Method and apparatus for producing individually contoured shoe insert

Abstract

A method and apparatus for producing individually contoured shoe inserts. The apparatus scans a foot of a user and generates data signal representative of the shape of the scanned foot. The data signal is analyzed and modified by a processor based upon characteristics of the user's foot, qualities desired by the user and the manner in which the user walks. The modified data signals are provide to control an insert forming device which molds a blank template to produce an insert of a desired shape. The insert is provided to the user for the placement in a shoe. modified data may be stored in a memory device or on a recording medium for use at a future date to produce other inserts. Additional data for use in modifying the data signal may be provided by the user using a data input device such as a keyboard

What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:  
     
         1 . A method of producing a custom-made shoe insert for a person's foot, said method comprising the steps of: 
 a) scanning an undersurface of the person's foot to determine a shape of the foot;    b) generating data signal indicative of the shape of the foot scanned;    c) modifying the data signal to compensate for a defect of the person's foot;    d) shaping a blank template in accordance with the modified data signal to form the costume-made shoe insert; and    e) providing the costume-made insert to the person.    
     
     
         2 . The method as in  claim 1 , further comprising the step of storing the modified data signal in a memory unit.  
     
     
         3 . The method as in  claim 2 , wherein the stored data signal is further stored onto a recording medium.  
     
     
         4 . The method as in  claim 1 , wherein modification of the data signal compensates for one or more characteristics of the person's foot.  
     
     
         5 . The method as in  claim 4 , wherein said step of modification modifies a portion of the data signal related to a specified area of the scanned foot.  
     
     
         6 . The method as in  claim 4 , wherein said step of modification modifies the data signal to alter a specified maximum height at the inside or outside of the person's foot thereby producing a custom-made insert able to adjust the amount of arch support provided thereby.  
     
     
         7 . The method as in  claim 4 , wherein said information is operable for modifying the data signal in accordance with a constant height adjustment.  
     
     
         8 . The method as in  claim 4 , wherein said step of modification modifies a portion of the data signal in accordance with a specified pad or depression of specified shape, size, position and thickness or depth.  
     
     
         9 . The method as in  claim 4 , wherein said step of modification modifies a portion of the data signal in accordance with a specified constant percentage increase or decrease in height.  
     
     
         10 . The method as in  claim 4 , wherein said step of modification modifies a portion of the data signal in accordance with a specified maximum height increase at the heel end of the person's foot.  
     
     
         11 . The method as in  claim 4 , wherein said step of modification modifies a portion of the data signal by prompting an user to modify the custom-made shoe insert in a specified manner.  
     
     
         12 . A device for producing custom shoe inserts, said device including: 
 a) means for scanning a foot of a user and generating a data signal representative of the shape of the scanned foot;    b) means for modifying the data signal based upon certain characteristics of the scanned foot; and    c) means for forming an insert from a blank template based upon a control signal from the modifying means.    
     
     
         13 . The device as claimed in  claim 12 , further comprising means for inputting data to said modifying means for use in modifying the data signal.  
     
     
         14 . The device as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein said inputting means is one of a keyboard, touch screen, combination mouse and display screen and disk drive.  
     
     
         15 . The device as claimed in  claim 12 , further comprising means for storing the modified data signal for future use in producing additional inserts.  
     
     
         16 . The device as claimed in  claim 12 , further comprising means for storing a plurality of blank templates for use in producing inserts a nd providing said blank templates to said forming means upon receipt of a control signal.  
     
     
         17 . The device as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein said scanning means includes lasers for scanning a foot of a user and means for generating the data signal representative of the shape of the scanned foot based upon said scanning of the foot of the user.  
     
     
         18 . The device as claimed in  claim 12 , further comprising means for delivering the insert from the forming means the user.