62 results about "Custom fitting" patented technology

The present invention provides methods, techniques, materials and devices and uses thereof for custom-fitting biocompatible implants, prosthetics and interventional tools for use on medical and veterinary applications. The devices produced according to the invention are created using additive manufacturing techniques based on a computer generated model such that every prosthesis or interventional device is personalized for the user having the appropriate metallic alloy composition and virtual validation of functional design for each use.

The invention relates to a custom-fitting, asymmetric ballet shoe with a shell (9) and liner (13) that enables the dancer to stand en pointe and perform the extreme movements required by ballet choreography with minimal discomfort, pain, and injury to the foot caused by the various aerial ballet maneuvers called for by both traditional and modern choreography. The shoe of the present invention is designed to redistribute the dancer's weight and the ground force reactions associated with dancing en pointe evenly across the toes while translating some of the force away from the distal aspect of the dancer's toes to the rest of the foot. The shoe has a removable cosmetic cover (18) to enable, inter alia, the color and design to be varied according to costume design and the cover's replacement when the fabric is worn, thereby extending the useful life of the remainder of the shoe.

A performance enhancing and force absorbing mouthguard adapted to fit the upper teeth of the mouth of an athlete wherein the mouthguard is of a composite material. The first internal layer is a nonsoftenable flexible framework which will permit the mouthguard to hold its shape during fitting as well as to absorb and dissipate significant impact conveyed to the upper teeth. The framework includes hard, durable bite plate wedges which lower the condyle from the temporomandibular joint in a fulcrum action to place the lower jaw in an optimum condition preventing impingement upon the nerves and arteries as well as spacing the upper and lower teeth apart. Elastomeric traction pads are on the bottom of the mouthguard and are grippingly engaged by the posterior teeth of the lower jaw. The elastomeric pads extend forwardly to form an anterior impact brace on the front of the mouthguard. While the framework and traction pads are mechanically interlocked, a softenable material is placed over the mouthguard excepting the contact portions of the traction pads and anterior impact brace to encapsulate the mouthguard and to permit custom fitting.

Devices that employ external compression stocking-type garments in the treatment of edema, chronic wounds, deep venous thrombosis prevention or claudication all share a number of significant limitations. These include the frequent need for custom fitting to assure an appropriate fit, vigilant maintenance to assure a continued “good fit,” limited compliance with proper use by patients and difficulty of application. There is a large body of evidence demonstrating that patients often decline to wear the compressive stockings as prescribed or in the form that would be most beneficial because they find these devices to be difficult to put on and take off.Building on the limitations of existing therapies, and distilled lessons learned from the field of prosthetics and wound healing, the present invention employs vacuum-assisted negative pressure to provide compression and help pump fluid from the tissues of affected limbs. The device is embodied in the form of a flexible stocking-like garment that will utilize a pumping mechanism to generate negative pressure around the limb and thus create vacuum compression that will mobilize fluid in a limb and increase venous return to the heart. Through the use of a circumferential wrap, the present invention provides a major advance in both the distribution of vacuum and the securing of the device over the limb.

A system for custom fitting athletic shoes to an individual wearer includes a foot measurement device, an adjustable footform and an infrared activation chamber. Shoes of a single width for each length size have at least a portion of the upper made of heat malleable material to be custom fitted for width. Foot measurement data is used to calculate length size, width size and a number of custom adjustment factors. After the length size is calculated, the appropriately sized shoe and last are assembled together and subject to infrared radiation until the heat malleable material becomes plastic. Adjustments are then made to the last in accordance with the adjustment factors to provide custom width sizing. After further heat treatment to set the shoe upper and cooling, the shoe is complete. In this manner, if used in a retail setting, shoes are custom fitted to the wearer in a matter of minutes.

The present invention is directed to a method for custom fitting an article to a human being having the steps of defining a first set of human body dimensions to be reported by the human being, defining a second set of human body dimensions to be inferred from said first set of human body dimensions, providing a first mathematical model relating said second set of human body dimensions to said first set of human body dimensions, wherein said mathematical model has been generated by statistical analysis of a human anthropometric database, obtaining a first set of values of said first set of body dimensions by report of the human being, computing a second set of values of said second set of human body dimensions from said first set of values of said first set of human body dimensions by using said first mathematical model, defining a set of article dimensions, providing a second mathematical model relating said article dimensions to said first set of human body dimensions and said second set of human body dimensions, computing a third set of values of said set of article dimensions from said first set of values of said first set of human body dimensions and said second set of values of said second set of human body dimensions by using said second mathematical model.

An upper extremity prosthetic device is provided that comprises three main components, namely, an arm cuff, a forearm section and a distal connector. The arm cuff is adjustable to accommodate lower arms of different sizes. The forearm section may be constructed in certain limited sizes to accommodate different sized forearm residual limbs. The distal connector is designed to connect to any of the forearm section configurations, and the distal connector enables any terminal device to be attached to the connector. The components may be mixed and matched in various combinations to fit the physical dimensions of virtually any amputee. The interchangeable parts will accommodate a wide range of residual limb geometries, overall sizes and lengths. Embodiments of the present invention minimize the need for time and resource-intensive customized fitting and create an affordable, relatively low-cost prosthetic interface.

Custom fitting protective athletic equipment composed of larger compressive chambers to generally surround a body part as well a plurality of smaller compressive chambers, which can be shaped to absorb rotational impact forces, outside the larger compressive chambers. A hard or yielding shell positioned either outside the chambers or between them can provide additional impact dampening and protection. Both the larger and smaller compressible chambers preferably contain compressible fluid, such as air, another gas, gel or liquid. Valves are preferably provided in the chambers so that the fluid can be controlled when an impact is received. A method is also disclosed to use three-dimensional scanning techniques and three-dimensional 3D printer manufacturing techniques to produce the protective athletic equipment of the present invention.

A performance enhancing and force absorbing mouthguard adapted to fit the upper teeth of the mouth of an athlete wherein the mouthguard is unobstructably tethered and of a composite material. The first internal layer is a nonsoftenable flexible framework which will permit the mouthguard to hold its shape during fitting as well as to absorb and dissipate significant impact conveyed to the upper teeth. A hard, durable bite plate wedge lowers the condyle from the temporomandibular joint in a fulcrum action to place the lower jaw in an optimum condition preventing impingement upon the nerves and arteries as well as spacing the upper and lower teeth apart. Elastomeric traction pads are on the bottom of the mouthguard and are grippingly engaged by the posterior teeth of the lower jaw. While the framework, wedge and traction pads are mechanically interlocked, a softenable material is placed over the mouthguard excepting the contact portions of the traction pads to encapsulate the mouthguard and to permit custom fitting. An anterior tab supports a transverse external bumper having left and right ports to unobstructively tether the mouthguard.

Custom fitting protective athletic equipment composed of larger compressive chambers to generally surround a body part as well a plurality of smaller compressive chambers, which can be shaped to absorb rotational impact forces, outside the larger compressive chambers. A hard or yielding shell positioned either outside the chambers or between them can provide additional impact dampening and protection. Both the larger and smaller compressible chambers preferably contain compressible fluid, such as air, another gas, gel or liquid. Valves are preferably provided in the chambers so that the fluid can be controlled when an impact is received. A method is also disclosed to use three-dimensional scanning techniques and three-dimensional 3D printer manufacturing techniques to produce the protective athletic equipment of the present invention.

An adjustable hairpiece includes a hairpiece network with a flexible perimeter member having network ports, for fitting around the head of a wearer, the perimeter member having a forward segment and two side segments; two longitudinal guide lines each having network ports, the longitudinal guide lines having guide line forward ends secured to the forward segment and extending rearwardly, the longitudinal guide lines being laterally spaced apart from each other and defining a hairpiece top region and two hairpiece side regions; a flexible network draw line having a draw line middle segment located substantially between the longitudinal guide lines and dividing the network draw line into two draw line half segments, each half segment extending from the draw line middle segment across the top region forwardly and rearwardly in a spaced and repeating spiral crossing sequence while spiraling through ports alternately in the forward segment and in the given longitudinal guide line on the corresponding side of the hairpiece, and then each guide line half segment repeatedly crossing the corresponding side region in a spaced and repeating spiral crossing sequence through ports in the corresponding side segment and in the corresponding longitudinal guide line, the draw line half segments each terminating in a half segment free end; and a quantity of hair strands for securing to the hairpiece network; so that pulling the half segment free ends away from the network causes the draw line to contract the hairpiece against a wearer scalp.

An orthotic device for reducing dental clenching is provided along with a method for custom fitting said device. The orthotic device includes a tray for receiving the user's upper teeth, a guide ramp for position the user's lower jaw, and a plurality of spacers for providing a gap between the tray and the user's lower posterior teeth during fitting of the orthotic device. When worn by the user, the orthotic device positions the user's upper and lower anterior teeth in substantial vertical alignment thereby preventing contact between a user's upper and lower posterior teeth.

The present invention is directed to a method for custom fitting an article to a human being having the steps of defining a first set of human body dimensions to be reported by the human being, defining a second set of human body dimensions to be inferred from said first set of human body dimensions, providing a first mathematical model relating said second set of human body dimensions to said first set of human body dimensions, wherein said mathematical model has been generated by statistical analysis of a human anthropometric database, obtaining a first set of values of said first set of body dimensions by report of the human being, computing a second set of values of said second set of human body dimensions from said first set of values of said first set of human body dimensions by using said first mathematical model, defining a set of article dimensions, providing a second mathematical model relating said article dimensions to said first set of human body dimensions and said second set of human body dimensions, computing a third set of values of said set of article dimensions from said first set of values of said first set of human body dimensions and said second set of values of said second set of human body dimensions by using said second mathematical model.

A one-piece garment with elastic bands threaded through the binding at the leg openings that allows for custom fitting of the garment. The contraction of the elastic bands through the cord-lock fastener creates a drawstring effect and provides a gathering force upon the garment, which is held securely in place with the cord-lock fastener so that the lower portion of the one-piece bodysuit thereby shortens in length and tightens around the legs to form a snug fit. Once the desired length is attained, the elastic bands and the cord-lock fastener are stored in the back flap of the crotch in a separate compartment, or pocket, held securely closed during wear with a strip of hook and loop fastener. The one-piece bodysuit can be expanded as needed by releasing the cord-lock fastener and pulling the elastic bands back through the cord-lock fastener to loosen the gathered fabric, thereby extending the crotch length of the garment and the diameter of the leg openings.

An elongated fibrous insulation blanket is pre-cut for custom fitting the insulation blanket into wall, floor, ceiling and roof cavities of different widths formed by the framework of a building. The blanket has one or more cuts extending for the length of the blanket which separate the blanket into two or more longitudinally extending sections. Adjacent sections of the blanket are joined together along the cut(s) by separable adhesive connectors which hold together the sections of the blanket for handling, but are separable by hand along the cut(s) so that the blanket can be handled as a unit for insulating a cavity having a predetermined width or easily separated by hand into two or more sections at a cut for insulating a cavity having a lesser width. The pre-cut insulation blanket may have a facing sheet, overlaying and bonded to a major surface of the blanket, that is separable by hand along the cut(s).

A method and apparatus for custom fitting an article of footwear is disclosed. A container holding the article of footwear includes a steaming assembly that allows a customer to subject the article of footwear to steam. The method can include cooling the article of footwear on the customer's foot to custom fit the article of footwear.

A one-piece garment with elastic bands threaded through the binding at the leg openings that allows for custom fitting of the garment. The contraction of the elastic bands through the cord-lock fastener creates a drawstring effect and provides a gathering force upon the garment, which is held securely in place with the cord-lock fastener so that the lower portion of the one-piece bodysuit thereby shortens in length and tightens around the legs to form a snug fit. Once the desired length is attained, the elastic bands and the cord-lock fastener are stored in the back flap of the crotch in a separate compartment, or pocket, held securely closed during wear with a strip of hook and loop fastener. The one-piece bodysuit can be expanded as needed by releasing the cord-lock fastener and pulling the elastic bands back through the cord-lock fastener to loosen the gathered fabric, thereby extending the crotch length of the garment and the diameter of the leg openings.

An adjustable brace including a substantially rigid shell conforming to a body part of a user and a strap for securing the shell in fitting engagement with the body part, the shell having a substantially rigid central body portion and a pair of opposite and substantially rigid side portions fixedly and adjustably positionable relative to the body portion of the shell, wherein the positions of the side portions may be independently adjusted relative to the body portion of the shell to provide relatively custom fitting of the brace to the user.

An improved mouthguard provides shock absorption for the jaw, teeth, and head to reduce the risk of injury when a user encounters a blow to the jaw. The improved mouthguard may comprise a generally U-shaped body having upwardly extending flanges which surround the arch of a user's teeth. An anterior section of the U-shaped body may have padding integrated therein to protect the front teeth. Posterior sections of the U-shaped body may have a thickened portion having one or more adjacent perforations or openings to increase shock absorption. The improved mouthguard may also have an inner layer of material configured to form impressions of the user's teeth to provide a custom fitting mouthguard. The inner layer and U-shaped body may be formed with a similar or the same curing process such that the inner layer and U-shaped body are permanently bonded together as the inner layer sets.

An elongated fibrous insulation blanket is pre-cut for custom fitting the insulation blanket into wall, floor, ceiling and roof cavities of different widths formed by the framework of a building. The blanket has at least one, preferably two or three, series of cuts extending between major surfaces of the blanket with successive cuts of each series of cuts being separated by a series of separable connectors located intermediate the major surfaces of the blanket. Each series of separable connectors hold together adjacent sections of the blanket for handling, but are separable by hand so that the blanket can be handled as a unit for insulating a cavity having a predetermined width or easily separated by hand into two or more sections at one or more of the series of separable connectors for insulating a cavity having a lesser width. Either major surface of the blanket may have a facing bonded thereto with one or more perforated lines or overlapping tabs in the facing permitting the facing to be separated by hand at each series of cuts and separable connectors. Preferably, the perforations of any perforated line(s) in the facing are closed by the bonding agent bonding the facing to the blanket so that the facing functions as a vapor barrier in spite of the perforations.

An improved mouthguard provides shock absorption for the jaw, teeth, and head to reduce the risk of injury when a user encounters a blow to the jaw. The improved mouthguard may comprise a generally U-shaped body having upwardly extending flanges which surround the arch of a user's teeth. An anterior section of the U-shaped body may have padding integrated therein to protect the front teeth. Posterior sections of the U-shaped body may have a thickened portion having one or more adjacent perforations or openings to increase shock absorption. The improved mouthguard may also have an inner layer of material configured to form impressions of the user's teeth to provide a custom fitting mouthguard. The inner layer and U-shaped body may be formed with a similar or the same curing process such that the inner layer and U-shaped body are permanently bonded together as the inner layer sets.

A stool is provided that provides a raised heel squat position to a user that engages the stool. The raised heel squatting position promotes a healthy and productive experience on a toilet. The stool may be collapsible for easier storage and transportation. The stool may be adjustable to provide custom fittings to different size users. Additionally, the stool may be intelligent and may provide a customized immersive experience to a person on a toilet.

We disclose and claim a method for custom fitting an article to a human being or animal comprising, selecting on the basis of body information about said human being or animal a subset of entries from a database populated with entries, wherein said entries comprise data from which said article is designed. We also disclose and claim a method for custom fitting an article to a human being or animal comprising, obtaining body information about said human being or animal, populating a database with entries comprising data about other individual human beings or animals selected from the group consisting of body dimensions and body information, selecting a subset of entries from said database on the basis of said body information about said human being or animal, and designing said article on the basis of said subset of entries. We also disclose and claim a system for custom fitting an article to a human being or animal comprising, a means for obtaining body information about said human being or animal, a means for populating a database with entries comprising data about other individual human beings or animals selected from the group consisting of body dimensions and body information, a means for selecting a subset of entries from said database on the basis of said body information about said human being or animal, and a means for designing said article on the basis of said subset of entries. We also disclose and claim a custom fitted article for a human being or animal, wherein said article is designed on the basis of a subset of entries from a database, wherein said database is populated with entries comprising data about other individual human beings or animals selected from the group consisting of body dimensions and body information, and wherein said subset is selected on the basis of body information about said human being or animal.

A multi-purpose, heat-resistant mat that comprises a single, flexible, thin body of elastomer material, which is preferably silicone, to provide thermal insulation. The solid planar body of elastomer material of the mat further includes numerous indicia providing grooves that score the bottom surface of the elastomer material for indicia aligned visual reference to permit cutting the original mat to a smaller size for custom fitting a particular pan or bowl. The mat may be cut linearly along one or more grooves to reduce the mat to a shape and size desired by the user. The mat also acts to cushion heated dishes and breakable cookware on hard surfaces so as to prevent damage to or breakage of the dishes against the hard surface while protecting the countertop surface from burning, scorching, and other physical abrasions.

A method of custom fitting a mouth piece includes providing a self-impression kit with at least one dental impression bite registration tool, impression material, and instructions. The instructions direct the steps of: a) determining a natural or symmetrical bite position of a subject utilizing the bite registration tool; b) applying impression material to an intraoral portion of the bite registration tool; c) placing the bite registration tool and the impression material in the subject's mouth; d) forming an impression of the subject's teeth and gums in the impression material by the subject biting on the intraoral portion of the bite registration tool in the previously determined natural bite position; and e) delivering the bite registration tool and formed impression material to a manufacturer to have a bite regulator fabricated using the formed impression.

The present invention presents a solution to prevent damage caused by ice dams in the form of a roof shield that includes a plurality of panels in which each panel is secured to at least one other adjacent panel. At the sides of the roof, a single panel on each side is secured to a vertical side surface of the underlying structure. At the front of the roof, each of the panels, or some of the panels are secured to a vertical front surface of the underlying structure. The adjacent panels can be overlapped or contiguous at their ends. To cover the entire span of the roof some adjustment or cutting of a panel may be necessary. This adjustment is accomplished either by altering the overlap amount on adjacent panels, or by custom fitting an end panel to the underlying structure. It is desirable that each of the individual panels overhang the bottom edge of the roof and in the event that the structure includes attached gutters to surpass any gutters and also to provide some flexing that facilitates snow and ice build up drop off. The installation of the roof shield also provides for ease of disassembly at the end of season thereby preserving the integrity and appearance of the structure.

The disclosed system, method and device for construction generally includes a mullion having a guide track disposed therein and a custom fitting suitably adapted to support a construction section via substantially adjustable attachment to the guide track. Disclosed features and specifications may be optionally controlled, adapted or otherwise modified to improve the retention and / or support of construction sections in a variety of operating environments. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally provide improved aesthetic presentation and mechanical retention of construction panels in point-supported glass wall systems.