Patent GB-578125-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to foot measuring devices
IPC: A43D1/02
Filed: 1943-10-18
Abstract: 578,125. Foot-measuring devices. FRAPE, F. J. Oct. 18, 1943, No. 17135. [Class 17 (iii)] A device for taking measurement of the feet, more particularly in connection with the preparation of a last of correct shape, comprises: a casing 10 having a rear wall 18 and a transparent top or platform 13 on which one or both feet may be placed. The casing 10 contains two pairs of sliding indicator systems 11, 12 associated with a fixed scale 45, the two systems being interconnected so that movement of one 12, which registers a longitudinal dimension of the foot is a function, preferably double, that of' the other, 11, which registers the foot width. The foot is positioned on the cover 13, as indicated by dotted line 50, with its heel against the wall 18 and between heel-width measuring plates 51, 52, which register against a scale 53, and are mounted so as to be simultaneouslyadjustable, relatively to a centre line 44, by turning a screw 54 by a knob 57. The front of the foot is positioned, as shown, with the line 44 passing between the first and second digits. The system 11 comprises a nut member 19 having an upwardly extending arm which carries, beneath the cover 13, a transparent surface 21 on which "fitting" scales 22 are marked and the system 12 comprises a nut member 24 which carries a transverse indicator 25 and three other separately adjustable transverse indicators 26, 27, 28, betweeen the surface 21 and the underside of the cover 13. The screw shafts 16 and 23, on which the nut members 19, 24 are respectively mounted, are supported between the end walls of the casing 10 and carry driven gear wheels 29, 30 respectively in mesh with a wheel 31 operable by a knob 32 or equivalent outside the casing. The pitch of the thread on the shaft 23 is twice the pitch of that on the shaft 16. Alternative methods of linking the shafts 16, 23, such as by four links forming a rhombus, may be employed. By turning the knob 32. the indicator 25 is positioned by the system 12, as shown, level with the top of the fourth digit and the interconnected system 11 moves the surface 21 to a corresponding position, the "fitting" being indicated by the number of the "fitting" line 22 on the surface 21 which coincides with the tip of the fourth digit. The nine fitting lines 22 are drawn at an angle of 12¢‹ to a central line 44 and are # inch apart, the line numbered 5 intersecting the line 44 at a reference point approximately 4.7 inches behind a central reference point which is the point of intersection of the rear edge of the. surface 21 with the centre line 44, which reference point is mantained at half the distance between the indicator 25 and the rear end of the device from such rear end. The three indicators 26, 27, 28 are independently adjustable relatively to the nut member 24 on slidable racks mounted thereon and operable by independent wheels 36, 37, 38. These indicators are set respectively as shown to the tip of the first digit and the inner and outer joint points of the foot. The foot type which depends on the ratio of measurements indicated by the indicators 25, 26 on the scale 45 may be checked by an expanding bracket of lazy tong construction 49, attached at one end to the rear end 18 of the casing 10 and at the other end to the indicator 26, markings 1, 2 and 3 on which are read in relation to the indicator 25. The size of shoe required is indicated on a fixed side scale 82 graduated in sizes from 03 to 17 by the indicator 25. An index line on the scale 82 is set in accordance with the overall length measurement indicated by the indicator 26. A plate 59 is pivotally connected by links 61, 62 to internally screw threaded members 65, 66 adapted to be simultaneously moved on oppositely threaded portions 67, 68 of the same pitch on a rod 69 by rotation of a knob 70, so as to be moved into contact with the outer joint of the foot. Similarly, a plate 60 is mounted, to be movable into contact with the outer joint to give the foot width at its widest part. The foot measuring device may be used over an X-ray apparatus. Measurements taken for the preparation of a last are:-lengths on centre line from back of heel to the level of the tip of first and fourth digits, lengths along centre line from back of heel to points level with inner and outer joints, the location of the. central reference point, position of inner arch curve of the foot, lateral position of the tip of fourth digit-and widths of foot at heel and widest part.