a wearer's heel when it is initially positioned on the particles and forces them to move. The tacky particles are forced to move into a desirable, comfortable, supportive position where the particles will remain for that wearer's heel. Alternatively, the second particles can be non-lubricated, non-doped and non-treated when they are applied to the first particles, and once the particles are manipulated or moved to the desired position, the lubricant can be added to provide the desired adhesiveness. A suitable lubricant or material is a Teflon™ based sealant that is non-toxic and basically non-melting in that it can be employed within a wide range of temperatures of from about 0 degrees to about 425 degrees F. Such a lubricant is commercially available from the Aladdin Equipment Company of Sarasota, Fla., under the trade designation Magic Lube®.
Particles 2330 preferably are secured to substrate 8200 by any suitable means, for example, by having a lower level of larger particles adhered to the upper surface of the substrate, and upper levels or layers of particles comprised of smaller or finer particles that are coated with a suitable viscous material with adhesive properties as disclosed herein, such as a Teflon® liquid material which is slippery enough to allow the finer particles to migrate and adjust to customize the heel fit and heel support, and sticky enough to prevent excessive migration, and allow and maintain customization.
As shown in
FIG. 108AAA shows a side elevational view of a substrate or base 8220′ that can be comprised of a resilient or malleable material such as a gel or an air bladder, inflatable or not, which supports or to which a plurality of particles 2330 may be adhered.
Although the preferred vertical sectional profiles for the annular patterns of particles for embodiments of the heel support, assemblies or units of this disclosure are triangular, it is contemplated that other suitable shapes can be employed. For example, the vertical sectional profile may be circular, oblong ovular, or annular or rectilinear such that a portion or portions of the particles or other provided or packaged matter, e.g., gels or air particles or bladders, in or on the peripheral area of the heel support portion of the base layer of whatever size will accommodate and move and adapt to fit and support the wearer's heel.
The right side of
Package 9000, has a bottom wall 9012, an upwardly extending outer side wall 9014 that communicates with the bottom wall, and an upwardly extending angular inner side wall 9016 that communicates with the upwardly extending outer side wall and the bottom wall. The upper portion of the upwardly extending outer side wall 9014 and the upper portion of the angular inner side wall 9016 cooperate to provide an open passageway 9018 having an elongated top opening 9022 for ingress and egress of particles to and from the triangularly shaped channel 9010. The triangular shape of the main body 9200 and channel 9010 when viewed in vertical section can be substantially that of a right, obtuse or acute triangle. The shape of the channel can be any suitable shape, including rectilinear, circular or ellipsoidal. As shown, channel 9010 contains a plurality of particles 2330.
Embodiments of package 9000 can be heel support assemblies or units 8300. For example, package 9000 can have a central area 9026 (
Package 9000, and thus assemblies or units 8300 can include a resilient shock absorbing layer such as shown as 8200′ in
Package 9000, and thus assemblies or units 8300, can include a spacer heel elevation layer 8210′ (not shown in
In package 9000, the material of the package adjacent the junction of bottom wall 9012 and the angular inner side wall 9016 of the package preferably is firm enough to prevent particles from migrating into the central area of the package and indenting into the peripheral side edges of the resilient shock absorbing layer.
In package 9000, the substantially C-shaped main body includes a pair of terminal distal end walls or panels 9024, one at the end of each arm 9004, 9006, each terminal end wall or panel being angled from a relatively proximal upper portion of the arm to a thinner lower distal end portion of the arm.
In package 9000, the walls that form the open passageway can include a closure seal (not shown) that is secured to the package for sealing the particles in the package.
Package 9000 can be comprised of any suitable flexible single or multi-layer sheet or film, for example a plastic or elastomeric material. Suitable sheets and films can be comprised of, for example, an ethylene or propylene polymer or copolymer or blend thereof. A suitable material is an ethylene vinyl acetate.
As also seen in
With respect to
Suitable materials for the manufacture of package 9000 include polyolefinic materials, for example, a polyethyene or polypropylene or blend thereof for the side, inner angular and bottom walls 9014, 9016 and 9012. It may be beneficial to employ an inner angular wall material that is relatively flexible to allow the material and layer to conform to the shape of the wearer's heel, but that also has sufficient stiffness or firmness to prevent particles in the package from indenting the underside of the heel portion of a top layer, e.g., 6502, that may be made of a soft or resilient material, thereby preventing the formation of convex mounds on or in the upper surface of the top layer and possible consequent heel discomfort.
Alternatively, as shown in
Thus, it is contemplated that a patch, e.g., an egg-like shaped patch can be employed to stiffen and protect from a wearer's foot, for example, an entire or portion of a heel support portion, and/or of a peripheral area 6324, and/or of a substantially U-shaped portion, and/or other desired specific area(s), and the patch can be shaped to extend forward of and beyond the specific portion, e.g., the heel support portion and help provide a smooth transition from it to, for example, a transverse arch.
It is contemplated that layers, pieces, discs, patches, collars, etc., of stiffening material SM can be provided in any desired shape or configuration and employed in or at any desired location(s), to protect or benefit entire or specific heel and/or other portion(s) of the wearer's foot.
The above mentioned and other suitable firm or stiffening materials SM and layers, pieces, discs, patches, collars, etc. achieve an objective of the disclosure, that is, to prevent particles from protruding upwardly into the undersurface of and/or from the upper surface of the heel support portion 6312 of a top layer and from being uncomfortable to the wearer's heel. It is understood that if top layer 6502 is itself comprised of a stiff or firm material SM, then special patches or pieces may not be needed to stiffen the top layer material.
The insole/midsole of the disclosure permits adaptation and customization of the insole/midsole to the wearer's foot. An aspect of this relates to arch elevation in a wearer's foot. Generally, the base layer molded-in or built-in dome contoured metatarsal arch support is designed and allowed to lower to the arch elevation of the wearer's foot. A foot with a high arch places very little downward force on the built-in domed contoured metatarsal arch and therefore the dome contour remains high. A foot with a medium height arch places relatively more downward force on the molded-in domed contoured arch support. A foot with a low arch places relatively more downward force on the molded-in domed contoured arch support, and the domed support lowers to a lower level. According to the disclosure, for each of the levels, the wearer has the option of securing to the bottom surface of the contoured dome arch support of the base layer, a bottom support post that corresponds to the size and shape of the particular concave dome and that has the desired resistance needed, to prevent the molded-in arch from lowering below the wearer's natural arch elevation, unless it is desired to be allowed under certain circumstances such as running or carrying heavy weights.
Another aspect of this disclosure is that the heel support portions and peripheral sidewalls of insoles/midsoles can be customized to heel widths and the height of the arches of the wearer's foot. For example, because the particles disposed on the heel support portion of the base layer migrate or move outward and upward when subjected to foot pressure, high peripheral walls above the heel support portion can be employed to accommodate particles in the peripheral area of the heel support portion that are forced radially outward and upward by wide heels and for example, low arches. The higher sidewalls allow space for the forced particles to move upward between the peripheral walls of the base layer and of the upper layer of the insole/midsole. High peripheral walls about the heel support portion can be about 32 or 33 mm high, while the peripheral wall portion about the medial arch can be about 30 mm high. Such high peripheral wall portions accommodate high arches, and adjust downward to adapt for mid and lower arch elevations. This provides improved heel/particle contouring. For feet with narrow heels and high arches, fewer particles will be forced outward and upward and, therefore, the peripheral walls will provide the narrow heel with a snug, high fit. For the medium width heel with a medium height medial arch, only those particles that experience pressure will migrate outward and upward, but not to the extent that occurs with a wide heel and a low arch.
In manufacturing an insole/midsole, it is contemplated that a generic dummy foot shape preferably having a narrow heel will be used to initially establish the contour of the particles disposed in the heel support portion. In the preferred approach, small air evacuation holes are provided through the peripheral walls to allow air to be forced out when a wearer first steps into the insole/midsole. Because the preferred particles will be coated or doped with lubricant, sealant or material with bibdibg adhesive properties as disclosed, it is envisioned that depending on the selected quantity of particles, the amount of lubricant used and their respective locations relative to the air holes, the holes will be exposed and air will enter or reenter them, or the holes will be blocked and air will not enter or reenter the holes. By “small” it is meant, for example, holes having a diameter of from about 1/32 to about ⅛ inch.
Another aspect of the adaptation and customization of the insole/midsole to the wearer's foot is that the insole/midsoles of the disclosure preferably have one or any combination of built-in or molded-in arch support contours, preferably with, or without, particles disposed thereon, to support the one or combination of transverse, medial, lateral and/or metatarsal arches of the wearer's foot. It is estimated that for a base layer initially 1 mm thick having cloth or cotton upper and bottom surfaces coated with fiberglass resin and therefore, having a 1½ to 2 mil thickness, a downward pressure of about 1 lb. results in about a 1 mm downward movement of a dome contoured metatarsal arch support. It is estimated that the addition of resin coated cloth layers renders the coated base layer from about 200 to 300% stronger. At about 2 pounds of pressure from the arch plantar surface, there is continued downward deflection of the domed anatomical contour of the medial arch support of the base layer. For feet with low arch profiles, the dome contoured medial arch support of the base layer engages the low medial arch profile sooner, and with the application of about 2 to 3 or 4 pounds of pressure, the dome contoured support yields and continues to deflect downward with from about 10 to about 20 pounds of pressure until the applied force ceases and the arch support resistance equals the downward force exerted. For higher arched feet, little downward force is applied to the dome contoured medial arch support. When the foot with a medium to low arch applies additional downward force to from about 10 to 20 lbs., such as during running or carrying weights, the base arch support will yield further. When the force is removed, the domed contour springs upward to its normal or initial shape.
In a further aspect of the disclosure, the respective one or combination of arch support portions can be reinforced with one or more calibrated, selected resilient supports, support blocks or patches having an appropriate resistance or strength to provide the correct or desired support and comfort. The use of supports, e.g., support blocks, or patches can help built-in or molded-in contour arch supports retain or return to their original or near original contour and can protect the contoured arch supports from stress fatigue. With respect to another embodiment of the insole/midsole of the disclosure, it has been determined that for a base support layer having built-in or molded-in one or a combination of transverse, medial, lateral and/or metatarsal arch support portions, one support block or patch placed centrally under the longitudinal medial outer edge arch will effectively support all of the aforementioned arch supports. Generally, built-in or molded-in arch support contours for feet with low arches may require more support than feet with high arches would require. It is understood that in addition to utilizing one or more selected supports to return arch supports to their original or near original contours, one can also or instead employ a more rigid or stiff base layer or dome material.
Thus, the base layer arch support portions with or without particles or additional applied supports, can be designed to provide a built-in or molded-in dynamic effect that provides controlled deflection or spring return support and comfort as desired. In accordance with the disclosure, for example, a domed medial or metatarsal arch support can be designed to have 100% memory return upon removal of the foot pressure, or to lower to a weighed down level where it will remain upon removal of foot pressure, or to lower a wearer's arch elevation to a selected level determined and achieved by one or more selected bottom surface base layer support portions. The beads custom fit the heel, keeping it in a natural position. In doing so, the wearer's arch is held higher, thereby taking downward pressure off of the anatomical arch support. This helps prevent or reduce medial pronation.
In an embodiment of this disclosure, particles are disposed on the heel support portion of a base support layer of an insole/midsole that may or may not have has any one or combination of built-in or molded-in transverse, medial, lateral and/or metatarsal arch support portions.
In another embodiment of the disclosure, the heel support portion of the base layer does not have particles disposed thereon, but any one or combination of the transverse, medial, lateral and/or metatarsal arch support portions will be supported by particles disposed thereon or adjacent thereto. In such an embodiment, it is contemplated that the heel support can be provided by a non-particulate approach such as a cushion of gel or air.
In an embodiment of a heel cup of the disclosure, it has been found preferable that the base layer for the heel cup include a built-in or molded-in transverse arch support portion. If a base layer for the heel cup is not provided with a built-in or molded-in transverse arch support, particles deposited in the peripheral area of the heel support portion may be extended forward of the lateral heel portion to support all or a portion of the transverse arch support. The particles that are extended forward to the lateral transverse arch can also be extended slightly further forward to also support the lateral arch. A combination of both particles on a built-in or molded-in arch support would compliment the transverse arch support.
This disclosure contemplates a heel cup that also includes a portion, albeit a small portion of the medial arch. It is contemplated that by adding the aforementioned extra support, the immediate controlling motion of the heel would be greatly improved.
Extending the base layer of the heel cup beyond ⅓ rd of a foot length, and including portions of the forward metatarsal arch would cause the base layer to be considered too long to be a heel cup, but appropriate for a ⅔ foot length base layer.
In embodiments of the disclosure, particles disposed about the peripheral area of the heel support portion of a base layer can be extended forward toward the forward edge of the heel support portion and/or adjacent to or on the transverse arch. In these embodiments, the forward edge of the dispersed particles can comprise a reduced number of particles and/or very small particles, or the particles can be at least partly covered by a band, tape or caulking, or like or sufficient material to smooth out or skive, thin or taper the forward edge of the particles in their transition to, for example, the surface of a built-in or molded-in arch support portion. Skiving can be effected in any suitable manner to any suitable portion(s) of the insole/midsole or heel cup of the disclosure to blend or smooth the surface of particles with adjacent particles or an adjacent surface or portion of a base layer or adjacent cushion layer or spacer. The band, tape or caulking or like material also helps prevent forward movement of the particles.
In a preferred embodiment of a base layer of the disclosure, the base layer is made of a 1.5 mm thick polypropylene that is vacuum formed with a heel support portion and anatomical arch support contours, and with a cloth layer laminated to both surfaces of the base layer. For insoles, usually only the inside surface layer of cloth is coated with a fiberglass or polyurethane resin. For midsoles that are part of the main shoe or footwear construction, it is possible that one or more portions or the entire bottom surface of the base layer can also be coated with fiberglass resin.
In embodiments of the disclosure, the base layer can also be made of polyethylene, injection molded or sheet type, vacuum formed; a graphite material, vacuum formed; or various suitable plastic(s) material(s). If sheet material is used, preferably it is cloth coated so that it can be fiberglass coated for extra strength. It is desirable that a cloth coating or layer be provided on the inner surface of at least the peripheral wall of a base layer made of, for example, polypropylene, because adhering the outer surface of the peripheral wall of a top layer to the cloth coating or layer on the inner surface of the base layer is easier and provides better adhesion to the cloth layer than to an uncoated, bare polypropylene surface.
In embodiments of the disclosure, the junction of the peripheral wall and heel support portions of the base layer can be formed with a suitable curvature, formed by a radius that can range from 0 to about 25 mm, more preferably from about 0 to about 12 mm, and most preferably from about 0 to about 7 mm.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the upper surface of the heel support portion of the base layer can be lower by from about ⅛ inch to about 3/16 inch than the upper surface of the base layer that supports the ball of the wearer's fore foot. This allows for deposition of a backfill of about 3/16 inch or 3 mm of particles or of a spacer of cushioning material onto the upper surface of the heel support. As a result, the backfill level of the heel support portion is level with the ball of the wearer's fore foot. Without starting with the aforementioned lower initial level of the heel support portion deposited particles would raise the level of the heel above that of the fore foot and raise the foot arch off of the shell arch support portion.
In embodiments of the disclosure, any one or combination of built-in anatomical arch support contours can be formed by particles alone, e.g., to form an arch support portion, e.g., to form a transverse or other arch support portion that was not molded into a base layer when the base layer was initially formed, or by particles disposed adjacent to or about molded-in contours, which particles strengthen the portion of the base layer bearing the particles, and/or strengthens or increases the size of the molded-in contour. With respect to the use of particles in connection with molded-in anatomical contours, it is preferred that the particles that are employed should be employed leading to, adjacent to or on or about, but not fully covering the top of the molded-in contours. It is understood that built-in and/or molded-in anatomical contours, whether or not formed or strengthened by particles, can be strengthened or rendered more resistant to or more recoverable from deflection by use of block supports, supports, patches, cushions, etc. secured, removably or not, to the chosen bottom surface of the base layer, or contoured portion. The material, size, yield, rigidity, stiffness or thickness and other properties of the support(s) can be chosen according to the application.
Although it is preferred to have the central area, e.g., 6322, of a base support layer, e.g., 6402, devoid of particles to prevent particles from protruding through the heel portion of a soft or resilient top layer, e.g., 6502, and possibly causing discomfort to the wearer's heel, in embodiments of the disclosure, there can be particles in the central area of base support layer. Preferably, the particles there are not exposed on or their shape does not protrude into or through the top surface of the uppermost member or layer located in the central area. To this end, the particles can be covered with a cushioning layer, or with a firm or stiffening spacer layer to prevent protrusion from the upper surface of the uppermost member or layer. Preferably, the particles present in or on the base layer, whether exposed or unexposed, are small, or fine, e.g., about 0.5 mm. Alternatively, discs, pieces or layers of stiffening material SM, e.g., double sided adhesive tape, can be adhered in select locations to the bottom surface of the soft top layer 6502 so that when the top layer is joined to the base layer, the piece of material SM will be aligned with and secured in protective interfacing contact with the exposed or protruding particles on the top surface of the member on the heel portion of the base layer. Alternatively, a firm rather than soft top overall layer 6502 with requisite moderate flexibility can be employed to prevent the exposed particles or protruding surfaces from affecting the wearer's comfort.
In embodiments of the disclosure, it is contemplated that particles can be deposited directly on the top surface of the heel support portion of a base support layer (see, for example,
In embodiments of the disclosure, a smooth transition can be provided from a pad, card board or other member, or from a beaded or particle area, to an adjacent area in several ways. The transition edge of the pad or member can be skived, shaved, thinned or tapered to smoothly transition from the thicker portion to the thinner portion. To effect smooth transition from a beaded or particle area to an area of less or no beads or particles or to a structural surface such as a transverse arch support portion of a base member, the beads or particles can likewise in effect be skived, shaved, thinned or tapered. For example, the amount or thickness of the beads can be reduced to less or none or their size can be reduced from one or more larger diameters to one or more smaller diameters or fine beads or particles. For example, with respect to a ⅔rds foot length base layer 7402, such as shown in
In embodiments of the disclosure, ribs, preferably longitudinally extending and disposed along the bottom surface of the base layer, can be employed to provide strength and/or memory to the base layer. The ribs can be parallel, at any angle or angles to the longitudinal axis, or they could be disposed in a radial, sunburst, arcuate or crossing or other suitable pattern or combination of patterns.
The claims appended hereto complement and further disclose the teachings of the present invention. The entirety of the application is to be considered regarding the scope, intent and disclosure of the present application. For instance, the method of the present invention for measuring a plantar contour of a foot and the method of obtaining a 3-D contour of a subject object in general include all of the various aspects of the disclosed devices. That is, the methods of the present invention are completely and fully compatible with the devices of the present invention. The term particles includes, but is not limited to, beads, fibers, and strands.
The present application is claiming priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/511,015, filed on Oct. 14, 2003, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/535,773, filed on Jan. 12, 2004, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/549,248, filed on Mar. 2, 2004, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/965,666, filed on Oct. 14, 2004, the entire contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference.
