EP2308006A1 - Appareil et procédé d'ajustement dynamique de semelles à un patient - Google Patents

Appareil et procédé d'ajustement dynamique de semelles à un patient

Info

Publication number
EP2308006A1
EP2308006A1 EP09802607A EP09802607A EP2308006A1 EP 2308006 A1 EP2308006 A1 EP 2308006A1 EP 09802607 A EP09802607 A EP 09802607A EP 09802607 A EP09802607 A EP 09802607A EP 2308006 A1 EP2308006 A1 EP 2308006A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
fitting
strain
foot
patient
model
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP09802607A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Hanan Boneh
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP2308006A1 publication Critical patent/EP2308006A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
    • A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
    • A43B7/28—Adapting the inner sole or the side of the upper of the shoe to the sole of the foot
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43D—MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT OR METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING OR REPAIRING FOOTWEAR
    • A43D1/00—Foot or last measuring devices; Measuring devices for shoe parts
    • A43D1/02—Foot-measuring devices

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of metering devices for orthopedics. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus for dynamically fitting an insole to a patient's foot.
  • Insoles are shoe inserts intended to correct an abnormal, or irregular biomechanics (walking pattern).
  • Foot orthotics is not solely “arch supports,” although some people use those words to describe them. It refers also to functions that make standing, walking, and running more comfortable and efficient, by altering slightly the angles at which the foot strikes a walking or running surface, and also by spreading the strain of the body's weight more evenly across the foot.
  • a partial list of foot conditions that insoles aim at solving are:
  • Achilles Tendonitis Pain near the toes
  • Sesamoiditis Pain in inner part of the foot
  • Flat Feet Neuroma
  • Arch pain Heel pain
  • Pronation Topic of the foot pain
  • Bunions Knee pain
  • Shin pain Toe pain, back pain, and many more.
  • Insoles furthermore are often the sovereign remedy for heel pain.
  • Heel pain is generally a sign of heel spurs (also known as planter fasciitis) normally caused by a biomechanical imbalance. Over a period of time, this imbalance creates tension in the foot's planter fascia region, thus resulting in heel pain.
  • heel spurs also known as planter fasciitis
  • a callus is a portion of skin that, after repeated exposure to pressure, thickens uncomfortably. Once a callus exists long enough to accumulate dead tissue at its core, it becomes a corn. Properly fitted insoles reduce the risk of developing corns.
  • One prior art technology for handling the above mentioned issues and others comprises adjusting a mould of a patient's plantar surface in order to produce a corresponding insole (orthotics).
  • the mould can be obtained by placing a foot in foamed polyurethane, gypsum, and the like.
  • the mould is taken either by the patient standing on the designated surface (foamed polyurethane), or while the patient is sitting and the mould is then fitted to the foot using bandages (gypsum).
  • the orthopedic technician takes a picture of the plantar surface of the patient's foot.
  • the picture of the plantar surface is obtained by a scanner, which operates on the same general principles as an office scanner.
  • the patient places his foot on a flat glass surface, and a camera scans the foot underneath.
  • the outlines of the foot are generated by software means.
  • the technician then places necessary corrective modules on the outlined model (heel cap, metatarsal support, supinating or pronating wedges, retro-capital support, etc.), and the resulting files are transferred to a center for producing corresponding insoles.
  • strain refers in the text and claims herein to any expression of weight.
  • the deployment of the strains on the foot thereof is changed. For example, lifting the surface of the insole in a certain point increases the strain on this point. This way the deployment of strains of a foot can be changed in order to correspond to a "healthy" foot.
  • the present invention is directed to an apparatus for fitting an insole to a patient, the apparatus comprising: a first fitting panel, comprising: a virtual model of desired strains on the plantar surface of a foot; a plurality of fitting units deployed on the first panel, each fitting unit comprising- " (a) a strain sensor, for measuring the strain of the foot on the fitting unit; and (b) an elevating unit, for elevating the top point of the fitting unit to a desired point (i.e., shifting the top point of the fitting unit to a desired point); a processing unit, for instructing the elevating unit to adjust the elevation of the top point of the fitting unit towards a position wherein the strain of the foot, as measured by the strain sensor, corresponds to the strain of the virtual model.
  • the present invention is directed to an apparatus for
  • the apparatus comprising: a first fitting panel, comprising: a virtual model of desired strains on the plantar surface of a foot; a plurality of fitting units deployed on a first panel, each fitting unit comprises-" (a) a strain sensor, for measuring the strain of the foot on the fitting unit; and (b) an elevating unit, for elevating the top point of the fitting unit to an elevation wherein the strain of the foot as measured by the strain sensor corresponds to the strain of the virtual model.
  • the apparatus may further comprise a second fitting panel in the structure of the first, for enabling fitting insoles to feet of different length.
  • the apparatus may further comprise a unit for producing an insole.
  • the first fitting panel further comprises elevated edges, for placing the foot in a predefined position on the panel.
  • the position of the foot on the panel is detected by computerized means.
  • the elevating unit comprises a piston operated by pneumatic means, hydraulic means, or any other means used for this purpose.
  • the apparatus may further comprise a user interface, for adjusting a designed insole.
  • the apparatus majr further comprise a display, for displaying information selected from, a group comprising- measured strains, designed insole.
  • the apparatus may further comprise a pad, preferably of flexible material, placed on the fitting units.
  • each of the fitting units comprises on the top thereof a platform movable along a bearing, thereby fitting the position of the platform according to the plantar surface thereof.
  • the fitting units are deployed in a matrix order.
  • the deployment of the fitting units corresponds to the plantar surface of a common patient.
  • the virtual model may be selected from a library of virtual models.
  • a virtual model is generated by employing variables such as identification of an orthopedic problem, foot size, left foot or right foot, and so on.
  • the present invention is directed to a method for fitting an insole to a patient, the method comprising the steps of- providing a model of desired strains of the plantar surface of a patient; repeating the process of: (a) comparing the strain on each of a plurality of points of the plantar surface of a patient with that of the corresponding point of the modeL" (b) adjusting the elevation of the surface on which the patient stands towards a position wherein the measured strain will correspond to said model; until the strain of all points correspond to the strain of the corresponding point in the model.
  • the invention is directed to a method for fitting insoles to a patient, the method comprising the steps of: providing a model of desired strains of the left and right plantar surfaces of a patient; adjusting the elevation of the plantar surfaces on which the patient's feet stand until the total strains of the left foot equals that of the right foot; for each foot repeating the process of (a) comparing the strain on each of a plurality of points of the patient's plantar surface with the strain of the corresponding point of the model; (b) adjusting the elevation of the surface on which the patient stands towards a position wherein the measured strain will correspond to said model; until the strain of all points corresponds to that of the corresponding point in the model.
  • the adjustment is carried out by increasing the elevation in the event the measured strain of a point is less than the corresponding strain of the model, and vice versa.
  • Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an apparatus for fitting an insole to a patient's feet, according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a presentation of a digitized plantar surface of a patient, according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 3 is a sectional view which schematically illustrates the structure of a fitting panel (marked by numeral 6 and 8), according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a structure of a fitting unit 50, according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a process of fitting insoles to a patient, according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 6 schematically illustrates an apparatus for fitting an insole to a patient's feet, according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an apparatus for fitting an insole to a patient's feet, according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • the apparatus marked herein by numeral 2, comprises two fitting panels 6 and 8, a display 4, and a processing unit, embodied herein by a computer 12.
  • each of fitting panels 6 and 8 is to fit an insole to the feet placed on the panel, such that the strains of each point of the panel will correspond to the strain of a virtual model.
  • virtual model refers herein to information of a desired strain on each point of the plantar surface thereof, while the patient thereof stands.
  • a virtual model can take in consideration input variables such as specific orthopedic problems, foot size, left foot or right foot, and so forth.
  • a virtual model can be provided to a device as a matrix (such as a Digital Terrain Model), a function, a strain map, and so on. Generating a virtual model may be carried out by interpolation means for calculating information between data points, and so on.
  • a matrix such as a Digital Terrain Model
  • Generating a virtual model may be carried out by interpolation means for calculating information between data points, and so on.
  • a virtual model can be stored in a library of virtual models.
  • a display 4 is used for displaying to a patient or operator information of the sampled feet, the designed insole, and so on.
  • the display may also comprise virtual buttons as part of a user interface, and so on.
  • the patient stands on the apparatus such that his left foot is placed on fitting panel 8, and his right on fitting panel 6.
  • Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a presentation of a digitized plantar surface of a patient, according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • the presentation illustrates a digitized image 16 of the plantar surface of the feet (soles) of the patient.
  • Over-strains and under-strains may be marked by different textures. For example, white color may denote normal strain on the foot, red color over strain, blue color under strain, and black color, background.
  • FIG. 3 is a sectional view which schematically illustrates the structure of a fitting panel (marked by numerals 6 and 8), according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • each of the fitting panels 6 and 8 comprises a matrix of fitting units 50.
  • the structure of each fitting unit is detailed in Fig 4.
  • the deployment of the fitting units might be directed to points wherein a strain is higher or lower relative to other points of the plantar surface, i.e., the deployment corresponds to the structure of the plantar surface of a "common" patient.
  • Fig. 3 is a side view, only one column of the matrix is seen.
  • a pad 26 preferably of flexible material.
  • Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a structure of a fitting unit 50, according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • Each fitting unit 50 comprises an elevating unit 30 and a strain sensor 40, such as a strain gauge.
  • the object of fitting unit 50 is to bring the strain caused by a foot to correspond to the strain of the corresponding point of a virtual model thereof.
  • the elevation of the surface underneath is changed, until it reaches the desired strain.
  • a strain gauge is a device used to measure the strain of an object.
  • strain gauge consists of an insulating flexible backing, which supports a metallic foil pattern.
  • the gauge is attached to the object by a suitable adhesive, such as superglue. As the object is deformed, so is the foil, causing its electrical resistance to change.
  • strain gauge is one example of strain sensor. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other technologies for measuring strain may be employed, such as weight meters. Thus, the term “strain” refers herein to any expression of weight. Accordingly, a strain sensor is a sensor capable of measuring weight.
  • an elevating unit 30 moves the top thereof to a desired elevation. It comprises a cylinder 32, and a piston 34 therein.
  • the piston is the movable element.
  • the operating mode can be by pneumatic means, hydraulic means, and the like.
  • each fitting unit comprises a platform 38, which is placed on a ball 36 disposed on piston 34.
  • the angle of platform 38 is adjusted by the structure of the foot on the fitting panel in the contact location thereof.
  • the ball operates as a bearing.
  • Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a process of fitting insoles to a patient, according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • the process starts at block 100, wherein the patient stands on the fitting panels (not shown in this figure, but marked in other figures by numerals 6 and 8) of the fitting apparatus (not shown in this figure, but marked in other figures by numeral 2).
  • each fitting panel moves its elevating units to the same elevation, thereby generating by platforms 38 thereof a flat surface.
  • elevation of the left surface might differ from that of the right, and accordingly this stage enables to calculate the additional portion to the elevation of the shorter foot.
  • the level of one surface can be adjusted by changing the elevation of platforms (not shown in this figure, but marked in other figures by numeral 38) thereof by the same portion.
  • the change may be calculated by the difference between the elevation of left and right surfaces.
  • the strain on each of the strain sensors of the fitting panels is compared to the corresponding strain of a virtual model of a foot.
  • a virtual model of a foot there is at least one pair of virtual models of "healthy feet", one for the left foot, and one for the right.
  • Each virtual model comprises the desired strain on each element of its matrix. Accordingly, there may be a plurality of pairs of models, each for a different size of feet, different weight of the person, and so on.
  • each elevating unit changes its elevation according to the difference between the actual and virtual strains thereof.
  • step 110 the correspondence between the real and virtual models is questioned. If the elevation of at least one of the fitting units must be adjusted, then the process repeats from step 108; otherwise, the process continues with step 112.
  • a virtual model of the insoles of the patient can be stored in a file, and provided to a unit that produces insoles according to this file, such as apparatus 60 on Fig. 6.
  • a fitting apparatus as described herein may comprise a single fitting panel, and accordingly fit the insole of each foot separately. Fitting insoles for both feet enables taking into consideration the difference in the length of the feet, which characterizes some people.
  • apparatus 2 comprises means for adjusting the generated model of the insoles, for example, in order to cure plantar disorders.
  • the adjusting operation may be carried out by increasing or decreasing certain regions of a virtual model of the insoles with GUT (Graphical User Interface) means, such as a mouse, virtual sliders, and so on.
  • GUT Graphic User Interface
  • the insoles model is ready to be sent to a production center, a production apparatus 60, and the like.
  • Fig. 6 schematically illustrates an apparatus for fitting insoles to a patient's feet, according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • the difference between the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1 and that of Fig. 6 is the presence of the production apparatus 60, which produces insoles according to the design prepared by apparatus 2.
  • the design of the insoles may be provided by wire 28, USB drive, wireless means (such as RF, Bluetooth), and so on.
  • Insole production systems are well known, and they operate at an insole production center.
  • the advantage the present invention provides is producing insoles at the same location where the foot measurement takes place.
  • strain refers in the text and claims herein to any expression of weight.
  • Numeral 2 denotes an ⁇ tpparatus for fitting insoles to a patient, according to preferred embodiments of the present invention.
  • ⁇ numeral 4 denotes a display
  • ⁇ numeral 6 denotes a fitting panel for the right foot
  • ⁇ numeral 8 denotes a fitting panel for the left foot
  • ⁇ numeral 10 denotes a cable connecting the fitting units with computer 12;
  • numeral 12 denotes a computer
  • numeral 14 denotes a display of the computer.
  • numeral 16 denotes a region of a patient's sole in which the strain thereof is "normal";
  • - numeral 18 denotes a region of a patient's sole in which the strain thereof is "abnormal" (overstrain or under strain);
  • ⁇ numeral 20 denotes a presentation of the strains on the right foot of a patient;
  • ⁇ numeral 22 denotes a presentation of the strains on the left foot of a patient
  • - numeral 24 denotes a foot
  • - numeral 26 denotes a pad, preferably of flexible material
  • - numeral 28 denotes a data connection wire between apparatus 2 and apparatus 60>'
  • - numeral 30 denotes a fitting unit
  • - numeral 32 denotes a cylinder of a fitting unit
  • - numeral 34 denotes a piston of a fitting unit
  • - numeral 36 denotes a ball used as a bearing
  • - numeral 38 denotes a platform of a fitting unit
  • - numeral 40 denotes a strain sensor
  • - numeral 50 denotes a fitting unit; and - numeral 60 denotes an apparatus for producing insoles.

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)
  • Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)

Abstract

Sous un aspect, la présente invention porte sur un appareil pour ajuster dynamiquement une semelle à un patient, l'appareil comprenant : un premier panneau d'ajustement, comprenant : un modèle virtuel de contraintes souhaitées sur la surface plantaire d'un pied ; une pluralité d'unités d'ajustement déployées sur le premier panneau, chaque unité d'ajustement comprenant : (a) un détecteur de contraintes, pour mesurer la contrainte du pied sur l'unité d'ajustement ; et (b) une unité d'élévation, pour élever le point supérieur de l'unité d'ajustement jusqu'à un point souhaité ; une unité de traitement, pour ordonner à l'unité d'élévation d'ajuster l'élévation du point supérieur de l'unité d'ajustement vers une position dans laquelle la contrainte du pied, telle que mesurée par le détecteur de contrainte, correspond à la contrainte du modèle virtuel.
EP09802607A 2008-07-27 2009-05-06 Appareil et procédé d'ajustement dynamique de semelles à un patient Withdrawn EP2308006A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IL19307608A IL193076A (en) 2008-07-27 2008-07-27 Apparatus and method for dynamically fitting an insole to a patient
PCT/IL2009/000468 WO2010013229A1 (fr) 2008-07-27 2009-05-06 Appareil et procédé d'ajustement dynamique de semelles à un patient

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2308006A1 true EP2308006A1 (fr) 2011-04-13

Family

ID=41610007

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP09802607A Withdrawn EP2308006A1 (fr) 2008-07-27 2009-05-06 Appareil et procédé d'ajustement dynamique de semelles à un patient

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2308006A1 (fr)
IL (1) IL193076A (fr)
WO (1) WO2010013229A1 (fr)

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5790256A (en) * 1992-06-23 1998-08-04 Footmark, Inc. Foot analyzer
WO2004017813A2 (fr) * 2002-08-22 2004-03-04 Footcontrolle, Llc Appareil et procede pour former des semelles interieures pour chaussures
US7409256B2 (en) * 2005-12-16 2008-08-05 Industrial Technology Research Institute Footwear measurement and footwear manufacture systems and methods

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO2010013229A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
IL193076A (en) 2009-11-18
WO2010013229A1 (fr) 2010-02-04

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