JPH03121004A - Fitting method for young child footwer and measuring device therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To fit a footwear to an inlet's foot by selecting a footwear on the basis of measuring or estimating a foot length, and measuring the circumference of the foot, and then selecting an adequate and predetermined sized pad of the foot. CONSTITUTION: In the measurement of the circumference of an infant's foot, if the measured size of the circumference for a specified longitudinal measuring size is relatively expressed, the expression becomes that it is divided into three sizes such as a wide, a middle and a narrow. A foot pad 39 is formed so as to insert into the footwear. Therefore, the foot pad 39 provides an arch supporting region 41, a tiptoe supporting region 44 and a heel supporting region 46 having a standing up heel supporting portion 48. In the view point of providing the heel supporting region 46, this is structurally similar to the bottom of the footwear. Each of the foot pads 39 can be easily inserted into the footwear, and is made so as to correspond to the measured size of a longitudinal direction of predetermined footwear for adequately adapting the infant's foot regardless of the size of a circumferential measurement.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for correctly measuring parts of the human body, and in particular to a method and apparatus for measuring children's feet to ensure a correct fit of footwear. To be more specific,
The present invention takes into account the anatomy of a child's foot as compared to an adult's foot or a non-pediatric child's foot in selecting correctly fitting footwear.

(Prior Art and Problems to be Solved by the Invention) When a human foot is born, its shape or form is not fully developed. The shape of an infant's foot can generally be said to be more similar to a pod or paw of a dog or cat than to an adult's foot. As infants grow from ages 4 to 7, their feet only slowly begin to resemble the shape and morphology of adult feet. In fact, a child (yc) ung chi who grew up like this
The growth process of the feet of children (ld) is similar to that of non-pediatric children (nonyo
ung child) and teenagers. Only after a certain year, usually between the ages of 4 and 9, do
It essentially resembles a smaller version of an adult's foot. From this point on, the foot is primarily widthwise or latitudinal.
The growth occurs along the longitudinal axis, as compared to the growth along the axis of all. As a result of this longitudinal growth,
As the feet enlarge during growth, new footwear becomes necessary for the child, and it is in this way that a method and device for measuring the size of the foot has been sought, which necessitates the purchase of new footwear. This is to find measures for directional growth and adaptability to the adult tail structure.

Before the age of 4 to 7 months, the human foot grows differently. During this period, the child's foot grows in the girth direction at the same rate or faster than it grows in the girth direction. or cir-cumferen
ce) grows. Also, during this period, substantial anatomical changes take place, with the human foot taking on the structure of an adult foot. The changes more or less coincide with advances in walking technology.

The human foot is a well-designed walking mechanism with stress and flexion points configured to accommodate the stresses and flexures associated with walking. However, before adult bipedal movements (such as running, walking, jumping, or skipping), infants crawl and toddle. Toddling refers to the clumsy gait of young children when they waddle before their balance is sufficiently developed to perform the normal movements associated with human bipedal locomotion. The early structure of the human foot appears to be well adapted to crawling and waddling, which stress and bend the foot differently than when walking. This anatomical development and resulting structural changes have traditionally been closely monitored by parents and health care workers.
It has been observed by workers.

Conventionally, children's footwear has not taken these differences into consideration, as despite the above observations, each pair of footwear does not have a structure similar to that of an adult's foot. In particular, it did not take into account that children's feet are structurally different from adult feet. In reality, children's footwear was just a smaller version of adult footwear. The same is true of the methods and devices used to measure feet to determine properly sized footwear.

More recently, footwear has been specifically designed to accommodate the structural differences in children's feet. An example of footwear specifically designed for children is U.S. Patent No. 4.724.62.
It is disclosed in No. 3. This footwear puts virtually no pressure on the sides of the child's feet, while leaving enough room in the toes so that when the child stands, the foot can assume the same position as when barefoot. I'm trying to get it.

Despite the advent of footwear such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. There are mainly two elements. First, in order to fit children's feet, it must be taken into consideration that children's feet have different anatomical factors and structures than adult feet. Therefore, conventional devices for measuring adult shoes are inadequate, and children often fidget or do not stay still while their feet are being measured. this is,
This is because children do not like having their feet measured forcibly.

The combination of these two problems often results in the purchase of children's footwear that does not fit properly.

The present invention solves the above problems by measuring the child's feet to select the correct size footwear. The invention specifically addresses the problem by taking into account that children's feet have different features than adults.

Further, the present invention provides a device that can accurately measure the feet of a child while minimizing discomfort to the child, thereby minimizing discomfort to parents and footwear sales personnel. It is. These things explain how to measure a child's foot by measuring the circumference of the child's foot rather than the length of the child's foot and taking into account the distinct anatomy and growth of the child's foot. This can be achieved by providing This method involves using a flexible measuring device or template specifically configured to measure the circumference of a child's foot in order to fit the footwear.
This can be easily done by using tel. The present invention further provides an apparatus for easily measuring a child's feet to obtain properly fitting footwear.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, a method is provided for properly fitting footwear to a child's foot. The method includes the steps of selecting footwear based on a measurement or prediction of the length of a child's foot;
taking a circumference measurement by measuring the circumference of the child's foot substantially along the circumferential cotton along the tudinal axis; and determining a suitable predetermined size based on said circumference measurement for insertion into said footwear. foot pad
ad).

According to the present invention, an apparatus is provided for selecting the correct size footwear for a child's foot. The device defines a predetermined circumference for making circumference measurements of a child's foot along a substantially circumferential line extending laterally along the top and bottom of the child's foot in the distal region of the child's foot. The structure includes at least one template having an opening therein.

EXAMPLES The methods and devices of the invention described herein are adapted to measure the feet of a child in order to enable the correct size footwear to be selected for the child. "Young c" used in the specification
The term ``hild'' refers to children whose anatomy has not yet fully developed and who have feet that are miniatures of adult feet.

The age range that usually has such an anatomy is 4 to 9 years, more commonly 5 to 8 years, and most commonly 6 to 8 years. Thereafter, the foot changes from a structure typical of children to a structure that is a miniature version of the adult foot.

Pediatric feet are inherently different in structure from adult feet, generally lack structural definition, and exhibit different growth characteristics compared to foot growth in non-pediatric children. Regarding the first difference, that is, structural differences, children's feet are usually more rounded and less defined than nonyoung children's feet, such as in the ankle area, There is no structural clarity in the instep region or arch region, and this lack of structural clarity is common in most children, especially toddlers.
This is because the feet of the ler are relatively wide. Eighty percent of toddlers require rEJ or wider footwear. Regarding the second difference mentioned above, children's feet grow faster in width or laterally than non-children's feet. In particular, children's feet grow widthwise at a rate equal to or faster than their lengthwise growth.

In addition to anatomically related differences, children use their feet differently than non-pediatric children. Of course, when children are first born, they never use their legs for movement. However, as is widely known, within the first 2.3 months after birth, children begin to use their legs for support and slight movement. This first movement is not a bipedal movement, but rather a qua
This is the drip-dall movement. That is, children crawl before walking.

In the process of learning to walk, a child first crawls and then waddles. When entering into crawling and/or toddling movements, a child's feet are subjected to different stresses and flexions than the feet are subjected to during normal human gait. This difference in bending and stress between an adult's foot and a child's foot is part of the explanation for why a child's foot is not simply a smaller version of an adult's foot. , taking into account all the above points,
A method and apparatus is provided for measuring a child's foot so that footwear of the correct size and therefore proper fit can be selected.

The methods and apparatus of the present invention primarily, but not exclusively, take into account the relatively wide width of a child's foot by measuring the circumference of the child's foot.
By making such measurements, it is possible to select correctly fitting child footwear. Choosing footwear that fits properly in this way can make the feet healthier and provide comfort to the child, which will reduce the child's irritability and encourage the child to support the foot and be active in physical activity. will be able to be used for.

When measuring a child's feet in order to select footwear that fits properly, one is inevitably faced with the fact that the child does not enjoy having his or her feet measured, and in fact dislikes it. This can be due to a number of reasons, but the main one is that strangers, such as footwear salespeople, have to handle the child's foot to see if it fits properly. When measuring a certain foot, take these problems into account and in order to alleviate the discomfort and pain of the child.
The present invention allows children's feet to be measured with minimal contact with strangers. Indeed, one aspect of the present invention provides a means for measuring a child's foot that allows the child to have a fun game-like experience. This can be accomplished by providing decorations as part of the child's foot measuring device that hint to the child that they are playing a game and not measuring their feet.

Next, the drawings will be explained. In the figures, the same components are given the same reference numerals, and the child's foot is completely submerged with the reference number IO. pediatric feet 10
The dimensions are determined based on a longitudinal axis 12 extending generally in the longitudinal direction of the foot from the proximal end 13 including the heel region 14 to the distal end of the foot having the joint region 20 and the toe region 16 at the distal end. be able to. The other dimension of the child's foot 10 is the distal end 1 of the foot generally along the top of the joint area 20.
5 can be defined by a lateral axis 18 extending across 5. As shown in FIG. 2, the circumference of the child's foot 10 is measured near the joint area 20, similar to the conventional location used to measure the width of an adult's foot.

When measuring a child's foot 10 to ensure a proper fit of footwear, it is important to measure the circumference of the foot. Previously, children's foot circumferences were not measured. At most, it was only a rough measurement of one width. It is important to note that the present invention measures circumference rather than width. That is, the circumferential measurement is taken along a line that extends all the way around the foot body. Furthermore, the surrounding measurements are
This is done for each length of the child's foot. That is, circumferential measurements are preferably made around the joint area 20 along the lateral axis 18.

In addition to making such girth measurements, measurements along the longitudinal axis of the child's foot 10 are also necessary to ensure a proper fit of the footwear. Measurements about this longitudinal axis 12 are taken in the heel region 14 of the proximal end 13.
from the farthest toe region 16 of the distal end 15 in relation to a generally longitudinal line extending along the maxima of the foot. Correct fitting of the footwear to the child's foot 10 based on the measurements described above is achieved by taking measurements along the longitudinal axis 12 of the foot lO and along the lateral direction 18 of the foot and based on such measurements. This can be done by choosing appropriate footwear.

In addition to selecting suitable footwear according to the invention, reference number 39
(FIG. 9) selects the appropriate foot pad that will be completely hydrated. For example, the foot pad 39 is formed in different sizes to accommodate different measurements of the circumference of a child's foot. It is formed into three sizes: narrow size, medium size, and wide size, corresponding to the general measurement size of the surrounding area. That is, this measurement of the circumference of a child's foot is based on the fact that the circumference measurement size relative to a specific longitudinal measurement size can be divided into three sizes: wide, medium, or narrow.

Foot pad 39 is configured to be inserted into one piece of footwear. Therefore, the foot pad 39
1, a toe support area 44 and a heel support area 46 having an upright heel support 48. Structurally, each foot pad 39 is similar to a single footwear sole in that it includes a toe support area 44 and a heel support area 46 having a raised heel support 48. , are made to correspond to the longitudinal measurements of a given footwear so that they can be easily inserted into the footwear and properly conform to the child's foot, regardless of the circumferential size. In the marketplace, each pair of footwear can be sold with three different foot pads 39, each foot pad corresponding to the longitudinal measurement of the particular pair of footwear into which it is placed. There is.

The correlation between the child's foot circumference measurement and the appropriate foot pad 39 is such that the foot pad corresponds to a particular circumferential measurement size and the foot pad corresponds to a corresponding elongated measurement size.
Can be revealed by marking on foot pads. For example, the foot pad 39 may indicate the circumferential measurement size to which the foot pad corresponds, eg, wide, medium, or narrow. Such a display is the foot pad 39
In, [wide J ("wi de"), "intermediate J
display one of the words "medium", "narrow" or a word of similar meaning;
Alternatively, this can be done by color-coding the footwear in accordance with the measured circumference size. In the case of a color-coded display, each size is represented by a specific color, such as red for "wide", blue for "medium", and blue for "narrow".
can be represented in green. Of course, a combination of color and surrounding measurement size can be used.

The device of the invention according to the illustrated embodiment allows the child's foot 10 to be easily measured using at least one aperture 24. The main purpose of the device of this embodiment is to enable circumferential and longitudinal measurements of the child's foot 10.

An example of such a device is shown in FIG.
A fixed template device (f
ixed template apparatus). Fixed template device 23 has at least one aperture or lumen.
It has 4. The opening or lumen 24 is located at the child's foot 1.
Various shapes can be used as long as the shape is suitable for receiving zero. However, the opening 24 is “narrow”;
It is shaped to accommodate a circumference that corresponds to the shape of a shoe adapted to a child's foot having a "medium" or "wide" circumference. A fixation template 23 having an opening 24 is shown in FIG. 4 to receive a child's foot IO.

The aperture 24 of the fixed template device 23 has a predetermined peripheral measurement section for measuring the circumference so that correctly fitting footwear can be selected.
imeter measurement). A predetermined circumferential measurement can be, and often is, associated with one or both particular pieces of footwear. Thus, at least once the circumferential measurement of the foot 10 is known, footwear that fits correctly can be selected.

In order to be able to adapt to the different sizes and shapes that a child's foot 10 can assume, it is necessary to provide means for accommodating the different sizes of the child's foot. Such adaptation can be done in various ways. For example, in the case of a fixed template 23, the template can be provided with a plurality of openings 24. Each opening is shaped to accommodate pediatric feet 10 of different circumferential sizes. In a preferred embodiment, a fixed template 23 having a plurality of apertures 24 is attached to a child's foot IO.
It can be used for any measured value in the longitudinal direction. For example, if the measured size of a child's foot 10 in the longitudinal direction is "size 6", narrow, medium, There are three openings 24 corresponding to the circumferential measurement size of Hiro and Hiro. Apertures 24 of different sizes
can be shaped to accommodate variations in both the width and length of the foot 10.

The fixed template 23 having a plurality of openings 24 is the fifth
As shown in the figure. If the fixed template device 23 has only one opening 24, the footwear salesperson will need to:
A plurality of such devices would have to be provided, each with a different circumferential measurement aperture.

Alternatively, the aperture 24 of the device can be configured to accommodate children's feet 10 of different girth sizes by variably and selectively adjusting the aperture. This can be done using various mechanisms. One such mechanism is the conformal system shown in FIG.
rmable) template device 26. The conformable template 26 is configured to be able to adapt to the circumference of the child's foot 10. Adaptive template device 26 is configured to define a joint region 20 of the foot along lateral axis 18.
Most preferably used to measure the child's foot 10 in circumference. The compliant template slide 27 of the compliant template device 26 may be used by sliding or moving it into the proper position adjacent to or in contact with the sliding foot 10, thereby:
Measurements can be taken around the foot. After the conformable template slide 27 has been moved to a position near the foot 10 and the footwear salesperson has verified that the fit is correct around the foot, the salesperson examines the sides 28 of the conformable template and By taking a reading of the appropriate circumference measurement unit 42 from the section, the correct size footwear to be selected is determined.

Regardless of the shape of the template, the device, in this preferred embodiment, is provided with a decorative design 36 on the front side, which will please and provide entertainment for children.

In another preferred embodiment, the decorative design 36 resembles a clown's face to alleviate the child's greatest concerns and provide the child with the greatest enjoyment. The exact features of the clown's face in Decorative Design 36 are:
This can be revealed by drawing a lip 38 around the opening 24 of the device. This gives the child the impression that the opening 24 of the device is no larger than the clown's mouth, and allows the foot to fit properly.
It is possible to reduce the anxiety, fidgety movements, and discomfort caused to the child when measuring 0. A decorative design imitating a clown's face is provided on the flat support so that when a child puts his or her foot into the opening 24 where the clown's mouth is drawn, he or she can imagine that the child is placing his or her foot on the clown's tongue. 36 can be applied to color this flat support red and to shape it to resemble a tongue.

Another embodiment for measuring the circumference of a child's foot 10 is illustrated in FIG. 7 as a flexible measuring device 40 labeled with a circumference measuring unit 42. Measuring device 40
has sufficient flexibility to substantially conform to the uneven surface of the child's foot 10. Measuring device 40 on foot 1
After approximately adapting to the circumference of 0, instead of taking readings in inches, centimeters or other measuring units, the lateral axis NM can be determined by reading the circumference measuring unit 42.
It is used in the same manner as a conventional tape measure, except that it measures the circumference of the child's foot along the circumference of 18. The circumference measuring unit 42 is preferably labeled as narrow, medium or wide, but can also be labeled in more detail with units defined in more detail. In a preferred embodiment, the measuring device 40 is printed with a circumferential measuring unit 42 and another conventional measuring unit, such as inches or centimeters. This embodiment is preferred because the flexible measuring device 40 can be used by a footwear salesperson to measure not only the longitudinal dimension of the foot, but also the lateral dimension of the foot 10. Moreover, according to this embodiment, the footwear salesperson only needs to use one measuring device in the store, regardless of the age of the children and/or customers. If the customer is a child, the footwear salesperson can use the circumference measuring unit 42 of the measuring device 40. On the other hand, when the customer is someone other than a child, the salesperson can ignore this ambient measurement unit 42 and use only the known measurement unit printed on the device 40.

Two further preferred embodiments for making appropriate girth measurements of a child's foot 10 are indicated at 50 in FIGS. 10 and 11, respectively. The foot measuring device 50 includes a template 52 configured to receive a child's foot.
It is equipped with The template 52 includes a foot 5 so that the child can easily place the foot on the template.
A pictorial representation of 4 is provided. Template 5
2 has various fancy decorative designs so that children can easily use the measuring device 50.

Arranged on the template 52 is a flexible measuring device 40 . The flexible measuring device 40 comprises a perimeter measuring means, such as a perimeter measuring unit 42 or a predetermined color code 43 corresponding to a particular perimeter measurement size. If foot pads or similar structures are used, they can be color coordinated to correspond to a particular girth measurement.

The flexible measuring device 40 includes a tab region 56 that can be used to adjust the flexible measuring device near the top of the distal region of the child's foot IO. The template 52 is attached to the tab area 5 of the flexible measuring device 40 to hold the flexible measuring means to the measuring device 50.
6 and other areas can be placed under restraint.

To actually measure the surroundings using the measuring device 50,
It is necessary to adjust the flexible measuring device around the child's foot in the tip region of the child's foot and then read the appropriate circumferential measurement size at a predetermined location 57 of the measuring device 50. The predetermined region 57 is actually a location of the flexible measuring device convenient for reading by a footwear salesperson, such as a location of an attachment means 58 for movably attaching the flexible measuring device 40 to the template 52. Preferably, the child's foot 10 is measured at a predetermined area 57.
If you are not sure exactly which size is appropriate, such as when you are between two girth measurements,
The salesperson will have to determine which size will best fit the child's foot. In most cases, you will choose the larger size.

The measuring device 50 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 can be used to measure both the circumference and the longitudinal direction of a child's foot. The measuring device of this embodiment, which includes a longitudinal measuring unit 60 for displaying a measured size in a longitudinal direction corresponding to the conventional concept of "size" of footwear, is characterized in that the elements of the flexible measuring device 40 of the measuring device are arranged in different longitudinal directions. Girth measurements of a child's foot 10 can be made in the same manner as the above-described embodiment of foot measuring device 50, except that a separate display of the circumferential measurement unit is required to correspond to the measurement size. This separate display will be configured such that each circumferential measurement unit, as well as each foot pad, must be correlated with a specific longitudinal measurement. In this case, the flexible measuring device 40 displays an appropriate circumferential measurement size corresponding to an appropriate longitudinal direction measurement. This is illustrated in the flexible measuring device 40 of FIG. 11, where each longitudinal measurement size has a corresponding circumferential measurement size 42.

The position of the flexible measuring device 40 must be aligned with the longitudinal measurement of the child's foot 10 so that the flexible measuring device can be placed at the tip of the child's foot to take the correct circumferential measurement. . The flexible measuring device 40 can be properly positioned by moving the flexible measuring device to the aforementioned tip of the child's foot. This movement can be accomplished by placing the flex pull measuring device 40 on a member such as a track 62 so that the measuring device 40 can move along the template 52.

The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of the invention, and those skilled in the art will be able to make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

(Effects) As described above, the method of fitting footwear to a child's foot according to the present invention includes the steps of selecting footwear based on the measurement or prediction of the child's foot length, and taking a circumference measurement by measuring the circumference of the child's foot along a substantially circumferential cotton along a lateral axis in the region; and determining a suitable predetermined size based on said circumference measurement for insertion into said footwear. size foot pad (footpadl)
The present invention has a configuration characterized by comprising a step of selecting.

The device according to the invention for determining correctly sized footwear for a child's foot also includes a substantially circumferential footwear extending laterally along the top and bottom of the child's foot in the distal region of the child's foot. The invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one template with an opening therein having a predetermined circumference for measuring the circumference of the child's foot along a line.

Therefore, according to the present invention, by minimizing the discomfort caused to the child, it is possible to accurately measure the child's feet while minimizing the discomfort caused to the parents and footwear sales staff, and to ensure that the child's feet are properly fitted. children can be provided with footwear that

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Figure 1 is a front view of a child's foot; Figure 2 is a front view of a child's foot; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a fixed template device used to measure the circumference of a child's foot; and Figure 4 is a front view of a child's foot. 5 is a perspective view showing a fixed template device used to measure a child's foot and how it is used; FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a fixed template device having multiple openings; and FIG. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a flexible measuring device used to measure the circumference of a child's foot and how it is used; FIG. Figure 8 is a perspective view of a decorated device for measuring the circumference of a child's foot, Figure 9 is a side view of the foot pad, Figure 10 is a perspective view of the foot measuring device, and Figure 11 is another foot measurement. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device. 10... Pediatric foot, 12... Longitudinal axis, 13
... Proximal end, 14... Heel region, 15... Tip, 16... Toe light region, 18. Lateral axis, 20
... joint area, 23 fixed template device, 24.
... Opening, 26 ... Template device, 27 ... Template slide, 28 ... Side part, 36 - Decorative design, 38 ... Lips, 39 ... Foot pad, 40 ...
Flexible measuring device, 42・Ambient measuring unit, 50
...Measuring device, 52...Template, 54...
Feet, 56...Tab area, 57...Predetermined part, 62...
・Trajectory.

Claims (5)

[Claims] (1) selecting footwear based on a measurement or prediction of the length of the child's foot; and selecting a foot pad of an appropriate predetermined size based on the circumference measurement for insertion into the footwear. How to make it fit. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the foot pad is marked with a predetermined color corresponding to the circumference measurement. (3) having a predetermined perimeter such that the circumference measurement of the child's foot is made along a substantially circumferential line extending laterally along the top and bottom of the child's foot in the distal region of the child's foot; A device for determining the correct size of footwear for a child's foot, characterized in that it comprises at least one template with an opening therein. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the template includes a selectively movable member for making circumference measurements of the child's foot. 5. The device of claim 3 or 4, wherein the template has a decorative design that pleases and entertains children.